Help!! I hate my boss!!

[rudy_strummer]

Hi,
Im just wondering if someone can help me with my problem here. I've been working in a sign and printing company full time since Sept 2010 till present. On October 2011 my post graduation work permit expired and my employer "helped" me to fill out the LMO, so I can stay here longer and apply for PR application.
the problem is:
- Im overworked, on the paper my title is a "Graphic Designer" and thats what i graduated from college here in Canada, but in reality I do almost everything in the office, from answering phones, emails, admin, to vacuum and even cleaning the washroom!
- At my work, I have no benefits or what so ever, no paid sick days, no insurance, no overtime.
- they only pay me $14.50 per hour, for christsakes! even a manager at Mcdonalds make more than me, and I graduated and have a diploma from a prestigious college in Canada as a Graphic Designer.

My question is:
How do I obtain an open work permit? Since on my new work permit I can only work for this one company only.
I live in downtown toronto and my work is at Richmond Hill, so i spend too much time and money traveling. (A GTA weekly pass cost me $204 per week)
Is there any other way beside an open work permit, I can apply for a new job?
because to be honest Im really depressed with my situation right now. I barely make enough money to survive, and my boss knows that i depend on them and i feel like theyre taking advantage of the situation.

Any helping answers will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[scylla]

Sorry to hear you're having a bad time.

Unfortunatley you can't apply for an open work permit (you don't qualify).

If you want to switch employers, you'll have to find a new employer who is willing to apply for an LMO. Once the LMO is approved, you will then be able to apply for a new closed work permit tied to that new employer.

Hope this helps.

[rudy_strummer]

Thanks Scylla thats what my lawyer told me also
Im in the process of applying for my Permanent Residency, and I read it online somewhere, once I got my "1st stage of approval" letter, Im eligible for open work permit. Is this true?

and also what happen if I quit my job now? do I have to go back to my country?
how long can I stay in Canada after i quit my job to look for a new one?

any answer will be much appreciated..

[scylla]

Thanks Scylla thats what my lawyer told me also
Im in the process of applying for my Permanent Residency, and I read it online somewhere, once I got my "1st stage of approval" letter, Im eligible for open work permit. Is this true?

and also what happen if I quit my job now? do I have to go back to my country?
how long can I stay in Canada after i quit my job to look for a new one?

any answer will be much appreciated..

The 1st stage approval letter that qualifies a person for an open work permit only applies to spousal applications submitted inland. So this rule will not apply to you.

Unfortunately I can't answer your second question. Hopefully someone else will be able to help.

[jes_ON]

and also what happen if I quit my job now? do I have to go back to my country?
how long can I stay in Canada after i quit my job to look for a new one?

If you quit your job, you may remain in Canada until your work permit expires, but of course you cannot work for a new employer until you get that LMO and work permit.

Do you plan to apply for PR under CEC ?  Was your degree program only one year, so that you need 2 years of work experience to qualify?