- None of the information on work permits is relevant to the serving soldier.
In order to be able to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit. You are advised to start this process before arrival in Canada, even if you are not sure whether or not you wish to work in Canada. You can find a ‘Dependants’ Application for Work Permit’ form at the end of this booklet. Please complete this form as soon as possible and send it back to:
G1/TS Admin,
HQ BATUS,
BFPO 14
Once returned to BATUS, this form is then sent to Ottawa in order that a ‘letter of approval in principle’ can be issued, which will be sent to you in the UK either by e-mail or regular mail. On arrival in Canada, you will visit immigration to have the appropriate visa placed in your passport. At this point, the head of family should show the ‘letter of approval in principle’, along with the posting order, and proof of identity of the person requiring the work permit and request that an Employment Authorization (Work Permit) be issued. Once you have received the work permit, you will need to get a Social Insurance Number or (SIN) which can be obtained from the Provincial Building in Medicine Hat. The work permit issued at the airport will be a restricted work permit and will not allow you to work with children or in the health services. In order to work in these areas, you will require an immigration medical. You are still advised to obtain the restricted work permit and then apply for the unrestricted work permit on arrival in BATUS. In order to do this you will need to get in touch with G1/TS Admin on 544 4912, who will be able to provide you with the correct form and give advice on how to apply.
Work permits requiring a medical examination can take up to 4 months after the date of the examination before they are issued. Medical examinations must be carried out in Canada. If you do not apply for a work permit before arriving in Canada, it can take up to 3 months to receive one, once you arrive. If the immigration officer will not issue a work permit at the airport, please get in touch with G1/TS admin on arrival in BATUS who can advise on continuing the process.
Working in a profession, such as teaching or nursing is extremely difficult in Canada. Often exams need to be taken, or at the very least proof of qualifications, including transcripts of courses, modules studied, and marks gained from University/college are required for your professional status to be recognised. This can be a very long process and can take 6 months or more.
Paid Employment
Job Opportunities in CFB Suffield and Ralston Village
There are job opportunities available at the base and in the village, but they are generally part-time, and are of an unskilled/semi-skilled nature. The pay for these jobs is generally not great. Such opportunities include:
• Bank teller
• Running the liquor store
• Running the sports store
• Working for the MFRC
• Child care at Little Gophers or Kiddie Kare
• Teaching assistant at the school
• Library assistant
• Working in the junior ranks club, pub or messes
• BFBS
• Travel agency
• HIVE
• CANEX
Job Opportunities in Medicine Hat, Cochrane and Calgary.
There are more opportunities for employment in the wider community and there are always vacancies advertised locally. There are many vacancies in shop work and fast food outlets. There are many local employment agencies in Medicine Hat, Calgary and Cochrane and these are often a good place to start looking.
- Be aware if you live in Ralston Village and are thinking of working in Medicine Hat,
that the commute to work and back can cost nearly as much as you earn. The weather
in winter can also make driving conditions treacherous on occasion. The same is true if
you are living in Medicine Hat and thinking of working at CFB Suffield or Ralston Village. Alberta has a minimum wage of $7.00.
Voluntary Employment
Many people decide against paid employment and instead look at what voluntary opportunities exist. There are many such opportunities within Ralston Village and many places are always on the look out for volunteers. Such opportunities include, MFRC, AFF, library, school, BFBS, Youth club, organising activities for children/teenagers, SSAFA, Sunday School and the Prairie Rose Club. Some voluntary activities are done on a regular basis, whilst others are less frequent and less regular.
BATUS has a Learning Centre which offers many courses through Learn Direct. It is available for all service personnel and their spouses, as well as dependents over the age of 16. The BATUS Learning Centre has a manager who can be contacted on 544 4011. It is also possible to study through the Open University, NEC and distance learning. It is also possible to study at the Medicine Hat College but there maybe restrictions on which courses can be taken and International fees may apply to some courses. For further information on studying whilst in Canada, please contact the BATUS Education Officer who can advise on educational issues and can be contacted on 544 4020.
The Prairie Rose Club
The Prairie Rose club is a club run for all the women who are part of the community of BATUS or CFB/Suffield. It has a regular meeting time and place in the village and everybody is invited for coffee, cake and a chat. The Prairie Rose club organises many events for the local community such as bingo nights, quiz nights, karaoke nights, fashion makeovers, as well as visits to Calgary and wives exercises. The Prairie Rose club is generally run by spouses of serving personnel and is always on the look out for new volunteers and ideas.