Canada Book

YOUR
ESSENTIAL
GUIDE TO
CANADA
What you need to know to make your
relocation smooth and successful.
Your Essential Guide

to Canada
What you need to know to make your
relocation smooth and successful.
2014 Edition
Copyright All rights reserved. CanadianVisaExpert
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any

means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher,
CanadianVisaExpert.
7030 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 500, Markham, Ontario L3R 6G2, CANADA
canadianvisaexpert.com
-2CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

What you need to know to make your relocation smooth and successful.
Disclaimer
Your Essential Guide to Canada What you need to know to make your
relocation smooth and successful is a blueprint for those who wish to enhance
their knowledge on how to live and work legally in Canada. While it does not
replace the expertise of immigration lawyers, it does provide the individual
with the tools to know exactly what is involved in immigrating to another
country, specifically Canada in this case.
The information contained in this guide should not be considered as legal
advice. Although the author and publisher believe the information in this
book to be accurate on the date of its publication, the reader should be
aware that immigration laws, regulations and procedures are constantly
changing. It is up to the reader to make sure that the information is accurate
and up to date.
The author and publishers shall not be held liable for any damage suffered
directly or indirectly due to the use of this guide.

Introduction
Moving to a new country is exciting but can also be stressful if you are not
prepared. This book will help you become more familiar with Canada and
give you the knowledge you need to live a better life there.
Canada has emerged as a competitive world order with one of the strongest
economies, top ranked education systems and a universal healthcare system
that collectively - offer a high standard of living to the people residing there.
A diverse nation comprised of many different ethnic groups with an ongoing
new generation of immigrants who contribute their unique skills to the
economy, Canada is therefore not only financially wealthy but a culturally
rich nation as well.
Amazing natural landscapes with waterfall cascades,
fun public holidays, national sports and shopping tips are among the other
topics you can look forward to in this essential guide on Canada. Enjoy!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Disclaimer3
Introduction4
The Economy
Income and Salaries 10

Income Tax 14
Employment Opportunities 15
Resume and CV Formats - Matching Canadian Job Requirements 17
Self-Employment 19
Unemployment Benefits 21
Healthcare22
Health Insurance 24
Life Expectancy 24
Education26
Public Education for Children 28
Higher Academic Institutions & Universities 29
Culture31
Customs and Religions 32
Language in Canada 35
Arts 35

Sports 36
Public Holidays 37
Leisure39
Nature and Travel40
Native Animals 42
Shopping 43
Immigration50
Immigration Programs 51
Immigration Requirements 52
Immigration Benefits 53
Conclusion54

THE ECONOMY
The Canadian economy has become a worldwide financial force. Highly
diversified, Canada has been able to adapt to many a change and grow at a
very fast rate. Canadas growth has put more money into the hands of its
residents in recent years than any other country. Residents enjoy a higher
standard of living compared to other nations and are some of the wealthiest
people in the world. Immigrants especially have become an essential part
the economy, generating a tremendous amount of wealth and contributing
to Canadas economic diversity and long-term economic competitiveness.
Canada is ranked as the 11th largest economy in the world and, therefore, is
one of the worlds most prosperous nations. An advanced and industrialized
society, Canadas industries span from technology to fishing and from
manufacturing to services. Resembling the U.S. economy in many ways,
Canada now outperforms the U.S. in a number of economic standards
including a lower unemployment rate.

Canada has one of the freest economies in the world. Economic freedom is
essential to market development and movement. It gives access to business
opportunities and makes private ownership easier. The higher the economic
freedom in a country, the more secure and transparent the economy generally
is. Steadfast regulations and capital standards are sufficient in Canada when
it comes to property rights, freedom from corruption, government spending,
trade freedom, ability to invest, among other aspects that are valuable to a
successful capitalistic system. Canada has an economy that many investors,
domestic and international, prefer to invest in because they trust and value
the market.
Canadas federal government in Ottawa (Canadas capital city) is responsible for
supervising the economy and its democratic system. The federal government
mandates the rule of law while providing autonomy to local authorities in the
Canadian provinces and territories, very similar to Washington, D.C., in the
United States, and its interactions with the 50 States. By doing so, Canadas
federal government recognizes the need for provinces to make localized
decisions that directly impact their markets, community and society.
Canadas federal government is more conservative, however, with stricter
policies and regulations to protect the countrys economic system and
financial institutions. Recently, when banks around the world almost went
bankrupt during the recession crisis in 2008, Canadian banks to the contrary,
firmly stood their ground. Banks in Canada weathered the recession storm
partly because of conservative management styles and partly because of
stronger federal regulations. Restrictions on banks not to financially overleverage, especially in the sub-prime real estate market, saved the Canadian
economy from disaster. Canadas financial institutions were affected by the
global crisis, but did not suffer the same dire circumstances that many banks
did around the world.

One of the best indicators of Canadas economic stability was its real estate
market, which did not lose its bottom like the United States where housing
prices plunged by 30% or more (depending on location) from their 2006
peak prices, or in Britain where prices dropped by some 20% or more from
their 2007 listing prices.
Indeed, Canada was among the first nations to emerge from the global
recession. This outcome can be attributed to its banking prudence, firm
federal regulations and economic policies that continue to position the
economy for long-term economic competitiveness.
Open trade is a large piece of the Canadian economic pie. Imports and
exports are crucial to the countrys GDP, growth and wealth levels.
Low
tariff and non-tariff barriers make Canadas trade policies very competitive.
The United States is its main trading partner, absorbing more than 70% of
all Canadian exports.
Canadian exports include motor vehicles and parts,
industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment, chemicals,

plastics, fertilizers, wood pulp, timber, crude oil, natural gas, electricity
and aluminum. Imported goods include machinery and equipment, motor
vehicles and parts, refined petroleum products, chemicals, electricity and
durable consumer goods. Canadas total exports exceed $462.4 billion per
year, while total imports are $461 billion per year. Open trade policies allow
investments to enter the market more easily. And these investments help
create a more rich and competitive market that is both efficient and dynamic.
Canadas best industries contribute to more than half of Canadas GDP.
These industries are dominated by the service industry (a service industry is
a business that does work for a customer, and occasionally provides goods,
but is not involved in manufacturing.) The services industry employs about
75% of the Canadian workforce. Canada also has a thriving production/

manufacturing sector. The logging and oil industries, for example, are two
of Canadas most important production sectors.
Canada also has large
manufacturing, automobile and aircraft industries. Furthermore, with the

Pacific Ocean running along its West Coast and the Atlantic Ocean running
along its East Coast, Canada boasts the 8th largest commercial fishing and
seafood industry in the world.
Other major Canadian industries include
transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals,

food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and
natural gas.
Quantified, Canada has a GDP of $1.737 trillion per year and an annual GDP
growth of 2.4%. Some sectors make up larger parts of the economys GDP,
such as agriculture at 1.9%, industry at 27.1% and the service sector at 71%.
Canadas annual inflation rate is a very low 1.6% and its unemployment rate
of 7.5% (December 2012) is lower than that of the United States (7.8% in
December 2012). The countrys main import partners are the U.S. at 49.5%,
China at 10.8% and Mexico at 5.5%, while the countrys main export partners
are the U.S. at 74.90%, China at 3.31% and the UK at 4.1%. Canadas gross
external debt is $1.181 trillion as of June 2011. The public debt is at 33.9%
of GDP. Canada also provides economic relief and aid of $4.1 billion a year.
Income and Salaries

Individuals and families earn more money these days because of a stronger
Canadian currency and the countrys healthy economic growth. In the past
few years, the Canadian dollar rose by 15% against the U.S. dollar, 11% against
the euro and 40% against the British pound. The average Canadian income
rose according to the currency which has put more money into the pockets
of Canadians compared to other people.
- 10 CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

Families with children have a median household income of $78,800, which is

expected to increase further in the near future. A rise in income has pushed
salaries in Canada higher than those in England, the U.S. and most of Europe
respectively.
Disposable income (e.g., the money available to a household for spending on
goods and services) is about $27,138 a year in Canada, slightly higher than
the global average. Household wealth (e.g., the total value of a households
financial worth) is estimated at $60,344 annually and a lot higher than the
global yearly average of $36,238. These statistics show that Canadians have
more equity and wealth compared to the rest of the world.
These higher income levels are more often than not directly correlated to
higher living standards, including quality education, healthcare and housing
for residents. Canadians also have a higher homeownership rate compared
to Americans, Japanese, Swedes, Danes, French and Germans. They also
tend to live in larger homes of 5 or more rooms.
So, what does all this mean? What kind of income or salary can you expect
to earn in Canada according to your skills and occupation? Of course, it
depends on a number of factors, including location, industry and unique
skills, but there are certain standards that apply across the board. Large
cities in general (like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver) usually provide
higher incomes, but those incomes are proportional to higher costs of living
in those areas. Not only is location important, but ones occupation also
comes into play, regardless of where one lives - for example, a petroleum
engineer living in Alberta has one of the highest salaries in Canada. Gender
also plays a role in regards to income levels and salaries. For example,
male employees tend to earn more on average, $24.82 an hour in a fulltime position, versus $21.33 per hour for women. On average, part-time

employees in Canada earn $16.24 per hour.

The following charts provide a list of Weekly Wage Rates per sector and then
Hourly Wage Rates according to occupations. Notice that the highest paid
sectors by a considerable margin are mining and oil/gas drilling, followed by
work in utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications.
Average Weekly Wages per industry in Canada (2011 Table)

Industry
Average Weekly Wage
Forestry
$929
Mining and oil and gas extraction
$1,735
Utilities
$1,666
Construction
$1,093
Manufacturing
$962
Wholesale trade
$1,057
Retail trade
$515
Transportation and warehousing
$929
Information and cultural industries
$1,081
Finance and insurance
$1,031
Real estate and rentals
$834
Professional, scientific and technical services
$1,157
Management of companies
$1,192
Administration, waste management and services
$748
Education services
$1,023

Healthcare and social assistance
$794
Arts, entertainment and recreation
$514
Accommodation and food services
$365
Other services
$699
Public Administration
$1,109
Average Hourly Wages by Occupation in Canada (2011 Table)

Profession
Average Hourly Rate
Retail Sales/ Sales Clerk
$12
Data Entry Clerk
$15
Bookkeeper
$17
Accounting clerk
$18
Truck driver
$20
Carpenter
$22
Executive Assistance
$23
Plumber
$25
Electrician
$25
Social Worker
$28
Architect
$29
Registered Nurse
$34
Physical therapist
$34
Computer Engineer (not software)
$35

Lawyer
$40
Computer and Info System Manager
$40
Engineering Manager
$42
Dentist
$70
Income Tax
Canadians have to file an income tax report every year, which they can do
on their own or with the help of a bookkeeper or accountant. The amount of
income tax that an individual must pay is based on the amount of their taxable
income (income earned less expenses) for one tax year. Personal income tax
returns must be filed before April 30. Income tax can be deducted directly
from an individuals payroll and sent to the CRA, where an individual pays
his or her estimated taxes during the year instead of waiting to settle up at
the end of the year. It can also be paid in a lump sum at the end of the year.
Taxes are progressive and determined according to income levels. The lower
the income, the lower the tax rate, as follows: 0% tax rate if total income is
between $0 and $10,822; a 15% tax rate if total income is between $10,823
and $42,706; a 22% tax rate if total income is between $42,707 $85,413.
A 26% tax rate if total income is between $85,414 and $132,405; and, finally,
a 29% tax rate if total income will be over $132,406. These rates may, of
course, be adjusted by the Canadian government, but provide a general idea
of the tax structure.
Certain other deductions are allowed in determining net income, such as
deductions for contributions to pensions or to Registered Retirement Savings
Plans, union and professional dues, child care expenses, donations and

business investment losses. Individuals who have overpaid taxes or who

were overtaxed will receive a refund from the CRA upon filing their annual
tax return.
Employment Opportunities
Canada offers many job opportunities for a variety of workers and
entrepreneurs alike.
Economic growth has created many job openings
and, consequently, the Canadian government has responded by increasing

immigration to around 260,000 permanent resident visas a year for foreigner
workers from all over the world.
A permanent resident visa allows an
immigrant to legally live, work and study long-term in Canada and offers the
option of applying for Canadian citizenship after as little as 3 years!
Immigrants have a variety of employment options in Canada.
Canadas
larger cities (such as Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto) offer more
job opportunities, but the coastlines have a lot to offer as well for those
who want to work in the fishing, seafood or shipping industries. Sometimes
escaping the competition of the big cities and moving to a place thats less
populated is the answer to finding a job, as is the case in the provinces of
Alberta and Saskatchewan, which have some of the strongest economies of
any of Canadas provinces and territories (due in large part to their wealth of
natural resources).
To find employment when you move to Canada, there are many resources
available for newcomers from job websites to employment agencies. Whether
you will want a full-time or part-time position in the private or public sector,
there are many job openings that may correspond to your professional needs.
The Canadian government also strives to assist newcomers in improving their
outcomes by providing access to job related tools like job banks that help

one learn how to create effective resumes, how to choose the right career
path, skills assessment, etc. In todays modern era, it is now possible to
more easily apply for a job over the Internet even before moving to Canada
and many foreign workers who have been issued a Canadian work visa have
had pre-arranged employment waiting for them when they arrived in Canada!
The following is a list of job and employment sites that can help you in your
job search:
www.jobbank.gc.ca Job bank helps you find jobs across Canada and
has listings that are updated daily. You can advertise your profile to
employers and receive a list of matching jobs. You can also browse
job postings from Job Bank, see what education and training you
need and find out if your occupation is in demand in a particular area.
www.monster.ca Here you may find resume samples, jobs
and career resources at one of the largest job portals.
jobs-emplois.gc.ca is the official website
for Government of Canada jobs.
www.workopolis.com has offices across Canada
and currently offers more than 31,000 jobs.
www.canjobs.com has a wide selection of
employment available throughout Canada (online
resume builder and personalized job search).
www.bestjobsca.com is a portal for employment throughout
Canada with a free web address to display your resume.
www.jobshark.ca provides a wide, searchable
selection of Canadian jobs.

www.allcanadianjobs.com is a job search database

with thousands of Canadian jobs.
www.canadianrn.com has listings for nursing jobs across Canada.
www.hcareers.ca has information on restaurant,
retail, hotel and hospitality jobs in Canada.
www.educationcanada.com is Canadas largest
educational e-recruitment resource network.
www.positionwatch.com has listings of hundreds of
IT positions from many of Canadas top employers
seeking skilled technology professionals.
Resume and CV Formats - Matching

Canadian Job Requirements
So, how do you increase your chances of getting recognized by a potential
employer and landing a job in Canada? As the saying goes, When in Rome,
do as the Romans do so, when in Canada, try to match your skills to local
job requirements by tailoring your resume and submitting professional and
relevant cover letters.
Having a good resume/CV is the first step to applying for the job you want.
First, it will help you define your skills and how you want to implement them.
A professional resume says a lot about you to potential employers in Canada.
If your resume is not up to date or up to standards, then it will most likely be
passed over. Start by keeping your resume neat, short, and yet conclusive.
A one to two page long resume in Canada is fine as long as it is clear and

addresses specific job requirements. Mention your strengths and what you
have accomplished, whether it was paid or non-paid experience, including
volunteer experience which might give you an edge. If your resume is one
page long, make sure to print it out before you send it so that you will see
how it looks in the hands of the person who has to read it. If you want to
control the page margins so that it doesnt spread to two pages, save it as a
PDF file and lock in the formatting and printing perimeters.
Catch any mistakes in your resume before sending it out. Look at your
resume several times and have other people review it, too, before you send it
out. Make sure the company name, job title and date are accurate, and that
there are no typos. Customize your resume for every job opening, especially
if you have a personal statement about your job skills at the top of the page.
Rewrite and try to market yourself every time you send it out.
Organize your resume so that it makes perfect sense and represents your
personal profile. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires
attention to detail, then your resume is a great place to demonstrate your
skills in this area.
Use headings to organize the information in your resume. The most common
headings are:
Personal Statement
Highlights of Qualifications
Professional Experience
Education

Keep in mind that many employers cross-reference your resume with your
online presence so make sure you know what will come up in a Google or
Internet search when your name is entered in the search box. On the same
note, when you update your skills on your resume, make sure to update your
LinkedIn or other professional online profiles. Employers may also look for
you on other social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs. If
you are active online, make sure to update or edit anything you dont want a
potential employer to see before you send out your resume.
Self-Employment
Entrepreneurship, innovation and small businesses are central to Canadas
economy. There are over one million small businesses in Canada (small is
defined as 50 employees or less) and about 100,000 new small businesses,
on average, are opened in Canada every year.
New immigrants are
responsible for many of the small businesses in Canada because they are
highly motivated to succeed, have a chance at economic freedom that they
might not have had in their native country and want to work with or employ
their family members.
Small businesses are essential to Canadas economy because as a whole
they employ around 50% of the nations total workforce. Although small
businesses in Canada operate in the goods-producing industries, most
Canadian small businesses are actually found in the service industries. The
highest concentration of high-growth firms are in professional, scientific or
technical services, construction, administrative, support, waste management
and remediation services. Small businesses in Canada are responsible for
generating on average $77 billion a year in revenues, or 25% of Canadas
total exports making Canada wealthier and expanding the economy.

Its important to note that not all small businesses start from the ground up.
Many small business owners purchase an already-established business in
Canada from someone that is either retiring or who wants to sell the business
because they need the money. With the baby boomer generation reaching
retirement age, a large number of businesses will likely change hands in the
coming years. Some of those businesses will have family members to take
over the business, but about a third will not, so they will have to either close
the business or sell it.
Whether you want to start your own business from the beginning or purchase
an established business, either way, you can improve your chances to succeed
by conducting industry research and having your business stand out, but
still very relevant to the market. The name of your business should have
marketing potential and it should be registered right away so you can have
legal rights to the branding. Depending on where you reside or where you
open your business, you should also get all the right licenses before you
start working. If you dont want to self-finance your own business, you can
search for a combination of funding opportunities from other sources such
as bank loans, grants and investors.
When scheduling a business meeting with investors or customers, you will
find that Canadians begin meetings with a minimal amount of small talk
or relationship building. On the other hand, they tend to be informal and
relaxed even if the subjects are serious. Meetings are expected to be wellorganized and on time and on schedule. When presenting information, it
is important to have facts and figures to substantiate claims. While every
person is different and unique, Canadians in general are rational and logical
and, therefore, not convinced by emotions, passion or feelings.

Unemployment Benefits
The Canadian government provides Employment Insurance and temporary
financial assistance to residents who have lost their job at no fault of their
own. Unemployment insurance is issued to those who have lost their job
and are looking for work or upgrading their skills. Canadians who are sick,
pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child, as well as those who
must care for a family member with a significant risk of death, may also
be assisted by Employment Insurance. For more information that pertains
to the these government benefits, refer to the official government site at
Canada.gc.ca
There are several types of Employment Insurance benefits.
The most
common is the Employment Insurance Regular Benefits that are available

to individuals who were fired or lost their job due to shortage of work,
seasonal layoffs or mass layoffs.
Benefits are issued only if the person
that is unemployed is available, willing and able to work.
How much does
unemployment insurance pay? You can receive unemployment benefits for

14 to 45 weeks. The basic rate for calculating unemployment benefits is 55%
of ones weekly average insurable earnings. The maximum yearly insurable
earnings are $45,900 or a maximum amount of $485 per week.

HEALTHCARE
Canada has a universal healthcare system, often referred to as Medicare.
Healthcare costs are publically funded by the federal and provincial
governments and paid through funding from income taxes. The federal
government institutes the rule of law regulating the healthcare system at
large, but does not mitigate day-to-day administration activities or collect
any private information about an individuals health, which means that
healthcare and patient records remain confidential.
The Canadian universal healthcare system ensures that each resident gets
reasonable access to hospitals and physicians without having to pay out-ofpocket fees. It is worth noting that by law, the quality of coverage does not
depend on ones socio-economic background or income. Everyone gets fair
access to medical care which is at the core of Canadas values for national
solidarity and building a strong nation.

Canadas universal healthcare system is stable and relatively cost-effective

partly due to its management, low advertising costs and its simple
administration.
Public hospitals and physicians are required by law to
operate within their budget and although costs are increasing with time,
rates are confined by pre-determined costs so that they are not arbitrary. By
monitoring the amount of money that is spent on medical care, marketing
and non-healthcare costs, Canadas Medicare system is controlled and
checked, making it work for patients.
How much money does the Canadian government spend on healthcare costs?
That amount reached $183 billion in 2012. Total spending in Canada for
healthcare is equivalent to 10.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) which
is slightly above the average for other countries, but below the 16.0% of GDP
spent on healthcare in the United States, a country that does not provide
universal healthcare. The greater proportion of the countrys healthcare
money is allocated to hospitals followed by pharmaceutical costs and then
physician or caregiver costs.
Roles and responsibilities for Canadas healthcare system are dutifully shared
between the federal and provincial governments.
Local governments have
to qualify for their share of the federal contribution by meeting federal

requirements. Provinces are responsible for the management, organization
and delivery of health services. They have a lot of say on internal social
affairs that impact their citizens.
Private insurance is optional and available to those who want it. It is a very
minimal part of the healthcare system, but is there for those who want to
supplement or use private clinics alone.

Health Insurance
In Canada, a health card is issued by the Provincial Ministry of Health to each
individual and with that, everyone receives the same level of care. Basic care
is covered in full including emergency, essential care and even maternity or
infertility problems. Depending on where you live, dental and vision care may
not be covered but are often insured and offered by employers. Cosmetic
surgery and some form of elective surgery are not considered essential care
and are generally not covered. These can be paid out-of-pocket or through
private insurers.
Healthcare coverage is not affected by loss or change of jobs, as long as
premiums are up to date. There are also no lifetime limits or exclusions
for pre-existing health conditions so you will not be turned down if you are
sick, unlike private healthcare insurance plans that might charge you higher
premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
Aside from medical care, Canada tries to promote a healthy lifestyle. Good
health brings many benefits, including enhanced access to education and
the job market, an increase in productivity and wealth, reduced health
care costs, good social relations, and of course, a longer life. Therefore,
preventive care and early detection are important, as are regular yearly
checkups. Incorporating exercise and healthy eating into ones lifestyle is
also encouraged.
Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is an important measurement of health. Most countries
made large gains in life expectancy over the past decades because of better
living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care.

Canadians, in particular, have benefited in this respect. Canadians have

a longer life expectancy than most people in the world. For example, life
expectancy for Canadian women is 83 years and 77 years for men.
To reduce disease and increase life expectancy, Canada has implemented
laws to discourage and reduce tobacco consumption across the country.
Daily smokers among adults has been cut by half since 1980 partly due to
public awareness campaigns, advertising bans and increased taxation.
Close to 90% of people in Canada testify that they feel in good health,
which is a strong indicator of the future of their health and the health of the
nation. Of course, older people report poorer health, as do those who are
unemployed or who have less education or income, but those numbers too
are below average in comparison with other nations.

EDUCATION
Canadas public school system and public universities are among the topranked in the world and provide world-class education to people regardless of
their background. Canada spends about 7% of its annual GDP on education,
making it a priority and as a result, Canada has a very literate society with
99% of Canadians aged 15 and higher having at least a ninth-grade education
and more than 20% of the workforce holding a post-secondary or higher
academic degree.
A lot is invested on the education of children and the future generation of

Canadian leaders and workforce torch carriers. The Canadian government
guarantees an education for every child free of charge, which is mandatory
by law starting at the age of four or five until the ages 15 or 16, depending on
where you live in Canada. This type of public education is paid for through
taxes and is administered by the provinces and territories in cooperation
with local school boards.

Both Elementary and Secondary education (Kindergarten through 12th

Grade) in Canada are for the most part funded and regulated by the federal,
provincial and local governments. Within the provinces, under the Ministry
of Education, there are district school boards administering the educational
programs. Curriculum is overseen by the province, giving parents and the
community access and influence on certain programs and education tracks.
Because the Canadian government believes that an educated population is
much more likely to create greater economic success, Canada does not only
focus on educating its youth, but also provides training and high school
courses for adults who need to improve their skills. It is considered to be in
the interest of the country to train its workforce to better compete in todays
global economy.
With more than 50% of adults holding a college or university degree, Canada
stands out as one of the best-educated societies in the 21st century. And
the ratio of high school graduates versus non diploma-holders is changing
as well with a decreasing gap, partly due to changes in the labor market that
require people to have at least a high school diploma and, in many cases, a
university degree.
Provincial and territorial education systems also continue to make headway in
reducing the number of students who drop out of school. Fifteen years ago,
one in five adult Canadians did not complete their high school education.
Today, that figure has dropped to one in ten.
Keep in mind that these
numbers vary according to location and some schools have as few as 1 in

100 students who dropout.
Canada also invites and accepts many international students into its Student
Visa program because as a nation, it wants high-quality students to fill its

schools and then provide higher-caliber workers for the Canadian labor
market.
Canada has doubled the number of applications available for
Student Visas in provincial and territorial public post-secondary institutions

in the past decade in line with the growing market for high-tech and other
accomplished individuals.
Public Education for Children

Elementary/primary and secondary/high school are mandatory in Canada
for all children. Kindergarten is available in every province, but the number
of hours provided vary according to funding and province. The traditional
school year starts in September and ends in late June.
Education in both English and French is available in most places across
Canada according to the majority of its population and language-speakers,
while French-immersion as a second language is available to mainly Englishspeaking students across Canada.
Core subjects such as language arts, reading, writing, mathematics and science
are provided throughout the school year and assume greater importance
than subjects like music, visual arts and physical education.
Canadian
students benefit from a variety of classes that are often tailor-made, as each
school system is designed to meet the unique needs of its students. Many
communities also offer a wide selection of after-school or extra-curriculum
activities that enrich and supplement the students classroom education.
Canadian students rank among the best in the world in academic performance
in math, science and reading skills. Compared to students in the United
States, 15-year-olds in Canada are more than a year ahead in these subjects.
Canada is also one of only a very few countries where the achievement of

immigrant young people is equal to that of those that are natives/born in

Canada. In most countries, immigrant students usually perform at a lower
level than their native-born peers because of their language gap.
Originally, provinces had educational systems that were divided by religion,
but most provinces today have abolished the separation. Ontario, Alberta,
Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and certain cities in Saskatchewan, are
exceptions and still maintain publicly funded separate district school boards,
usually Catholic, but occasionally Protestant. In Quebec, the Catholic/
Protestant divide was replaced with a French/English one in 1998.
A small percentage, about 6% of students in Canada, attend private schools
and boarding schools. A minority of these are elite private schools, which
are attended by the kids of the wealthy and prominent population in Canada.
A far larger portion of private schools, however, are religious in nature.
Higher Academic Institutions &

Universities
Canadian universities educate more than 1.5 million students annually.
These institutions also perform more than one-third of Canadas research
and development on a variety of subjects, including medicine, international
relations and the economy. A $30 billion annual enterprise, these universities
generate substantial economic wealth in communities across Canada. Among
G7 countries, Canada has the highest proportion of university graduates in
the workforce.
Like in the United States, there are two main types of post-secondary schools
in Canada: universities and colleges. Universities grant university degrees
such as Bachelors degrees, Masters degrees and Doctoral degrees, while

community colleges are subsidized by the government, provide diplomas

or post-secondary school completion degrees. For cost-effective purposes,
many students start out their higher education in a college and then
transfer to a university to receive a better degree.
Because universities
house thousands of students, a smaller college setting can provide students

smaller classrooms and more student-teacher face time. If a student chooses
to attend a university from the very beginning, it is often because of the
resources and prestige they can receive there.
Provincial and local governments provide the majority of funding to public
colleges and universities, with the remainder of funding coming from the
federal government, tuition fees, and research grants.
Some colleges
and universities receive more funding than others according to demand.

Universities in Quebec receive the highest amount of annual funding and
have the lowest tuition fees, while universities in Atlantic area generally
receive the least amount of funding.
The major Canadian Universities with student populations of over 20,000
include the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Western
Ontario, University of British Columbia, Queens University, University of
Alberta, Universite de Montreal, Universite de Laval, Universite de Sherbrooke,
University of Saskatchewan, McMaster University, University of Ottawa,
University of Calgary and Dalhousie University. Many of these universities
have campuses and libraries that attract visitors who attend campus tours
for students who are thinking about enrolling and for those who simply want
to enjoy the scenery often found at a university.

CULTURE
Canada is a culturally-diverse nation. Many immigrants are able to retain
their cultural identities, traditions, languages and customs because of the
freedoms their ethnic communities are given in Canada.
The foundation of Canadas culture has been influenced by European cultures

and traditions, especially those from Great Britain and France. Canadas
culture is also influenced by American culture, especially because of its close
proximity, trade relations and immigration between Canada and the U.S.
Canadas modern-day culture is considered progressive, diverse, and
multicultural. The federal government also has a role in influencing the
society with programs, laws and institutions that benefit the public.
democratic governing body that represents the will of its people Canadas
federal government creates laws and policies that influence its culture,
such as publicly-funded healthcare, taxation, outlawing capital punishment,

efforts to mitigate poverty, support for cultural diversity and, most recently,
legalizing same-sex marriage. These laws are first debated, voted on and
finally become part of Canadas political and cultural life.
Canadian society is open and relatively free of class distinctions. Most residents
strive for equality and believe that all people deserve the same rights and
respect, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or cultural background.
Racism and prejudices are not tolerated. Canadians are generally a tolerant,
polite and community-oriented people. Although they enjoy individualism,
at the same time, they place a great deal of emphasis on the individuals
responsibility to the community. In fact, most Canadians have a stronger
allegiance to their province or local community than to the country.
Customs and Religions

Canadians come from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. There
isnt one typical Canadian family. The majority of Canadians are Catholic
or Protestant, but there are many other religions in the population and a
representation of Aboriginal people as well. Canadas religious groups are
divided into Roman Catholics 42.6%, Protestant 23.3%, other Christians 4.4%,
Muslims 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8% and none affiliated 16%.
Ethnicities or nationalities include people of British Isles origin 28%; French
origin 23%; other European origin 15%; Amerindian 2%; Asian, African or
Arab 6%; and mixed backgrounds 26%.
There are slight custom differences between regions. The people in the
Atlantic Provinces, such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island
and Newfoundland, can be characterized in general as more reserved, more
provincial, old-fashioned and conservative. The people in Ontario tend to be

more business-like and conservative. In Western Canada, such as Alberta,

Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the people are open, friendly and relaxed. In
British Colombia, the people are less conventional and more progressive.
Quebec (the mainly French region of Canada) has a distinct cultural identity
where the people are extremely religious and independent. Up North in the
territories, the people tend to have a strong pioneer spirit. Keep in mind
that these are regional generalities and that there are individual differences
among people in each region of Canada.
When approaching or greeting people in Canada, it is customary to shake
hands. The handshake should be firm and accompanied by direct eye contact
and a sincere smile.
It is fine to greet someone by his/ her first name.
Among the French Canadians, friends may greet each other with a couple of
kisses, one on each cheek.
When it comes to gift giving, Canadians usually give presents for birthdays
and during the Christmas holiday. If invited to someones home for dinner,
bring a small gift like a box of chocolates, flowers or a bottle of wine.
In Quebec, for example, sending flowers in advance of a dinner party is
customary. Do not send white lilies, though, as they are used at funerals.
If invited to dinner or to a social event, you should dress for the occasion.
Table manners are relaxed and non-formal in Canada, so you do not have to
worry about what you dont know. In Quebec, you might see a little more
formality. Table manners are generally Continental, with the fork on the left
side of the plate and the knife on the right for proper eating etiquette. Wait
to be shown to your seat and do not start eating before the host has joined
the dinner table. Do not rest your elbows on the table. Feel free to refuse
individual foods or drinks without offering an explanation. Leaving a small
amount of food on ones plate at the end of the meal is generally acceptable.

In formal gathering, the host gives the first toast unless he or she asks one
of the guests to do the honors. An honored guest should return the toast
later in the meal. Women may also give toasts at dinner parties.
Communication between two people, especially in public should be polite
and diplomatic. Communication styles are calm, practical and based on
common sense rather than emotions or trying to impress the other person
with fallacies. If you come from a culture where dialogue is very direct, you
may want to soften your approach and tone of voice in order to appear more
pleasant and less aggressive. Keep in mind that communication styles vary,
especially between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians.
Body gestures are only really used to add emphasis to a message without
vulgarity or aggressive gestures. Canadians like their space and prefer to
be at arms length when speaking to someone, so it is better to speak with
words than non-verbal gestures. When engaging in conversation, Canadians
are not always prepared or forthcoming to discuss their personal lives. They
expect to get to know you first, even though they are trusting for the most
part. They also expect people to speak in a straightforward manner and
to be able to back up their claims with facts in order to feel comfortable.
They themselves do not make exaggerated claims and are suspicious of
something that sounds too good to be true.
If you are a heavy smoker and are used to smoking in your own country
in public places, you should know that the culture of smoking has taken a
smaller role in Canada. Smoking has become increasingly unpopular and is
not permitted in most public buildings. Many families do not allow smoking
in their homes and they expect other people to abstain in their home.

Language in Canada
You will hear many spoken languages in Canada, similar to what you
would find in the United States. English and French are the most preferred
languages. Both English and French are recognized by the Constitution of
Canada as the countrys official languages, which means that all laws of
the federal government are available in both English and French. Federal
government services are also required to be available in both languages.
The five most widely-spoken non-official languages are Chinese (the home
language of 2.6% of Canadians), Punjabi (0.8%), Spanish (0.7%), Italian (0.6%),
and Arabic (0.5%).
Arts
Museums are a great place to find and learn more about Canadas art and
culture. Public art institutions are created in the public interest in order to
preserve and display art. While art itself can have a very wide definition,
museums capture a wide spectrum of Canadian artwork. Canadians museums
acquire, preserve, research, interpret and exhibit tangible and intangible
evidence of art, society and nature. Museums provide a physical forum for
critical inquiry and investigation into the art culture.
Most of Canadas museums are not-for-profit institutions, with art exhibits
that are regularly open to the general public. These museums showcase
many categories in the art world from modern to classic, maritime to political,
and from local to international artistic items.
The national gallery of Canada, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is one of
Canadas premier art galleries. The Gallery has a large and varied collection
of paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs. It is worthwhile to visit,

and although it focuses on Canadian art, it holds works by many noted

American and European artists as well.
Sports
Sports in Canada are celebrated on a local and national level, and create a
sense of national camaraderie among fans who cheer for a common team.
These teams usually represent their hometown. There are many sports and
contests that Canadians value, the most common are in ice hockey, lacrosse,
football, basketball, soccer, curling and baseball, with ice hockey and lacrosse
being Canadas official winter and summer sports, respectively.
Ice hockey (referred to simply as hockey) is Canadas most popular winter
sport with the most spectators. The Canadian hockey teams and athletes are
the most successful in international hockey competitions. Lacrosse, a sport
with Native American origins, is Canadas oldest and official summer sport.
Canadian football is Canadas second most popular and watched sport, and
the Canadian Football Leagues annual championship, the Grey Cup, is the
countrys largest annual sporting event. Soccer has the most registered
players of any team sport in Canada. The top ten sports that Canadians
participate in are golf, ice hockey, swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball,
volleyball, skiing, cycling and tennis.
With a much colder climate during the winter season, Canada has enjoyed
greater success at the Winter Olympics than at the Summer Olympics. Great
achievements in Canadian sports are recognized by Canadas Sports Hall
of Fame, while the Lou Marsh Trophy is awarded annually to Canadas top
athlete by a panel of journalists.

Public Holidays
During public holidays, government offices, banks and schools are closed
in observance of a national or religious holiday. A list of these holidays and
special events can easily be found online or on Canadian calendars. The
first public holiday on the list starts off with New Years Day on January 1st.
Canadians celebrate New Year Eve with fireworks and exciting celebrations,
and on the following day begin the rest of their new year with blessings to
their family, friends, colleagues and more.
Family Day on February 18th is a holiday for families to have a day off. Good
Friday, a religious holiday, is in March or April (it can vary each year) the Friday
before Easter Sunday and is celebrated at the same time and in much the
same way as it is in other Western countries, like in the U.S. Easter Monday is
another important religious holiday where schools, banks and government
offices are closed for religious observance. Victoria Day, observed on the
Monday before May 25th, celebrates former Queen Victorias birthday. Since
Canada is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, which the Queen
of England heads (currently, Queen Elizabeth II), it is therefore observed.
Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st. July 1st marks the anniversary of the
formation of the union of the British North American provinces in a federation
under the name of Canada - thats the technical explanation, but Canada Day
also means fireworks and the years biggest national celebration. It is akin
to Americas July 4th celebration, but on a Canadian scale.
August Civic Holiday (or August Long Weekend) is the most popular weekend
for summer travel. Expect crowds at resorts and busy highways. Labor Day
weekend is the last big travel weekend of the summer, as school starts up
again the day after Labor Day weekend. Labor Day in Canada, like in the

U.S., celebrates worker solidarity, but also marks the end of the summer
vacation season. Most workers, public or private, are entitled to take the day
off with regular pay. Some businesses remain open on holidays, such as
medical clinics and some stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Although Canadians do tend to get together on Thanksgiving weekend,
the holiday is not as big a celebration in Canada as it is in the U.S.,
where Thanksgiving is the years biggest holiday occasion. Nevertheless,
Thanksgiving weekend is a popular time for Canadians to gather with family,
so more people than usual are traveling on that weekend.
Banks, schools,
government offices and many corporations and businesses are closed.

Nevertheless, service industries, including shopping malls, restaurants and
tourist attractions, remain open.
Remembrance Day or Veterans Day also falls on the same date as in the U.S.
November 11th is a day to remember and honor the men and women who
have died in war and military operation to protect the Commonwealth (it
also commemorates the end of World War I).
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are on December 24th and 25th. The day
after Christmas (December 26th) is a public holiday called Boxing Day in
Canada. Several theories exist on how Boxing Day got its name. One thing
is for certain - the name comes from storage boxes, not the sport called
boxing. However, you may witness enthusiastic shoppers coming to blows
over Boxing Day bargains. Boxing Day, like the day after Thanksgiving (Black
Friday) in the US, is the biggest shopping day in Canada. Stores, malls and
most retailers are open and generally continue to offer sales and bargains
until New Years.

LEISURE
Niagara Falls (in Ontario), Montreal (in Quebec), and Vancouver (in British
Columbia), are only a few places that provide great leisure getaways for
locals and visitors alike in Canada. These fascinating locations and others
attract millions of people every year.
Tourism peaks during the summer, when more than 28 million visitors come
to Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls is a collective name for three waterfalls
that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of
Ontario and the U.S. state of New York (the falls on the Canadian side of the
border are also known as Horseshoe Falls because of the shape of these
spectacular cascades).
Montreal, considered Canadas cultural capital and the second largest city
in Canada (after Toronto), attracts many visitors as well, offering many great
places to visit and experience.

Last, but not least, is Vancouver, a West Coast seaport in British Columbia,
that is ranked as one of the top ten most desirable places to live in the world,
and boasts a forward-thinking culture and a booming economy.
Nature and Travel

Canada is a vast and incredibly scenic country which has many natural
wonders, such as magnificent mountain landscapes that are complimented
by beautiful blue lakes and pristine pine forests. Each region, province and
coast is different and can offer many travel opportunities for those who love
the outdoors and appreciate nature in all its splendor.
You can ask locals about the best travel destinations and nature spots to
visit or you can also consider points of interest on the following list:
The Cascades at Virginia Falls are about twice the height of the cascades
in Niagara Falls and are a truly spectacular sight. If you can get to this remote
location, as the vast majority of visitors travel to the park by chartered float
plane, with a few brave souls hiking or paddling in, then you will be in for a
real treat.
Thousand Islands in Ontario is exactly what it sounds like - a stretch of
1,864 islands ranging in size from over 40 square miles to smaller islands
with single residence and also uninhabited outcroppings of rocks peeking
out above the water line. The range of island cottages is truly amazing from
a mansion with 120-rooms to tiny huts clinging to rocky boulders. When
summer travel peaks, the region buzzes with activities. It is a great place for
a boat ride like no other with the family.

Western Brook Pond in Newfoundland has a spectacular National Park

with dozens of thundering waterfalls cascading off 610-meter-high rock
walls. Cruise ships steer through crystal clear waters, offering visitors views
from the water level, while hiking trails let others gaze from above.
Polar Bear Capital of the World - One of natures many unique locations in
Canada is Churchill, Manitoba, which is the location for a large concentration
of the worlds largest land carnivore - the polar bear. In fact, there are so
many polar bears in the Churchill area that it has been nicknamed the Polar
Bear Capital of the World! The area around this Manitoban town also offers
some of natures most beautiful sights, with winter snow and ice covering
this spectacular frozen landscape.
Algonquin Provincial Park is Ontarios lake country. The nations most
famous painters the Group of Seven chose to do much of their artwork
there because of the beautiful landscape and wealth of nature. Millions
of tourists come to the park year-round to camp, paddle canoes, hike,
snowshoe and ski. Its massive size means it rarely feels crowded and with
thousands of paddle-in campsites, there are only a few other places that
provide such space away from the busy city life.
Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta is one of the worlds best areas
for finding dinosaur bones. Aside from the poetic terrain, you will find an
exhibit style museum on dinosaurs, fossils, the geology and natural history
of the park. The Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to more than 130,000 fossils
and one of the worlds premiere showcases for all things dinosaur is in
that area as well.
Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy is an amazing collection of rock
formations rising from the shore in New Brunswick. When the water tide

is low, visitors can actually walk among these unique rocks as if they are
strolling through a museums sculpture collection. When the tide is high, the
only way to get a close look at the rocks is by boat.
Niagara Falls in Ontario is so well known and for a very good reason.
Aside from the casinos, theme parks and souvenir shops, it is undeniably
North Americas most powerful waterfall attraction. As much as six million
cubic feet of water pours over the cliff of the falls three sections every
minute thats enough to fill nearly 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools
every minute! Tourists can watch from several locations or a take a boat
ride below these majestic cascades. Wherever you stand, the enormity of
the waterfall will surely shock you.
Lake Louise in Alberta is a glacial lake that is located in beautiful Banff
National Park. If you are looking for emerald-green waters, mountainous
surroundings and glaciers looming over the lakes west end, this is the spot
for you. The Chateau Lake Louise opened back in 1911 and today is among
the most opulent hotels in the Rockies. In the winter, tourists flock to skate
on the frozen lake, while in the summer they delve into it with rented canoes
and also hike the dozens of surrounding trails.
If all of this doesnt sound
like a great escape and a fun family trip, then maybe shopping is your thing,
so read ahead!
Native Animals
The wildlife of Canada is diverse and includes animals such as the Arctic fox,
beaver, bison, caribou, pronghorn, grizzly bear, polar bear, moose, whitetailed deer, bald eagle, Canadian goose, snowy owl, bighorn sheep, sea
otter, walrus, rattlesnake, wild horse, wolf, cougar, and Canada lynx. Canada
has multiple ecosystems, ranging from the lush forests of British Columbia
to the grassy prairies of Western Canada to the tundra of the Northern

Canada. With a large land mass and small population density, the wild lands
of Canada provide an important habitat for many animals, both endangered
and otherwise. Canada is home to approximately 70,000 known species of
plants and animals-and perhaps many more that have yet to be discovered
in this enormous, scenic country.
Shopping
If you need to shop for yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada,
you should be aware that there are many discount and value stores that can
give you more for your money.
Stores in Canada may be set up differently than what you have experienced
in other countries. For example, there are many Canadian stores that are
grouped together in large shopping malls so you can get all your shopping
done in one place (and even get a bite to eat while in the mall). Each store
has its own payment system where you pay for your purchases and most
will accept credit cards and, of course, cash. Make sure to keep your receipt
with every purchase. Your purchase receipt is not only proof that you paid
for your goods, but often has details on the companys return policies and
exchanges. You will need this receipt if you need to return an item for a
refund or exchange. It may be a good idea as well to ask about a stores
return policy before making a purchase, as these policies will differ for each
company and having this knowledge in advance can help you to have a
better shopping experience.
Many places in Canada also have large outdoor markets (sometimes called
flea markets) where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables and other
goods from local farmers and craftspeople. These flea market events are
great if you like organic and freshly picked fruits and vegetables. You can

find out about them in advance as they are usually publicized in and around
the neighborhood on large signs, so watch out for them, especially during
the summer time. Most of the flea market merchants only accept cash.
A Farmers Market is a public event (often held on a particular day of the
week or the month) where a group of vendors come together to sell their
products. The most common products at these markets are fresh, organic
or home-grown vegetables and fruits, homemade pastries and deserts, and
other specialty food products.
Homemade or handmade products such
as jewelry, clothing or artistic pieces are also commonly found for sale at
Farmers Markets. Again, merchants there will usually only accept cash (e.g.,
cash-and-carry).
A Garage Sale or Yard Sale is very common in Canada (as in the U.S.)
They are informal sales events that private individuals set up right outside
of their home and usually in their car garage or in their driveway where
they sell household items that they would like to get rid of. These sales are
most commonly held during the months of May-September and during the
weekend, either Saturday or Sunday. A Garage Sale can be a great place
to find indoor or outdoor furniture items for your home. In fact, many
hidden treasures have been bought in Garage Sales when owners did not
realize the value of an item they got rid of (such as a signed copy of the
Constitution, which was later sold for millions). It is a great place to find
unique or practical household items that can be put to good use. Some
people, even if they do not need to buy anything, make a weekend out of
going to Garage Sales because there are so many interesting things to find
there. If you want to shop for second-hand items in Garage Sales or possibly
find a hidden treasure, check the classified section in a local newspaper or
look for Garage Sale signs on community bulletin boards or even posting
on trees or lamp posts in your neighborhood.

There are many other ways you can save money when shopping in Canada.
Coupon websites make savings easy. Some websites offer printable coupons;
others will mail you the coupons that you request. For more coupon links
and offers, search sites like canadianshoppingdeals.com or run a search for
coupons in Canada.
Explore free online classifieds that people place not only in the newspaper
classified ads section but also on Craigslist which you can localize the search
according to the country of Canada and your location there, and eBay-owned
Kijiji which is strictly for Canadians. Unlike newspaper ads, it does not cost
anything to post an ad on these sites, so there are thousands of products and
services being offered on any given day. Although it is intended for private
individuals to sell their product and services, there are also many posts
by commercial businesses which offer new products at deeply discounted
prices. Craigslist even allows you to restrict your search to sellers in your
region. Like an ongoing Garage Sale, these are great websites to find and
sell items that are not needed anymore.
Before you go out shopping, look for online coupon codes with your favorite
retailers before you go to the store. An increasing number of Canadians
now shop online at their favorite stores. Major retailers, like Sears, Office
Depot and Best Buy, allow you to enter a coupon code for additional savings
before checking out. Dont have a coupon code? Run an online search for,
or go to, coupon sites to download coupons with listings of coupon codes
for dozens of items that are offered by Canadian retailers.
Why buy when you can trade goods? New websites are making it easier for
people to trade books, movies, music and video games. These sites have a
simple premise and are based on a system where you earn points for trading
your items on new books, movies, music or video game titles that you want.

Fill up your car on Mondays and Thursdays! Statistics show that gas prices in
Canada tend to be at their lowest in the morning on Mondays and Thursdays,
so make those your regular days to fill up your car with gasoline. To find
the lowest price for gas in your area on any given day, run a search online
the day before.
Dont buy two if you dont need more than one. There are many marketing
deals like 2 for $10 promotions in department stores and other retailers,
but if you only need one item, then dont get influenced into spending more
money on a second one. If the price is right and all you need is one, dont
bother with buying more because in most stores the checkout systems will
not be equipped to scan a single item at a higher per-unit price, so most
likely you will get it for the lower price ($5 in the above example of 2 for
$10), but double-check with the cashier to make sure before you checkout.
If you plan on buying a house in Canada, refinance your mortgage when
interest rates are low. If youre paying a higher rate than you can get when the
government lowers the interest rate in order to stimulate the housing market
and the economy, then you should consider refinancing. Even accounting
for penalties for ending your current term early and paying new fees for
a refinancing deal, you will likely come out way ahead in the long run at
the lower interest rate. In most cases, your current lender will be happy to
refinance and maintain you as a client.
When you are ready to open a bank account where you can earn interest
on your deposit, larger banks, have lower service fees since most of their
transactions are online and they also offer significantly higher interest rates
with no monthly fees, no minimum balances and easy transfers to and from
your existing bank. On the other hand, smaller and private banks have
smaller bureaucracies and set rules so they might be a better fit for smaller

loans, etc. There are many banks in Canada and some charge more for their
services than others, so ask around, do some research and try to get the
best deal you can.
You can be part of Canadas move towards a greener and more environmentallyconscious society by connecting with movements like Freecycle). It allows
members to properly recycle or acquire that special something for free.
There are Freecycle groups in most major cities in Canada.
Buy off-season. Its widely-known that the best sales are often after a
holiday season (for example, after Christmas), even though few people take
advantage of it probably because they have done most of their shopping
already. Prices of holiday season items are at their lowest point right after
the Canadas Boxing Day event for example, which is an ideal time to buy.
Because companies stock up for the holiday season, the leftovers are sold at
a much lower price. From winter gear, Valentines Day cards or Halloween
masks, it may be worth buying those items after the season and save them
for the year ahead.
What is price-matching and how can it work to your advantage? Many
leading retailers, including Future Shop, Home Depot and Staples, will match
the price of a competitor for the same item. So, if you saw it somewhere
else for a cheaper price, mention this to the sales clerk or manager and you
just might get the lower price. Some companies even offer an additional
discount to beat competitors (so youll buy the item from them instead of
their competitor). If you have a preferred retailer or grocery store that is near
you and that you want to buy from, take advantage of possible customer
reward programs that issue loyalty points that you can accumulate after
shopping with them repeatedly and you may get more value (i.e., better
discounts, special promotions, etc.). In order to receive loyalty points, you

usually have to fill out a form in the store and will then be issued a card that
youll scan at the register when you pay for items, in order to get the points
and any discounts (so always bring your loyalty points card with you when
you go shopping).
Be aware that you do not have to pay for extended warranties when you
purchase a computer or any other appliance. Most electronics and consumer
appliance retailers will encourage you to buy an extended warranty on an
item when you make a purchase. An extended warranty or more insurance
on the product is added insurance on your purchased item (in case it has a
problem after the manufacturers warranty expires) that you are not obligated
to buy. You may want to think twice about paying for an extended warranty,
especially when the independent and well-respected Consumer Reports
has published data that shows appliances almost never break down during
warranty periods, and when they do, the average cost of repair is roughly
the same as the cost of the warranty. You also may want to buy electronics
accessories at smaller stores since big retailers like Best Buy and Future Shop
often have good deals on electronics, but when it comes to accessories for
the electronics (such as cables, connectors and batteries), you can usually
get comparable quality for a lower price at your corner electronics store or
even at your local WalMart or similar store.
When buying computers, electronics or appliances, it pays to compare prices
before you decide where to buy. On some sites you can compare prices on
the same or similar products from the comfort of your home so when you
are ready to make a purchase, you are prepared with the facts and figures
and can go to the store with the best price.
Staying in touch with your loved ones does not have to cost a lot. Nowadays,
you can make long-distance phone calls for less (or even for free) with various

services. If you plan on calling your relatives or friends while in your home
(and you have Internet service), online companies like Skype and MagicJack
use VOIP technology to offer free and excellent low-cost plans. Skype offers
unlimited calling to any phone in Canada or the U.S. for just $2.95 a month
(as well as free Skype-to-Skype calls around the world, including videoconferencing which allows you to see your loved ones). MagicJack (already
hugely popular in the U.S.) will only cost you around $40 the first year (including
the hardware which allows you to plug a telephone into your computer for
cheap or free calls over the Internet), and then approximately$20-$30 a year
thereafter. If your family members or friends also buy a MagicJack, they can
get a U.S./Canada phone number and you can call each other free, even if
they are living in another country!

IMMIGRATION
Canada is one of the top destinations for immigrants from around the
globe. Immigrants have helped build Canadas economy and social
systems throughout the years and continue to contribute today. Each year,
approximately 250,000 people from all over the world immigrate to Canada
to begin their new lives for a promise of a better and more secure future.
Now may very well be one of the best times to apply for a permanent resident
visa to Canada because Canadas economy is expanding and is experiencing
a major labor shortage, not only because more jobs are being created but
also due to many Canadian baby boomers. You have to go where the
opportunities are and with much of the world still struggling economically, a
variety of employment opportunities are available for eligible foreign skilled
workers who immigrate to Canada! Canada is also among the top countries
to attract and accept international students to its fine Universitites.

A pro-immigrant nation, Canadas government and Canadian businesses alike

both view immigration positively. New immigrants are viewed an important
resource for meeting the needs of Canadas economy.
Consequently,
the Canadian government has recently updated its immigration laws and
programs to better facilitate hundreds of thousands of qualified skilled
foreign workers to Canada to fill available positions in a range of various
occupations. The Canadian government is not only interested in addressing
Canadas economic needs but also wants to help refugees and increase the
likelihood that immigrants will succeed by truly experiencing the Canadian
dream.
Immigration Programs
Thus, there are several immigration programs available for foreign nations
to apply for, such as the:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Provisional Nominee Program (PNP)
Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program
Family Sponsorship Program
Student Visa Programs
These Canadian immigration programs were put in place to meet the needs
of Canadas mission to become more diverse and competitive in the future.

The Provinces or territories in Canada that need qualified workers for specific
jobs will also be able to attract more immigrants with newer and more lenient
immigration laws. Some of the visa programs are for professionals with
university degrees, while others are for skilled tradespeople (i.e., carpenters,
electricians, welders, plumbers, heavy machinery operators, oil and gas
workers, etc.), trained and experienced live-in caregivers (to help the elderly,
children and disabled), temporary workers with high-demand skills, and
international students who graduate from a Canadian university and have
the desired knowledge and experience needed in Canada. There are even
immigration programs to help keep immigrant families together so that
people who have immigrated to Canada and have become established can
sponsor eligible family members to join them in Canada. Finally, there are
educational programs for students who would like to earn a higher degree in
Canada, learn English or French or take part of a research program.
Immigration Requirements
To qualify for most of these visa programs, the following criteria are needed:
Acceptable language skills in either English or French,

which makes it easier for immigrants to adjust to living in
Canada, find employment, succeed on the job, etc.
Good health (a medical exam and related
documentation may be requested).
Having good character (a police certificate may be required).
An emphasis for immigrants to be relatively young as research
indicates that younger immigrants may more easily adjust to
life in a new country than older workers, plus they can work
more years and contribute longer to Canadas economy.

Possessing the required education and

experience for ones particular trade.
Immigration Benefits
There are a number of benefits available to immigrants who have been
issued a permanent resident visa to Canada. These include the legal right to
live, work and study in Canada, which has one of the highest standards of
living found anywhere in the world; access to free basic healthcare (a waiting
period may be required) and Canadas excellent education system; life in a
beautiful, stable, diverse democracy which protects human rights and basic
freedoms; and the option to apply for Canadian citizenship after as little as
three years!

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we at Canadian Visa Expert would like to wish you the best of
luck in your transition and relocation to the great country of Canada. If you
have read this book, you may know more about the country than most, but
it is still just the tip of the iceberg as there is so much more to experience
and learn about the vast country and people to the North of the Americas.
We cant leave you without providing you with the words to Canadas National
Anthem, the heart of it all, which highlights the need to guard freedom and
the glorious land up North of the Americas:
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!

If you would like more information about Canada and your immigration
opportunities and, contact CanadianVisaExpert.com and AbroadEd.com for
support on immigration opportunities for skilled workers and student visas
and updates on immigration laws in Canada.
Our certified immigration
experts and legal advisers will help you identify your best immigration
options and provide you with the assistance you need to live, work and study
in the great country of Canada.


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YOUR

Your Essential Guide

Copyright All rights reserved. CanadianVisaExpert

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any

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-3CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

Amazing natural landscapes with waterfall cascades,

-4CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

Income and Salaries  10

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-7CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

-8CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

Canadian exports include motor vehicles and parts,

industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment, chemicals,

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Canada also has large

manufacturing, automobile and aircraft industries. Furthermore, with the

Other major Canadian industries include

transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals,

Income and Salaries

- 10 CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

Families with children have a median household income of $78,800, which is

- 11 CanadianVisaExpert eBook | Your Essential Guide to Canada

employees in Canada earn $16.24 per hour.

Average Weekly Wages per industry in Canada (2011 Table)

Average Weekly Wage

Mining and oil and gas extraction

Transportation and warehousing

Information and cultural industries

Finance and insurance

Real estate and rentals

Professional, scientific and technical services

Administration, waste management and services

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Healthcare and social assistance

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Accommodation and food services

Average Hourly Wages by Occupation in Canada (2011 Table)

Average Hourly Rate

Retail Sales/ Sales Clerk

Data Entry Clerk

Computer Engineer (not software)

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Computer and Info System Manager

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business investment losses. Individuals who have overpaid taxes or who

Economic growth has created many job openings

and, consequently, the Canadian government has responded by increasing

A permanent resident visa allows an

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www.allcanadianjobs.com is a job search database

Resume and CV Formats - Matching

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New immigrants are

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common is the Employment Insurance Regular Benefits that are available

Benefits are issued only if the person

that is unemployed is available, willing and able to work.

How much does

unemployment insurance pay? You can receive unemployment benefits for

Income and Salaries 10