Life in Canada

I am from Granby, in the province of Quebec, in Canada. Quebec’s province capital, is Quebec City. Since I have been in the United States, a lot of people have asked me, where my accent is from. I got everything, from German, to Australian and a few times, French. It doesn’t bother me at all, when they get it wrong. On the contrary, I’m always happy, to politely correct them, and tell them where I am from. When I tell people I’m French, everyone thinks I’m from France 🙂

I think most people just don’t think of Quebec province, being mostly French. Our accent is very different as well. French people from France and Quebec, don’t have the same accent at all. I would say that France’s French, is more fancy and sounds better, than the French we use, in Quebec. We mix a lot of English words in our language, especially people, who live closer to the United States lines, or big cities like Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. Living in Quebec as a francophone, is very different from being an anglophone.

However, if you move to Quebec, If you speak with an accent, you’ll get asked where you’re from, even if you have lived here, for over 50 years. You can get affordable housing, day care and cheap education, though you will lose almost half your pay to taxes. If you want to live in the province of Quebec, Quebec City is a nice city and the best compromise. Montreal is big and more expensive, but you will find a lot more English speaking people there. In the recent years, you will find that it has grown a lot more diversified, with it’s different cultures, coming from all over the world.

Weather

Canada’s climate is as varied as its people. Although much of the north, has a particularly harsh arctic climate, that is mostly uninhabited. The most populous regions of Canada, which lie in the southern regions, along the US border, see four distinct seasons a year. Although winter last longer than summer, in most of the country, the summers are quite hot and very humid. Rainfall varies from light to moderate, and there are heavy snowfalls in some areas.

I will admit that winters are not what they used to be though. They seems to be shorter, with a lot less snow, and the temperatures are milder in general. When i used to be a kid, our winters would last from late October until mid April. It would be a lot colder as well and we used to get much more snow than we do now. Sometimes we don’t even get snow in December anymore. I noticed that it started really changing, in the late 90’s.

Winters are also less severe in the southern part of Canada, because of the influence of the Great Lakes, but they usually get much more snow. It’s just not as cold as it used to be. Summers are longer, but more humid, with temperatures averaging at about 25ºC from June to mid-September. In the winter, lows of -20ºC are not uncommon. Expectedly, temperatures in spring and fall tend to be more moderate.

The Government of Canada even offers, official advice and guidance, to enjoy the winter weather safely. That’s because winter weather conditions in Canada, can quickly become dangerous, as temperatures can drop to -22 °F (-30°C) or below, in some areas, although it’s not as bad as it used to be.

You should also consider how to handle icy conditions. Slippery pathways can make simply getting down the street, an ordeal. Some items to add to your wardrobe should include heavy boots with grippy soles. You can also buy special cleats or slip-on soles that go over your shoes, to increase traction on icy surfaces. Canadian winters can prove overwhelming for those who are not familiar with cold climates, which is why you should be as prepared as possible if you ever think about moving to Canada.

As i grew older, ice storms are becoming the normal, in part of Canada, which is the cause of most accidents. You will also have to make sure that you switch your car tires for the proper season, so you don’t end up getting a ticket. Having the proper car tires will ensure that your safety and that of others, will be much better, if you follow our winters protocols. For the best long-term results, Canadian drivers should switch to winter tires in early October and keep them on until the temperatures rise again in the spring (generally March or April, depending on your location). Quebec is the only jurisdiction in Canada where the use of winter tires is mandatory province-wide, during the winter driving season.

Education

Each Canadian province and territory, has a system of education, which may appear unusual to people from other countries, that have national educational systems. While there are some differences among provinces and territories, they’re similar across Canada, because the system is overseen by the federal government, to ensure that standards remain consistent across the country.

In Canada, the school system is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and post-secondary. The country offers both public and private schooling. Private schools are often more selective when it comes to enrolling students. Unlike public schools, students usually have to undergo an interview and pass an entrance exam for admission.

While the required documents for enrolling your children in school varies between institutions, you’ll usually have to provide the following documents and information.

• Application form
• Birth certificate
• Proof of guardianship or custody
• Proof of residency
• Record of immunizations
• Emergency contact information
• Former school records
• Previous or current teacher recommendation letter.

Driving

The rules and regulations around driving licenses, often depend on which Canadian province or territory you’re moving to, and where you’re moving from. For example, if you’re immigrating to Ontario from the US, UK, Australia, Austria, France, Korea, Belgium, Germany, the Isle of Man, Japan, New Zealand, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Switzerland or Taiwan, you can simply exchange your current license, for one issued by the government of Ontario.

Some provinces and territories may require you to pass a written exam, on the rules of the road or pass one (and sometimes two) practical driving tests to receive a license. In most regions, you are allowed to drive for up to 90 days on a foreign license. This period is limited to 60 days in Ontario, and 120 days in Yukon. It’s only 4 months on Prince Edward Island and 6 months in Québec.

Some areas, including the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, may require you to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), in conjunction with your home country’s driving license. An IDP is valid for non-residents for up to one year. You may also need an IDP if your driving license is not in English or French.

Once the allocated period has passed, you’ll need an official driver’s license issued by the government of your province or territory to drive legally. This permits you to drive anywhere in Canada, but you must carry it with you whenever you’re behind the wheel. Canada’s legal driving age is determined on a province-by-province basis, but is generally 16. The lowest is in Alberta, where a Learner’s Permit, may be obtained at 14 years of age.

Lifestyle

Canada boasts a beautifully diverse culture, making it easy for expats to integrate and feel at home. Canada is welcoming and celebratory to people with different backgrounds, making it an ideal place for expats. Canada is also home to more than 1.67 million Indigenous people, or 4.9% of the population. Canada formally recognizes three Indigenous groups: the Inuit, Métis and First Nations.

Canada’s colonial history is the origin of the country’s large French Canadian population. French is now the country’s second official language. The majority of French speakers are found in the province of Quebec – over 85% of people living in Quebec are French-speaking. Home to people from all over the globe with a rich history of its own, Canada is a truly diverse and inclusive country.

Expats moving to Canada can expect a life lived very much outdoors. Offering some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes. There’s an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking, biking and mountain climbing to sailing, fishing, skiing and more. There are many outdoors activities available through the year, depending on the seasons.

As with many major metropolitan areas, Canada’s cities also offer a wide range of shopping outlets, restaurants, theaters, music venues, festivals and much more. What makes Canada’s cities unique, though, is that nature is never far away, producing the perfect blend of urban and rural living. For example, Calgary is surrounded by stunning national parks and boasts more than 10,000 hectares of parkland and public green spaces. Likewise, Toronto is nestled between Canada’s Great Lakes with Niagara Fall, only a two-hour drive away.

Canada is a massive country, so having things to do is always in your favor. I can’t emphasize the multiculturalism enough, especially in the big cities (like Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal). There is effectively no “majority demographic” in urban Canada. Canada is extraordinarily supportive of diversity, more than anywhere else in the world, in my opinion. I think part of this started, with its English/French coexistence. If you think people with a different skin color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, language, or anything else need to behave, look, or conform to any different set of rules than you do, this is not a place for you.

Canada has the broadest spectrum of food, cultural festivals, clothing, languages, religions, and music of any place I’ve ever seen. The other major trend is the importance of social services, and a healthy environment to a happy population. Canada thrives on a lot of the principles more conservative. Sure, some things are more expensive than in the US, but in proportion to a different shift in priorities of what’s important to the typical family: education, health (including healthy food, air, and water), and community. Take home salary might be a little less on a dollar-per-dollar perspective, but you don’t have to worry about losing your health coverage, when you lose your job.

Meaning of being Canadian

• Diving into one of our thousands of lakes (without putting a toe in first)
• Drinking water from a river
• Hearing the noise your feet make while walking down the street, when it first ices over
• Hearing ice crackle on tree branches
• Having friendly discussions with your neighbors whom are originally from 5 different countries
• Saying “hello”, but with the words “wanna beer?”
• Witnessing a parent vs. children ice hockey match (on a lake/pond)
• Driving over the speed limit during a blizzard while only being able to see five feet in front of you through the little hole you scraped out of the ice on your windshield.
• Watching the snow off the roof of the car in front of you launch towards your windshield.
• Actually knowing people that act strange only when they start to get sober
• Eating Poutine, Timbits, Beavertails, ketchup chips and a Mr. Big
• Watching Canada Geese flying in their “V” formation to cross the border to warmer weather
• The same day the temperature goes over 5 degrees Celsius (Canadian for “short and t-shirt weather)
• 1st of July celebration/fireworks in front of the Parliament Building on Wellington street in Ottawa.
• The outdoors is always less than 30 minutes in any direction.
• It’s a place where you can just be yourself, without being judged. Where the weekend is truly a weekend and friends are truly your friends.

Nature and wildlife

Home to blue lagoons, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches, majestic mountain ranges, valleys and awe-inspiring forests, Canada’s breathtakingly beautiful landscapes are bursting with wildlife. Canada is home to approximately 80,000 animal and plant species. That’s a huge array of mammals, native birds, reptiles and fish. Mammals common to parts of Canada include beavers, moose, bison, caribou, wolves, wild cats, foxes and, of course, bears. There are four main types of bear found in Canada: black bears, grizzly bears, Kermode bears and polar bears. Approximately 20,000 bears live in Canada, with most of these found in British Columbia.

Canada is also home to around 462 species of bird, most famously the Canada goose, Canada jay, Atlantic puffin, snowy owl and common loon. Canadian waters host a broad range of sea creatures, including seals, walruses and pods of beluga and killer whales.

Cost of living and taxes

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city, province and region. Vancouver is the most expensive Canadian city, followed by Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Ottawa. While some of Canada’s major cities can be expensive to live in, they still offer a lower cost of living, than some of the world’s other major cities, like New York and London.

One compulsory expense that can be both unfamiliar and expensive to newcomers, are some forms of tax. For example, Canada’s universal healthcare system is paid for by taxpayers. The average Canadian spends $6,604 in taxes for healthcare coverage per year. Only those who have obtained permanent residence status, or Canadian citizenship, are eligible for tax-funded Canadian health insurance.

Career opportunities

Generally speaking, Canada’s unemployment rate, is relatively low and compares favorably with other industrialized countries. Due to the aging population, many companies see immigration, as a solution for meeting their labor needs. Many employers in industries, such as health care, video game development, construction and manufacturing are looking for workers.

To work in Canada, you must follow administrative procedures to be in good standing. If you’re a professional in your home country, you’ll need to have your credentials recognized by professional organizations in Canada. This process can take time, and may even require you to go back to school in some instances.

If you’re relocating as part of your current job, or you’ve already had a job offer, then you’re off to a good start. If you don’t have a job lined up, there are plenty of ways to find a job that suits, you and your experience. Due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are in-demand jobs in major sectors, like technology and IT, health care, transportation, agriculture, engineering and finance. Canada is actively seeking registered nurses, commercial drivers (e.g. truck drivers, forklift drivers), customer service representatives, general laborer, electrical engineers, software developers, accountants, HR managers and financial advisors. Manufacturing, mining and natural resources are also key sectors that could be a good fit for you.

The Canadian Way of Life

Canada consistently ranks among the best place to live in numerous studies. This is due in large part to its access to education, low crime and violence rates. Canada is an immensely large country, that is extremely varied in its people, landscape, and climate. Because of this, the Canadian way of life will vary from one individual to the next. Canadians practice many different religions, and over 20 % claim no religious affiliation. Canadians do share important values such as pride, a belief in equality and diversity, respect for all individuals. It is these values that make Canada known as a friendly, peace-loving, and secure place to live.

Canada is often at the top of the list of the best countries to live in. The country is typically praised for its affordability, access to education and health, individual freedom and environmental protection. Canadians generally enjoy a fairly strong social safety net, which ensures access to health care and education. The crime rate is also relatively low. Of course, not everything is perfect, but it’s a country that offers its residents many opportunities to grow and prosper. 

Population

Canada has a population of about 40 million. The majority of Canadians are of European descent from early French and British colonists, as well as later immigrants from eastern and southern Europe. The second half of the 20th century saw a large increase in the number of immigrants from Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa. There are currently more than 260 different ethnic origins reported across Canada.

Geography

Canada is located in the northern half of the North American continent, and is the second-largest country in the world. Despite its impressive size, the majority of the population lives within a few hundred kilometers of the southern border. Canada has over two million lakes, vast mountain ranges that include the Torngats, Appalachians, and the Rocky Mountains. The most important river in Canada is the St. Lawrence River, which is 3,058 km long and provides a seaway for ships, from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Canadian Provinces

Canada is made up of ten provinces and three territories. From west to east, the provinces are: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador. The territories are the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

Despite the impressive size of the country, the majority of Canada’s population lives in a concentrated area of cities and towns, within 100 kilometers of the US border. The population density in Canada is one of the lowest in the world, at 3.9 persons per square kilometer. As of 2018, the largest cities by population Canada are:

• Toronto
• Montreal
• Vancouver
• Calgary

Canada has two official languages: English and French. English is the mother tongue of about 80% of Canadians, and French the first language of about 20%. Eighteen percent of Canadians either have more than one mother tongue or a mother tongue that is not English or French.

The Official Language Act makes English and French the official languages of Canada and provides for special measures aimed at enhancing the vitality and supporting the development of English and French linguistic minority communities. Canada’s federal institutions reflect the equality of its two official languages by offering bilingual services.

Every province and territory in Canada, has its own unique characteristics, but you’ll quickly notice that Quebec is different in many respects, particularly with regard to immigration and taxes. Quebec is the only province with a French-speaking majority. To protect the French language and its heritage, the Quebec government has the right to control immigration. Not only do you have to be accepted by the federal government, but also by the Quebec government.

It’s also the only province in Canada where you have to file two tax returns: one for the provincial and one for the federal government. In other provinces and territories, the federal government administers the tax system and remits the money collected to the provincial and territorial governments. You should also know that the legal system differs between Quebec, which uses civil law for some matters, and the rest of Canada, which practices common law. 

Healthcare

When you become a Canadian taxpayer, you pay tax on your income, plus taxes on almost everything you buy. This money is used to fund the health care system, among other things. This means that when you need care, you don’t have to pay out of pocket at a clinic or hospital. Because the system is “free,” it may seem more affordable, but remember that you actually pay for it, in small amounts, throughout your life, based on your income. So it is not free, like most people seems to think.

In Canada, the provinces and territories are responsible for managing health care services. While the federal government is involved in funding, you still need to register with the provincial government, to get a health insurance card.

There are private health care clinics in Canada, and they are not free. Some people use them when they want service faster, such as for tests. In addition, dental and vision care is not covered by government health insurance. Most companies enroll their employees in supplementary insurance plans, that cover much of the costs. Lastly, you may have to pay a deductible and part of the cost of prescription drugs.

After moving to Canada as a permanent resident with health care benefits, you’ll be able to see a doctor at no cost, but if you leave the appointment with a prescription, you could be left picking up the tab at the pharmacy. Likewise, dental care, which generally isn’t publicly funded, can seriously put a dent in your savings. Third-party health insurance (often provided through your employer) can help offset the often exorbitant prices Canadians pay for dental and eye care, as well as medicines.

Even if you’re moving to Canada as a permanent resident, it could take several months for your health care benefits to kick in. It’s a good idea to arrive with at least six months of international health insurance as a buffer.

Real estate market

It’s common knowledge that the real estate markets in Toronto and Vancouver, are among the most expensive in Canada. Montreal has long remained quite affordable, but prices have risen significantly in recent years. Don’t let that stop you from looking for a property, in these cities, they’re exciting and rewarding places to live, with a wealth of services for newcomers. In fact, municipalities often have programs to help people become homeowners.

Real estate prices tend to drop, as you move away from urban centers, but the distance may mean additional expenses, such as buying an extra car. You can start by renting your first home while you settle in and explore your community. A few years down the road, you’ll have a better idea of what you want. An important part of quality of life is your purchasing power. While the cost of living is considered reasonable in Canada, it depends, of course, on your income level and consumer choices.

Tax credits

You must file an income tax return, each year when you live in Canada. You can complete it yourself using software or a package provided by the government or hire a professional. The purpose of the return is to correct your tax, with the federal and provincial governments. For example, if tax was withheld from your pay and you overpaid, you may get a refund. On the other hand, if you didn’t pay any tax at all during the year, you must calculate the amounts you have to refund to the government. You may also be eligible for one or more credits, which reduce your taxable income and therefore your tax payable. That can be a tremendous advantage.

Tipping

Tipping in Canadian restaurants, salons and taxis isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected (along with a Thank you,). This may come as a shock, not to mention an additional 15 to 30% on top your bill, if you’re coming from a culture, in which tipping isn’t standard practice. Just how deeply engrained is tipping in Canadian culture? Restaurant servers in some provinces, make less than minimum wage, with the expectation that patrons’ tips, will make up the difference.