10 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING TO CANADA
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING TO CANADA
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about Canada. It is a beautiful country and the people are recognized for their niceness. We are going to tell you about the most important things about living in the Great White North.
As you prepare to embrace your arrival to Canada, it’s important to know that some things are likely to be done differently than what you are accustomed to.
1. Canada is huge
The country is the second-largest in the world (behind Russia), measuring nearly ten million square kilometres. Canada is divided into thirteen parts (ten ‘provinces’ and three ‘territories’).
2. The cities are world-class
In the Economist’s 2017 ranking of the world’s most liveable cities, no less than three Canadian cities placed in the top ten. They were Vancouver (third), Toronto (fourth), and Calgary (fifth). The five factors were healthcare, education, environment, infrastructure, and stability.
3. Diversity: It is a very multicultural country
Multiculturalism is part of the Canadian ethos, and central to national policy. Over 40 sitting Members of Parliament were born abroad. In any major city, as well as many rural communities for that matter, you will encounter many languages, religions, and cultures. You don’t need to let go of your culture or values after moving to Canada, but you do need to evolve so that you can successfully adjust and have the greatest chance of achieving success. Keeping an open mind will benefit you, as well as those around you. Besides, more than 20% of Canadians were born in another country, and this is expected to reach nearly 50% by 2031. There are nearly 200 nationalities across the country (and over 250 ethnic origins), including Aboriginal people.
4. Two official languages
English and French are the official languages in Canada. You don’t really notice too much the Frenchness of the country unless you’re in the eastern province of Quebec, where people are trying very hard to keep things as French as possible. There are laws enforced by the OQLF to make sure everyone uses enough French.
5. You have got good healthcare options
Known around the world for its excellence, the healthcare system is one of the pillars on which the benefits of getting permanent residence in Canada is built. Healthcare, though paid for using some federal funds, is administered by the provinces. A health card is issued by the Provincial Ministry of Health Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents.
6. The landscapes are beautiful
The cities are good, but the landscapes between the cities are even better. 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the American border, which means there’s a serious amount of room for exploring in the north. Aside from boiling deserts and tropical rainforests, Canada pretty much has every landscape going. There’s the rugged coastline of Pacific Rim, the magical Meadows in the Sky, and the granite mountains of Gros Morne, to name just a few. The Alberta Badlands are particularly good if you want to feel like a cowboy in an old western film.
7. Weather
Apart from the country’s west coast in British Columbia, nowhere else in Canada does the average temperature exceed zero in wintertime. Vast parts of the country can dip as low as -30°C or -40°C. The coldest temperature ever recorded in North America was in Yukon, Canada in 1947 at -63°C, which is literally the same as the surface temperature of Mars, but there is nothing to worry about you can also expect rain and warm temperatures as springs come in and high temperatures during the summer as well as a colourful fall.
8. The education is top-notch
In Canada, education is the first level. When it comes to teaching their kids, the Canadians don’t mess around. In the OECD’s 2017 ranking of countries’ adult education levels, Canada came first with 56.27%.
9. Taxation
Under Canada’s decentralized federal system, taxes are levied at multiple levels. Income taxes are collected by both the federal and provincial governments.
Depending on your status and terms of employment, you may be entitled to a tax refund at the end of the fiscal year.
Sales taxes vary between the provinces, from 5% in Alberta to 14.975% in Quebec. These are added at the point of sale, not on the price tag, so be aware that an item advertised as $10 will cost you more when you pay for it, but don’t be afraid of tax because when the time comes and you might need it, it will pay off just take a look at the benefits and how Canada was able to provide a monthly salary for those who lost their job during the pandemic and was also able to give incentives to businesses to keep running.
10. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
When moving to Canada, it is important to know what rights you have. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees certain political rights to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, civil rights to everyone in the country, from the policies and actions of all areas and levels of government. In doing so, the Charter forms the bedrock of Canadian political, civil and social society, and outlines the kind of welcome to Canada newcomers can expect.