Might move to Canada need some advice | ExpatWoman.com
 

Might move to Canada need some advice

Gabsgirl1943
35
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 23:17

Hello to all you ladies out there,

I was wondering if I could bug a few of you Canadian ladies and get some tips on moving to Canada.

My DH has been thinking about this for a while and now it seems he is more than thinking, so I need to get my self organised with the details of what to expect.

We havent a clue about Canada as niether of us have ever even visited so we are really going to be taking a big plunge into the unkown. So anything you could offer would be great.

I have researched jobs and salaries etc but all the postings and information I am finding is very outdated ie 2008 so not sure how much things have changed since then, I am hoping a few of you ladies know of a few websites I can check that will give me the current information.

The area we are looking at is British Columbia. (Most expensive area from what I have read.

If anyone can help with:

Average Salary needed to live in this area comfortably?
Which part/area would be the best to live in for a family with young children?
Good Schools?
What are the costs of living?
Anything else I may have missed.

I would appreciate any help I can get at this stage.

Thanks in advance

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Mrs Orchid
420
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 22:14
And no, no references have been taken up yet, only after he passes the interview.
Mrs Orchid
420
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 22:13
This company have multiple vacancies. They have offered him the position of Front Desk Clerk and no not management (even though he was a hotel manager in previous job). They say they usually interview people when they come into Canada and the Immigration authorities also interview the candidate. The company dont provide medical and health insurance. Their website is under repair apparently. Also the emails they send is from someone called Jennifer and there is no surname or company name, address nothing as a signature on email. This is strange. What can EW members advise.
tweet43489
125
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 19:33
Dear Tweet, Moose and Skoki, sorry to jump in here but I was wondering if I could join this catch up? Tweet, my husband and I with our 3 month old are moving to Calgary mid November. It would be great to meet you all. Let me know if you are keen. Oh I have only just seen this - have you left yet? If not, would LOVE to catch up.....If you are there already and still check into EW would love to hear how you are getting on!
SueB
2262
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 15:40
not necessarily a Hoax. Travellers Inn are in Canada and else where if that is where you mean he is going. He must have more information from them? Does he have a phone number, website etc. Have they sent a ticket? visa? what job have they offered him? It must be in management to pay for his airfare I would imagine. Yes, have they asked him for money. This is the head office in Canada. He might want to confirm if the person he is dealing with is with the company. TRAVELLERS INN CANADA LTD - HEAD OFFICE 101 - 880 DOUGLAS ST V8W 2B7 VICTORIA, BC and yes, any company can offer a job just seeing a CV, no law against it. My question is have they spoken to the contacts on his CV etc. GEO: 48.423027, -123.365976 Phone: 250 477 1000 Fax: 250 477 1001 <em>edited by SueB on 17/11/2012</em>
drownedinthenil...
219
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 15:29
My nephew applied for a job through a website. He is in the hotel industry and currently lives in Indonesia. He has been offered the job, and is given 5 days to respond to visa requirements etc. The company are paying for his flight ticket. Trouble is, he is worried that they have not interviewed him only seen his resume with photo. On the strength of a CV, can an employer offer you a job? All correspondence has come through email. He is desperate to work but is anxious that it maybe a hoax. Please can anyone help.The company is travellers inn express hotel. That is really dodgy. It is probably a hoax. Have they asked him for money?
Mrs Orchid
420
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 14:36
My nephew applied for a job through a website. He is in the hotel industry and currently lives in Indonesia. He has been offered the job, and is given 5 days to respond to visa requirements etc. The company are paying for his flight ticket. Trouble is, he is worried that they have not interviewed him only seen his resume with photo. On the strength of a CV, can an employer offer you a job? All correspondence has come through email. He is desperate to work but is anxious that it maybe a hoax. Please can anyone help.The company is travellers inn express hotel.
Qldgal
7
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 08:49
Dear Tweet, Moose and Skoki, sorry to jump in here but I was wondering if I could join this catch up? Tweet, my husband and I with our 3 month old are moving to Calgary mid November. It would be great to meet you all. Let me know if you are keen.
ghanagal919
13
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 11:00
Hi Gabsgirl, I moved here from the US a few years ago and have an almost new microwave and a good hepa vacuum cleaner that you can have, since the voltage is different here. If you're interested I'll post my email add.
Skoki51117
99
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 22:41
BTW.....Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canucks out there!!! I miss the turkey sandwiches the day after! AND Moose....would love to meet up with a fellow Edmontonian for a coffee etc!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 22:30
No, Irooni, it was just a two-bed London flat in a good area, near the river, with good primary schools - they'd bought low and sold high.
Irooni
2392
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 21:34
Hi, Gabsgirl. My bro moved from Twickers in London to West Van in BC some years ago. His lads were 3 and 6 when they went and they're thriving. They sold their London flat to buy a house on Marine Drive West Van which is the most expensive place in the country, but with excellent free state (public) schools locally. My brother is in IT and found a permanent job with good hours in the government sector and they are now Canadian citizens. They are really happy there, loads of sports for the lads, good quality of life for families. They're not going back to London in a hurry. However, they are struggling financially because of where they chose to live, as they have a massive mortgage. In their place, I'd have bought in a less salubrious area and sent the children to not as good schools, which would still have been good, and free. I think Vancouver is a wonderful place, it regularly tops the list of world best places to live, but you need to have your financial ducks in a row before you go there. Can't help you about construction, but would so happily move there if we had the opportunity. Good luck. Oh my that must have been some flat!! A house on marine drive in west van is for millionaires.
tweet43489
125
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 21:21
Gabsgirl (& others) can I ask - under what type of visa/programme are you hoping to move to Canada? We are also interested - my DH worked there for the majority of last year but was on an inter-company visa (ie. was still sponsored by the construction company he works for here in Dubai). He was then offered a job in Toronto with a Canadian company but couldn't accept it as he coudn't get a work visa. We were thinking of applying under the skilled-worker programme but haven't started with the paperwork yet. Just curious to know if others have found another 'route' in? The company my husband is talking with sort out his work permit/ our visas so I can't be much help with your question sara65
sara656225
55
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 20:53
Gabsgirl (& others) can I ask - under what type of visa/programme are you hoping to move to Canada? We are also interested - my DH worked there for the majority of last year but was on an inter-company visa (ie. was still sponsored by the construction company he works for here in Dubai). He was then offered a job in Toronto with a Canadian company but couldn't accept it as he coudn't get a work visa. We were thinking of applying under the skilled-worker programme but haven't started with the paperwork yet. Just curious to know if others have found another 'route' in?
tweet43489
125
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 20:48
Thanks ladies for your comments. Very helpful. Would love to catch up with either or both of you Moose / Skoki as soooooooo many questions. Appreciate its a lot of effort for you but if you have a time for a coffee, i'd be ever so grateful! Let me know and i'll leave my number.
moose
133
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 12:10
Well...lived there for 10+ yrs and other than the winter....loved the city! Edmonton has more parks per capita than ANY other city in North America! I lived 5 min from the downtown core in the BEAUTIFUL river valley where there are trails (paved) running from one side of the city to the other!! Great festivals in the summer!!! Marvelous restaurants! Would steer away from Millwoods area (living) as it is brutal to learn the area (engineering/planning nightmare). There are some great schools, and all in all the city is more "artsy" than most of its size. Lots of sport groups and golf courses (even though its a short season!). Now, about winter....yes all that you've read is true! Saying that though, there are alot of things to do inside, sports and culture wise. Basically winter in Edmonton is like summer in Dubai.....you just don't spend alot of time outside (mainly Jan that is really cold). Once you're climatized though, some good gear (coat and ski pants) and there are outdoor skating rinks, mini ski hills, sledging hills etc.! Plus it is absolutely beautiful when its covered in snow and the sun is shining (which is alot of the time). Any other questions I would be glad to answer! I can't add much more than this as Skoki summarized Edmonton well. I am a bit biased as I consider Edmonton Home; it is a wonderful city... more blue collar than Calgary, but that gives it a much more community feel (I've lived in both Calgary and Edmonton throughout my life so have a good comparison before any Calgarians jump on me! There is a friendly city rivalry between the two :) ) About the winter, yes it can get to -40 and feel damn cold, HOWEVER, it is a dry cold, which means that once you bundle up you can feel comfortable and not get that wet/cold feeling that's impossible to shake. Alberta gets the most sun year round in Canada, and Edmonton at -40 will still have days of sunshine, which makes a WORLD of difference for your mood. Far better than days of grey rainy skies for days on end that can make you feel so down and blue. During the winters there is still tons to do, even outdoors, and the super cold-stay-inside days are really limited. We're moving back to Edmonton in a year or two and can't wait... I love the city and would also be happy to answer any questions you may have. :)
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 10:41
When we looked into Canada this website provided up-to-date information about housing,jobs,grocery,bills etc. http://www.justlanded.com/english/Canada/Housing-Rentals
Skoki51117
99
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 10:16
Well...lived there for 10+ yrs and other than the winter....loved the city! Edmonton has more parks per capita than ANY other city in North America! I lived 5 min from the downtown core in the BEAUTIFUL river valley where there are trails (paved) running from one side of the city to the other!! Great festivals in the summer!!! Marvelous restaurants! Would steer away from Millwoods area (living) as it is brutal to learn the area (engineering/planning nightmare). There are some great schools, and all in all the city is more "artsy" than most of its size. Lots of sport groups and golf courses (even though its a short season!). Now, about winter....yes all that you've read is true! Saying that though, there are alot of things to do inside, sports and culture wise. Basically winter in Edmonton is like summer in Dubai.....you just don't spend alot of time outside (mainly Jan that is really cold). Once you're climatized though, some good gear (coat and ski pants) and there are outdoor skating rinks, mini ski hills, sledging hills etc.! Plus it is absolutely beautiful when its covered in snow and the sun is shining (which is alot of the time). Any other questions I would be glad to answer!
tweet43489
125
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 09:24
Hi ladies, Can anyone give some insight on what it is like to live in Edmonton for a couple in early 30s with young children. Thanks so much!
Wendopia26545
297
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 16:07
Hi ladies, Thank you so much for all your advice about the area. I guess we are going to have to really do our homework when it comes to the area. Is there a way in which we can view public school websites? http://www.vansd.org/ :)
Gabsgirl1943
35
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 15:36
Hi ladies, Thank you so much for all your advice about the area. I guess we are going to have to really do our homework when it comes to the area. Is there a way in which we can view public school websites?
Gabsgirl1943
35
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 15:36
Hi ladies, Thank you so much for all your advice about the area. I guess we are going to have to really do our homework when it comes to the area. Is there a way in which we can view public school websites?
NotMyRealName
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 10:05
Glad to hear you're getting lots of advice and starting to get excited. As for coffee... set something up and i'll be there.
Skoki51117
99
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 08:38
Hi Gabsgirl! As far as BC all that you have read is right about the cost. Having lived in the West and only recently moved to Dubai from BC I would not move back there! Lived in Alberta before that and was WAY cheaper and more jobs. Yes winters are cold but Calgary has tons of sun and so does Edmonton. As well.... Saskatchewan is booming right now with the oil patch taking off there. Not everyones cup of tea but worth a look. Also....may I be so bold as to ask where you're from as I always find it interesting who wants to move to Canada and why. As for me.....if I never live there again it will be too soon!
Rickadon
78
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 08:32
HI Gabsgirl Children have to be 5 before the end of the calendar that they are to start in September. For example if your child is 5 in Nov of this year 2012 he/she will start school in Sept. Essentially any child turing 5 this year, 2012, will start school this September (hope that makes sense). It use to be the end of Sept in some provinces so best to check with the school board of the province you are going to, should be on their web site. If you go on mls.ca and look at houses in Vancouver remember you could potentially be paying $800 000 for a house that is a tear down, that is how expensive it is to live there, beautiful spot but very pricey indeed. Marycatherine a lot the east coast guys that went to Alberta went/go because there are no jobs for them at home. That will probably change with Halifax getting the Ship building contract things are going to start heating up on the east coast. Best of luck, love my country and am very fortunate to have such an awesome place to return to when the time comes.
marycatherine
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 06:38
For an idea about the job market try looking at careerbeacon.com - most jobs won't list the salaries (although some government jobs will note the pay scale level which you can then google) - you can search by area or career. Construction used to be hot in Alberta - guys on the East coast even commuted (a 6 or 7 hour flight) the pay was so good and their skill sets were unavailable in Alberta at the time. <em>edited by marycatherine on 27/02/2012</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 00:59
My sis out law started working in a school a couple of years ago and that has made a difference for them. No idea when compulsory schooling starts. Can not tell you how happy they are in Vancouver, finances aside. Go for it!
Gabsgirl1943
35
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 00:58
thanks so much for this, I am getting the general picture now :) Would love to go for a coffee seems like there is so much to know..
Nomad
1601
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 00:41
Thats OK. GST is a general sales tax applied to most everything.Groceries, cars, houses, furniture etc.It is added at purchase point. HST is a little more complicated hopefully someone can explian it better than I. My "blonde" moment LOL.I live in a province that has no HST. Schooling starts at 5, K1 if you go for state / government schooling it is generally governed by where you live. Always check out the catchment area with the school board don't take the realtors word for it they have been known to "stretch" the catchment areas.Also check school transportation with the school board.
NotMyRealName
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 00:39
that didnt clarify it as well as i'd hoped, sorry. We use to have just Provincial Sales Tax(PST), on "things"( approx 7%) , but then the gov't decided they were missing the boat so added a Goods and Service Tax(GST), (another 7%). this seemed wrong to many people who didn't like being taxed twice for their "goods" as well as also being charged for services (plumbers, waitresses, mechanics) so the gov't said okay we'll scrap them both and bring in a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in their place and juts charge 14% every time money changes any hands for any reason. Surprsingly enough, people are still not happy. They lowered it to 12% recently, and word is it will go down to 10% by 2015. edited by NotMyRealName on 27/02/2012 <em>edited by NotMyRealName on 27/02/2012</em>
NotMyRealName
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 00:36
The GST/HST thing is up in the air and you can WIKI it for the full boring story. Basically there is a lot of tax added on to the price of things (groceries, Mcdonalds cheeseburgers, Car parts, Houses, electricians bill, anything that can be classified as a "good or service") so it's always a bit of a surprise when the tag says $10 and the cashier asks you for $14, but you get use to it. You are making me long for home, but in a good way. We need to go for coffee!
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