Move to Canada

What's the stampede? What is considered faily reasonable cost of living? How is the pay for jobs there? And tell me of any difference in the currency. I know it's not that big of difference, but like for example how much is a loaf of bread. How are the utilities?

http://calgarystampede.com/ This is the home site of the stampede, you'll get all kinds of information here. In Alberta, one of the good things is that there is no provincial sales tax. You only pay GST on goods and services, and that's about to drop to 5% in January. The cost of a loaf of bread I'd think is still about a dollar. One thing I know for sure is that the gas price is lower in Alberta than any other province right now. One thing I forgot to mention before is that it's easier to get your drivers license in Alberta. I know someone who went out there from Ontario with his partially completed license and was licensed immediately in Edmonton. Here in Ontario you have to go through a two year two step graduated licensing system before you are fully licensed. Oh, and car insurance rates don't cost as much outside the city of Toronto which is where I live.

Holy Toledo! Two year? I don't have two years to try and get my liscense. What's up with that? Ok, I guess I'll be looking into Alberta. What are the age limits for driving and drinking? I ask because I have a 15 year old. Is there a type of public assistance there? Could you please email me any websites you think would be helpful as far as finding jobs, housing, etc.? My email is dramas_store@yahoo.com

You're welcome. Regarding dual citizenship, it is possible for you to keep your citizenship of birth while acquiring a Canadian citizenship. The only condition to this being that your country of birth allows dual citizenship. Some countries, like the Ukraine for instance, oblige their citizens to withdraw their original citizenship before acquiring a new one. Good luck.

Well I'm in the USA. Thanks again for information.

Oh great, so I'll be able to adjust fine. I struggle here too. I just need to broaden my children and my horizons, and Canada is the closest country and I hear very nice things about it. What can you tell me about something called a "dual" citizenship? Also, thank you so much for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated.

www.canadavisa.com/ www.cic.gc.ca/ You will find a lot of information on those two websites. A landed immigrants means you have legal status in Canada and you can apply for your permanent resident status and receive your resident of Canada card. You can then travel outside the country but without this card you may not be let in again if you travel outside Canada Landed immigrants are also entitled to free health benefits. You cannot however apply for permanent Government jobs or vote in elections. You can however have your secondary and post secondary education and your degrees evaluated and get information as to which degrees will be recognized or not. For instance doctors and lawyers from other countries have to do upgrades to get a licence. Some engineers also. Canada has 10 provinces and three territories. Provinces are similar to states in the US. Education is a provincial matter. Schools are provincial matters. Some provinces have non-denominational schools some have public schools and Catholic schools. (In Ontario for instance you indicate on your schools taxes whether or not they should go to Catholic School Boards or Public School Boards.)There are also private schools mostly faith-based. Christian, Muslim and Jewish. You pay all the fees yourself. Children who are minors automatically become Canadian Citizens if their parents become Canadian. If they are over 18 they apply independantly. Right now there is a boom in Alberta in the oil sands. So people who are engineers, drillers, welders, pipe fitters and so on are really sought after. When you speak to an immigration officer he or she can best advice you where you have the best chance with your particular skills. If you are seriously thinking of coming to Canada my advice is to work closely with the immigration officer in your nearest Canadain Embassy. Also they can answer your questions much better than I. Another tip for you. Read up on Canada, on each province and their distinct features and climate etc. Best of luck.

Thank you, this was very helpful information. What does it mean to be a landed immigrant? How do I find out what skills are needed in a cetrain province? And just so I have my ducks in a row, a province is what we call a state, right? Well, I don't think I can live in Quebec, because my French stinks. Also, what will be needed for my children? Do they have to take the citizenship tests also (those that are of school age)? How are the schools there?

Oh Great! Thank you very much for this very helpful information. It is greatly appreciated.

Well, I like to live different places, and have thought this through for quite sometime. I'm sure that I will probably go through the same as you. But I just don't want to always wonder "what if" by not going. Thank you so much for your respopnse it is greatly appreciated.

Are you originally from America? Tell me what did you have to do, what was the process and how long have you lived in Canada? Where did you live prior?