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We welcome visitors from the UNITED STATES
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The
A to Z's of Canadian Living for Immigrants and Newcomers to
Canada |
Canadian
Life After Arrival |
| Starting
a new life after arriving as a new immigrant to Canada is often
confusing, frustrating and quite daunting. You will be expected
to pass through Immigration and Customs Authorities and often
there are long lineups and delays. Be Patient! Tell friends
who may meet you at the airport to arrive a few hours after
your scheduled landing. Consider taking a taxi to your new address
and unwind a bit before any major social arrangements. You may
feel confused and quite jet lagged so take some time out to
get through things. If you are bringing pets consider sending
them a few weeks after your arrival, just so that you can orientate
yourself and make sure that they will be welcomed at the accommodation
that you have arranged. |
Appliances
and Canadian Living |
| Canada
uses a 110-volt electrical system so most appliances set to
use 220-volts will be virtually useless. Some smaller appliances
have switches to cater for the different voltages. It is also
possible to use transformers for some appliances such as stereo
systems and sewing machines. Check with a supplier in your home
country to see what you can use with a transformer and consider
buying one or two before you leave. Items such as TVs, VCRs,
microwave ovens, lamps (the Canadian standard is screw-in bulbs),
toasters and kettles will generally need to be bought in Canada.
Costs vary depending on your needs and can be kept low by buying
used appliances. Most houses and apartments come equipped with
a fridge/freezer, stove, washing machine and dryer and sometimes
a dishwashing machine. Apartment complexes often have communal
laundry facilities. Canada operates on the NTSC system and not
PAL like many other countries. (TV & Video). |
Life
- The Canadian Way |
| Be
willing to change the way you do things. Canadians tend to show
respect for your 'space' and generally keep a low profile for
which they are renowned. It is very important to remember that
the average Canadian is not remotely like the average American
and resents any suggestions that they are simply American clones.
Make an effort to meet your Canadian neighbors and work colleagues.
You will generally find them to be warm and welcoming, proudly
Canadian and flattered that you chose their country as your
new home. |
Canadian
Life - Child Benefits |
| Parents
of dependent children can generally claim Provincial child care
benefits. The amount depends on income earned. Apply as soon
as possible after arrival. Certain expenses in relation to child
care can be deducted from the income of the lower income earning
spouse, reducing tax liability. For more details visit Professional
Planning Solutions. |
Due
Diligence & Canadian Living |
| This
popular phrase denotes the requirement to thoroughly investigate
a situation and determine the feasibility and merits before
making a final decision. Usually, any competent professional
is required to perform due diligence before expressing an opinion
or advising a client on any important decision. Make sure that
you or your professional advisor conduct proper due diligence
in order to make a well informed decision. Exercise due diligence
whenever you make any decision that will have an impact on you
life and future in Canada. Remember that new immigrants to any
country are extremely vulnerable. For assistance and advice
on finding business opportunities contact
us. |
Canadian
Education |
| Most
children attend schools financed and administered by the provincial
governments. Private schooling is available but tends to be
expensive. Public schools usually provide a high standard of
education. In most areas a fairly strict zoning system applies
so be sure to secure accommodation in the correct zone if you
want your children to attend a particular school. Although opinions
on the merits of different schools will differ widely, the best
advice will usually come from the parents of children in the
area where you wish to settle. The school year runs from September
to June when there is a 10 week summer vacation. Uniforms are
not worn at public schools and children generally have far more
personal freedom. Private and religious schools are currently
enjoying a marked resurgence. |
Canadian
Lifestyle - Furniture |
| The
cost of furniture in Canada is expensive so consider bringing
some of your furniture with you. If your container of goods
is arriving after you land, make sure to have a comprehensive
inventory of all the goods to follow. This list must be presented
to the customs official when you land in Canada. If satisfactory,
all goods on the list should be allowed into Canada, without
duty, within a year after your arrival. |
Canadian
Culture - Garage Sales |
| An
institution in many towns and cities. Great bargains offered
by people getting rid of surplus household goods such as small
electrical appliances, lawn mowers, edge trimmers, lamps and
small items of furniture. Prices are usually extremely low.
Check a few garage sales (usually held on weekends) before buying
new. Local newspapers have listings of upcoming sales. |
Canadian
Life - Heating |
| The
cooler climate in Canada necessitates heating in most homes.
Thermostats are usually set at just below 20 degrees Celsius.
As a guide, be aware that each additional degree above 20 degrees
Celsius raises energy costs by about 5%. Make sure you close
doors quickly so that heated air is not lost during the cold
winter months. When you are moving into a new home you will
need to advise the utility companies to turn on the gas and
electricity. These companies are generally very organized and
this is done with minimum delay. Even getting a phone only takes
a day or two. |
Canadian
Living & The Internet |
| A
valuable source on a wide variety of subjects which could be
of use to new and prospective immigrants. Most large organizations
and many Canadian cities have their own websites. Many households
are linked to the web via a service provider with costs ranging
form $ 15 a month for dial up access to $40 for "High Speed"
internet access. Former immigrants have also found it a very
efficient way of communicating with friends and family. There
is no charge for local phone calls so you are able to write
letters and have them e-mailed at no cost. Considering the costs
of long distance phone calls this can be a major saving. Get
an e-mail address through a web based service provider before
you leave. (e.g. Hotmail,
Yahoo etc.).
|
Knowledge
of Canadian Life |
| Be
aware that things work very differently in Canada. Try to gain
an understanding of the local practices as soon as possible
after arrival. |
Leasing
& Canadian Living |
| Leasing
of vehicles can be a popular alternative to outright cash purchase.
Be sure to canvas the different options with our reliable advertisers
who have assisted many immigrants. |
Canadian Lifestyle |
| Be
prepared for a change in lifestyle. Canadians tend to be less
extravagant and flashy than people in other countries. Flaunting
of wealth is generally frowned on. The egalitarian nature of
Canadian society means most people enjoy a similar standard
of living with fairly small groups of very wealthy and (relatively)
poor at either extreme. Until you've established a reliable
income stream consider curbing spending habits such as frequent
eating out, luxury foods and some entertainment, all of which
can be expensive in Canada. Be prepared also to take on your
own domestic chores. Full time nannies and housekeepers are
rare and even occasional house cleaning services are expensive.
Be careful when considering business or investment opportunities.
For assistance contact
us. |
Lineups
are a part of the Canadian way of Life |
| Canadians
usually form an orderly "queue" (Line) when requiring
a service such as buying a movie ticket, waiting for a bus or
buying something in a store. Expect to be served on a first
come first served basis - jumping the queue is frowned upon.
|
Mortgages
and Canadian Living |
| Many
immigrants qualify for a mortgage in spite of their limited
Canadian credit history. For assistance in this regard contact
us |
Networking
is a Canadian Way of Life |
| Nowhere
is the old adage 'it's not what you know, but who you know that
counts' more evident than in North America. Take advantage of
it. Develop and expand a network of business contacts as quickly
as possible after you arrive, particularly if you plan on being
self-employed. A considerable percentage of business in Canada
is transacted through networks. For assistance in meeting the
right people who can help you, contact
us. |
Objectivity
About Life in Canada |
| Try
and view things in your new country as objectively as possible.
Try not to compare things to the way they were in your pervious
country of residence but accept rather the way they are in Canada. |
Pets
and Canadian Living |
| Many
people have successfully brought their pets with them however
there are difficulties. Often Canadian houses are not fenced
and landlords are also not keen on renting to families with
animals. If you plan to buy fairly soon an option is to kennel
your pet and have it sent at a later date. For children leaving
a pet is difficult so if you are able to meet the costs involved
it is worth considering bringing your pet. There is generally
no quarantine period for animals coming into Canada. Dogs and
cats over 3 months old will require a certificate signed by
a licensed veterinarian that they been vaccinated against rabies
within the past 36 months. Canada is one of the most pet-friendly
countries in the world. |
Canadian
Living is Politically Correct |
| Canadians
are very politically correct. Remember that the some phrases
that were acceptable may not acceptable in Canada. For example
the term 'Indian' is not generally used. These original inhabitants
of Canada prefer to be called 'natives' or 'First Nations'.
People from India are referred to as "East Indians".
|
Canada
Post |
| Many
immigrants will be surprised to find that the Canada Post operates
within commercial stores. These outlets are usually conveniently
situated and are in neighborhood retail stores and shopping
malls. The mail system is extremely efficient. |
Pregnant |
If
you are pregnant on arrival in Canada you will NOT be covered
for the first 3 months for any medical expenses relating to
your pregnancy or any complications. Any insurance policy will
specifically exclude these conditions.
Any routine check ups that relate to the pregnancy will be excluded.
This could be very risky so carefully CONSIDER THE RISKS
OF ARRIVING PREGNANT! For more information on medical
insurance for newcomers to Canada, contact
us.
Effective 2001, legislation has been introduced to allow working
mothers a one- year paid maternity leave benefit. There are
certain terms and conditions that must be met so make inquiries
after arrival (Note that you must have worked a minimum prescribed
period to qualify for benefits). |
Public
Toilets in Canada |
| Children
under the age of six can accompany either parents to the washroom.
It is best to use public washrooms and not let children urinate
in public. |
Canadian
Life - Public Transport |
| The
public transport system in most Canadian cities is excellent
and often partially or entirely eliminates the need for a vehicle
(or additional vehicles) of your own. |
Canadian
Culture & The Queen |
| Canada
is an independent constitutional monarchy. The head of state
is the ruling monarch of England, currently Queen Elizabeth.
Her role is largely symbolic and she is represented by the Governor
General. |
Recycling
is a Canadian Way of Life |
| Most
cities have well supported recycling programs and newspapers,
cans and bottles are collected from homes, or if there is no
pickup service people usually drop them off at recycling depots. |
Canadian
Life - Religious Institutions |
| Canada
caters for the religious needs of all sectors of the population.
Even within religious groups there are a wide variety of alternatives,
most of them never encountered before. Canadians are extremely
respectful and aware of different ethnic traditions and beliefs. |
Shopping
and Canadian Lifestyle |
| Some
people find it quite intimidating walking into a big Canadian
supermarket for the first time. Canadians are careful shoppers
and many make use of coupons. Big stores like Safeway
and Save-on-Foods
distribute a booklet of coupons once a month, others place them
in local newspapers and flyers. Savings can be quite substantial
so watch out for them. |
Canadian
Jobs & Being Short Listed |
| This
means you are a serious candidate for employment. You will be
interviewed and your background will be scrutinized. At this
point it is worth while to use available resources to learn
as much as you can about your prospective employer. |
Canadian
Life - Smoking |
| If
you are a smoker be very careful about where you light up. Offices
and restaurants are smoke free. Some rental accommodations are
advertised 'no smoking' and many people do not allow smoking
in their homes - they even step outside to have a cigarette
if they smoke. Don't light up inside unless you are specifically
invited to do so - even then it might be a good idea to decline
until you get to know the people well! |
Social
Insurance Number (SIN) |
| This
number is an important formal identity number used by Revenue
Canada (for tax purposes), banks and other institutions. Apply
for your SIN as soon as possible after arrival. Link
to Social Insurance Number Site |
Canadian
Life in Summer |
| Canadian
summers are glorious and are probably the best time for new
immigrants to arrive. It will give you time to settle in and
enjoy long, warm days and mild nights before the onset of winter.
Be aware that many Canadians take their annual holiday in summer
so things tend to slow down and it's not the best time to start
looking for a new job. Temporary accommodation costs can also
be higher in summer. Also, there is no school for about 10 weeks
so you will need to entertain children over this time. |
"Un"Employment
benefits |
| Employers
will typically deduct employment insurance "EI" contributions
from your salary. This will effectively entitle you to claim
unemployment benefits (limited salary replacement benefits)
from the government if you are retrenched. The general rule
is that one has to have completed six months of employment in
order to qualify for EI benefits. Some maternity/paternity leave
benefits are also available. This benefit is called Employment
Insurance - EI. |
Canadian
Life and Death - Making A Living Will |
| Your
circumstances have changed. Make drawing up a new will
a priority on arrival in Canada. Also note that your
prenuptial matrimonial agreement may not be recognized in Canada.
Consult a competent lawyer for advice on any legal issues in
Canada. For more info contact
us. |
Workers
Compensation |
| Some
employees qualify for workers compensation benefits in the event
of work related injuries. Monthly contributions will be deducted
from your salary. It should be noted that compensation and the
grounds for claiming benefits are fairly restrictive. |
Work
Ethic and Canadian Outlook On Life |
| Although
the Canadian way of life may initially appear to very similar
to what you were accustomed to it is in many ways, very different.
Take the time to look, learn and adapt to the 'Canadian way'.
Be willing to change the way you do things. Remember that you
are now in Canada so don't forget to "do like Canadians".
|
Welcome
to Life in Canada |
| We
sincerely hope that our program and the few words of advice
offered here will assist you to make a successful transition
to life in Canada. For any specific questions visit
our Community Discussion
Forum, or contact us. |
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