Having a job or career is more complicated than simply working and receiving a pay cheque. There’s a lot you should know about how employment works in the Saint John Region, so you’re prepared for everything involved—such as income taxes, certification requirements, employment insurance, and workplace safety.
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used to identify you in the administration of various Canadian government programs. Every working person must have one in order to work and receive government benefits in Canada. You should apply for this as soon as you arrive.
You may apply for a SIN online, but getting an in-person appointment will allow you to get your SIN much faster. To apply in person contact or visit the Service Canada office at:
Service Canada
1 Agar Place
Saint John, NB
+1 800-622-6232
To receive your SIN you will need a document that proves your identity and status in Canada. This document should be the original and written in English or French. Any documents in a foreign language should be translated and certified.
If you are a temporary foreign worker or student, your SIN will begin with a 9 and have an expiration date. Be sure to apply for your new card when you gain your PR status. Your SIN is processed and issued the same day.
Regulated and non-regulated professions
Whether or not you can easily transfer your skills and licenses to work in the Saint John Region depends on whether you are looking for work in a regulated or non-regulated profession. The Government of Canada's Job Bank will help you find out if your occupation is regulated or not.
A non-regulated profession has no legal requirement for a license. Most Canadian jobs are non-regulated. Of course, applicants will still need to demonstrate their experience and training to employers.
A regulated profession is different because it is controlled by provincial or federal law and governed by a regulatory body. If you want to work in a regulated job, you must be certified by the regulatory body. It can take some time to get a license. If your profession is regulated, you can contact the regulatory body for your profession to learn more about this process.
To see if your job credentials and skills will be recognized after your move to the Saint John Region, you should get a credential assessment done. A credential assessment will help you:
- learn whether your credentials meet Canadian standards
- find out if you need more training, education, or work experience to be able to practice your profession in Canada
- understand what jobs you may be qualified for
- help employers understand your qualifications
If you were trained outside of Canada, you may want to get a non-regulated job in your field first. This can be a good way to gain work experience. Also, depending on the line of work you do, you may need a work permit to work in Canada.
Minimum wage
New Brunswick has a minimum wage rate that employers are required to pay their employees for each hour worked. As of 2024, the minimum wage in New Brunswick is $15.30 per hour. All employees paid by salary, commission, and for piece work must receive at least minimum wage for every hour worked.
Employment insurance (EI)
Employment insurance (EI) is a federal government program that may give you money if you lose your job. You must have lost your job because of something you could not control such as a work shortage or the closing of the company. You must also be ready to work again and be looking for work. If you voluntarily quit your job or are fired for misconduct at work, you will generally not be eligible to receive regular EI benefits.
To be eligible for EI, you must meet all three of the following conditions:
You must be without a job for at least seven consecutive days.
You must have already worked from 420 to 700 hours. If it is your first time in the workforce or if you have been absent from work for about two years, you may be required to have 910 hours of work.
The eligibility period of time required to apply for EI is 52 weeks.
If you qualify, you may receive pay for 14 up to a maximum of 45 weeks. The number of hours of insurable employment required to qualify for benefits depends on your place of residence and the unemployment rate in your region.
The amount of EI you receive is a percentage of your former salary. The basic rate is 55% of your insured earnings and the length of the benefits period is based on the number of hours of insurable employment and the regional rate of unemployment.
Losing your job
When your employer wants to fire or lay you off, they must give you one or two weeks’ written notice (depending on whether you get paid once a week or once every two weeks). An employer can fire an employee immediately with cause, such as theft or violence at the workplace.
WorkSafeNB
WorkSafeNB is dedicated to promoting workplace safety and teaching employees and employers about how to avoid getting hurt on the job. The agency will be your first contact if you are injured or have had an accident at work.
Employment standards
Most employers and employees are covered by the Employment Standards Act. The Act does not distinguish among part-time, full-time and casual employees. All employees, which include seasonal
and construction workers, are entitled to the minimum employment rights outlined in the Employment Standards Act. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as an employee.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
In Canada, when you retire or if you become disabled, you may be entitled to receive financial assistance through the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Pension payments are 25% of what you were paid while you worked. Workers 18 and older who earn a salary must pay into the CPP. The amount you pay is based on your salary. It is deducted (or subtracted) from your pay by your employer.
Income tax
All Canadian workers pay tax on their income. Income tax is deducted from your paycheque by your employer. It is based on the amount of money you earn and on the number of people (such as your children) you are supporting. The income tax that you pay helps cover the cost of health care, education, and highways.
When you get paid, there should be a statement (or pay stub) attached to your paycheque. It shows any deductions including income tax. You may ask your supervisor questions about deductions from your pay.
Between January and the end of March each year, you will receive various forms and statements from the government and your employer. You will need these to complete your “income tax return”, which you must submit to Revenue Canada by April 30th (called “filing your taxes”). If your return shows you have not paid enough taxes through your deductions during the year, you will have to pay the amount owing. If you have paid too much, you will get a refund.
You can hire an accountant to help you with your tax return, or you can use one of a number of online tax preparation services. If your income is low and your tax situation is simple, you may get free help through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
For more information on income tax, contact the Canada Revenue Agency.