Back on Track Resource Guide

Back on Track Resource Guide

Table of Contents Section I: Overview a) Financial Savings Planner Guide 3 Financial Planner Calendar Example Appendix A 51-55 b) Tax Returns 4 c) Social Assistance 4-7 d) Ontario Child Benefit 7

Section II: Obtaining a License a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k)

Minimum requirements for driver licenses 8 Acceptable ID 8 Options for Providing Proof of Identity with Only One Document 9-10 Options for Providing Proof of Identity with Two Documents 12-14 Support Documents for Acceptable ID 14-15 Applicable Fees 16 Vision Test 17 Written Exams for Driver’s License Applicants 17 Road Tests 18 Preparing for the test and Driving Courses 19 Day of the Test 20-21

Section III: Getting a Vehicle a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h)

Minimum Requirement when Purchasing a Vehicle 22 Insurance 22 Registering a Vehicle 22 Vehicle Permit/ Ownership 23 License Plate and Validation Stickers 23 Vehicle Record 23 Drive Clean Test 24 Credit 24

Section III: Finding a Home a) b) c) d) e)

Minimum Requirements for Renting a Home 26 Identification 26 Proof of Income 26 Proof of Employment 26 Credit 26 1

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f) First/ Last Months Rent 26 g) Home Insurance 27 h) Direct Deposit Slips 27

Section V: Employment Opportunities a) b) c) d)

Online Job Searches 28 Volunteer Experience 28 Education and Training 28 Resume 28

Section VI: Education a) b) c) d)

General Education Diploma 29 Applying to College 30 Applying to College as a Mature Student 30 Student Grants 30

Section VII: Self -Esteem Workshops a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h)

Instructions 31-32 Life Story 32-34 The Gratitude Journal 35 Core Beliefs Worksheet 36 Self- Esteem Journals 37 Coping Skills 38-40 Triggers 41-42 Problem Solving Packet 43-47

Section VIII Other Resources a) Drug and alcohol treatment centers in Ontario 48 b) Women Abuse Help Lines – Sheltersafe.ca 48-49 c) Sexually Transmitted Infections 49-50 Appendix A Financial Planner 51-55 Appendix B Ontario Colleges 56-57

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Section 1: Overview A) Financial Savings Planner Guide Whether you’re working to save money for your family, your education or to get by, a financial planner is very helpful. This section will help keep you on track with managing your goal. If you start working and you feel like the goal you set is too high, or you’re happy with a smaller amount of savings and want to leave the industry then that is okay, the back on track program is designed differently for everyone and to accommodate you and your needs. Step 1. List the amount of savings you would like to have set aside (a). Step 2. List the amount of maximum desired time you would like to spend towards achieving your goal (B). Step 3. Take number “a” and divide it by number “b” to give you the total amount of savings you’ll need to set aside each week to achieve your goal “c”. Step 4. Using the Calendar sheet in your second booklet, write down the goal of your weekly totals on each Sunday tab. As the weeks pass, count your savings each Sunday to make sure you’re on track. Step 5. Pick a friend to hold you accountable for your goals and meet with them 2-3 times/month. Set up meeting dates before hand and write them on the Financial Calendar. If you can’t find anyone or don’t feel comfortable telling anyone, one of our office staff will be able to meet with you instead. Example: I plan to save $5000 in 8 weeks. $5000/8 = $625. I need to set aside $625/week to achieve my goal. 1st Sunday… $625 2nd Sunday… $1250 3rd Sunday … $1875 I’m meeting with Samantha every other Sunday and she is helping me stay on track. See “Appendix A” for the Financial Planner Calendar Example

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B) Tax Returns Eventually it will be important to speak to an accountant when dealing with large sums of money. Your accountant can assist you with your tax return which is required for applying for loans or financial assistance. To find an accountant near you, visit https://quickbooks.intuit.ca/find-an-accountant/ C) Social Assistance The following information is available at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/ Ontario has two social assistance programs to help eligible residents of Ontario who are in financial need. Financial assistance, including: 

income support to help with the costs of basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter



health benefits for clients and their families

Employment assistance to help clients find, prepare for and keep a job. This assistance may include: 

workshops on resume writing and interviewing



job counselling



job-specific training



access to basic education, so clients can finish high school or improve their language skills

In most cases, a client must agree to participate in employment assistance activities in order to receive financial assistance. Emergency assistance is also available to people who are in a crisis or an emergency situation (e.g. people who have lost their homes, are leaving an abusive relationship and/or are worried about their safety). To be eligible for Ontario Works you must: 

live in Ontario

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be in financial need (your household doesn’t have sufficient financial resources to meet basic living expenses)



be willing to make reasonable efforts to find, prepare for and keep a job (unless you have specific circumstances that temporarily prevent you from doing so, such as an illness or caregiving responsibilities)

Other adult members of your household must also agree to participate in employment assistance activities. You can start the application process either online, by phone or in person. 

Online, use the Online Application for Social Assistance



By phone or in person, call or visit your local Ontario Works office

Once you’ve started the process, an Ontario Works caseworker will contact you to schedule an in-person meeting .You will be asked to bring specific documents to the meeting, so that the caseworker can verify: 

your personal information



information about members of your household



your household’s financial needs



your household’s income and assets

During your meeting, you will be asked to sign several forms, including a consent form that gives the Ontario Works office permission to access information about you from other government programs or organizations (e.g., Ministry of Transportation, Employment Insurance, Equifax Canada). The Ontario Works office will use the information you provide, along with the information from other organizations, to determine if you qualify for assistance. A decision will be made within four business days from when you first contacted the office, as long as you have provided all of the required information and completed the application. The results you get will be based on the information you provide. That’s why it’s important to be as accurate as you can. To answer the questions, you will need specific information about you and the family members in your household. To find out if you might be eligible for any programs, you will need: 

the first name for all family members 5

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dates of birth of all family members



immigration status for all family members



income for all family members



assets for all family members



your address



your housing costs



cost of expenses (such as child care and disability related work expenses)

It would also be helpful if you had the Social Insurance Number cards and the Ontario Health cards for all family members in your household. To fill out the full online application, you will need information from other documents, for example: 

birth certificate



immigration papers



tax returns.

It's a good idea to get these documents together before you start filling out the online application. The Online Application for Social Assistance allows residents of Ontario to find out if they might be eligible, and to start the application process, for: 

Ontario Works can help you with the cost of food and housing if you are in temporary financial need.



Temporary Care Assistance can help if you are looking after a child in financial need and you are not the child’s birth or adoptive parent.



Ontario Disability Support Program can help you with the cost of food and housing if you have a disability and are in financial need. Note: The online application will only tell you if you may qualify financially for this program. There are other steps you will need to take to see if you qualify medically.



Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities can help with some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.

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Note: The online application will only tell you if you may qualify financially for this program. There are other steps you will need to take to see if you qualify medically To apply online, visit at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social Ontario Child Benefit The following information is available on http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/financialhelp/ocb/howmuch.aspx’ The Ontario Child Benefit provides a maximum payment of $1,356 per child per year. The chart below estimates your payments. Ontario Child Benefit Monthly Payment Estimates as of July 2016 Family Net Income Number of Children

$20,706 $25,000 $30,000

1

$113.00 $84.37

$51.04

2

$226.00 $197.37 $164.04

3

$339.00 $310.37 $277.04

4

$452.00 $423.37 $390.04

Your actual monthly payments are determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). They are based on your adjusted family net income on your annual income tax return.

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Section II: Obtaining a License A) Minimum requirements for Drivers Licenses

The following information is available on www.drivetest.ca Generally, following are the minimum requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Ontario: 

You must be 16 years of age to be eligible (please note that the age requirement to pursue a commercial driver's licence varies).



A newcomer to Ontario who holds any type of driver’s licence from another province or country must apply for an Ontario driver’s licence within 60 days of moving to the province.



You must present acceptable ID at the time of your application.



You must meet medical requirements



You must pay the applicable fees. (Fees are subject to change without notice.)



You must pass a vision test, a knowledge test, and a road test(s) B) Acceptable ID

To obtain your driver’s license, you must present acceptable, valid ID. Documents must be original and valid. Copies, including certified copies, are not acceptable unless noted in the lists below. To apply for an Ontario driver’s license at a DriveTest Centre, you will be required to show proof of your: 

Legal name



Date of birth (must state the day, month, and year of birth)



Signature

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Legal name is defined as the one registered at birth or the one changed legally through adoption, court order/change of name certificate, or marriage. If there is a variation in the names on the legal identification you present and the name that appears on your license, you will be required to provide additional supporting documents to link the names together. Proof of identity requirements can be met by presenting one or multiple documents, depending on the level of detail available on the documents you choose to show. The following sections and tables indicate the documentation (or combination of documents) that can be used with your license application. Please note that, in all the following tables, the symbol • indicates a particular piece of information is satisfied. C) Options for Providing Proof of Identity with Only One Document The following tables lists the types of identification that include all the information required to apply for an Ontario driver’s license. One table is for Canadian citizens; the other table is for permanent and temporary residents. Canadian Citizens Acceptable identity documents

Legal name Date of birth Signature

Passport 

Note: An applicant identified as a child on a parent’s passport must provide an additional document that provides proof of the applicant’s signature.

•

•

•

•

•

•

Canadian Citizenship Card with photo and issued prior to February 1, 2012. OR Citizenship Certificate/ Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (small wallet-sized card issued from 1954 to January 2012).

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Acceptable identity documents





Legal name Date of birth Signature

Notes: Canadian citizenship documents issued beginning February 1, 2012, are not valid as proof of any of the three data elements. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) regards the name on the non-picture side of the Canadian citizenship cards, issued until February 2012, as the legal name. That name is taken from a birth certificate or an immigration document; therefore, the name on the nonpicture side of these cards is used in creating an applicant's driver record.

Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued on or after December 15, 2009, by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)

•

•

•

Ontario Photo Card

•

•

•

Permanent or Temporary Residents Acceptable identity documents

Legal name Date of birth Signature

Passport 

Note: An applicant identified as a child on a parent’s passport must provide an additional document that provides proof of the applicant’s signature.

•

•

•

Canadian Permanent Resident Card with signature

•

•

•

Record of Landing1 (Form IMM 1000)

•

•

•

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Acceptable identity documents





Legal name Date of birth Signature

Notes: If information on the IMM 1000 is amended and an IMM 1436 is issued, IMM 1436 must be accompanied by IMM 1000 to be acceptable. An applicant identified as a child must provide an additional document that provides proof of the applicant’s signature.

Confirmation of Permanent Resident Form (IMM 5292) accompanied by a valid passport from country of origin

•

•

•

•

•

•

Student Authorization/Study Permit (IMM 1442)

•

•

(•)

Employment Authorization/Work Permit (IMM 1442)

•

•

(•)

Visitor Record (IMM 1442)

•

•

(•)

Temporary Resident’s Permit (IMM 1442) (formerly Minister's Permit/Extension of Minister’s Permit)

•

•

(•)

Ontario Photo Card

•

•

•

Report pursuant to the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IMM 1442) with photo 

Note: An applicant identified as a child must provide an additional document that provides proof of the applicant’s signature.

Note: (•) Satisfies the signature data element only if Form 1442 has a pre-printed area for the holder’s signature; otherwise, the applicant must provide another piece of acceptable identification from list 2 to prove proof of signature

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D) Options for Providing Proof of Identity With Two Documents If you do not have one of the acceptable ID documents from the tables above, a combination of the following documents is also acceptable. In the following tables, two documents are required to satisfy all three data elements (legal name, complete date of birth, signature). Direct identification by a parent or guardian is not acceptable. You must present an acceptable document with your signature. If there is a variation in the names on the legal identification you present and the name that appears on your license, you must provide additional supporting documents to link the names together. Acceptable identity documents

Legal name Date of birth Signature

Canadian or U.S. birth certificate or a proof of birth document issued by a U.S. jurisdiction 



An Ontario birth certificate can be received within 15 days of application through ServiceOntario. Quebec birth certificates issued before January 1, 1994, are not acceptable. Proof of birth documents issued by the US territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands are not acceptable. An acceptable proof of birth document issued by a U.S. jurisdiction is issued by a state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics Office, Board of Health, or equivalent state-level government agency.

•

•

Canadian Permanent Resident Card without signature

•

•

Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate (issued in

•



Ontario only) Certified Copy of Statement of Live Birth (issued in Ontario only)

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Acceptable identity documents

Legal name Date of birth Signature

Certificate of Indian Status (laminated card issued by

•

•

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) •

U.S. Passport Card

• •

Nexus Card and FAST/EXPRESS Card Canadian or U.S.-issued driver’s licence or enhanced

•

driver’s licence Identity Card – issued by a Canadian or U.S.

•

jurisdiction (enhanced or non-enhanced) Ontario Health Card 

A health card signed by a parent or guardian is not acceptable. The applicant will be required to present an acceptable document with their signature.



•



•



•

Ontario Student Card with signature 

An Ontario Student Card is acceptable for proof of signature if the signature portion is part of the card. If the student card does not have a signature requirement as part of its issuance process, subsequent signing of the card is not acceptable as proof of signature.

Declaration from a Guarantor, Form SR-LD-40 

If an applicant is unable to present proof of signature from items 4 to 9, the applicant may present an original, completed Declaration from a Guarantor form attesting to their signature. Applicants must first ensure that no other acceptable documents for signature are available from the list identified above. The 13

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Acceptable identity documents



Legal name Date of birth Signature

Declaration from a Guarantor must be signed in blue or black ink and must not be altered (i.e., white-outs, erasures, etc.). All fields must be completed in full with the names matching the legal ID presented. It must be signed in the presence of the guarantor. A new form will be required if these requirements are not met. To obtain a Declaration from a Guarantor form, print the form from the Ontario Central Forms Repository website or request a copy of the form at a DriveTest Centre.

Department of National Defence (DND) identity card •

Department of National Defence (DND) driver's permit (404)

E) Support Documents for Acceptable ID Support documents from the following table are required if one of the following scenarios occurs:   

If the name on the other identity documents is different from what you wish to appear on your driver’s licence. If the name differs between two identity documents you provide. If the date of birth on the immigration paper(s) is incomplete or if it is not possible to provide. government-issued documents to prove date of birth.

Please note that a snowmobile license cannot be used to fulfill the signature data element. Acceptable Identity Documents

Legal Name Date of Birth Signature

•

Marriage Certificate

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Acceptable Identity Documents

Legal Name Date of Birth Signature



Canadian or foreign



Issued by federal/provincial/state government



Original or certified copy

Change of Name Certificate 

Canadian or foreign



Issued by federal/provincial/state government

•

Court order showing legal name, date of birth, and court seal, obtained for the purposes of name change, divorce, or adoption

Sworn affidavit with support documents Sworn affidavit must be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths/Notary Public and must state the legal name, date of birth, and the reason why no date of birth or only a partial date of birth is available. Supporting documents include: 

Certified copies of school records.



Employment records or place of worship records with an original seal or stamp indicating "certified true copy" signed by an authorized signing officer for the institution or organization.

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Acceptable Identity Documents

Legal Name Date of Birth Signature



Form 39 issued by the Office of the Registrar General of Ontario and is for a child born in another country and adopted in Ontario.



An insurance policy that has been in effect for more than 3 years.

Sworn affidavit is acceptable only if the date of birth on the immigration paper(s) is incomplete or if it is not possible for the applicant to provide governmentissued documents to prove the date of birth. F) Applicable Fees Drivers’ Licenses for Cars, Small Trucks, and Vans (Class G) Class G1 licence package  

The cost includes a knowledge test, a Class G2 road test (to $158.25 earn your G2 licence), and a five-year licence. This fee is payable at the time of application.

Knowledge test (per extra attempt) Class G2 road test (to earn a Class G2 licence) Five-year licence Class G road test (to earn a Class G licence)

$15.75 $52.50 $90.00 $89.25

Licence exchanges (for drivers from jurisdictions with reciprocal exchange agreements) 

$90.00

The cost reflects the five-year licence.

Foreign licence applications (for drivers from jurisdictions without exchange agreements)  

The cost includes a five-year licence and a knowledge test. Applicable to those with an authenticity letter and 2+ years of experience in their originating country. 16

$105.75 + any fees for applicable road tests

Back on Track Resource Guide 

Any extra testing required will be charged as well.

Official MTO Driver’s Handbook 

$16.00

Cash only.

G) Vision Tests for Driver’s License Applicants Each vision test takes only a few minutes, and any DriveTest customer service agent can administer a test. Eye tests for driver’s license applicants involve: 

Looking into the screen reader vision testing equipment.



Reading aloud (or writing or using sign language) a series of letters or numbers that get visually smaller in size as you work through the test.



Indicating when a flashing light appears and on which side (left or right) the light appears.

Vision tests are completed at DriveTest Centres. ServiceOntario does not administer vision tests for driver’s licences. H) Written Exams for Driver’s License Applicants New drivers must take a knowledge test. People who are renewing or reinstating their license may also need to take a knowledge test. Knowledge tests for all license classes are: 

Created by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).



Available on paper (at all locations) and on computer (at some locations).



Multiple choice. (Sample questions for a Class G1 test are available on the MTO website.)



Not timed – you can take all the time you need to finish the test (until the office closes).



Available in English or French, at a minimum. (Class G1 knowledge tests are offered in 17 languages.)



Offered in all DriveTest Centres.



Available without an appointment. (Come at least one hour before the office closes to avoid disappointment.) 17

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Marked on the spot, so you will get your results immediately. This type of test is proctored at a DriveTest Centre to prevent misconduct among test

takers. Anyone discovered cheating or disrupting other test takers will be asked to leave the test room, receive an unsuccessful mark, lose their test fee, and will have to wait until the following day to rewrite the test. Each knowledge test takes typically 20 to 30 minutes and has two or three sections (e.g., one section on signs and one section on rules of the road). You must earn a total score of at least 80% to pass the test. If you are unsuccessful, you can pay the fee and try again. Test results are valid for one year. If you re-try the test within one year, you have to rewrite only the sections that did not meet MTO standards. Questions on the knowledge test are based on the official driver’s handbook for the class of licence you want. While there is a partial version of the handbook on the MTO website, we recommend purchasing or borrowing a printed copy of the driver’s handbook to study. A Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course that has been approved by MTO can also teach you the skills and attitudes you need to be a safe and responsible driver. These courses are optional. However, if you choose to enroll, we recommend reviewing the MTO-approved driving schools on the MTO website. A link to the official driver’s handbook is available at https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook I) Road Tests To ensure the safest roads in North America, Ontario has a graduated licensing program with two types of road tests for cars, small trucks, and vans – the Class G2 road test and the Class G road test. Both tests enable professional driver examiners to assess your ability to apply the rules of road, handle your vehicle, and demonstrate safe driving practices. Road tests for classes G2 and G are available year-round. 

Class G2 Road Test

This test assesses basic driving skills, is commonly referred to as a “city test,” and usually takes about 20 minutes. If you are successful, you will be granted a Class G2 license. If you have

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never driven before, you will be required to gain one year of driving experience before you qualify for this test. If you take a course at an MTO-recognized driving school, your eligibility requirement may be reduced by four months. See Car Licenses for details. 

Class G Road Test

This test assesses more advanced driving skills, includes a highway component, and usually takes about 30 minutes. If you are successful, you will be issued a Class G license. You will be required to practice driving for at least a year after obtaining your Class G2 license before you qualify for the Class G road test. See Car Licenses for details. 

Booking the Test

When you have met the mandatory wait periods and have enough experience, you can book a road test. To book, you will require a driver’s license number and the ability to pay the fees. Remember to write down the dates of your tests in your Financial calendar. Novice drivers in the graduated licensing program may not book a road test after their driver’s license expiry date. Book at https://www.drivetest.ca/book-a-road-test/booking.html#/validate-driver-email J) Preparing for the Test & Driving Courses Beginner Driver Education (BDE) courses are optional but recommended by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Check out appropriate driving schools found on the www.mto.gov.on.ca website. Before taking any road test, make sure you study the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook available at https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook The vehicle you use on the day of the test must be in Class G. In preparation, make any required repairs and ensure the vehicle meets the minimum requirements and is in good working order. Your road test could be declared “out-of-order” if the vehicle does not meet the standards. DriveTest Centres do not provide vehicles. For the road test, you must bring a vehicle of the appropriate class to the DriveTest Centre. The vehicle can be owned, borrowed, or rented. It does not need to be a driver instructor’s vehicle. Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) cannot be used for road tests. For more information about LSVs, please visit the MTO’s Low Speed Vehicles website. As a preparatory measure, you should make plans for getting home after the road test if you are unsuccessful. You may want to bring an accompanying driver or look for alternate transportation. 19

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K) Day of the Test Please arrive at least 30 minutes early. Road tests take place in any weather, unless you are otherwise notified. In the cases of extreme weather, your road test may be rescheduled or postponed for safety. If the weather is bad or changeable, check the Service Disruptions page on the day of your test. When you arrive for your test, please park your vehicle and go inside the DriveTest Centre to check in. Most centers have a self-serve kiosk for check in; see a customer service agent if yours does not. After check in, return to your vehicle and wait for the driver examiner. No pets or passengers other than the driver examiner are allowed in the vehicle during a road test. Passengers will be asked to wait in designated, safe areas. Driver examiners are trained to accommodate all customers, including people with disabilities. (Visit the Centre Accessibility page to learn more.) Road test participants can, with consent, use a translator or driving instructor during check in and at the post-test debrief. Bring the following items to the test:      

Vehicle in good working order. Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to drive). Enough gas in the vehicle to take the test. Current driver’s license. Print-out of your road test confirmation email. Money for test fees (if you are hoping for a standby road test appointment).

Before you begin, the driver examiner will explain the test. The driver examiner is not allowed to coach you, so if you have any questions, ask them before you begin. Before getting in the vehicle, the driver examiner will walk around it to look for damage, safety hazards, and obstacles to completing the test. The driver examiner may stop or refuse to start the test if:   

Your vehicle is not in good working order. You show any signs of impairment from alcohol or drugs. Your driving skills are not good enough to finish the test without risking safety.

While you are taking the test, the examiner will evaluate your skills according to set criteria and complete a form/scoresheet. After the test, the driver examiner will give you a complete report of your skills. After successful completion, you will receive a temporary driver's license, which is valid for 90 days or until your permanent/official driver's license photo card arrives in the mail. If you are unsuccessful, the report will show you where you need to improve. When you have 20

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had more practice, you can make an appointment to take the test again. You may take as many road tests as you need to pass, provided your driver’s license is valid. Generally, you must wait at least 10 days between tests. Applicable road test fees apply.

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Section III: Getting a Vehicle A) Minimum Requirements for Purchasing a Vehicle The following information is available on https://www.ontario.ca/page/register-and-insure-vehicle-ontario By law, before you can drive a vehicle on Ontario roads, you need:   

proper insurance for the vehicle a permit that says you are the legal owner of the vehicle license plates with up-to-date validation stickers

Your vehicle must also meet basic safety and emissions standards. If you get a vehicle used, it is important that the vehicle first passes the emissions standards. B) Insurance All vehicles must be insured for third-party liability for at least $200,000. This covers you in the event that you injure or kill someone or damage someone's property while driving. Collision insurance to cover damage to your own vehicle is a good idea, but not required by law. When driving your own or someone else's vehicle, you must carry the “pink slip” (liability insurance card) for that particular vehicle. Some examples of insurance companies include:   

The co-operators https://www.cooperators.ca/ Guarentee https://www.theguarantee.com/ State farm https://www.statefarm.ca/

C) Registering a Vehicle When you register as the owner of a vehicle, you will get a green paper permit and license plates. This process is called “registering” your vehicle. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer: most dealers will do the paperwork for you. If you buy a used vehicle: you will need to register the vehicle yourself. Vehicle registration is available at the ministry of transportation.

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D) Vehicle Permit (ownership) The vehicle permit has information about the owner of a vehicle and an accurate description of the vehicle. It contains:     

the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) the make and model of the car the name and address of the vehicle owner the plate number that is attached to the vehicle the smaller part of the license plate validation sticker You must carry your vehicle permit with you when you drive. You will be asked to

produce this permit — to verify that you are the legal owner of the car you are driving — if you are pulled over by the police. E) License Plates and Validation Stickers To drive a vehicle on the roads, it needs to have:  

license plates a validation sticker showing the date of expiry

In Ontario, if you sell or change vehicles, you keep the license plates and put them on your new vehicle. If you are not going to use your old license plates, you can return them to a ServiceOntario center. F) Vehicle Record (abstract) A vehicle record (also called an “abstract”) is a document containing information about the vehicle and its registered owner. In general, a vehicle abstract contains:      

a vehicle description the current — and any previous — plate number attached to the vehicle the names of all current and previous registered owners driver's licence and/or identification numbers of all current and previous registered owners date(s) the vehicle was registered to each owner the vehicle status

You can request a variety of vehicle abstracts (e.g., vehicle history, license plate abstract) depending on the type of information you want. Vehicle records can be certified or uncertified. A

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certified copy is the official record — issued by the Ministry of Transportation. You may need a certified record for legal purposes. G) Drive Clean test By law, certain cars, vans, trucks, motorhomes and buses must pass a Drive Clean test before they can be licensed to be driven on Ontario roads. The Drive Clean test determines if your vehicle meets Ontario emissions standards. Before purchasing a used vehicle, buyers are encouraged to check that vehicle's most recent Drive Clean test results on the Drive Clean website. All you need is the vehicle identification number (VIN) to conduct this free search. Although not required, you can also ask the vehicle seller to perform a Drive Clean emission test and provide you with the results before buying the vehicle to ensure it does not have any emissions problems. Note that if you purchase a vehicle with a conditional pass test result received on or after April 1, 2017, you will need to make all required emissions repairs by your next registration renewal date because your vehicle will not qualify for a consecutive conditional pass. All 7+ year-old cars need to be tested for registration renewal every two years. H) Credit The following information is available on https://smartasset.com/mortgage/what-credit-score-is-needed-to-buy-a-house Credit is the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future. The better credit you have, the more likely a car dealership will allow you to lease a vehicle. A car lease lets you drive a new vehicle without paying a large sum of cash or taking out a loan. To lease a car, you simply make a small down payment — less than the typical 20% of a car's value you'd pay to buy– followed by monthly payments for the term of the lease. When the term expires, you return the car. It is extremely important to have credit in good standing when looking to lease a vehicle. Paying all your current bills, such as phone bill, student loans and insurance on time builds good credit. Using your financial savings planner, write down the due dates of all your bills and try your best to pay on time. See Appendix A as an example. Credit is also important when it comes to getting a credit card and renting or buying a home. Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 that represents a person’s likeliness to pay off a loan. A higher number corresponds to higher 24

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creditworthiness, so a person with a FICO score of 850 is almost guaranteed to pay her debts, whereas a person with a 300 is considered highly likely to miss payments. Step to your financial advisor at your bank to fix your credit score, or simply start paying your bills on time.

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Section IV: Finding a Home A) Minimum Requirements to Renting a Home Renting an apartment requires several things: -

Identification & SIN Proof of income Proof of employment Credit First and last months rent Insurance Direct deposit slip

B) Identification An Ontario birth certificate can be received within 15 days of application through ServiceOntario. Once you have your birth certificate, you can apply to get your health card, a photo ID card and your SIN card. C) Proof of Income Proof of income can come in the form of a tax return (see page 4), bank statements or pay stubs. See Section V on how to find part time/ full time employment opportunities to get pay stubs. D) Proof of Employment Proof of employment can be either employee pay stubs or letters of employment. See Section V E) Credit Some, but not all properties ask for a credit check. If you don’t have good credit, they may ask for a 3rd month of rent upon signing the lease. See page 24 on Credit. F) First and Last Months Rent Most properties require first and last months rent when signing the lease. It is important to keep a receipt of this payment.

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G) Home Insurance Some, but not all properties require home insurance. See page 22 for insurance companies. H) Direct Deposit Slip Some, but not all properties require you to pay a direct deposit slip. If they require a direct deposit slip, it’s very important to write down the rent due dates on your financial planner so that you’re account doesn’t bounce resulting in an NSF fee in your bank account.

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Section V: Employment Opportunities A) Online Job searches Working at an established company helps secure proof of employment and adds to your resume. Online websites, such as indeed.ca, monster.ca & jobbank.gc.ca list many part time or full time opportunities. To apply to these jobs, it helps to have an up-to-date resume, work experience, volunteer experience and educational background. B) Volunteer Experience Volunteer opportunities help fill out your resume without having actual work experience. If you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity in your area check out sites such as:    

www.ovcn.ca/ https://volunteer.ca/ https://ca.indeed.com/Volunteer-jobs-in-Ontario https://www.kijiji.ca › Ontario › Community

C) Education and training Most, but not all jobs require a high school diploma and/or post – secondary education, however if you don’t have a high school diploma you aren’t out of luck. See section VI on Education. D) Resume Resume’s are extremely important when applying for a job. The information listed should be accurate and tailored specifically to each job you apply for. Keep in mind all information can be looked up and searched on the web including your name, email address and phone number. To put your information in proper order, resume-now.com is a website used to make resumes from a template.

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Section VI: Education A) General Education Diploma (GED) The following information is found on https://settlement.org GED stands for General Education Development or General Education Diploma. The GED is an internationally recognized test. If you pass the GED test, you will earn an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate. It can help you get a job or admission to an educational or training program. To write the GED test, you must: 

Be at least 18 years of age



Have been out of school for at least 1 full year



Not have graduated from high school



Be a resident of Ontario

Below is the test grading outline:

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To take the GED test, register at http://www.ilc.org/ged/reg_main.php Remember to write down the date of your GED exam on your financial planner calendar. B) Applying to College Appendix B has all the contact and websites for Ontario Colleges. The college programs range from a single course to 4 year programs. Some options are available online, and some are in class. It’s important to write down the application deadline for the courses you would like to take on the financial Planner Calendar, as well as the total amount of money for the course. C) Applying to College as a Mature Student The following information is available on http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply/mature-students Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over 19 years old and do not have a high school diploma or GED. It is intended to allow applicants who have not completed high school the opportunity to be considered for admission, based on the skills and experience they have acquired since leaving school. Note that if you have completed high school, even decades ago, you are still considered a high school graduate and you may not apply as a mature student. Mature students are still required to complete course prerequisites. Exact requirements may vary from college to college. Individual colleges may contact you with further instructions on completing tests that may be required in the admission process. Please contact the college(s) you are interested in to verify that you are eligible for mature student status and to learn the specific requirements for the program(s) you are applying to. D) Student Grants Student Grants are available for: 

full-time & part-time students



students with dependents



students with permanent disabilities To see if you quality for government funding, visit

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Section VII: Self – Esteem Workshops These worksheets & information are available on www.therapistaid.com are designed to help increase positive thinking, self- esteem, coping skills, triggers & problem solving. A) Life Story (page 33-35) Using this worksheet, write your life story in three parts: the past, the present & the future. Life stories are used to help develop a sense of meaning which contributes to fulfillment. Identify personal strengths in each of the three sections. In the future section write about what your ideal future would look like B) The Gratitude Journal (page 36) The Gratitude Journal worksheet begins with a one-page info sheet, followed by several pages for journaling practice. C) Core Beliefs Worksheet (page 37) Core beliefs are the thoughts a person has that determine how they interpret their experiences. Challenging negative core beliefs can help develop a healthier understanding of yourself and the world around you. D) Self- Esteem Journals (page 39) Record three daily questions related to your successes, good qualities, and positive experiences. E) Coping Skills: Addictions (page 39-41) The Coping Skills: Addictions worksheet organizes skills into five major categories: Social support, diversions, building new habits, prevention, and managing emotions. Each section provides a summary of the skill, and how it can be used to reduce the risk of relapse. F) Triggers 42 &43 This worksheet was intentionally designed to be used with several different treatment problems, such as anger, substance use, or relationships.

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G) Problem Solving Packet pg44-48 Each page covers one of five problem solving steps with a rationale, tips, and questions. The steps include defining the problem, generating solutions, choosing one solution, implementing the solution, and reviewing the process.

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Section VIII Other Resources A) Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers in Ontario The following information is from http://www.canadiandrugrehab.ca/ontario-drug-rehab/



Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers in Ontario Canadian Drug Rehab is a free drug treatment referral program in Ontario designed to help

the addict and their families find a drug addiction treatment center or alcohol addiction treatment centre in Ontario. Canadian Drug Rehab referral service is provided to you free of charge to help expedite the referral process. If you are in need of immediate assistance please call our toll free number. 1-888-391-9295 Canadian Dug Rehab can help you find a drug addiction or alcohol rehab center in the following Ontario locations: Toronto, Ottawa, Kenora, Ajax, Barrie, Brampton, Burlington, Cambridge, Cochrane, Dryden, Gravenhurst, Guelph, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Mississauga, Milton, Niagara Falls, Oakville, Orillia, Oakville, Oshawa, Pembroke, Peterborough, Richmond Hill, Sault St. Marie, St. Catherines, Timmons, Waterloo, Woodstock & Windsor. Visit http://www.canadiandrugrehab.ca/ontario-drug-rehab/ to find a center near you. B) Women Abuse Help Lines – Sheltersafe.ca The following information is from http://www.sheltersafe.ca/ontario/ ShelterSafe.ca is an online resource to help women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse. The clickable map will serve as a fast resource to connect women with the nearest shelter that can offer safety, hope and support. Their objective is to ensure that women can seek safety when they need it. Sheltersafe.ca allows you to quickly identify a shelter in a specific geographic area along with its 24 hour emergency phone number. We want to ensure that women get the services they need as quickly as possible. Abused women are most at-risk of extreme violence when they are preparing to leave an abusive relationship. This resource is for women directly impacted by violence as well as for their concerned friends, family, colleagues and employers. Sheltersafe.ca is an initiative of Women’s Shelters Canada.

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Back on Track Resource Guide C) Sexually Transmitted Infections The following information is from www.ontario.ca

STIs are very common. Anyone having unprotected sex can get an STI. It makes no difference if you're straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ). STIs can be treated and managed. But if left untreated, they can cause serious health problems including life-threatening infections and infertility. Wearing condoms consistently and correctly during all types of sexual activities is the only way to reduce your risk of getting an STI. You can get an STI by:  

having unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex coming in contact with blood or bodily fluids if you’re sharing sex toys

Common STI symptoms include:     

unusual discharge with an odor from the vagina or penis a rash, sores or itching on or around the genitals burning or discomfort during urination pain in the lower abdomen bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period Some STIs don't show or cause any symptoms in the early stages. Even if you feel

perfectly fine, you could still pass an STI on to someone else if you have unprotected sex. Always take steps to protect yourself and others by using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity. How to find out if you have an STI ? There is only one way to be 100% sure. You have to take an STI test. When to get tested? After you’ve had unprotected sex (i.e., did not use the condom correctly and consistently or the condom broke during the sexual activity). Where to go for testing?  

a sexual health clinic — you can request an anonymous test where you don’t have to give your name or any personal information your doctor or nurse practitioner

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If you have questions: Contact:    

your local public health unit your local sexual health clinic your doctor or nurse practitioner Telehealth Ontario — a free 24/7 service which uses nurse practitioners to answer your health concerns o 1-866-797-0000 o 1-866-797-0007 (TTY)

Find a Clinic near you For answers to your sexual health questions, counselling, testing and referrals, find a clinic near you at https://sexualhealthontario.ca/en/find-clinic. Remind yourself on your Calendar when to get tested.

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Appendix A Financial Planner Calendar Example

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Appendix B - Ontario Colleges Algonquin (Ottawa)

Durham (Oshawa)

www.algonquincollege.com

www.durhamcollege.ca

1 800.565.4723

905.721.3000

[email protected]

[email protected]

Boréal (Sudbury)

Fanshawe (London)

www.collegeboreal.ca

www.fanshawec.ca

1 800.361.6673

519.452.4277

[email protected]

[email protected]

Cambrian (Sudbury)

Fleming (Peterborough)

www.cambriancollege.ca

www.flemingcollege.ca

1 800.461.7145

1 866.353.6464, ext. 1514

[email protected]

[email protected]

Canadore (North Bay)

George Brown (Toronto)

www.canadorecollege.ca

www.georgebrown.ca

855.495.7915

416.415.5000, ext. 4805

[email protected]

[email protected]

Centennial (Toronto)

Georgian (Barrie)

www.centennialcollege.ca

www.georgiancollege.ca

1 800.268.4419

705.722.1511

[email protected]

[email protected]

Conestoga (Kitchener)

Humber (Toronto)

www.conestogac.on.ca

www.humber.ca

519.748.5220, ext. 3656

416.675.5000

[email protected]

[email protected]

Confederation (Thunder Bay)

La Cité Collégiale (Ottawa)

www.confederationcollege.ca

www.collegelacite.ca

1 800.263.9415

1 800.267.2483

[email protected]

[email protected]

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Lambton (Sarnia)

1 800.461.2260

www.lambtoncollege.ca

[email protected]

519.542.7751

Seneca (Toronto)

[email protected]

www.senecacollege.ca

Loyalist (Belleville)

416.491.5050, ext. 22840

www.loyalistcollege.com

[email protected]

1 888.569.2547

Sheridan (Oakville)

[email protected]

www.sheridancollege.ca

Michener (Toronto)

905.845.9430

www.michener.ca

[email protected]

1 800.387.9066

St. Clair (Windsor)

[email protected]

www.stclaircollege.ca

Mohawk (Hamilton)

519.972.2727

www.mohawkcollege.ca

[email protected]

905.575.2000

St. Lawrence (Kingston)

[email protected]

www.stlawrencecollege.ca

Niagara (Welland)

1 800.463.0752

www.niagaracollege.ca

[email protected]

905.735.2211, ext. 7619 [email protected] Northern (Timmins) www.northernc.on.ca 705.235.7222 [email protected] Ridgetown (Ridgetown) www.ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca 1.877.674.1610 [email protected] Sault (Sault Ste. Marie) www.saultcollege.ca 57