Is canada a good place to move in???

hi

we are planning to move to Canada as there are not much options for us here in HK. Can anyone here from canada suggest if its a good place to live (for me, my husband and a 2yr old). Also which city would you suggest would be best environmently and economically? Also any info on hows the job market there? my husband is an MBA and planning to start a job ASA we move.

Any suggestions and information would be really appreciated.

thanks

First, I must make an assumption that you, your spouse and your two year old already have the necessary documents to allow you to move to Canada. This is very important, for if you are applying today at the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong for Permanent Resident status under the Skilled Worker category, the queue is approximately 5 years for the processing of such an application. There are a few things that can be done to allow the application to be processed in a more expedient manner (about one year) but these things are more complicated and require additional qualifications.


As for a place to live in Canada there are several important things to consider:

- do you have any friends or relatives in Canada. If so it is usually to your advantage to go where you have connections as those people would be there to provide assistance and guidance that one often requires when you move from one city to another, much less from one country to another. Simple things such as what is the best way to find employment, where is the best dry cleaners or even where should I take my spouse for dinner on their birthday. It is very important for finding a school for children as having your friends children there to be in the same school can make the transition much easier for you child (this may be less importance for you as your child is only two years of age at this time);

- if you have a connection to any employers in Canada. Perhaps one has worked for an international company which ahs an office in Canada, then obtaining a good letter of recommendation/introduction from the employer at this end to the Canadian branch office would greatly assist in finding the initial job. In Canada having Canadian job experience is important to finding subsequent employment;

- a good point for most newcomers to Canada is to remain mobile fore the first year or so. Perhaps rent an apartment until you know the city and select the neighborhood in which you wish to reside or even the city of final destination. Normally children are to attend schools in the district you reside so often living in a certain area allows your child to attend the school of your choice;

- do consider average temperatures for cities for each of the four Canadian seasons. One will find that Vancouver and Halifax may have average winter temperatures much milder than Toronto and Montreal. However, temperatures are really of less importance as houses in Canada have good heating systems so set the thermostat at 24 degrees and the house will remain at that temperature. It may be more important to consider average days of sunshine per year;

- one might wish to consider if they feel they must travel overseas for business/family reasons. If so, then both the travel time from the residence in Canada and ease of connections may be something to be considered;

- if your location in Canada would allow you to pursue activities that you enjoy (skiing, golfing, eating at good restaurants, etc.);

- is there an ethnic community similar to your background that you and your family would like to participate in at your chosen destination;

- etc.


Most immigrants select going to Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Vancouver as it has a very large Chinese community and is very easy to travel back and forth to China. Toronto as it is the business capital of Canada and those in the financial industry usually find securing employment in their sector easier. Montreal as it has French cultural identity and has many advantages for those in the fashion and garment industry.


Alberta is a great province to consider and it has no Provincial Sales Tax making purchases slightly more reasonable. Alberta has had a boom lately with the fact that this Province is rich in oil and gas. There are good employment opportunities for those with experience in that industry. Unfortunately with migration for other provinces to Alberta the cost of housing has increased significantly. Calgary is a very nice city and offers a great deal of opportunities for a young family.


Having said the above some of the smaller less know Provinces of Canada such as Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia offer significant advantages to newcomers. They do not receive many immigrants in comparison to British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec and as a result do welcome newcomers and have the mandate to welcome by providing guidance and assistance to those whom wish to settle in their Province.


Basically Canada is truly a good place to relocate. It is especially for so for those who wish to offer the best possible opportunities for their children.


In Canada each Province has a Medical & Health system which provides quality care for all of its residents. Education is offered without charge to all students in the Primary and Secondary levels and Post secondary education is highly subsidized to allow for a highly educated Canadian population.


I do wish to stress that a good decision is not to put down your roots to strong in the first year and remain open to relocation as opportunities and other consideration are fully assessed.


Good luck and great success to you and your family in Canada.