TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Welcome to the Maple Country! 1
- Chapter One: An Overview of Canada 7
- Canada in Focus 9
- A Brief History of Canada 12
- Cities and Provinces in Canada 16
- Geography and Climate 19
- Spring Season 20
- Summer Season 20
- Fall/ Autumn Season 21
- Winter Season 21
- Language 23
- Economy 24
- Government 26
- Levels of Government 27
- Federal Government 27
- Provincial and Territorial Governments 28
- Constitutional Monarchy 29
- Social and Cultural Norms and Etiquettes 30
- Gender Roles 30
- Socialization 31
- Meeting and Greeting 32
- Gift Giving 33
- Dining Manners 34
- Taboos 35
- Business Culture and Etiquette 35
- Chapter Two: Immigration 37
- Different Types of Immigration Programs in Canada 39
- Skilled Worker Immigration Program 39
- Family Class Sponsorship Program 41
- Business Immigration 45
- Quebec Experience Class (PEQ) 49
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 52
- International Adoption 53
- General Requirement for Permanent Resident Visa 55
- Fees for Permanent Residency 57
- For Family Class Visa Program Applicants: 57
- For Entrepreneurs, Self – Employed, and Investor Class Visa Programs Applicants: 58
- For Other Class Visa Program Applicants: 59
- Chapter Three: Best Expat Districts in Canada 61
- Factors You Need to Consider When Choosing a City/Province 63
- Where do Most Expats Live and Why? 64
- Top Canadian Cities Where Expats Live 66
- Quebec 66
- Gatineau, Quebec 67
- Brossard, Quebec 69
- Ontario 71
- Ottawa 73
- Waterloo 75
- Burlington 77
- Guelph 78
- British Columbia 80
- Delta 82
- Saanich District 84
- Alberta 86
- St. Albert 87
- Edmonton 89
- Calgary 91
- Cost of Living in Canada 94
- Chapter Four: Housing and Estate Planning 99
- Renting vs. Buying 100
- Housing Options in Canada 102
- Rental Apartments 102
- Rental Rooms 103
- Condominiums 104
- House and Lot 105
- Renting in Canada 105
- Guidelines when finding a place to rent 108
- Questions to Ask Your Landlord: 110
- Signing a Lease 111
- Acquiring a House and Lot in Canada 113
- Making an Offer 115
- Financing Options for Homes in Canada 115
- Other Housing Options in Canada 117
- Government – Subsidized Housing 117
- Co-op/ Cooperative Housing 117
- Student Housing 118
- Housing for Seniors 118
- Estate Planning 119
- Tips When Making a Will 120
- Chapter Five: Utilities and Communication Services in Canada 123
- Housing Utilities 125
- Electricity 125
- Gas 126
- Water 126
- Mobile Plans in Canada 127
- Rogers 128
- Telus 129
- Bell 130
- Internet Plans and Providers in Canada 132
- Shaw 132
- Telus 134
- Bell 136
- Rogers 138
- Chapter Six: Work and Business in Canada 141
- Working in Canada 142
- Residence Permits 143
- Temporary Work Permits 144
- How to Apply for a Temporary Working Permit 145
- Regulated Occupations in Canada 148
- Unregulated Occupations in Canada 150
- How to Search for Jobs 151
- Doing Business in Canada 155
- Types of Legal Structures for Business in Canada 157
- Sole Proprietor 158
- Partnership 158
- Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) 159
- Incorporation 160
- How to Set Up a Business in Canada 160
- Chapter Seven: Family & Education in Canada 163
- Acclimating Children Once You Make the Move 165
- Living in Canada 167
- School Options and Education Systems in Canada 173
- Elementary and Secondary Education 174
- Secondary Education for Adults 176
- Post – Secondary or College Education 176
- Universities in Canada 178
- Credential Recognition in Schools/Universities 179
- Chapter Eight: Taxes & Banking in Canada 181
- Taxation in Canada 182
- Income Tax 183
- Business Tax 185
- For Small to Medium Businesses 185
- For Corporations 186
- How to File an Income Tax in Canada 187
- Financial Institutions and Banking in Canada 189
- How to Open a Bank Account 190
- Types of Bank Accounts 194
- Savings and Investment Accounts 194
- Checking Accounts 194
- Credit and Bank Loans 195
- Chapter Nine: Healthcare in Canada 197
- Health Care System in Canada 198
- Supplementary Health Insurance 199
- Health Cards 200
- Medical and Dental Services in Canada 201
- Finding Doctors 201
- Finding Dentists 202
- Vaccinations or Immunizations 202
- Emergency and Ambulance Services 203
- Medical Surveillance for Newly Arrived Immigrants 204
- Pregnancy and Maternity Benefits 204
- Healthcare for Expat Retiree and Seniors 206
- Chapter Ten: Preparing for Your Relocation in Canada 211
- Tips Before Your Immigrate to Canada 213
- Things to Do in Your First Few Weeks (1 – 2 weeks) 219
- Things to Do in Your First Few Months (1 – 3 months) 221
- Basic Travel Essentials 223
- Canada Basic Essentials 224
- PHOTO REFERENCES 227
- REFERENCES 233