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MOVING TO CANADA: Things to Know


Blog by Doriana Zohil-Morton, Broker of Record/Owner | July 26th, 2019


  1. Immigration
    If you are relocating to Canada for your employer, you will need to apply for permanent residency. This is a fairly fast process (in comparison to some countries), and can take just a few months once the initial application has been submitted. The higher your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS), the faster the process. The CRS is based on many factors, some of which include having immediate family in the country, your education level, language ability, and more.
     
  2. Cost of Living
    This one is rather important. While many large cities around the world are very similar, there are likely some major differences. Canada’s largest cities can have higher real estate prices, so make sure you discuss this with your employer in advance of moving to Canada to ensure your compensation package will allow you to afford real estate (renting or owning). Take a trip to your prospective city and explore (your employer likely covers an advance trip). Get a feel for life in Canada. If you aren’t able to visit in advance of accepting the relocation, find as much information as possible and speak with your employer to get a feel for the area. Try to touch base with colleagues working in the local office. Read the local news. A good real estate professional (like us!) can also help find a neighbourhood that best fits your needs and budget.
     
  3. Climate
    Canada is made up of nearly 10 million square km of land. As such, the country has different climate zones. In case you are wondering, Canada is NOT a frozen tundra like some movies may make folks believe. Relocating to Canada will not result in you turning into a popsicle. In the most western province, British Columbia, the coastal cities actually enjoy a relatively mild climate. Those further into the mountains, and the further east you venture, the more chilly the winters can get. Most of the country actually enjoys four very distinct seasons. Summer months can get up to 30o C, and winter months can get as chilly as -20o C.
     
  4. Language
    Canada’s official languages are English and French. English is used the most, with French being the dominant language in the province of Quebec. However, being such a wonderfully diverse country, so many more languages are frequently spoken.
     
  5. Healthcare
    Canada practices a publicly funded health care system, which is delivered through the provincial systems. The Canada Health Care Act of 1984 ensures national health care insurance for Canadian residents, wherever they live in the country.
     
  6. Education
    A little known fact that many aren’t aware of is this: Canada is one of the most educated countries in the world. Canada ranks first for the number of adults with post-secondary education (51% of Canadian adults). This is due to the country investing heavily in post-secondary education. Children in Canada have access to free education from Kindergarten through grade 12 (ages 5 through 18). As a result, the literacy rate in Canada among adults is at 99%, and 89% of have earned the equivalent of a high-school degree.
     
  7. History
    The first inhabitants of North America are believed to have migrated from Siberia at least 14,000 years ago via the Bering land bridge. In 1497 Italian seafarer John Cabot discovered (and claimed on behalf of King Henry VII of England) what is now Canada’s eastern provinces. Some 40 years later French explorer Jacques Cartier discovered the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, claiming it on behalf of the King of France. Fast forward another 50 years, and now Sir Humphrey Gilbert (on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I) founded St John’s Newfoundland as the first North American English colony. Then, in 1603 French explorer Samuel de Champlain arrived and established the first permanent European settlements in what is now the province of Quebec. There were quite a few wars (sadly), lots of treaties and proclamations (moving in the right direction), and ultimately the creation of a new country. July 1, 1867 marked the day the British North America Act – now known as the Constitution Act – was enacted. On that day, Canada became its own country, within the British Empire. At the time, there were only three colonies. Today, Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories, and covers 9.98 million square kilometers of land. The name “Canada” originates from an Iroquoian word “Kanata”, which means village or settlement.
     

Interested in buying real estate in Toronto & the GTA, or perhaps investing in Toronto real estate? First time home buyer? Moving to Toronto? Are you part of a Toronto relocation with your employer? We can help you with all steps of the process, from finding a new home, temporary accommodations in the meantime, destination services, settling in services, move management, and so much more. So many steps of the move can be handled in advance, so when you arrive we can get you settled much faster. When moving to Toronto, we can help with all aspects of the relocation.

We’d love to hear from you, so call us today to book your complimentary private consultation.



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