What to Expect When You Arrive in Canada

There are a few essential details to keep in mind when you arrive in Canada:

Immigrations at the Border

Whether it is an airport or vehicle border crossing.

Ensure you have the letter issued to you by the Mission Abroad.
You will need to show proof of certification and experience (a Verification of Employment letter stating when you have worked). If you worked for Whistler Blackcomb, contact Employee Experience in writing for this letter.
Your certification must be valid/current and not expired (membership dues paid up to date). If your certification has expired, you will need to contact your association and update your membership before entering Canada. CASI/CSIA

When entering Canada, Immigration has the right to question your intentions for your stay in Canada this is standard procedure so it is important to be aware but not worried about this possibility.

The best thing for you to do is to stay calm, be patient, honest and polite. This situation happens more often to returning staff that have been sponsored previously - explain that Whistler Blackcomb has a seasonal agreement with HRSDC, which allows you to return.

Remember that Immigration Officers have the right to deny you entry to Canada regardless of you possessing your validation from your Mission.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Both new and returning staff are required to apply for a new SIN Card and Number before coming to Whistler, as we do not have an office in town.
Each SIN Card is issued with an expiry date, which is why returning instructors will need an updated card.
The Service Canada office in Vancouver is located in the Sinclair Center at 757 Hastings Street West, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/hr-display.cgi?rc=5908&ln=e
You will be required to show your new card to Whistler Blackcomb's Employee Experience or the Ski & Snowboard School Welcome Center upon your arrival.
You will not be able to start work without this information.

Criminal Record Checks

ALL NEW STAFF must provide a Criminal Record Check (CRC) from your home country when you arrive in Whistler.

Please obtain a CRC in your home country and bring the original document with you to Whistler.

We require the ORIGINAL and it must be less than 18 months old.
You cannot commence work until we have your CRC on file.

NOTE:

The existence of a conviction does not necessarily preclude you from employment with Whistler Blackcomb. Details of the offense are requested to enable Whistler Blackcomb to determine whether the offense is related to your employment.

Travel Insurance

All foreign workers must show their travel insurance coverage before starting work. Be sure to arrange your insurance well in advance of arriving to Whistler; consult your travel agent for information. For information on travel insurance with World Nomads, click here.

Travel insurance is a compulsory part of your employment and you will be required to show a copy of your travel insurance policy prior to commencement of work. You can find out more about travel insurance from your travel agent. Your travel insurance must be valid until April 30th, 2008. This insurance is to protect you while you are not at work and is not optional.

You will not qualify for MSP (BC Medical Services Plan) or Sunlife Insurance (extended health insurance) even if you have been with the company for several years and have 7 cumulative months. It is for this reason that your insurance must be valid until April 30th, 2008.

Staff Residence - HOUSE

You must register and submit your security deposit ($215 CAD as per your application) with HOUSE before August 31, 2008. If you have expressed an interest in living in HOUSE, a HOUSE Representative will be contacting you by the end of September with further details.

Please note: If you secure a full-time position, we cannot guarantee a spot in HOUSE.

You MUST be paying rent by December 1, 2008 to hold your place in HOUSE. If you decide to arrive after December 15, you will still be required to pay rent to hold your room, otherwise it will be given away and you will not be guaranteed placement.

The HOUSE Office is open 9am - 7pm daily in the winter season (lunch closure from 1 - 2pm). Inform the HOUSE Office house@intrawest.com or 604 938-7500 if your arrival does not correspond with the above times to arrange a check-in.

For further information regarding staff accomodation, please contact HOUSE at house@intrawest.com or 604-938-7500.

Getting to Whistler from Vancouver

The Greyhound Bus Terminal is located in downtown Vancouver. Contact Greyhound for a schedule and prices at www.greyhound.ca.
Please note that you do not get a Whistler Blackcomb discount.

Once in Whistler

The Taxi Loop is beside the Village Loop, where you get off the Greyhound bus or Perimeter. A taxi to the HOUSE office should cost approximately $6 CAD plus tip. You are going to Overlord Building at Staff Housing Base II.
Please note that the HOUSE office is only open until 7pm. If you are on a late flight, ensure you have made prior arrangements with the HOUSE Office, or stay at a hostel in Whistler or Vancouver for the first night.

Starting Work

Once you have checked into HOUSE, follow these easy steps to ensure you can start working as soon as possible.
Go to the Recruiting Department at the Cabin at Base 2. You need to bring the following: