Finding a job in the Okanagan isn't an easy task to accomplish. However I will cover a topic of finding a job in a separate post.
Today I wanted to discuss an employment status versus a contractor status. Many small businesses in the Okanagan are offering a contractor position. The business hiring a contractor gets work done, while not paying into Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance for that worker. The business is also not responsible for deducting personal income taxes and doesn't provide benefits. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, double the CPP contribution, which downplays the net income/earnings.
The idea of my post is to educate prospective employees/contractors about the difference it makes to be in employer/employee versus contractor relationship. When each side understands their rights and responsibilities, the relationship goes on much smoother.
Canada Revenue Agency mandates a two-step approach in identifying the nature of a relationship between a worker and an organization.
Step 1
The intent of an agreement between parties. The contractors usually hired for a specific project or work outside of main scope of the organization. For an example, mortgage company hires a contractor for snow removal and lawn maintenance and pays a flat monthly fee. Contractor usually submits an invoice to accounts payable, which needs to be approved by the manager.
Step 2
Control 
Contractor works about 20 hours a week deciding independently how the work will be performed, she has no set hours, she is free to work for anybody else outside this organization. The organization did not train contractor or provided a direction on how to perform the work.

Tools and Equipment 
Contractor supplies her own tools for which she is not reimbursed. 

Subcontracting work or hiring assistants 
Contractor can hire part-time workers to assist her, when necessary. 

Financial Risk 
If contractor hires part-time assistants, she is liable for paying them. If organization who hired a contractor doesn’t approve her invoice (unsatisfactory service) she doesn’t get paid for that month by Accounts Payable department. 

Opportunity for profit and Responsibility for Management
The contractor is compensated by a flat fee and is not entitled to benefit plan. The organization does not contribute to Canada Pension Plan or Employment Insurance program on their behalf. If the contractor looses earnings, they can't claim EI.
The contractor can hire assistants and responsible to supervise their work and paying them. 
 
I hope this article will help people to make an informed decision.

The Los Jarros Restaraunt exudes the vacation in Mexico vibes: happy music, authentic Mexican style interior, authentic Mexican dishes, deserts and drinks (Margarita and Pina Colada is a must have!). The atmosphere transports people from Canada to Mexico in split seconds!
​We tasted Fish Tacos, Beef Enchiladas and Hibiscus lemonade.

Fish Tacos are complimented with tasty green lentil soup, home-made guacamole and authentic red chili sauce. Tacos come with good amount of fried white fish, tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, cilantro and two layers of corn tortilla. Simply delicious!

Authentic hibiscus flower lemonade is a savory and refreshing drink, that will take your taste buds to the next level. I finished my drink to the last drop!

Beef Enchiladas are tasty and come with sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce and red onions. We found them not too filling, so if you are super hungry get an appetizer to compliment the main meal.
To summarize our experience: Los Jarros has nice atmosphere, top notch (friendly and attentive) service, waiting time was about 25 min (they cook everything from scratch), tasty and healthy meal, good drink, affordable bill. We would definitely come back!

Spring is in full swing with a lot of sun, chirping birds, grass growing fast and flowers blooming. Flowering plants and trees mean allergic reactions for some of us.
Daily updates on air quality and a Pollen Report can be found on the weather network www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/forecasts/pollen/british-columbia/kelowna
​Generally speaking, late May and early June are the worst months for allergic respiratory reactions. That is why staying inside early mornings and during dusk becomes important.
Keeping your house pollen free means that you must wipe all your counters and surfaces with a wet cloth. Another important thing to remember is to keep air filters clean and change them as needed. Air filters are sold in most stores such as Canadian Tire, Costco, etc.