Living in Canada:
Canada offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. It’s a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing creature comforts. Canada ranks highly in the United Nations’ Human Development Index, indicating a high quality of life across factors such as education, employment, and healthcare. The country boasts a strong economy and is a member of the G8.
Although Canada is vast, most Canadians live within 200 km of the US border, leaving the majority of the country uninhabited. Northern and Western Canada are popular with nature enthusiasts and are home to the last Inuit communities.
Canada as an expat destination
Canada was originally inhabited by First Nation aboriginal tribes. European settlements were established in the 17th and 18th century. Despite its European background, Canada shares more similarities with the US and attracts a lot of US expats.
Today, Canada’s strong economy allows them to accept more immigrants per capita than any other Western nation. Legal requirements for living in Canada are relatively straightforward for people from the US and UK compared to other countries. Canada remains part of the British Commonwealth and was popular with expats from the UK and France.
Cost of living in Canada
Canada is a country that is well-known for its high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education systems, and diverse population. While many expatriates are attracted to the country’s two most populous cities, Toronto and Vancouver, they are also among the most expensive cities to live in in Canada due to the high cost of housing and other factors. On the other hand, Ottawa, the capital of Canada, and the province of Quebec offer a lower cost of living, with Quebec being one of the lowest cost of living provinces in Canada due to its low rent prices.
Food costs in Canada tend to be slightly higher than in the United States, with prices increasing in recent years due to poor weather, labor shortages, and other factors. However, Canada’s healthcare system is a major attraction for many people, as it is universal and accessible to all citizens and permanent residents. The public health insurance program is funded through taxes, so it isn’t entirely free, but it will fund most healthcare services and emergency medical services.
Canada’s education system is also among the best in the world, with public schools being subsidized and the country having some of the top universities in the world. Overall, Canada is a great place to live, work, and study, with many opportunities for people from all walks of life.
Language
Canada’s population consists of approximately 38 million. The main languages spoken are the official languages of Canada, English (59%) and French (23%) with the remaining 18% consisting of other languages.
Climate
Canada experiences four distinct seasons, with long, cold winters and warm summers. Coastal temperatures are often warmer than those inland, especially during the winter. Summer in Canada can be as exciting yet soothing as you want it to be with range of activities like hiking, biking, mountain climbing, shopping, checking out the various rides in the amusement parks or simply laying under the sun on the pristine beaches here, life couldn’t be better than this!
Expat job & career opportunities
Canada is a great destination for expats seeking employment. The Canadian government is open to hiring foreign workers, recognizing their contribution to the growth of the economy. Canada has a diverse job market across various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, software, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and natural resources. Expats with the right skills and qualifications can find job opportunities in these sectors, including banking, investment management, and fintech. Canada’s world-class healthcare system and burgeoning life sciences sector offer prospects for expats in medical professions, research, and pharmaceuticals. The country’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, provide opportunities for expats in the energy and natural resources sectors. From Alberta’s oil sands to hydroelectric projects in British Columbia, expats can contribute to Canada’s sustainable energy future while advancing their careers.
Some of the useful websites are
Government of Canada: www.canada.ca
Immigration & Citizenship: https://ircc.canada.ca/
Destination Canada: www.destinationcanada.com
CanadaVisa: www.canadavisa.com
Job Bank: www.jobbank.gc.ca
Indeed Canada ( job listings): www.ca.indeed.com
Monster Canada (job listings): www.monster.ca
Settlement.org: www.settlement.org
The Canadian Encyclopedia: www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Key Facts Every Expat Must Know:
- If you plan to apply for an immigration visa to live in Canada, it can take up to three years to process, so plan ahead.
- If you do get a visa, you’ll need to provide evidence that you have enough funds to cover your living costs for at least six months, and a detailed list of all personal or household items you’re bringing with you.
- You should also apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and enroll in a federal or provincial health program as soon as you arrive in Canada.
- If you ship your belongings to Canada, you must be present in customs to clear them. If you’re not there, they’ll be held in bond by the customs office.