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  • Career Profile: Public Relations Specialist

    Career Profile: Public Relations Specialist

    Suppose that you wanted people to know something about you, such as a skill or an interest, or even to explain why you acted a certain way. You could tell them yourself, or you could ask a friend or family member to tell others. That kind of work is what public relations specialists do. These people work with companies and other organizations to explain the business to others. If you are good with words and enjoy working with others, you should consider the job of public relations specialist.

    Working as a public relations specialist requires an ability to communicate, as well as some knowledge of business. Many universities offer degrees, and colleges offer diplomas in business marketing, public relations, journalism, communications, and other subjects that can be useful. Normally, it takes about three or four years to complete this training, although some people might continue on with their studies in a subject related to their particular work. High school courses in English, writing, public speaking, and even acting can be useful for the work. Some jobs might require a license to work in this field.

    Jobs in public relations tend to be available in large companies, government departments, and major organizations. Cities are the best places to find this type of job, although much of the work can be done remotely in many cases. Basically, public relations specialists promote a company or organization. They publish documents or websites letting people know what their employers do. They might deal with complaints, and sometimes they must decide what to do when a serious scandal threatens to destroy a company or other organization.

    Public relations specialists often work as consultants for several different companies, but full-time work is also sometimes available. Consultants are often brought in when a company is in trouble, often because of a problem such as bad management because of a failing economy or similar factors. Sometimes, a new company just needs a bit of help with finding customers. Understanding what clients need in these different situations is important for public relations specialists.

    The job of a public relations specialist is not normally very physically difficult, but the hours can be long and stressful. Sometimes, these specialists might arrange press conferences, public lectures, or other events that can go all day or late into the evening. People in this field need to be friendly and welcoming to others and have a certain amount of endurance to be able to stay alert through all of these events. They also need to be quick thinkers in case they need to make a last-minute change to a program or event.

    Salaries for public relations specialists depend on the size of the organization where they work and can vary widely for freelance consultants. However, pay generally starts at about $47,000 per year and can rise to about $62,000 with experience. The job can be difficult, but people can continue in the work until retirement if they wish, especially if they have good helpers to do some of the more challenging parts, such as moving tables and chairs in a meeting room.

    Explaining the value in what others do can be an important job. If you like communicating with others and helping them understand someone else’s viewpoint, a career as a public relations specialist might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Career Explorer. “Public Relations Specialist.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/public-relations-specialist.

    Job Bank. “Public Relations Specialist in Ontario.” https://www.on.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/20976/ON.

    Glassdoor. “Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/public-relations-pr-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,30.htm

    Ontario Colleges. “Public Relations.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/business-finance-and-administration/public-relations.

  • Career Profile: Library Technicians

    Career Profile: Library Technicians

    Libraries are full of interesting and informative books, DVDs, databases, and other materials. Before anyone can use these materials, someone must organize them so that people can find what they need. Library technicians work with librarians and other staff members to make resources available and to help the patrons in the library find what they need. If you are organized and enjoy working with books and other resources, the job of library technician might be right for you.

    People often think of libraries as quiet places where everyone speaks in a whisper if they say anything at all. However, libraries can also have children’s programs, language courses, lectures, and much more. Depending on where they work, library technicians might plan or help other staff with these programs, answer reference questions, work with a particular group of patrons, such as seniors or university students, or compile information on subjects such as computers or historical events.

    One of the main tasks that library technicians perform is cataloging materials. Before each new item goes on the shelf, someone must record information such as the author and title and then give it a number such as 398.2 or PS2858 so that people can find the item quickly and easily. Learning to catalogue is part of a library technician’s training.

    Normally, library technicians study for two years at a community college, such as Red River College in Winnipe, to get a diploma. Others might get a four-year degree first and then get the diploma or even get a two-year master’s degree in librarianship before looking for a job as a library technician. Jobs are available in schools, public libraries, businesses, universities, and government departments.

    Library work is not very closely regulated, and requirements can vary widely from one workplace to another. Some library technicians can work their way up to high-level jobs, and they might even be able to work in tutoring other students in library programs. Salaries range from $41,000 to $61,000 per year. Generally, library technicians work indoors, and weather conditions are not a problem. However, people with allergies might want to be careful since libraries can be very dusty.

    Working with people can be a large part of some library technicians’ jobs, especially if they run children’s programs or work at a reference desk. However, people who work mainly with cataloguing might never see the patrons at all and just work in a back room with one or two colleagues. In small libraries with few staff members, library technicians might put materials back on the shelves, help count the money from overdue fines, and perform other tasks.

    Career prospects for library technicians are moderate in many parts of Canada, but jobs are available for people who are willing to relocate for work. More jobs are likely to be available in cities than in small towns, but even tiny communities have opportunities for work in town offices, schools, or small museums. If you like to work with books and other resources, the job of library technician could be a good choice.

     

    Bibliography:

    Government of Alberta. ALIS. “Library Technician.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/library-technician.

    CFLA-FCAB. “Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians.” http://cfla-fcab.ca/en/guidelines-and-position-papers/guidelines-for-the-education-of-library-technicians/.

    Glassdoor. “Library Technician Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/library-technician-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.

    Job Bank. “Library Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/8072/ca.

    Skilled Immigrant Information Centre. “Working As a Library Technician.” https://www.vpl.ca/siic/guide/employment-guides/librarian-library-technician/working-as-librarian-library-technician.

  • Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Communicating with someone else in person is normally easy if the two people speak the same language and are close enough to hear each other. When people communicate through technology such as telephones or social media, however, it can be a bit more complicated. Someone needs to make sure that the technology is working properly before anyone can use it. Communications equipment operators help to make sure that people can use technology to communicate with each other.

    Technology changes rapidly, and communications equipment operators need to keep up with current trends to be able to use what is available. Generally, people in this trade need a high school education, although training at a trade school or obtaining a degree at a university can help people in some jobs. Salaries start at $19 per hour or $40,000 per year and can rise to $38 per hour or $83,000 per year with experience.

    Many communications equipment operators work as dispatchers for emergency services or as front desk clerks or receptionists. They might work as dispatchers for telephone or trucking companies or for other businesses. Some of these jobs can be very intense, especially at fire stations or other emergency services, but other jobs can be much more relaxed. However, people in this field should be able to handle pressure. Generally, the job is not physically difficult, although it can involve long hours and hours of sitting.

    Being able to think quickly is important in this job, especially in emergency services. Even in a job such as directory assistance, where people are generally not in danger, being able to give a quick answer is important. Generally, this job requires good vision with or without glasses and good hearing to be able to understand what people say and to find phone numbers and other information. With glasses and hearing aids, however, many people with limited vision or hearing can still do this job well.

    Depending on the job, people in this field might not need to work much with their colleagues, but they need to be able to work well with the public. Being polite and helpful is essential for the job, and knowing how to guide people to the right action is also important. If someone calls for an ambulance, for example, the dispatcher needs to get information about what the problem is and to tell the caller what needs to be done before the paramedics arrive.

    Some degree of manual dexterity is necessary for the job of communications equipment operator to be able to work with the machines. However, the main requirements are patience and the ability to diagnose and fix problems. Understanding the needs of customers and being able to anticipate problems can be helpful.

    Working hours for this job can vary. Some people might be able to work regular hours, but evenings and weekend work is common. Being flexible is important since people in this trade might have to deal with unreliable schedules and part-time work. Despite this, the job can be a good choice for many people. It could suit you well.

     

    Bibliography:

    Indeed. “Communications Officer.” https://ca.indeed.com/q-communications-operator-jobs.html?vjk=36131eb20f516ac0.

    Learn.org. “What is a Communications Equipment Operator?” https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Communications_Equipment_Operator.html.

    Payscale Canada. “Equipment Operator Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Equipment_Operator/Hourly_Rate.

  • What are Taxes?

    What are Taxes?

    Taxes are collected by the government so they can provide programs and services to people every day. Everyone in Canada is required to pay taxes in some way. It may seem like people pay a lot of taxes, but the services the government provides are very costly, and lots of people use them. Therefore, everyone needs to help contribute to the city, province and country they live in.

    Some of the programs and services that are funded by taxes are public schools, parks and recreational centers, hospitals and health care, medical research, national defense, disaster relief, roads and highways, railways, public broadcasting and social assistance (which helps support the very poor when they need it).

    Common types of taxes include income tax, sales tax, property tax, corporate tax and inheritance tax. They are paid at three levels of government: Federal, provincial and municipal (city).

    Most people have money taken from their paychecks each time they get paid. This is called income tax. Each year, Canadian citizens must complete an income tax return claiming all of the income they made that year. They can also claim certain deductions and tax credits (these vary from province to province). Common deductions are tuition and books for post-secondary education, interest paid on student loans, etc. When you file your income tax, you will either get a return, meaning you overpaid that year and will receive some money back, or you will owe, meaning you didn’t contribute enough and you are required to pay more. In Canad, the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) collects income tax.

    If you own property (land, house, apartment building, office complex, cottage, etc.), you are required to pay property tax. This tax is based on the value of the property. Property values are determined by property assessors who establish what the property is worth based on what it could sell for on the market.

    For young people, the most common tax you will have to pay is sales tax. It is a surcharge applied to most items you want to buy like candy, clothes, books, music, video games, toys, movies and sports equipment. For example, if you want to buy a new video game that costs $39.99 and you work hard, save up and take two twenties to the store, you will not have enough to cover the cost of the game. This is because a sales tax will be applied to the “sticker price”. Sales taxes or consumption taxes are collected on most goods, with the exception of basic food necessities, prescription medicines and baby necessities. In Canada, sales tax also differs from province to province. There is PST- Provincial Sales Tax, GST- Goods and Services Tax and HST- Harmonized Sales Tax.

    Sales Tax by Province

    Province GST/ HST PST
    British Columbia 5% (GST) 7%
    Alberta 5% (GST) 0%
    Saskatchewan 5% (GST) 6%
    Manitoba 5% (GST) 7%
    Ontario 13% (HST) 0%
    Quebec 5% (GST) 9.98%
    Newfoundland 15% (HST) 0%
    Nova Scotia 14% (HST) 0%
    New Brunswick 15% (HST) 0%
    Prince Edward Island 15% (HST) 0%
    Northwest Territories 5% (GST) 0%
    Nunavut 5% (GST) 0%
    Yukon Territory 5% (GST) 0%

     

     

     

     

  • Un bref rapport: l’agression sexuelle sur les campus

    Un bref rapport: l’agression sexuelle sur les campus

    C’est une réalité triste et troublante que l’agression sexuelle se produit sur les campus. Il est encore plus triste que plusieurs universités ne font pas grand-chose lorsqu’il s’agit d’aider les victimes; l’accusé est libéré, les gens se ferment les yeux, et souvent les victimes n’obtiendront pas de justice. C’est déjà assez difficile lorsque, en premier lieu, la victime a trop peur de parler à quelqu’un, c’est encore pire quand personne ne fait rien face à la situation.

    Seulement l’année dernière, Macleans a publié un article sur l’agression sexuelle et pourquoi tellement d’universités n’aiment pas en parler. L’université de Toronto a seulement rapporté deux cas d’agression sexuelle sur leur campus en 2013, et trois cas en 2014. L’université Saint Mary’s à Halifax et l’Université de la Colombie-Britannique étaient les deux coupables d’avoir leurs étudiants crier des chants inappropriés faisant la promotion d’activités sexuelles avec des mineurs et non consensuelles au courant de la semaine d’orientation, en 2013.

    Les cas sont sans fin, par contre seulement quelques-uns sont déclarés. Un tableau illustrant les agressions rapportées durant la période de 2009 à 2013 a été publié par CBC, en février de cette année, avec l’Université Ryerson en première place sur la liste ayant 57 cas rapportés. L’University York occupe la deuxième place avec 52 cas, et l’University Dalhousie était en troisième place avec 38 cas.

    Le Toronto Star a attiré l’attention sur le fait que « les trois Grands » universités à Toronto, l’Université York, l’Université Ryerson, et l’Université de Toronto, n’ont pas encore mis à jours leurs politiques sur l’agression sexuelle. Ryerson a répondu à l’article et a proposé de procéder à diverses changements, mais les étudiants ne se sentent pas encore en sécurité sur le campus.

    Certains universités ont pris les mesures appropriées en parlant du problème, et ont fourni des informations sur qui contacter sur le campus, comment rapporter une situation, et ce que l’école est en train de faire face à l’agression sexuelle. L’Université Queen’s a fourni un rapport de 120 pages couvrant le sujet comme manière d’aider les étudiants. La rapport a été publié le 30 avril 2015.

    « Ce n’est jamais acceptable : plan d’action pour mettre fin à la violence et au harcèlement sexuels » a également été publié en mars de cette année. Un avant-propos de la Première ministre et plus de 30 pages de contenu discutent comment nous pouvons rendre les milieux de travail et les campus des endroits plus sécuritaires en prenant connaissances qu’il y a un problème qui existe, et en parlant du problème ouvertement.

    Toutefois, malgré les mesures qui ont été prises, trop peu est fait pour aider les survivants et les victimes d’agression sexuelle. Le nombre de cas rapportés et d’articles qui ont été écrits est ahurissant, en plus des sondages additionnels effectués qui révèlent que 60% des hommes agresseraient une femme s’ils savaient qu’ils ne se feraient pas prendre, et 80% des violes qui se produisent sont commis par une personne que la victime connaît, avec la moitié de ces attaques qui se produisent lors de sorties de couples.

    Il ne suffit pas que seulement quelques universités s’impliquent dans la situation. Toutes les universités doivent passer à l’action et parler du problème, et offrir à leurs étudiants un endroit sûr où aller pour déclarer ces cas et pour obtenir des informations sur le sujet.

    Le stigma qui entoure ce problème important est encore présent, car les gens se sentent comme ils ne peuvent pas en parler. D’autres ne veulent pas en parler. Mais nous devons discuter de ces choses afin de mettre en lumière le fait que l’agression sexuelle se passe sur tous les campus, et à moins que chaque campus amène du changement, nous restons passifs face à ce problème.

  • Les exigences de nouveaux cours sur les autochtones pour les étudiants de C.-B.

    Les exigences de nouveaux cours sur les autochtones pour les étudiants de C.-B.

    Juin souligne le mois de l’histoire nationale des autochtones. Ce mois est important pour constater que les Amérindiens et leur culture font partie intégrante de l’histoire du Canada. Au fil des années, les gouvernements fédéral et provincial ont mis en œuvre plus d’efforts pour réparer les relations avec les peuples autochtones.

    Le 30 septembre 2021, la journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation a été organisée en un jour de congé canadien pour la première fois.

    En 2023, quelque chose au niveau provincial sera inclus en C.-B. : des exigences de cours sur les Amérindiens pour les étudiants d’école secondaire.

    Quelles sont ces exigences ?

    Une nouvelle exigence pour obtenir son diplôme sera incluse pour l’année scolaire 2023-2024 en C.-B. Les étudiants qui planifient de recevoir leur diplôme devront obtenir quatre crédits de cours sur les Amérindiens.

    Avec le First Nations Education Steering Committee, le ministère de l’Éducation de C.-B. a créé cette exigence pour mettre en valeur l’importance de reconnaître les voix, les histoires et le savoir des autochtones.

    Entre le 7 mars et 22 avril 2022, le gouvernement provincial de Colombie-Britannique a demandé aux Britanno-Colombiens des commentaires sur cette action. La C.-B. sera la première province au Canada à exiger des crédits de cours sur les autochtones pour l’obtention du diplôme d’éducation secondaire.

    L’éducation actuelle du cours sur les Autochtones

    En 2019, la C.-B. a remanié le programme d’études pour tous les élèves, de la maternelle à la 12e année, pour y inclure un contenu sur les Amérindiens dans de nombreux niveaux scolaires. Même avec le nouveau programme, la plupart des élèves d’écoles secondaires n’ont pas choisi de cours portant sur les Premières Nations.

    La majorité des étudiants de C.-B. obtiennent plus de crédits que le minimum requis pour recevoir leur diplôme d’études secondaires, mais la plupart ne suivent pas les cours sur les Autochtones acceptés par la province.

    Malgré l’existence de cours comme First Peoples’ English et First Nations Studies dans certaines écoles, la mise en œuvre à travers la province est insuffisante. Seulement 5 % des élèves de C.-B. ont suivi et terminé les cours sur les Premières Nations entre la 10e et 12 années.

    Pourquoi la modification ?

    En tant que Canadiens, toutes les parties du passé du pays — les bonnes comme les mauvaises — ont besoin d’être connues. Sans aucune sensibilisation ou connaissance, un problème n’a pas de réponse.

    L’histoire du Canada avec les peuples autochtones n’a pas été favorable et les attitudes négatives n’ont pas disparu. En fait, beaucoup d’évènements historiques sont récents : le premier pensionnat s’est ouvert au Canada en 1831, mais le dernier a fermé en 1998, il y a moins de 25 ans.

    La génération actuelle et d’Amérindiens et celles à venir continueront de porter les effets négatifs du traitement antérieur (et actuel) du gouvernement canadien.

    Alors que l’horreur du passé ne peut pas être gommée, l’exigence du cours sur l’inclusion des Autochtones contribue à la réconciliation. Les diplômés d’écoles secondaires de C.-B. auront toutes les connaissances nécessaires pour améliorer les relations à l’avenir.

     

    Sources :

    Jeganathan, Jeyan, and Carla Lucchetta. “‘Felt throughout Generations’: A Timeline of Residential Schools in Canada.” TVO, 21 June 2021, https://www.tvo.org/article/felt-throughout-generations-a-timeline-of-residential-schools-in-canada. Accessed 10 May 2022.

    Little, Simon, and Neetu Garcha. “B.C. to Make Indigenous-Focused Coursework a High School Graduation Requirement.” Global News, 6 Mar. 2022, https://globalnews.ca/news/8661463/bc-indigenous-graduation-requirement/. Accessed 7 May 2022.

    Ministry of Education and Child Care. “New Grad Requirement Ensures Students Expand Their Knowledge about Indigenous Perspectives, Histories, Cultures.” BC Gov News, Government of British Columbia, 4 Mar. 2022, https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022EDUC0007-000297. Accessed 7 May 2022.

    National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Government of Canada, 29 Sept. 2021, https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html. Accessed 13 May 2022.

    “Residential School History.” National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: NCTR, https://nctr.ca/education/teaching-resources/residential-school-history/. Accessed 10 May 2022.

    “Residential School Timeline.” National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: NCTR, https://nctr.ca/exhibits/residential-school-timeline/. Accessed 10 May 2022.

  • Benefits of Outdoor Education in Early Childhood

    Benefits of Outdoor Education in Early Childhood

    After a long day at school, spending time outside can be a good way to relax. However, the outdoors can be part of learning, even before children begin school. Outdoor education in early childhood can be very beneficial for students’ learning in helping them to develop some of the skills that they need for the future.

    Being outside brings many benefits, including fresh air, the opportunity to exercise, and the chance to learn many useful facts about nature. Being able to identify different types of plants, for example, can help people distinguish between edible and poisonous ones. Learning about animals can also help people understand how to treat them. Knowing how to avoid being sprayed by a skunk, for example, could be very helpful for anyone who wants to spend time outside.

    The idea of outdoor education likely came through the tradition of holding summer camps for children. In the early 1900s, people first started sending their children to camps where they had the chance for personal growth and learning skills such as community-building. The environmental movement of the 1950s and 1960s also added the idea of environmental care and stewardship. Helping children become aware of the places and the people around them was part of the goal.

    Besides these skills, gaining useful experiences was an important feature of these camps, as it was in other outdoor education programs. Students could learn how to swim, for example, which is important for anyone who goes near water. However, having fun and spending time with friends can also be valuable. People need time to relax, and outdoor education can provide an opportunity for that.

    Outdoor education can be formal and organized, with activities planned for all the time that students are outside. For example, they might have races or possibly nature walks to find different animals or plants. However, outdoor education can be informal, where students can wander around and find whatever interests them. It can also be somewhere between formal and informal, with planned events but also free time for students to choose their activities.

    People can start outdoor education at any point, but beginning in early childhood is a good idea. At that age, children have the energy and curiosity to begin to learn about the outdoors and study plants and animals. Later, going out into nature can become an everyday activity, a habit that no longer needs a plan because it is normal. If an activity is not part of people’s everyday life, it becomes more difficult for them to start in their adult years.

    Beginning in early childhood also has other benefits. For example, it can help people understand issues such as climate change and pollution. People know about these issues from television and the Internet, but it can seem unreal unless they see it for themselves. If they start early, people can see how the environment has changed and possibly find solutions for at least some of the issues.

    Outdoor education can be an important part of learning about the world and the people and animals living here. If you have a chance, you should be part of activities that help you gain that knowledge.

     

    Bibliography

    Alden, C. “Why the Outdoors Should Be an Integral Part of Every Early Learning and Child-Care Program.” https://childcarecanada.org/documents/research-policy-practice/21/08/why-outdoors-should-be-integral-part-every-early-learning.

    Asfeldt, Morgan; Rebecca Purc-Stephenson; Thomas Zimmerman. “Outdoor Education in Canadian Public Schools: Connecting Children and Youth to People, Place, and Environment.” https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504622.2022.2061919.

    Harwood, D., E. Boileau, Z. Dabaja, K. Julien. “Exploring the National Scope of Outdoor Nature-Based Early Learning Programs in Canada: Findings from a Large-Scale Survey Study.” https://ijheld.lakeheadu.ca/article/view/1761.

  • Be Tax-Savvy – What You Need to Know about Taxes when Employed and Self-Employed

    Be Tax-Savvy – What You Need to Know about Taxes when Employed and Self-Employed

    For most people, the start of the new year means fulfilling new year’s resolutions. However, for the tax-savvy population, it means getting started on your tax preparation. Though Canada has a deadline of April 30 for filing taxes, there is a good percentage of people who do their best to get a head start. This is a smart move since you don’t want to be doing taxes at the last minute, as being under pressure can lead you to make calculation errors or overestimate tax reliefs, which in turn can lead to inaccuracies or costly penalties.

    What’s more, if one’s employment status has been affected for one reason or another, they should pay attention to how they file taxes as well. There are differences between filing taxes as an employee and filing as self-employed. Let’s see below.

    Employee or Self-Employed?

    For some people, their employment status is readily apparent. For example, chances are you’re an employee if you go to work (physically or remotely) at the same place every day, you have a boss that reminds you of your tasks and deadlines, and you get paid regularly (weekly or every two weeks). For some, it isn’t readily apparent, but chances are, if someone works at different places every day and you have control over your deadlines and you get paid irregularly (once a month), then chances are, you’re self-employed.

    The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has more formal distinctions between the two, and the important points are noted below.

    If one is an employee:

    • They will often be directed and scrutinized, and many elements are effectively controlled regarding how and when the work is carried out.
    • The results of the work and the method used to do the work are controlled.
    • The method and amount of pay are controlled.

    If one is self-employed:

    • They usually work independently.
    • They don’t have anyone supervising their activities.
    • They are usually free to work when and for whom they choose and may provide their services to different payers at the same time.

    Now comes the fun part: Filing taxes!

    If you’re an employee, it doesn’t mean you can merely sit back and relax. You have to check your pay stubs regularly to see if your Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and income tax payroll deductions are remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency as scheduled, along with your employer contributions. Your pay stubs also show your income tax deductions, which are based on the TD1 forms you filled out when you were hired, plus the tax tables provided by the CRA.

    All of this information will also be detailed in the T4 or Statement of Remuneration Paid, which is normally handed to employees at the beginning of the year (Quebec, on the other hand, will have its own tax table). Once you have your T4 in hand, you’re ready to file your taxes.

    If you’re self-employed, the steps to filing your taxes are more extensive. Note that it doesn’t matter if your business is registered or not; if you’re invoicing and getting paid under your name or the business name, you’ll need to file your taxes.

    The general rule when you’re self-employed is to set aside 25% of your income for taxes, which will fall on line 104 on your tax return where it says “employment income not on a T4 slip.” You’ll also need to fill out the T2125 form to indicate business activities that relate to your income and expenses, such as advertising costs, office supplies, travel, cellphone, and internet, among others. Be careful not to claim personal use of any expenses. For example, if you use your internet for streaming movies or TV shows, you can’t claim 100% of your internet costs as a business expense.

    If your self-employment income is more than $30,000 annually, you must register for a GST or HST number so you can charge clients within Canada with the appropriate amount. For example, if you’re based in Vancouver, BC, but you’re developing a website for a client based in Toronto, ON, your invoice should say your fee plus 13% HST, which is the percentage for Ontario.

    The deadline for paying taxes for self-employed individuals is April 30, just like everyone else, but you have until June 15 to file your taxes.

    So what are you waiting for? Time to get started on those taxes!

     

    SOURCES

    https://financialpost.com/personal-finance/taxes/paying-your-taxes-in-the-age-of-covid-19-heres-what-every-canadian-needs-to-know

    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4110/employee-self-employed.html#mpl_slf_mpld_wrkr

    https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/ei-cpp-payroll-contributions-taxes-for-an-employer-in-canada-374#:~:text=As%20an%20employer%20in%20Canada,along%20with%20your%20employer%20contributions.

    https://www.canadianliving.com/life-and-relationships/money-and-career/article/taxes-101-how-to-file-if-you-re-self-employed

  • Profiling a Career as a Psychiatrist

    Profiling a Career as a Psychiatrist

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    For high school graduates, many opportunities lay ahead, including a vast assortment of degree programs and career paths. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or even intimidated by all the options at first. But with some research, you can prepare yourself to make the best educational and professional decisions moving forward. For students interested in the field of psychology, it’s worth exploring a career as a psychiatrist. You can use this resource to understand the essentials.

    Roles and Responsibilities

    Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat people with psychological or emotional disorders. They may work in private practice or in public facilities like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. As a psychiatrist, you may perform any of the following tasks:

    • Conduct psychiatric evaluations (e.g., interviewing patients, examining medical histories, interpreting test results, observing behavioural studies, etc.)
    • Diagnose patients with psychological or emotional disorders
    • Prescribe and administer medications
    • Develop treatment plans for patients and evaluate progress over time
    • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (e.g., social workers, doctors, nurses, etc.)

    What are the Benefits of This Career Path?

    As a psychiatrist, you will have the opportunity to create a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families. You will spend your time helping people who struggle with serious mental health issues, supporting them in leading healthy and satisfying lives. For many people, such a career is emotionally rewarding.

    Psychiatrists can also expect high salaries and easy access to employment. By 2028, an estimated 32,500 jobs will become available. That means that psychiatrists will be in increasingly high demand over the next few years. For those with less than a year of experience, salaries will likely start around $68,000 annually. With ten or more years, that number could rise to more than $340,000.

    In short, psychiatrists can expect satisfying, well-paid, and secure jobs in the future.

    Education and Experience

    Psychiatrists must have extensive educational qualifications. To start, you must earn a 4-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as psychology, nursing, or neuroscience. Then, you must complete four years of medical school and five years of psychiatric residency training. For those who want to specialize in a specific practice area, such as forensic psychiatry or administrative psychiatry, you must complete an additional 2-3 years of training. Overall, this career requires 13 to 16 years of preparation.

    Drawbacks and Challenges

    Given that psychiatrists need more than a decade’s worth of training, many people pursue a less intensive career path.

    Some people also choose to leave the field after experiencing signs of burnout (e.g., exhaustion, stress, anxiety, irritability, etc.). While helping people can be very rewarding, it can also take an emotional toll. You will likely be exposed to people struggling with trauma, abuse, and complex mental health problems. Research suggests that approximately 78 percent of psychiatrists in North America experience burnout, while 16 percent show signs of depression. Those considering this career path must brace themselves for challenging working conditions and emotionally draining labour.

    Considering Other Career Opportunities

    If you’re interested in the field of psychology, there are many career paths available. You could apply your degree to any of the following positions:

    • Teacher or guidance counsellor
    • Social worker or developmental service worker
    • Researcher or professor
    • Child and youth worker
    • Human resources specialist

     

    References 

    Canadian Job Bank. (2021, December). Psychiatrist in Canada. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/4016/ca

    Glassdoor. (n.d.). Psychiatrist Job Description. https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job-Descriptions/Psychiatrist.htm

    Gramigna, J. (2020, July 21st). Many psychiatrists experience burnout and depression. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20200721/many-psychiatrists-experience-burnout-and-depression

    Indeed Editorial Team. (2021, April 2nd). 5 Steps to Become a Psychiatrist. Indeed. https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-psychiatrist

    Indeed. (2022, January 3rd). Psychiatrist Salary in Canada. https://ca.indeed.com/career/psychiatrist/salaries

    Payscale. (2021, December 5th). Average Psychiatrist Salary in Canada. https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Psychiatrist/Salary

    Schlette, J. (n.d.). 13 Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatrist. NursingProcess.org. https://www.nursingprocess.org/psychiatrist-pros-and-cons.html

    University of Toronto Mississauga. (2021, February). Careers by Major – Psychology. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/careers-by-major-psychology

     

  • 5 Ways to Put Your Creativity Hat On: Celebrating the World Creativity and Innovation Day

    5 Ways to Put Your Creativity Hat On: Celebrating the World Creativity and Innovation Day

    Every year on April 21, World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed to raise awareness about the role of innovation and creativity in each aspect of human development. This was primarily implemented by the United Nations to encourage countries into creative multidisciplinary thinking at both group and individual levels.

    The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution to celebrate the day on April 27, 2017. And did you know that this special day was founded in Toronto, Canada? The founder of the day was Marci Segal, a Canadian who was studying creativity in 1977 at the International Center for Studies in Creativity.

    Creativity is an important skillset not just in school but also later when you join the workforce. If you feel like you can hone your creative skills further, read below for 5 tips to help you out.

    1. Be inspired!

    You can get a spark of creativity on your own, or you can be inspired by the works of others. Throughout history, there have been countless anecdotes of how artists’ works have inspired other artists. For example, renowned pop artist Andy Warhol was inspired by The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. And the work of art does not have to be an artwork per se, you can get inspiration from music, film, or theatre.

    1. Take note!

    If you’re the type who experiences bursts of creativity at unexpected times, it’s ideal to have a notebook on hand to jot those ideas down! If you’re more of the tech-savvy type, have your phone handy so you can note the ideas on your notepad in your phone or tablet. You never know what you’ll come up with AND when you’ll come up with it, so always take note so you don’t forget.

    1. Have open lines of communication.

    If you’re having a hard time developing an idea, maybe it’s time to bring in some reinforcements – they can come in the form of family members or friends or classmates you normally do homework with. Sometimes, it truly helps to open up to others and brainstorm with them when you can, and with some teamwork, your good idea will turn into a great idea!

    1. Daydream.

    This one you may be reluctant to do, but daydreaming can actually help boost your creativity. Of course, make sure you don’t do it while in class when the teacher is expecting that they have your 100 per cent attention. What you can do is set aside a time when you have no task on hand to worry about and just take time for a breather and daydream. For sure, you’ll find yourself having an idea or two!

    1. Exercise!

    This last one may sound surprising, but it’s backed by science. Getting some exercise can help awaken your creative self! A study by the National Institutes of Health suggests that physical activity can prevent mental fogginess, so maybe the next time you are struggling with creativity, go out for a walk or run!

    Getting your creative juices flowing is easier said than done most of the time. However, there are ways to accomplish this. Follow the tips above, and you will! Good luck!

     

    Sources

    Berman, Judy. “10 Famous Artworks Inspired by Other Famous Artworks.” Flavorwire. https://www.flavorwire.com/293497/10-famous-artworks-inspired-by-other-famous-artworks

    Brend, Yvette. “Design experts rethink the workspace as pandemic restrictions ease across Canada.” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-feb-25-2022-1.6364228/design-experts-rethink-the-workspace-as-pandemic-restrictions-ease-across-canada-1.6373245

    Cherry, Kendra. “10 Psychological Tricks That Will Boost Your Creativity.” Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-most-unusual-psychological-tricks-to-boost-your-creativity-4022442 

    Patel, Deep. “6 Proven Ways To Increase Your Creativity.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/deeppatel/2017/07/30/6-proven-ways-to-increase-your-creativity/?sh=241129a84295