If you’ve been turned down by traditional lenders and are in need of money, it can be tempting to hop online and search out other solutions. Before you sign up for any bad credit loans, pause for some due diligence. Online loan scams are common and can be devastating, making your current financial troubles even worse.

“When you are in financial trouble and are desperate for money, you may let your guard down when trying to get a loan. Unfortunately, there are fraudsters out there who prey on that particular vulnerability,” says Jeff Schwartz, executive director, Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada.

“If you are in financial distress, you should seek other help that can help you deal head on with the problem instead, like credit counselling,” says Schwartz.

On the hunt for a bad credit loan? Here are some red flags to watch out for.

A guaranteeBe wary if someone offers you a guaranteed loan before you even start with the loan process. A loan application from a reputable lender involves you applying and the lender doing a credit history check. If you are promised anything prior to this process being completed, there is a good chance that you are dealing with a fraudster.

Upfront feesIt is illegal for companies to charge you an upfront fee for a loan. In many cases, these shady loan companies ask for a fee in order to have the loan funds transferred to you. These upfront fees are called different things- “security”, “administration fee” or “processing fee” and they are asked for in order for the loan to proceed. If this is the case, walk away from the loan and report the “lender”.

With a legitimate lender, you may be charged a fee with your loan, but they are required by law to disclose this information ahead of time.

Money transfer servicesIf a lender asks you to send money via a money transfer service, that should be a warning. Also a red flag if you are asked to send money to another country or to a different address than what is listed for the company.

If you’ve got trouble determining what the loan company’s address is, or if you are pressured to act quickly, these are all problems. Don’t proceed.

Be careful with personal informationA fraudster doesn’t need a whole lot of personal information to steal your identity. Don’t divulge personal information online. These questionable lenders may pressure you for bank account or credit card info, date of birth, social insurance number, spouse’s name and more.

How you can protect yourselfBefore you take on a bad credit loan, do a background check on the company through the Better Business Bureau. Check that the company has a licence to operate. Get contracts in writing. If inputting personal information online, check that the site is secure by looking for https:// at the beginning of the URL.

For bad credit loans, it’s definitely buyer beware, so make sure that you protect yourself.

The Jamati Budget Lounge, a web‐based financial education centre that has been set up exclusively for our Jamat through Consolidated Credit Counselling Services of Canada, a national non‐profit organization. The Jamati Budget Lounge offers unbiased debt‐counselling service and offers alternatives to help people get their debts under control. In addition to offering solutions to alleviate and eliminate debt, the site also focuses on financial education and understanding. Strategies include teaching basic, but vital concepts such as how to: budget; understand credit; and manage money. The toll‐free number 1‐844‐329‐3834 has also been set up for our Jamat to speak to a trained credit counsellor from Consolidated Credit in English, French or Farsi on a confidential basis.

Discover your individual score to help assess your current financial fitness level and get useful information. Financial Fitness Test

For more information on this and other financial literacy and credit issues, visit the Money and Finances - Canada.ca and iiCanada Financial Literacy resources page 

Did you know that more than 66% of new jobs created in Canada by 2022 will require at least some college, or vocational training?*

Are you in a job with limited growth opportunities? Are you considering a career transition or do you want to upgrade your skills? Consider taking a Vocational Training Program to upgrade your skills, boost your earning potential and launch a career in the area of your interest. 

This edition of the digital Al-Akhbar will feature 3 vocational training program options with good future prospects in Ontario:

1. Addictions Counsellor (Family, Marriage and Other Related Counselors) – NOC 4153
2. Mental Health, PDD and Crisis Intervention (Social and Community Service Worker) – NOC 4212
3. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) – NOC 3233

ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR

What will you do?Family, marriage and other related counsellors often specialize in dealing with a specific client group such as injured workers, or with specific problems, such as drug and alcohol addiction, marital difficulties or behavioral disorders.  They help clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve objectives.  Addictions Counsellors perform some or all of the following duties:

• Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
• Conduct vocational testing and psychometric assessment
• Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in determining goals and means of attaining them
• Counsel clients, provide therapy and mediation services, and facilitate group sessions
• Liaise with community agencies or partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
• Follow up on results of counselling programs and clients' adjustments
• Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
• May provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
• May conduct research, publish research papers, educational texts and articles and deliver presentations at conferences as well as participate in fundraising activities

Where can you work?Addictions Counsellors are employed by counselling centers, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centers, and healthcare and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $18.51 per hour
• Medium Range: $32.83 per hour
• Higher Range: $55.00 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and availability of workers.

Check for current job opportunities on the Canadian Job Bank website.

Where can you take this program?​

• CanLearn Searches - Programs
• Detailed profiles, requirements and application and admissions information - CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities
• Find the school that best suits your needs - Scholarships
• Information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance - Ontario Colleges - Find a Program

How long is program?The length of the program varies with different institutions and programs. 

What do you need to enroll in this program?As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English /French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED).
• Note: If you choose a continuing education certificate program, be sure to check admission requirements closely to ensure you qualify.

MENTAL HEALTH, PDD and CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE WORKER

What will you do?Mental Health, Persons with Development Disabilities and Crisis Intervention Service Workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and provide immediate assistance to help clients to deal with personal and social problems. They perform some or all of the following duties:

• Review client background information and needs, interview clients to obtain case history and prepare intake reports
• Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
• Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits/assistance and pensions
• Refer clients to other social services or assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care and other services
• Counsel clients living in group homes and half-way houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
• Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or health care professionals
• Meet with clients to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or problems
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients' behavioural changes and responses to interventions
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
• Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients' overall progress

Where can you work?Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Professionals are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centers, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $15.00 per hour
• Medium Range: $20.00 per hour
• Higher Range: $29.38 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and the availability of workers.

Check for current job opportunities on the Canadian Job Bank website.

Where can you take this program?

• CanLearn Searches -Programs
• Detailed profiles, requirements and application and admissions information - CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities
• Find the school that best suits your needs - Scholarships
• Information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance - Ontario Colleges - Find a Program
• Mental Health Commission of Canada - Mental Health First Aid

How long is program?The length of the program varies with different institutions and programs. 

What do you need to enroll in this program?As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English/French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED).

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

What will you do?Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses or other health team members.

Licensed practical nurses perform some or all of the following duties:

• Provide nursing services, within defined scope of practice, to patients based on patient assessment and care planning procedures
• Perform nursing interventions such as taking vital signs, applying aseptic techniques including sterile dressing, ensuring infection control, monitoring nutritional intake and conducting specimen collection
• Administer medication and observe and document therapeutic effects
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative personal and comfort care
• Monitor established respiratory therapy and intravenous therapy
• Monitor patients' progress, evaluate effectiveness of nursing interventions and consult with appropriate members of healthcare team
• Provide safety and health education to individuals and their families.

Where can you work?LPNs are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes and community health centres.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $22.00 per hour
• Medium Range: $30.00 per hour
• Higher Range: $35.00 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and the availability of workers.

Check for current job opportunities on the Canadian Job Bank website.

Where can you take this program?

• CanLearn Searches - Programs
• Detailed profiles, requirements and application and admissions information - CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities
• Find the school that best suits your needs - Scholarships
• Information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance - Ontario Colleges - Find a Program

​Please note: In order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Quebec, you must pass a government examine for the Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPNA).  For more information on other recognized institution and guidelines for the program, please visit: www.clpna.com/become-an-lpn/practical-nursing-colleges/

How long is program?Refer to above links for various training institutions for program details and length of programs

What do you need to enroll in this program?

For the Pre-apprentice or Apprentice Program:

As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English /French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED) and 30 level credits in French or English, Math and Biology.

Please note that the prospects for these careers are subject to fluctuations in the market.

To learn more about these careers, visit:

• Job Bank Canada
• Working in Canada

For additional information, contact the Skills and Employment Program (SEP) Counsellor in OntarioTel: 416-751-5325, Ext.321 or email sepontario@iicanada.org

Did you know that more than 66% of new jobs created in Canada by 2022 will require at least some college, or Vocational Training?*

Are you in a job with limited growth opportunities? Are you considering a career transition or do you want to upgrade your skills? Consider taking a Vocational Training Program to upgrade your skills, boost your earning potential and launch a career in the area of your interest. 

This edition of the Digital AA will feature 3 Vocational Training Program options with good future prospects in Quebec:

1. Addictions Counsellor (Family, Marriage and Other Related Counselors) – NOC 4153
2. Mental Health, PDD and Crisis Intervention (Social and Community Service Worker) – NOC 4212
3. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) – NOC 3233

ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR

What will you do?Family, marriage and other related counsellors often specialize in dealing with a specific client group such as injured workers, or with specific problems, such as drug and alcohol addiction, marital difficulties or behavioral disorders.  They help clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve objectives.  Addictions Counsellors perform some or all of the following duties:

• Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
• Conduct vocational testing and psychometric assessment
• Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in determining goals and means of attaining them
• Counsel clients, provide therapy and mediation services, and facilitate group sessions
• Liaise with community agencies or partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
• Follow up on results of counselling programs and clients' adjustments
• Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
• May provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
• May conduct research, publish research papers, educational texts and articles and deliver presentations at conferences as well as participate in fundraising activities

Where can you work?Addictions Counsellors are employed by counselling centers, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centers, and healthcare and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $18.51 per hour
• Medium Range: $32.83 per hour
• Higher Range: $55.00 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and availability of workers.

Check current job opportunities on: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Where can you take this program?​

• Mount Royal University (Calgary): Addictions Studies Extension Certificate

• Bow Valley College (Calgary): Addictions Studies Diploma – Aboriginal Focus

• Medicine Hat College: Addictions Counselling/Social Work
• University of Lethbridge: Addictions Counselling Program
• MacEwan University (Edmonton): Addictions Studies Program
• NorQuest College (Edmonton): Addictions Recovery Practitioner
• Alberta Addiction Service Providers: Addiction and Mental Health Training

How long is program?The length of the program varies with different institutions and programs. 

What do you need to enroll in this program?As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English /French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED).
• Note: If you choose a continuing education certificate program, be sure to check admission requirements closely to ensure you qualify.

MENTAL HEALTH, PDD and CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE WORKER

What will you do?Mental Health, Persons with Development Disabilities and Crisis Intervention Service Workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and provide immediate assistance to help clients to deal with personal and social problems. They perform some or all of the following duties:

• Review client background information and needs, interview clients to obtain case history and prepare intake reports
• Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
• Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits/assistance and pensions
• Refer clients to other social services or assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care and other services
• Counsel clients living in group homes and half-way houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
• Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or health care professionals
• Meet with clients to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or problems
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients' behavioural changes and responses to interventions
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
• Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients' overall progress

Where can you work?Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Professionals are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centers, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $15.00 per hour
• Medium Range: $20.00 per hour
• Higher Range: $29.38 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and the availability of workers.

Check current job opportunities on: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Where can you take this program?

• Mount Royal University (Calgary): Children’s Mental Health Extension Certificate
• Adult Mental Health Extension Certificate
• Bow Valley College (Calgary): Disability Studies Diploma
• NorQuest College (Edmonton): Mental Health Recovery Practitioner
• University of Alberta (Edmonton): Certificate in Community Mental Health: Theory and Practice
• Alberta Addiction Service Providers: Addiction and Mental Health Training
• Mental Health Commission of Canada: Mental Health First Aid

How long is program?The length of the program varies with different institutions and programs. 

What do you need to enroll in this program?As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English/French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED).

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

What will you do?Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses or other health team members.

Licensed practical nurses perform some or all of the following duties:

• Provide nursing services, within defined scope of practice, to patients based on patient assessment and care planning procedures
• Perform nursing interventions such as taking vital signs, applying aseptic techniques including sterile dressing, ensuring infection control, monitoring nutritional intake and conducting specimen collection
• Administer medication and observe and document therapeutic effects
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative personal and comfort care
• Monitor established respiratory therapy and intravenous therapy
• Monitor patients' progress, evaluate effectiveness of nursing interventions and consult with appropriate members of healthcare team
• Provide safety and health education to individuals and their families.

Where can you work?LPNs are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes and community health centres.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $22.00 per hour
• Medium Range: $30.00 per hour
• Higher Range: $35.00 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and the availability of workers.

Check current job opportunities on: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Where can you take this program?

• Bow Valley College (Calgary): Practical Nurse Diploma
• Columbia College (Calgary): Practical Nurse Professional Diploma Program
• Lethbridge College: Practical Nursing Diploma
• Medicine Hat College: Practical Nurse Diploma
• Red Deer College: Practical Nurse Diploma
• NorQuest College (Edmonton): Practical Nurse Diploma
• Keyano College (Fort McMurray): Practical Nurse Diploma

Please note: In order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Quebec, you must pass a government examine for the Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPNA).  For more information on other recognized institution and guidelines for the program, please visit: www.clpna.com/become-an-lpn/practical-nursing-colleges/

How long is program?Refer to above links for various training institutions for program details and length of programs

What do you need to enroll in this program?

For the Pre-apprentice or Apprentice Program:

As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English /French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED) and 30 level credits in French or English, Math and Biology.

Please note that the prospects for these careers are subject to fluctuations in the market.

To Learn More About These Careers Visit:

• www.jobbank.gc.ca/explorecareers.do?selectExploreCareerBy=ec-occupation
• www.workingincanada.gc.ca

For Additional Information, Contact the Skills and Employment Program Counselor in the Prairies:Tel: 403-215-6200 Ext. 7104 or Email: cfp.sep@iicanada.org

Did you know that more than 66% of new jobs created in Canada by 2022 will require at least some college, or Vocational Training?*

Are you in a job with limited growth opportunities? Are you considering a career transition or do you want to upgrade your skills? Consider taking a Vocational Training Program to upgrade your skills, boost your earning potential and launch a career in the area of your interest. 

This edition of the Digital AA will feature 3 Vocational Training Program options with good future prospects in Quebec:

1. Addictions Counsellor (Family, Marriage and Other Related Counselors) – NOC 4153
2. Mental Health, PDD and Crisis Intervention (Social and Community Service Worker) – NOC 4212
3. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) – NOC 3233

ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR

What will you do?Family, marriage and other related counsellors often specialize in dealing with a specific client group such as injured workers, or with specific problems, such as drug and alcohol addiction, marital difficulties or behavioral disorders.  They help clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve objectives.  Addictions Counsellors perform some or all of the following duties:

• Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
• Conduct vocational testing and psychometric assessment
• Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in determining goals and means of attaining them
• Counsel clients, provide therapy and mediation services, and facilitate group sessions
• Liaise with community agencies or partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
• Follow up on results of counselling programs and clients' adjustments
• Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
• May provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
• May conduct research, publish research papers, educational texts and articles and deliver presentations at conferences as well as participate in fundraising activities

Where can you work?Addictions Counsellors are employed by counselling centers, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centers, and healthcare and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $17.00 per hour
• Medium Range: $28.00 per hour
• Higher Range: $48.00 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and availability of workers.

Check current job opportunities on: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Where can you take this program?

• www.inforoutefpt.org/orgColOffres.aspx?code=934000&type=3
• www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/special-care-counselling/
• www.johnabbott.qc.ca/academics/career-programs/
• www.crc-lennox.qc.ca/
• www.lbpsb.qc.ca/eng/schools/VocationalV2.asp
• www.collegeahuntsic.qc.ca/
• www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/programs

How long is program?The length of the program varies with different institutions and programs. 

What do you need to enroll in this program?As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English /French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED).
• Note: If you choose a continuing education certificate program, be sure to check admission requirements closely to ensure you qualify.

MENTAL HEALTH, PDD and CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE WORKER

What will you do?Mental Health, Persons with Development Disabilities and Crisis Intervention Service Workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and provide immediate assistance to help clients to deal with personal and social problems. They perform some or all of the following duties:

• Review client background information and needs, interview clients to obtain case history and prepare intake reports
• Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
• Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits/assistance and pensions
• Refer clients to other social services or assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care and other services
• Counsel clients living in group homes and half-way houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
• Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or health care professionals
• Meet with clients to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or problems
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients' behavioural changes and responses to interventions
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
• Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients' overall progress

Where can you work?Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Professionals are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centers, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $16.00 per hour
• Medium Range: $20.00 per hour
• Higher Range: $38.00 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and the availability of workers.

Check current job opportunities on: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Where can you take this program?

• www.inforoutefpt.org/orgColOffres.aspx?code=934000&type=3
• www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/special-care-counselling/
• www.johnabbott.qc.ca/academics/career-programs/
• www.crc-lennox.qc.ca/
• www.lbpsb.qc.ca/eng/schools/VocationalV2.asp
• www.collegeahuntsic.qc.ca/
• www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/programs

How long is program?The length of the program varies with different institutions and programs. 

What do you need to enroll in this program?As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English/French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED).

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

What will you do?Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses or other health team members.

Licensed practical nurses perform some or all of the following duties:

• Provide nursing services, within defined scope of practice, to patients based on patient assessment and care planning procedures
• Perform nursing interventions such as taking vital signs, applying aseptic techniques including sterile dressing, ensuring infection control, monitoring nutritional intake and conducting specimen collection
• Administer medication and observe and document therapeutic effects
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative personal and comfort care
• Monitor established respiratory therapy and intravenous therapy
• Monitor patients' progress, evaluate effectiveness of nursing interventions and consult with appropriate members of healthcare team
• Provide safety and health education to individuals and their families.

Where can you work?LPNs are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes and community health centres.

What will you earn?

• Average Entry-Level Salary: $21.00 per hour
• Medium Range: $32.00 per hour
• Higher Range: $40.00 per hour

Wages depend on job requirements and work conditions. They also vary between regions for reasons such as location, labour agreements, and the availability of workers.

Check current job opportunities on: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Where can you take this program?

• www.inforoutefpt.org/orgColOffres.aspx?code=934000&type=3
• www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/special-care-counselling/
• www.johnabbott.qc.ca/academics/career-programs/
• www.crc-lennox.qc.ca/
• www.lbpsb.qc.ca/eng/schools/VocationalV2.asp
• www.collegeahuntsic.qc.ca/
• www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/programs

Please note: In order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Quebec, you must pass a government examine for the Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPNA).  For more information on other recognized institution and guidelines for the program, please visit: www.clpna.com/become-an-lpn/practical-nursing-colleges/

How long is program?Refer to above links for various training institutions for program details and length of programs

What do you need to enroll in this program?

For the Pre-apprentice or Apprentice Program:

As each institution differs in their pre-requisites, it is recommended that you review the links provided above.

• All applicants must demonstrate English /French Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Some institutions require prospective students to possess a High School Diploma or equivalency (GED) and 30 level credits in French or English, Math and Biology.

Please note that the prospects for these careers are subject to fluctuations in the market.

To Learn More About These Careers Visit:

• www.jobbank.gc.ca/explorecareers.do?selectExploreCareerBy=ec-occupation
• www.workingincanada.gc.ca

For Additional Information, Contact the Skills and Employment Program Counselor in the Quebec:

Tel: (514)738-8866 Ext.238 or Email: mirhussain.akbary@iicanada.net

Does your debt stress you out? How much wiggle room do you have in your budget? A new survey shows that a lack of financial literacy may be to blame for your debt problem, financial stress and living paycheque to paycheque.

According to the MNP Consumer Debt Sentiment Survey:

• 50 per cent of respondents are less than $200 away from being able to make their debt payments every month
• 60 per cent don’t fully understand how rising interest rates will impact their debt load
• 50 per cent of respondents regret having accumulated so much debt
• 7 in 10 respondents don’t understand their credit scores
• 6 in 10 aren’t confident in their ability to pay down debt or set and stick to a budget.

“It’s not surprising that there is a link between financial literacy, debt problems and debt stress. If you don’t understand the implications of your decisions to take on debt or know what steps you need to take to manage it effectively, chances are you’ll end up with a debt problem,” says Jeff Schwartz, executive director, Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada.

“If you knew that learning about how credit products work and how to budget would provide you with the much-needed tools to tackle your debt problem, would you commit to being financially literate? It’s a small task that yields huge rewards,” says Schwartz.

Learning about your finances can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Budget fundamentalsDid you know what most people who have debt have in common? They don’t have a budget. Budgeting is a simple way to ensure that you spend within your means, keeping debt problems at bay. It is also a useful tool in keeping your costs down to avoid living paycheque to paycheque, so you can avoid the debt stress that comes when you run out of money every month.

The key is to find a system that works for you. Some people like worksheets, online calculators or apps to help balance their household budget. The key to successful budgeting is to stick to it every month.

Learn about creditDo you read your credit card statement? Like really read it? Do you know how your interest is calculated? Did you know that there are likely different interest charges depending on what you are using your card for?

Not being aware of the items on your credit card statement could mean that you are accumulating even more interest charges that you do not know about.

Bad credit?Do you have bad credit? Do you know why? If you are trying to repair or rebuild credit, it is important that you know how your credit score is calculated. Addressing the factors that boost your credit score can help you be more successful.

Financial literacy breeds confidenceDon’t let debt cause you anguish and regret. Learning about your finances will give you the tools and confidence that you need to pay your debt down once and for all.

Learn about your finances so that you can get your debt problem under control.

The Jamati Budget Lounge, a web‐based financial education centre that has been set up exclusively for our Jamat through Consolidated Credit Counselling Services of Canada, a national non‐profit organization. The Jamati Budget Lounge offers unbiased debt‐counselling service and offers alternatives to help people get their debts under control. In addition to offering solutions to alleviate and eliminate debt, the site also focuses on financial education and understanding. Strategies include teaching basic, but vital concepts such as how to: budget; understand credit; and manage money. The toll‐free number 1‐844‐329‐3834 has also been set up for our Jamat to speak to a trained credit counsellor from Consolidated Credit in English, French or Farsi on a confidential basis.

Discover your individual score to help assess your current financial fitness level and get useful information. Financial Fitness Test

For more information on this and other financial literacy and credit issues, visit the Money and Finances - Canada.ca and iiCanada Financial Literacy resources page