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Resource Guide for Business Immigrants to Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade [plus Ontario Government logo]
and
Certified General Accountants of Ontario [logo] Resource Guide for Business Immigrants to Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
and
Certified General Accountants of Ontario Mission Statement: The Mission of the Certified General Accountants of Ontario is to ensure its members merit the confidence and trust of all who rely upon their professional knowledge, skills, judgment and integrity, by regulating qualification, performance and discipline standards for certified general accountants, while advocating the use of their professional expertise in the public interest.
Mission Statement: The Mission of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is to lead the government's efforts to ensure Ontario's economy continues to prosper and remains competitive in a constantly changing global market. This is accomplished by promoting economic development and job creation; committing to research and innovation; contributing to a high-skilled and well-educated workforce; and by attracting investment and stimulating trade.
While great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information as of July 2006, the Certified General Accountants of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade do not assume any liability.
Resource Guide for Business Immigrants to Ontario. First printing 1995, Certified General Accountants of Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Revised 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006.
Copyright © 2006 by the Certified General Accountants of Ontario.
ISBN 0-9695051-1-6 Table of Contents
Section 1: Settlement Information Two excellent sources of information regarding settling in Ontario are available online, from the websites www.ontarioimmigration.ca and www.settlement.org. These sites cover many topics of interest to newcomers, such as: community and recreation, education, employment, health, housing, language and literacy. Following are some of the main things to consider when first settling in Ontario. Automobiles Driver’s Licenses A visitor to Ontario who is a permanent resident of a country other than Canada, with a valid driver’s licence from that country and an international driver’s permit, may drive in Ontario with that licence for up to one year. A new resident of Ontario—such as a recently landed business immigrant—legally may drive in the province using a valid driver’s licence from another country, U.S. state or Canadian province, for up to 60 days. After 60 days that licence is no longer valid and an Ontario driver’s licence is required.
Under Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System (GLS), the type of Ontario driver’s licence an individual may obtain depends upon the country of origin of his or her original licence, as well as the driving experience of the individual.
Drivers from jurisdictions with licensing exchange agreements: Licensed drivers moving to Ontario from a jurisdiction that has a reciprocal licensing agreement (including Austria, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, many of the United States and other Canadian provinces and territories) who have more than two years of driving experience, are exempt from Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System. These drivers can receive an Ontario driver’s licence without taking a rules of the road knowledge or road test, providing they meet all medical requirements (including a vision test) and have acceptable proof of their previous licence status and driving experience.
Drivers from these jurisdictions, with less than two years of driving experience, will receive credit for their experience and be placed in Level Two of the Graduated Licensing System. After completing two years of driving experience in Ontario, a driver is eligible to take Ontario’s Level Two road test. Once this road test is passed an individual is licensed to drive an automobile in Ontario, with full privileges.
Drivers from jurisdictions without licensing exchange agreements: The process is different for a driver from a jurisdiction that does not have a licensing agreement with Ontario. If the individual has more than two years of driving experience, as well as acceptable proof of previous driving experience, he or she immediately should arrange to take a vision test, a written test and the Level Two road test. Upon successful completion, he or she will become fully licenced to drive an automobile in Ontario.
Drivers who have less than two years of driving experience must take a vision test, a written test and then apply to take the Level One road test. In the latter case, drivers must acquire a full 20 months of Ontario driving experience before being eligible to take a Level Two road test.
The Graduated Licensing System applies to all drivers, regardless of age.
For more information on obtaining a driver’s licence, contact the Ministry of Transportation:
Tel: 416-235-2999 or Toll-free: 1-800-387-3445 Fax: 416-235-4414 Website: www.mto.gov.on.ca
A listing of driver examination centres can be found in the blue pages of the telephone directory, under Government of Ontario, Drivers and Vehicles.
Vehicle Emission Testing (Drive Clean Program) Currently the program applies to passenger cars, vans, light trucks, and sport utility vehicles in Southern Ontario (including the communities of Windsor, Sarnia-Clearwater-Point Edward, London, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, the Greater Toronto Area, Niagara Falls, Welland, St. Catharines, Barrie, Brantford, Peterborough, Kingston, Ottawa, including the counties of Simcoe, Peterborough, Dufferin, Oxford, Wellington, Victoria, Perth, Northumberland, Middlesex, Lambton, Essex, Elgin, Brant and the regional municipalities of Waterloo, Haldimand-Norfolk and Niagara.
Annual emission tests are also required for heavy-duty trucks and buses. Diesel vehicles are tested province-wide, while non-diesel vehicles are tested in the same area as passenger cars and other light vehicles.
Drive Clean includes approximately 1,600 facilities, offering services to light vehicles in the existing program area. There are also about 1,000 facilities across Ontario providing heavy-duty vehicle tests.
More details on the Drive Clean Program are available from the Ontario government’s call centre at 1-888-758-2999 or through its website at www.driveclean.com. Information on Ontario's air quality initiatives is available at www.ene.gov.on.ca.
Insurance Motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in Ontario; there are penalties for driving without insurance. Every automobile must carry at least $200,000 in third-party liability insurance. As well, all automobile insurance policies must provide uninsured motorist coverage. Seat Belts Ontario law states that all occupants of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt. There is a fine for not wearing a seat belt. The driver also is responsible for ensuring that all children in the vehicle under 16 years of age wear seat belts. Infants and young children must be restrained in specially designed car seats that meet the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These car seats may be purchased from most department and automotive stores. Banking and Financial Services Banks Both domestic and foreign banks operate in Canada.
Schedule I banks are Canada’s domestic chartered banks. Canada’s seven largest Schedule I banks are:
Schedule II banks include all foreign bank subsidiaries. Foreign bank branches are known as Schedule III banks. Foreign bank branches cannot accept “retail” deposits.
Both domestic and foreign banks offer banking services to customers, including: establishing personal and corporate accounts; providing loans and mortgages for commercial and personal use; and handling transactions involving foreign exchange.
In addition to these services, most large Canadian banks (including branches in both Canada and abroad) offer personal banking services to business immigrant depositors, to assist them in immigrating to Canada and settling in this country. Some examples of these services include offshore trusts, investment advice, etc. Unless it has been arranged in advance, Canadian financial institutions will not conduct a cash transaction over the amount of $10,000 without being satisfied about its source.
Further information can be obtained from the Canadian Bankers Association
Tel: 416-362-6092 or Toll-free: 1-800-263-0231 Fax: 416-362-7705 E-mail: inform@cba.ca Website: www.cba.ca
Many banks in Canada have established banking ombuds to help resolve problems arising from complaints. Banks with an ombuds will provide brochures in their branches that describe the complaint resolution process, how to contact their ombuds and the role of the Canadian Banking Ombudsman (CBO). The CBO is an independent organization that provides impartial and prompt resolution of complaints, based on fairness and good business and banking practices.
For more information, contact:
Tel: 416-287-2877 or Toll-free: 1-888-451-4519 Fax: 1-888-422-2865 E-mail: ombudsman@obsi.ca Website: www.obsci.com Trust Companies Trust companies also provide a personal and business financial service to residents of Ontario, including personal and commercial mortgages, loans and accounts. Additionally, they provide trustee services to individuals and corporations. More information can be obtained from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario:
Tel: 416-250-7250 or Toll-free: 1-800-668-0128 Fax: 416-590-7070 Website: www.fsco.gov.on.ca
Credit Unions Credit unions offer their members many of the same financial services as banks or trust companies. Members in a credit union usually belong to a specific group. For example, they may all work for the same employer or they may all live in the same community. More information may be obtained from Credit Union Central of Canada:
Tel: 416-232-1262 Fax: 416-232-9196 E-mail: cucc@cucentral.com Website: www.cucentral.ca Deposit Insurance Deposits held in banks, credit unions and loan companies in Canada are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). The current insured limit is $60,000 for each depositor, in each institution. You may obtain more information about deposit insurance by contacting the CDIC:
Tel : 613-992-7124 Tel: 1-800-461-CDIC (1-800-461-2342) E-mail: info@cdic.ca Website: www.cdic.ca Daycare Many schools have daycare programs available for children, both before and after the regular school hours. For more information on available programs contact your local school or school board. Look in the white pages of your telephone book, under the listing Education.
For information about daycare centres, contact your local community information centre or immigrant aid agency. Also check the community kiosks in shopping malls, as they often contain this information.
E-mail: info@edu.gov.on.ca
Education Primary and Secondary Education In Ontario there are two school systems paid for by public funds through property taxes. One is the public school system; the other is the Roman Catholic separate school system. Students do not pay to attend these schools. In addition to the publicly funded school system, Ontario has private schools, which charge annual fees. Colleges and Universities In Ontario, there are 16 universities and 25 colleges. This list includes colleges for applied arts and technology, agricultural, health sciences, arts and military, amongst others. Tuition for colleges and universities are not funded publicly and tuition for an undergraduate degree in an Ontario university generally costs a student approximately $5,000 per year.
Each college and university publishes lists of available programs. Generally you will also find tuition costs for programs and courses on their websites.
Lists of Ontario public and private schools, and of colleges and universities, can be obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The information is also available on the Ministry’s website.
Tel: 416-325-2929 or Toll-free: 1-800-387-5514 Fax: 416-325-6348 E-mail: info@edu.gov.on.ca Website: www.edu.gov.on.ca
English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs Many school boards offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for students and adults who are immigrants from countries in which English is not the first language or where it is spoken differently from Canadian English. These programs also help students born in Canada but who do not have an adequate knowledge of English, usually because English is not spoken at home. Please contact your local school board for more information. International Languages Programs International languages programs allow elementary school students the opportunity to develop and maintain the ability to read, write and speak in languages other than English or French. These programs (often called “Heritage Languages” programs) are provided by many Ontario school boards. They are offered outside of the school day and/or on weekends.
To find out about international languages programs in your community, please contact your local school board. Government in Canada There are three levels of government in Canada: federal, provincial and municipal. Responsibilities are divided among the three levels of government.
The federal government is responsible for areas such as citizenship, foreign policy, defence and national finance policies. Access the federal government’s main website at www.canada.gc.ca.
The provincial governments are responsible for areas such as education, health, social services and provincial economic development. Access the Ontario government’s website at www.gov.on.ca.
Canada and the provinces have concurrent jurisdiction in such areas as immigration and taxation.
Municipal governments are responsible for services such as water, street lighting, parks, plus local roads and transportation. Many municipalities have set up websites at www.city.name of city.on.ca. For example, access www.city.hamilton.on.ca.
For more information on government, order a free copy of the booklet, How Canadians Govern Themselves. It is available from the Library of Parliament.
Telephone 613-992-4783 or 1-866-599-4999
Health Care Most residents of Ontario are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for a wide range of medical and hospital services. The Ontario government’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care administers this comprehensive health insurance plan.
Complete the application form, Registration for Ontario Health Coverage, in order to obtain coverage. Fill out one form for every member of the immediate family living with you in Ontario.
After the form or forms have been processed you will receive one Ontario Health Card for each member of the family for whom a form was filled out. On the card will be one name, plus that individual’s OHIP number.
Whenever you visit a doctor, a hospital or a drop-in medical clinic, you should take your Ontario Health Card with you, to verify that you are eligible for health coverage. (A parent should bring the child’s Health Card when bringing him or her for a medical visit.)
If you would like more information on Ontario health coverage, contact the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:
Tel: 416-314-5518 Toll-free: 1-800-268-1154 Website: www.health.gov.on.ca
Look in the blue pages of the telephone book, under Health and Long-Term Care, for the office in your area.
Some of Ontario’s health insurance plan is funded by the employer health tax (see Section 9). The plan provides a wide range of benefits for medical and hospital services; additional benefits also are provided for the services of other health practitioners.
Attention new immigrants: You and your family are not insured under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) until after you have landed and lived in Ontario for three months. You should apply for private insurance before emigrating from your home country or shortly after your arrival in Canada. Please be warned that some private insurance plans may not cover immigrants who wait too long to apply.
Note that OHIP does not cover all medical related expenses such as prescription drugs, some optometrist services and most chiropractic services and you may want to purchase a private benefit plan to help cover the costs of these services.
Usually Ontario health coverage does not cover visits to dentists and related dental services. For information about dentists and dental services contact the Ontario Dental Association:
Ontario Dental Association 4 New Street Toronto ON M5R 1P6 Tel: 416-922-3900 Fax: 416-922-9005 E-mail: info@oda.on.ca Website: www.oda.on.ca Insurance Coverage Different types of insurance are available, including car insurance, mortgage insurance, life and health insurance, homeowners’ or tenants’ insurance, as well as commercial and business insurance. Before buying any insurance it is advisable to check and compare several insurance companies regarding their prices for policies and coverage.
For more information contact the Financial Services Commission of Ontario
Tel: 416-250-7250 or Toll-free: 1-800-668-0128 Fax: 416-590-7070 Website: www.fsco.gov.on.ca Legal Information The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) at the Law Society of Upper Canada assists those requiring legal help.
The LRS refers members of the public in need of legal assistance to a local lawyer who is registered with the LRS and practises the kind of law they require. The lawyer will provide up to 30 minutes of consultation at no charge. Currently more than 2,000 lawyers across Ontario participate in the LRS.
The LRS is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, from anywhere in Ontario. The number is 1-900-565-4LRS (4577). You also can find information about the LRS on the Law Society’s Website at www.lsuc.on.ca.
It is a toll service, and a $6 charge will appear on the caller’s telephone bill the month following the call. Individuals who are in a crisis—such as domestic abuse situations or those who are incarcerated or are under the age of 18—may call 416-947-3330 or 1-800-268-8326 (toll-free).
Leisure Activities Contact Ontario Travel to receive information on recreational and cultural activities throughout Ontario:
Tel: 1-800-ONTARIO (1-800-668-2746) Website: www.ontariotravel.net or
For more information on activities in your own neighborhood, contact the local community centre, public library, arts council or historical society.
If you are interested in programs such as ice skating, swimming, arts and crafts courses or fitness programs, contact your municipal recreation department for information. Telephone numbers for neighborhood recreation centres and departments are found in the blue pages of the telephone book, under Municipal Government Parks and Recreation or Recreation. If you live within Metropolitan Toronto, contact 416-392-1111.
Many municipalities now have websites linking to a description of ongoing leisure activities. These may be accessed through a Website address in the following format:
www.city.name of city.on.ca
For example, www.city.hamilton.on.ca. Multicultural Associations and Organizations: Ethnic Media Community information centres often can provide lists of local associations and organizations with ethno-cultural ties.
The Findhelp Information Services can be reached as follows:
425 Adelaide Street West, 2nd Floor Toronto ON M5V 3C1
Tel: 416-392-4605 Fax: 416-392-4404 E-mail: cit@web.ca Website: www.findhelp.ca or
Another information source is the Directory of Associations in Canada, which lists many of the ethnic organizations across the country. Information on the various ethnic media in Canada may be found in the book Bowdens Information Service. Most local public libraries stock reference copies of these publications. Real Estate Commercial If you are planning to lease or buy property for your business, consult a qualified and reputable real estate firm that specializes in commercial real estate. To find a real estate firm, look in the Yellow Pages under Real Estate Brokers or contact the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA:
99 Duncan Mill Road Don Mills ON M3B 1Z2
Tel: 416-445-9910 Fax: 416-445-2644 E-mail: info@orea.com Website: www.orea.com
The Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (OITC) has information to assist potential investors, including a database of available commercial properties, at www.2ontario.com.
Residential A variety of accommodation is available in Ontario, including houses, townhouses, rental apartments and condominiums. Listings of available accommodations can be found in the classified sections of local newspapers. Many buildings also post signs to indicate units for rent. In urban areas, free listings magazines are often available in street boxes, stores, banks and financial institutions.
The Residential Tenancies Act, Part II, provides for certain rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. Further information is available from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal:
Tel: 416-645-8080 or Toll-free: 1-888-332-3234 E-mail: mininfo@mah.gov.on.ca Website: www.mah.gov.on.ca or
If you plan to buy a residential property obtain a free copy of the book How to Buy Your Home, produced by the Ontario Real Estate Association
If you plan to buy a condominium and have questions contact the Ontario Ministry of Government Services:
Tel: 416-326-8555 or Toll-free: 1-800-268-1142 E-mail: cbsinfo@cbs.gov.on.ca Website: www.cbs.gov.on.ca
Whenever you plan to purchase residential property, it is wise to deal with a real estate firm that is a member of a local real estate board. Contact the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), as listed above. OREA can provide you with a list of real estate boards in Ontario, as well as other free information of use to potential homebuyers.
Homebuyers also should consult a lawyer—preferably one who specializes in real estate—before signing an Offer to Purchase. To find a lawyer, look in the Yellow Pages under Lawyers.
You may also contact the Lawyer Referral Service at the Law Society of Upper Canada:
Tel: 416-947-3300 or Toll-free: 1-800-668-7380 E-mail: lawrefer@lsuc.on.ca Website: www.lsuc.on.ca Settling in Ontario: Customs Issues Sending Effects to Ontario The Canada Border Services Agency strictly enforces its regulations regarding duties and the importation of all goods, including commercial goods. Commercial goods may not be included in the personal and household effects category. For example, when shipping household effects any items that are for a commercial or resale purpose must be declared separately. The result of an illegal declaration can involve a financial penalty, seizure of the goods or even more serious results.
As long as household items are declared upon landing (or shortly thereafter) the goods may be shipped to Ontario at any time.
For more information contact the Canada Border Service Agency’s Automated Customs Information Service at 1-800-461-9999 or for more information visit its website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Bringing Your Pets to Ontario The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for establishing import requirements for animals and animal products coming into Canada, including pets.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has prepared basic guidelines for frequently imported pets. Before importing any animal, people should verify the conditions with a local CFIA office or headquarters contact.
For more information, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, at:
59 Camelot Drive Ottawa ON K1A 0Y9 Tel: 613-225-2342 or Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 Fax: 613-228-6601 Website: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml Social Services: Sources of Information Community information centres can be found in the majority of cities and towns across Ontario.
These centres provide information about available community services, including counselling, childcare, English as a Second Language (ESL), training, employment services, plus recreational activities. To find your nearest community information centre check out www.informontario.on.ca.
In addition, there are immigrant agencies throughout Ontario, where assistance is provided to immigrants who have recently settled in Ontario. Information can be accessed online at www.settlement.org.
Community Information Toronto maintains information on various services offered in the Toronto area. This information can be accessed through the telephone by dialing 211 in Toronto or 416-397-4636 from outside Toronto. It is also available on the Internet at www.211toronto.ca. Newcomers’ Information Centres
Toronto (YMCA) 42 Charles Street East, 3rd Floor, Toronto Tel: 416-928-6690
Brampton 150 Central Park Drive, Suite 200, Brampton Tel: 905-791-6700 ext 301
Mississauga 100 Elm Drive West, Room 126, Mississauga Tel: 905-270-6000 ext 266 Social Insurance Number (SIN) Individuals who work in Canada must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and card, which is issued by the federal government. Both the government and employers have a number of uses for the SIN card.
Attention New Immigrants: The SIN card is a vital piece of documentation and should be applied for immediately after landing in Canada.
Apply for a social insurance number and card at a Human Resource Centre. Centres are listed in the blue pages of the telephone book under Employment and Unemployment, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Human Resource Centres. Visit its website at www.hrsdc.gc.ca. Section 2: Sources of Business Information Business Directories A variety of business directories exist, designed to assist individuals who operate a business in Ontario.
Usually directories are found at your local public library, chamber of commerce or municipal economic development office.
Examples of directories available include Scott’s Directory, Canadian Automotive Exporters Directory, plus many other sectors and business association directories. Several worthwhile databases of information also exist, such as Industry Canada, produced by Canadian Company Capabilities. Business Reports A number of companies provide reporting services. An example is Dun and Bradstreet’s report, which provides financial information on businesses. This information is available to subscribers, which must be accredited businesses.
Dun and Bradstreet’s website can be accessed at www.dnb.com.
Banks and other financial institutions also may be a source of financial information. Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) is a joint venture between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. It provides access to accurate, timely and relevant business information on federal and provincial government services, programs and regulations. The COBSC information agents identify key government information and resources to help you run a business more effectively.
Tel: 416-775-3456 or Toll-free: 1-800-567-2345 Fax: 416-954-8597 E-mail: ontario@cbsc.ic.gc.ca Website: www.cobsc.org/en (English) or www.cseco.org/fr (French)
At the COBSC’s website you can also link to the Canada Business Service Centres website, which provides access information for all Canadian provinces and territories, including the Province of Ontario.
For more information on establishing a business in Canada, refer to Small Business Enterprise Centres in Section 3. Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade Both the local chamber of commerce and board of trade provide a wide range of information and services, with the aim of promoting Canadian businesses and trades.
Local chambers of commerce organize seminars and conferences. These events allow business people to learn new information and establish networks of helpful contacts.
For more information, contact your local chamber of commerce or board of trade (listed in your telephone book). The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Toronto can be reached at:
Tel: 416-366-6811 Website: www.bot.com Credit Bureaus Operating under Canada’s consumer credit laws, credit bureaus confirm information that creditors—such as banks, mortgage companies or oil companies—have obtained from individuals requesting consumer credit.
Other information is derived from the public record, such as judgments, non-responsibility notices, registered chattel mortgages, conditional sales and bankruptcies.
To have access to the services of a credit bureau, a business must register as a member. Once it is registered, a business can receive a verbal or written report, for a small fee. Additionally, your banker may be able to conduct these searches on your behalf, for a small fee. Personal Properties Security Registration When buying used personal property (e.g., a car or equipment) it is generally useful and wise to verify that the item is free and clear of liens and is not pledged as security for a debt.
Obtain more information prior to purchasing personal property by contacting the Personal Property Registration Branch of the Ministry of Government Services
Tel: 416-325-8847 (Toronto) or 1-800-267-8847 (outside Toronto) Fax: 416-325-0487 Website: www.cbs.gov.on.ca Industry Sector Profiles Industry Canada produces profiles of domestic industry sectors, market studies and business research projects. These can be accessed on the Strategis website located at http://www.strategis.gc.ca.
For more information contact the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC):
Tel: 416-775-3456 or Toll-free: 1-800-567-2345 E-mail: ontario@cbsc.ic.gc.ca Website: www.cbsc.org/ontario
Ontario-specific industry information can be found on the provincial government’s website at www.ontario-canada.com and at www.2ontario.com. Libraries Consult the telephone book to find the address and telephone number of your local public library.
The Toronto Metro Reference Library is located at 789 Yonge Street. Call 416-393-7131 for both general and specific inquiries about business and social services. The reference librarians can help you research information required, including recommending applicable trade magazines, directories, statistics, etc.
Information about the Toronto Metro Reference Library can be accessed through The Toronto Public Library’s website at www.tpl.toronto.on.ca. Professional, Industrial and Trade Associations Professional, industrial and trade associations often provide their membership with a variety of services, including professional development, statistical information, promotion, feasibility studies and consultations.
Professional, industrial and trade associations also provide opportunities for business people to network with their peers. A complete list of associations can be found in publications such as the Directory of Associations in Canada. It can be found in the reference section of most libraries.
Here are examples of professional and trade associations based in Toronto:
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Tel: 905-568-8300 Fax: 905-568-8330 Website: www.cme-mec.ca
Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA): Tel: 416-487-0519 Fax: 416487-5899 Website: www.cvca.ca
Canadian Bankers Association Tel: 1-800-263-0231 E-mail: inform@cba.ca Website: www.cba.ca
Canadian Federation of Independent Business Tel: 416-222-8022 Fax: 416-222-7593 E-mail: cfib@cfib.ca Website: www.cfib.ca
Canadian Franchise Association Tel: 905-625-2896 or Toll-free: 1-800-665-4232 Fax: 905-625-9076 Website: www.cfa.ca
Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Tel: 416-595-5333 Fax: 416-595-8226 E-mail: info@iecanada.com Website: www.iecanada.com
Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association Tel: 416-923-8416 or Toll-free: 1-800-387-5649 Fax: 416-923-1450 E-mail: info@crfa.ca Website: www.crfa.ca
Certified General Accountants of Ontario Tel: 416-322-6520 or Toll-free: 1-800-668-1454 E-mail: info@cga-ontario.org Website: www.cga-ontario.org
Financial Planners Standards Council Tel: 416-593-8587 Toll-free: 1-800-305-9886 Fax: 416-593-6903 E-mail: inform@cfp-ca.org Website: www.cfp-ca.org
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario Tel: 416-962-1841 or Toll-free: 1-800-387-0735 Fax: 416-962-8900 E-mail: custserv@icao.on.ca Website: www.icao.on.ca
Retail Council of Canada Tel: 416-922-6678 or Toll-free: 1-888-373-8245 Fax: 416-922-8011 Website: www.retailcouncil.org
Retail Merchants Association of Canada Tel: 905-764-0893 Fax: 905-764-8312 Website: www.rmacanada.com
Society of Management Accountants of Ontario Tel: 416-977-7741 or Toll-free: 1-800-387-2991 Fax: 416-977-6079 Website: www.cma-ontario.org
Toronto Real Estate Board Tel: 416-443-8100 Fax: 416-443-0797 Website: www.torontorealestateboard.com Publications The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship produces a booklet called Your Guide to Small Businesses. This publication is designed to assist people in business start-ups and business planning.
The publication is available in English or French, from private sector partners or your nearest Business Self-Help Office or Enterprise Centre. Alternatively, you can access the booklet online at www.sbe.gov.on.ca/ontcan/sbe/en/st_yrguide_en.jsp.
Note that many banks, accounting firms, lawyers and associations—such as the Certified General Accountants of Ontario—produce a variety of free information booklets and brochures as a public service. Provincial Publications There are two provincially operated bookstores in Ontario, which provide a walk-in service. These bookstores offer Ontario government publications. Some are free; others are available for a modest price.
Publications Ontario can be accessed via the main website for the government of Ontario at www.gov.on.ca.
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