Introduction
A country with a limitless environment and cities where a high quality of life and modernity can be found together, Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world. It is a place where the great natural site of the Niagara Falls, and where natural beauty is spread across the country. However, these images are not only what Canada is about: it has a lot more to offer.
A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border. Its paramount political problem continues to be the relationship of the province of Quebec, with its French-speaking residents and unique culture, to the remainder of the country.
Canada is a land of many cultures and many peoples. Aboriginal peoples have occupied the territory now called Canada for several thousands of years. Everybody else, either by birth or by descent, has been an immigrant -- we have all come from somewhere else. It has been said that Canada is a "nation of immigrants."
There are three main groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada: the First Nations, the Inuit and the Métis. There are more than 50 different languages spoken by Canada's Aboriginal peoples, most of which are spoken only in Canada. In fact, the name "Canada" may have come from the word "Kanata," which means a settlement in the language of the Huron-Iroquois First Nations peoples.
Geography
Canada consists of 10 provinces and three territories in five main regions: the Atlantic region, Central Canada, the Prairies, the West Coast and the North. The culture and population are different in each region.
The Atlantic region consists of the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Activities such as fishing, farming, forestry, tourism and mining are important to the Atlantic economy.
Central Canada consists of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. This is the most populated region of the country. Together, Ontario and Quebec produce more than three-quarters of all Canadian manufactured goods.
The Prairies include the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Much of the land is flat and fertile, excellent for farming and rich in energy resources. In western Alberta, the Prairies end and the Rocky Mountains begin. The Canadian Rockies include some of the largest peaks in North America.
On the West Coast, the province of British Columbia is famous for its mountain ranges and forests. Natural resources such as lumber and fish are important to the economy. Fruit farming is also a major industry, as is tourism.
The North consists of Canada's three territories: Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Together, they make up over one-third of Canada's land mass. Northern resources include oil, natural gas, gold, lead and zinc.
Population
Canada is second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 85% of the population is concentrated within 300 km of the US border.
Canada has about 31 million people. More than 80 percent of all the people in Canada live in towns and cities within 250 kilometres of the United States border. Ottawa is Canada's capital city, with a population of nearly one million. It is located in the province of Ontario. Canada's largest cities are Toronto, Ontario (4.4 million people); Montréal, Quebec (3.4 million); and Vancouver, British Columbia (1.9 million).
French is the mother tongue of 6.6 million Canadians. The areas with the smallest French-speaking populations are Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the three territories.
Economic Growth
Canada has a diversified economy. Natural resources industries, such as forestry, mining, oil and gas extraction, farming and fishing, are important sources of jobs and export earnings. Canada is also a world leader in the fields of telecommunications, biotechnology, aerospace technologies and pharmaceuticals. More and more jobs involve work in service industries or in information technology. Along with the United States and Mexico, Canada is a partner in the North American Free Trade Agreement.
As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban.
Canada has a decimal system of currency. The Canadian dollar is the basic unit of money. The most common paper bills are the $5, $10 and $20, but $50 and $100 bills are also used. Canadian coins include the penny (one cent), nickel (five cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), loonie ($1) and toonie ($2).
Culture
There are notable influences from its southern neighbour, but there is a significant Canadian life that cannot be ignored. Canadian life is based on its diverse cultures, its rich history and nature and a pioneering spirit. Canadians known to be warm and friendly. Although Canada is a cold country for the majority of the year, Canadians, however, do not have cold personalities! Furthermore, according to a UNESCO survey, Canada is one of the safest and relatively least expensive countries in the world to live in.
Canada is an ideal place to practice languages, because two of the most popular languages in the world are spoken here: English and French. The Canadian identity comes from its diverse languages and a culture that is rooted in European colonization, and a native Indian influence. In addition, Canadian experts are recognized leaders in the field of immersion programs.
Canada is a country that opens its borders and welcomes around 100,000 foreign students every year. So if the person is looking for freedom, vast natural wonders, a dynamic and a nice way of life, Canada is the next step to a richer life.
With a rich history of immigration, Canada is a land of many cultures and many people. Canada still needs the skills, talents and enthusiasm of newcomers to continue to grow. Today, Canada is home to immigrants from more than 240 countries and it continues to attract new residents and citizens with the promise of a beautiful natural environment, stable economic growth and access to excellent social services.
Education
Canadians place a premium on education and demand first-rate schools. Canada spends more per capita on its education system than any other country in the G-7 and is among the top three countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). A degree from a Canadian university is recognized world-wide and as a result, international students who graduate from Canadian universities enjoy successful and prosperous careers.
The Canadian education system encompasses both publicly-funded and private schools, from kindergarten through to university. Education is a provincial responsibility under the Canadian constitution, which means there are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. However, standards across the country are uniformly high.
Living
When a person first arrives in Canada, he will probably be living in a temporary home. Canada has many different types of housing and a wide range of prices. Finding the right place will take some time and effort. Your first decision will be whether to rent a house or an apartment, or to buy a house.
Whether you rent or buy will depend on your personal finances and whether you already have a job in Canada. Most newcomers decide they should first rent a house or apartment. This gives them more time to save money to buy a house and to decide where they want to live.
If you want to buy a house, unless you can pay the full price, you will need to get a long-term loan called a mortgage. Mortgage loans are provided by banks and other financial institutions. They decide whether the borrower has enough income, more assets than debts, and a good credit rating. Most will ask you to pay at least 10 percent of the cost of the house from your own money.
Budget for a student per year (in Canadian Dollars):
As is always the case, the city which you choose to reside in, reflects your budget. For example if you choose to live in Montreal:
Rent: could be about $500 per month (in the heart of the city) for a living space of around 35 square meters. If you choose to live about 10 minutes away from the heart of the city, rent can go down to about $300 per month. On the other hand, if you were to go to Toronto rent can go up to $700 per month. (Note that this would also include electricity and heating, and a kitchen equipped with oven/stove, fridge, etc.)
Food: around $150 to $200 per month (depends on how much you eat!)
Telephone: probably around $30 per month (not including long distance.) In Canada local calls are free.
In general if you wanted to live very comfortably, you would have to spend between 10 and 15 thousand dollars a year.
Opportunities/Benefits
Canada's economy is quite diverse, with a focus on natural resources (mining, gas exploration, oil etc.), agriculture, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Canada is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the USA and Mexico.
The Canadian government actively encourages people to settle and work in Canada as permanent residents with the opportunity after several years to attain citizenship. This is because for the past two decades, immigrants have contributed to the economic wealth of the country more than any other group, contributing billions of dollars in investment and are often in the high earners wage bracket (therefore paying higher rates of tax).
Health Care Services
Canada has a predominantly public-financed health care system, which is privately delivered. Canada's health care system is best described as an interlocking set of ten provincial and two territorial health insurance plans. Known to Canadians as "Medicare", the system provides access to universal and comprehensive coverage for necessary hospital services, as well as in-patient and out-patient physician services.
Over 95% of Canadian hospitals are operated as private non-profit entities, which are run by community boards of trustees, voluntary organizations or municipalities.
Canada has a public health-care system known as "medicare." It provides insurance coverage for health-care services to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The federal government sets health-care standards for the whole country, but the programs are run by the provincial ministries of health.
One of the most important things a person need to do as soon as he arrives in Canada is to apply for a health insurance card. All members of the family, even newborn babies must have their own card. One can get an application form from the provincial ministry of health office, any doctor's office, a hospital or a pharmacy. To apply for a health card, you will need your birth certificate or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) and passport. The Permanent Resident Card may also be presented.
Health-care services covered by medicare include:
- Examination and treatment by family doctors
- Many types of surgery
- Most treatment by specialists
- Hospital care
- X-rays
- Many laboratory tests
- Most immunizations
Health-care services not covered by medicare, and for which you will have to pay, include:
- ambulance services
- prescription drugs
- dental care
- glasses and contact lenses
These services are sometimes covered by workplace benefit packages.
Transport
Transportation is essential to their well-being. Canadians need a reliable, safe and sustainable transportation system to connect their communities.
Canadian government works to ensure that Canadians have the best transportation system by developing and administering policies, regulations and programs for a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system; contributing to Canada's economic growth and social development; and, protecting the physical environment.
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