- November 13, 2019
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Uncategorized
Before calling Canada your new home and embracing the maple country there may be many things that are different and outright strange in your new home country compared to what you are accustomed to.
Don’t worry in this article we will tell you everything that you need to know before you move to Canada.
- Weather
When talking about Canadian climates there is only one thing to say ”Get ready for the extremes!!!!”. Be it winters or summers, you are in for experiencing some of the coldest winters and hot summers.
If you belong to a mild or warm climate country, you are in for a surprise, the bitterly cold Canadian winters are sure to leave you guessing for words to describe your experience and realistically speaking how could one possibly describe how cold -25°C feels like. Having said that it is nothing to be wary about the good news is that you can come prepared. Make sure you bring the right set of clothing and the right attitude to face the extreme Canadian weather.
- Diversity
Immigrants around the world have received a warm welcome to Canada for generations. Multiculturalism is part of the Canadian way of living, and an essential part of its national policy.
More than 40 sitting Members of Parliament were born outside of Canada. In any major city, as well as many rural communities for that matter, you are likely to encounter variable languages, religions, cultures, and different ways of life.
There is absolutely no need to let go of your own culture or values after moving to Canada, on the contrary Canada allows you to enjoy its cultures and traditions while respecting yours, but you do need to develop so that you can successfully adjust and have the greatest chance of achieving success. Keeping an open mind will be of great help in this diverse country.
- Looking for a job
Researching, looking for and applying for jobs in Canada can be a very lengthy process possibly much longer than what you are used to. As you build connections in your new home, months can pass before you land a job, so you should prepare accordingly to ensure your welcome to Canada goes easily and comfortably.
Keep the following things in mind
1. Have enough funds to finance your stay during the initial periods.
2. Have an open mind to take up a non-career job in the short term but always be on the lookout for a career that suits you.
3. Start to think and act like a Canadian before you even set foot in Canada. This means adjusting to the resume format in Canada, networking and being proactive, talking to a friend or relative who already lives in Canada will help you a long way.
- Cost of living
Avoid being swept off the ground and meet a jarring welcome to Canada by knowing the basic cost of living in your adopted city before you make a move. Do your research to avoid being surprised by knowing how high the rent and transportation cost is.
Know beforehand what locality suits your budget and make adjustments accordingly.
Here is a site that will help you compare the cost of living between different cities and towns in Canada.
- Healthcare
Canada is known around the world for its excellent health care system.
It’s passed through a publicly-funded system. Health care in Canada is mostly free at the point of use and has most of its services provided by private entities.
A health card is issued by the Provincial Ministry of Health to each and every individual who enrolls for the program with everyone receiving the same level of care.
Permanent residents are eligible to receive provincial cover, but in few provinces, they will have to wait a few months for their provincial coverage to start. Private healthcare providers are available during that period.
Temporary residents (e.g. foreign workers, students ) and visitors will require a private healthcare provider throughout their stay in Canada.
- Taxation
Beneath Canada’s federal system, taxes are levied at multiple levels. Income taxes are collected by both the federal and the provincial governments.
Taking your status and terms of employment into consideration, you may be entitled to a tax refund at the end of the fiscal year.
Sales taxes vary from province to province, from 5% in Alberta to 14.975% in Quebec. More often than not these taxes are added at the point of sale, not on the price tag, so be aware, you may have to pay more than what something is advertised for.
- The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Needless to say, be it Canada or any other country you must be well aware of the rights that you have and will possess throughout your stay in that country.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms assures certain political rights to Canadian citizens and civil rights to everyone in the country. In doing so, the Charter establishes the bedrock of Canadian political, civil and social society, and outlines the rights and freedoms a newcomer may expect from Canada.
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