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Living in Canada
Health and
Prosperity |
Families |
Geography |
Population |
Major Cities |
Government |
Religion |
Employment |
Economy |
Education |
Settling in
Canada
Canada is an open,
democratic society, with an accepting attitude towards new
Canadians. Our nation is built of many cultures that bring a
diversity to Canada's culture. Canada views itself as a
mosaic of cultures, a country of many different flavors,
customs, and traditions.
Health and Prosperity
For seven consecutive years (1992-1999), the United Nations
Development Report ranked Canada the number one country in
the world in which to live. Though Canada is now ranked 3rd,
the points ranking between 1st place and 3rd place is a very
small margin.
Amongst G7 Nations (Canada, Italy, Germany, France, UK, US,
Japan), Canada has the best cost of living. (Source: World
Competitiveness Yearbook, 2000, IMD).
Canada has socialized, free health care for Canadian
residents. Though health care is free, it is of high
quality. For senior citizens, and people with disabilities,
prescription drugs are often free. In addition to quality,
free health care, Canada has many social programs, including
unemployment insurance, family allowance, and welfare.
In 2002, the average life expectancy of a Canadian female
was 83.25 years. In 2002, the average life expectancy of a
Canadian male was 76.3 years. (Source: 2002, CIA World Fact
Book).
Families
In 2001, the average family size in Canada was 3, including
1.1 children. (Source: Statistics Canada).
In the year 2000, the average total family income in Canada
was $68,318. (Source: Statistics Canada).
In the year 2000, the average annual income per person was
$28,124. (Source: Statistics Canada).
According the 1996 Census, 6.9 million Canadian householders
(6 out of 10 Canadians) owned their own home while 3.9
million Canadians householders were renters. (Source:
Statistics Canada).
Geography
After Russia, Canada is the second largest country by area
in the world.
Canada is comprised of 10 provinces and 3 territories
(capital cities appear in brackets): Alberta (Edmonton),
British Columbia (Victoria), Manitoba (Winnipeg), New
Brunswick (Fredericton), Newfoundland and Labrador (St.
John's), Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), Nova Scotia
(Halifax), Nunavut (Iqaluit), Ontario (Toronto), Prince
Edward Island (Charlottetown), Québec (Québec City),
Saskatchewan (Regina), Yukon (Whitehorse). Canada's capital
is Ottawa, Ontario.
Population
Canada's population is just over 31,414,000. (Source: 2002,
Statistics Canada).
Major Cities
As of 1996, the major Canadian cities are Toronto (4.44
million), Montreal (3.36 million), Vancouver (1.89 million),
Ottawa-Hull, the National Capital Region (1.03 million).
(Source: 2002, CIA World Fact Book).
Government
Canada became a self-governing nation in 1867, but retained
its ties to the British Crown. Canada is a constitutional
monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Parliament is divided
into three parts: the Queen (represented by the Governor
General of Canada), the House of Commons, and the Senate.
Canadian's elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of
Commons, and Senators are appointed by the Governor General
upon the Prime Minster's recommendation.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean Chretien (elected in
November of 1993).
Chief of State: Queen Elizabeth , represented by the
Governor General of Canada, who is appointed for a five year
term by the Queen up on the advice of the Prime Minister of
Canada .
Canada's legal system is modeled after British common law,
except in Quebec, where a civil law system based upon French
law prevails.
Political parties: there are several major Federal political
parties in Canada: Liberals, New Democrats and Conservatives.
Religion
The main religions in Canada are: Roman Catholic 46%,
Protestant 36%, other 18%
note: based on the 1991 census. (Source: 2002, CIA World
Fact Book).
Employment
Canada's unemployment rate is 7.5%, amongst the lowest in
the world. (Source: 2002, Statistics Canada).
Workers by occupation: services 74%, manufacturing 15%,
construction 5%, agriculture 3%, other 3%. (Source: 2002,
CIA World Fact Book).
Canada’s prosperity and economic development depends on the
contribution of the skilled workers from abroad.
Canada’s population is aging and the rate of population
growth is one of the lowest in the world so the country will
not be able to maintain the current lifestyle without new
immigrants.
If you are a skilled worker with a degree of flexibility and
willingness to work you should not have any problem finding
employment shortly after arrival. Besides one can make a
good descent living even with a minimum wage.
Economy
Canada's industries include: transportation equipment,
chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food
products; wood and paper products; fish products, petroleum
and natural gas. (Source: 2001, CIA World Fact Book).
Canada is an affluent, resource rich country, closely
resembling the United States in its market economy and high
standard of living. Since World War II, Canada has seen
impressive growth in manufacturing, mining, and the service
sector, transforming the nation from a rural economy to an
urban, primarily industrial economy. (Source: 2001, CIA
World Fact Book).
According to consulting firm
KPMG, Canada is the lowest cost country in which to do
business. Canada surpassed 8 other countries including
Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, United
Kingdom, United States, and Japan. In software development,
corporate services, Research & Development, and
manufacturing, Canada ranked number 1 in lowest-cost.
The 2002 World Investment Report ranks Canada as a prime
location for Foreign Direct Investment.
Education
According to Statistics Canada, the 1996 Census showed that
Canadians are continuing to attain higher levels of
education. In 1996, there were 9 million graduates of
university and post-secondary institutes, comprising 40% of
the population aged 15 and older.
Canada has over 80 colleges and universities. The Canadian
government spends more on its education system than any
other G7 country. There are over 175, 000 international
students attending Canada's post secondary institutes. Over
half of these students are from the Asia-Pacific region.
There are a wide range of educational choices for Canadian
students. As well as world-accredited law, medicine,
engineering, computer, education and business degrees there
is a course of study available in Canada for any interest
and aptitude including military and police colleges; trade
and technology colleges; film, TV, journalism, and art
schools. (Source: Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade).
Settling in Canada
Canada is a multi cultural society. Every year over 200,000
new comers arrive to start a better life. Immigrants bring
their talents and human capital to this huge and beautiful
country and make Canada their new home. Canadian Government
encourages and promotes both multi cultural as well as
integration of different cultures into the Canadian Society.
The Government also encourages family reunion. You may
sponsor your parents once you show financial ability to
support them.
As a Canadian resident you will enjoy the universal free
health and education program which is second to none.
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