Overseas Recruiting FAQ

A: Minimum one (1) week at an assigned Truck Driving School to obtain Canadian Class 1 license and air brake endorsement; Approximately 1 week of Operations Training (OTP) in a Westcan classroom and 3-6 weeks with an in-cab Driver Trainer. Before being cleared to drive alone you may participate in follow trips with another driver for as long as a couple weeks. Individual driver training varies depending on your level of comfort, the driver trainer’s level of comfort and often the actual product being trained on.

Q: How long before my spouse can obtain a work permit?

A: In Alberta and Saskatchewan, once the Provincial Nominee (PN) Confirmation of Acceptance has been received, a spouse can begin the work permit application process. The PN Confirmation of Acceptance can be issued anywhere between the driver’s 12 to 18 month of employment. Once the spouse has applied for the work permit, it usually takes 4-6 weeks to process, that is, through Vegreville, AB.

British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program does not currently include Professional Long Haul Truck Drivers. At this time, a two-year work permit will be issued to the driver, with no opportunity for the spouse to obtain a work permit. Westcan continues to be in contact with the BC PNP Office and will notify all potential applicants wishing to locate in BC if and when this is to change.

Q: How long before my children can obtain a work permit?

A: Children of drivers are able to work once “Landed Immigrant” status is obtained, which is typically between the 24th and 36th months of employment.

Q: Can my spouse enrol in courses or volunteer?

A: Yes, provided the duration of either is not greater than 6 months and the courses are not part of a degree or diploma program.

Q: What kind of schedule and/or shifts will I be working?

A: A long-haul driver can work up to 70 hours in a 7 day period, with a mandatory 36 hour reset at the end of the period. Alternatively, a driver could work up to 120 hours in a 14-day period, with 24 hours of rest before the 70th hour and 72 hours to reset at the end of the 14-day cycle. Most Westcan drivers are on the 70 hour/7 day cycle. The average driver tends to work 12 – 15 hour days. There are a variety of different schedules depending on driver circumstance, branch and product. For example, a typical schedule for a dry bulk driver may be: 5 days on; 2 days off; 5 days on; 3 days off.

Q: What are the average costs of owning a home/renting an apartment?

A: The cost of a home can range anywhere from CDN$200,000 and up depending on province, location, size and age of the home. The average monthly rent is between CDN$700 - CDN$1800 depending on location, amenities, size etc. For more information visit www.mls.ca

Q: How do the winters differ from the UK?

A: The main difference is the type of cold; in Western Canada it is more dry than damp. Dressing in layers is common if participating in outdoor winter activity.

Q: How does the school system differ from the UK?

A: In Canada, children start full-time studies at age 6, as opposed to the UK where they start at age 4. Many Canadian parents/guardians enroll their children in pre-school when they are 3/4 years of age and then Kindergarten when they are 5 years of age. The Canadian basic education system concludes with Grade 12 (approximately age 18). While the general principles of the system are the same throughout Canada, variations exist in each province as Education is a provincially regulated service and is subject to the legislation of the governing body.

Post-secondary education opportunities, in a variety of capacities, are available for all students after successful completion of Grade 12. The post-secondary education system is both public and private with government grants subsidizing some costs and student tuition and fees covering others. Children of Westcan employees are eligible to receive money towards their tuition, up to a maximum of 4 years.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to the UK?

A: Overall, most families find it either less expensive or about the same. Each family must budget to suit their needs and try to avoid comparing to the UK.

Q: I’ve been told we can’t obtain a mortgage until we get Permanent Residency, is this correct?

A: No, you do not have to be a Permanent Resident to qualify for a mortgage in Canada. Your down payment, amortization period, and mortgage payments will vary depending on the bank you choose, credit history, annual income and other financial factors.

Q: Will my spouse have to re-take his/her driving test again?

A: In Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan, as long as your spouse can prove he/she has held insurance in his/her own name or as a named driver he/she has 90 days to swap it over to the equivalent Canadian license.

Q: Is it best to sell everything we own and start again or get a container?

A: Most families recommend getting a container. Depending on how much you own, it usually works out to be cheaper than starting from scratch.

Q: How many weeks of vacation am I entitled to?

A: After the first year you are entitled to 2 weeks (10 days). After 5 years you are allowed 3 weeks (15 days) and after 10 years you are allowed 4 weeks (20 days).

Q: Will I be required to work Christmas & New Years?

A: We try to have our drivers home for Christmas Day; however our business is open 365 days a year. For Christmas and New Years, if you are scheduled to work you must follow your schedule although your are paid additional monies for working the holiday.

Q: Am I permitted to have my spouse, children or pet(s) accompany me on trips?

A: Westcan's policy is "no riders" unless the rider is a fellow Westcan employee.

Q: How much can I expect to earn in my first year?

A: Your first year will be less than subsequent years. In the first three (3) months you will likely spend more than you earn. This is due to training time and the fact you are in a brand new country! You will start to see more of your earnings once your training has concluded. Depending on how you adjust to the driving conditions, you may see a decrease in pay during the winter months. On average, once training has been completed, you will earn between Can$3,000 –Can$4,000/month after deductions. These earnings are very dependent on how much you choose to work and how you run when working. Every driver is different, but expect it to take a while to learn your destinations and product handling, which has a definite impact on your pay.

Q: Does my family receive Health & Wellness Benefits?

A: Westcan and/or the province you reside in will pay for you and your family's basic Health Care for the first three months in Canada. On the first of the month following 90 consecutive days of employment, Alberta & BC drivers will pay a portion of the Provincial Health Care premium and Westcan will pay a portion (shared 50/50). At this time, all Westcan drivers, regardless of province, will receive extended coverage for perscription drug, dental and vision. This extended health & wellness coverage also applies to your family.

Q: Is the ability to speak English a requirement for a driving position at Westcan?

A: English language skills are essential both at Westcan Bulk Transport and as part of the immigration process. A specific level of comprehension, both verbal and written, is necessary to perform the duties of long-haul truck driver at Westcan.

Q: My children are over the age of 18. Is there an age limit in order to be included in our family's Permanent Residence application?

A: Yes. Children must be under twenty-two (22) years of age before the Permanent Residence applicaiton is approved.

Q: My child(ren) are ready to attend post-secondary education. Are there increased costs associated with this process?

A: Until your child(ren) receives permaent residence status, he or she will be considered an International Student and be required to pay tuition costs far greater than if permanent residence status was received. Visit our "Links" section to view post-secondary institutions located in Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan.