Welcome to York University! Welcome to York! I am delighted to welcome you to York University, You are joining an exciting institution that takes a vibrant community of scholars, teachers and pride in its diversity, innovation and commitment learners. York is proud of its innovative to excellence in teaching and research. York is a undergraduate and graduate programs in the dynamic, metropolitan university that explores liberal arts, sciences, fine arts, environmental global concerns, tests the boundaries and studies and the professions offered through ten structures of knowledge, cultivates the critical Faculties; its cutting edge research; and its intellect, and in the words of our Mission engagement with local, national and international Statement, is "committed to academic freedom, communities. I hope you will quickly come to feel social justice, accessible education, and collegial at home here and that you will share our self-governance.” excitement and pride as members of the York community. York offers a stimulating cultural and intellectual environment, accessible recreational facilities and I recognize that making the transition to a new a competitive compensation and benefits program position can be confusing and overwhelming, at that meets the diverse needs of our employees. the same time as it is exhilarating. I hope the We are located in one of the world's great information contained in this Handbook, as well as multicultural cities – with a whole range of the supports offered by our Relocation Services attractions, communities, shops, services and office, will help ease that transition. I urge you to other amenities. take advantage of opportunities to get to know York and its people through participation in mentorship and other collegial activities. York University is a large and complex organization with many faculties, schools, departments, and colleges. Your first few weeks As an institution, we are embarking together on a here can be challenging as you adjust to a new strategic plan to become a more engaged workplace and different ways of doing things. university – more engaged with each other and Through our Relocation Services, we aim to make with our students and their learning, and more your transition a smooth and successful one! engaged with the communities we serve. I look forward to working with you in the coming years to make these plans a reality. Gary H. Brewer Vice-President Finance and Administration All the best for a stimulating and successful career at York. Patrick J. Monahan Vice-President Academic & Provost i ii HUMAN RESOURCES & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS Relocation Services Handbook The following information has been compiled to assist both new and prospective faculty members, professional librarians and senior managerial staff with their moves to York University and the Toronto area. Our goal is to ensure that your transition, and your family’s, is as comfortable as possible. Disclaimer: Some of the information within this document has been supplied by external sources, linking to government, private and public sector organizations. These links are included solely as a convenience to you. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. The information provided is not exhaustive and is subject to change. 3rd Edition: Revised April 2010 [email protected] www.yorku.ca/relocate © York University Human Resources and Employee Relations 4700 Keele Street, East Office Building 416-736-2100, ext. 33434 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3J 1P3 iii Acknowledgements First and foremost, I wish to thank all York University and third party providers for the use of their information as accessed through the World Wide Web, particularly the use of maps, tables and images. I also wish to thank all those who proof read my material, especially Anita Sampson Binder, who patiently read through and edited this large document on numerous occasions. Special thanks to Cindy Elmer, who laboriously helped me to salvage this document when it became corrupted and crashed after hundreds of hours of work. In addition, I also thank Marissa Jones for her design of the beautiful front cover – which includes photographs of some of York University’s campus buildings, superimposed on a scene of the Toronto waterfront and our famous landmark, the CN Tower. Thank you for your input everyone. Claudia McPherson Relocation Coordinator York University iv Table of Contents Welcome to York University!........................................................................................................................................ i Welcome to York! ......................................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents......................................................................................................................................................... v Section 1 - Relocation Services Office....................................................................................................... 11 Section 2 - Immigration and Moving......................................................................................................... 13 Information for Non-Canadians ................................................................................................................................13 Labour Market Opinion (LMO)...................................................................................................................................13 Who Needs a Work Permit? ......................................................................................................................................14 Applying for a Work Permit ......................................................................................................................................15 Permanent Residence Status ....................................................................................................................................15 Extension of Work Permits........................................................................................................................................16 Immigration Fees.......................................................................................................................................................16 Newcomer/Settlement Services ..............................................................................................................................16 Moving Service: York University’s Moving Program ................................................................................................18 Importing a Vehicle ...................................................................................................................................................20 Section 3 - Living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada ........................................................................................ 21 City of Toronto – Layout.............................................................................................................................................21 The Surrounding Region............................................................................................................................................23 Weather......................................................................................................................................................................23 Religious Establishments...........................................................................................................................................24 Driving Directions and Maps .....................................................................................................................................24 Taxis ...........................................................................................................................................................................24 Limousines .................................................................................................................................................................24 Public Transit..............................................................................................................................................................25 Discount Travel Passes..........................................................................................................................................26 Tax Credit for Public Transit Passes ......................................................................................................................26 Social Insurance Number...........................................................................................................................................27 Health Care: Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) .................................................................................................28 Applying for OHIP ......................................................................................................................................................29 Waiting Period.......................................................................................................................................................30 v University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)..............................................................................................................30