9 benefits of living in Canada as a newcomer

Relocating to a new country is a monumental decision, often filled with excitement, apprehension, and a mix of challenges. The experience comes with its share of pros and cons, and if you’re contemplating a move to Canada—or are already preparing to arrive—there are undoubtedly aspects of the country that have piqued your interest. Additionally, there may be some benefits of living in Canada that you’re not yet aware of, which could ease your transition and address some of your concerns.

From its stunning landscapes and rich cultural diversity to its welcoming and inclusive people, Canada offers a host of reasons why it stands out as a top choice for immigrants. The country’s comprehensive immigration programs align with labor market demands, ensuring that skilled newcomers have access to abundant employment opportunities after an initial adjustment period.

Benefits of living in Canada: Why Canada is an ideal destination for newcomers

Every individual has their unique reasons for choosing Canada as their new home. Whether you’re drawn to its safety, thriving economy, picturesque natural beauty, or multicultural society, Canada provides a wealth of opportunities and advantages for those starting afresh.

Here are some key reasons why Canada is a great place to live:

Exceptional quality of life

One of the primary reasons newcomers flock to Canada is to elevate their standard of living. According to the U.S. News Best Countries rankings, Canada holds the #3 spot for quality of life, ranking ahead of countries like the U.S. and just behind Sweden and Denmark. This ranking takes into account factors such as economic stability, safety, income equality, political stability, and access to top-tier education and healthcare.

Ample job opportunities

Many industries are experiencing labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, education, engineering, construction, and agriculture, which translates to plenty of job opportunities for skilled newcomers.

However, finding employment in Canada isn’t without challenges. Many employers prefer candidates with Canadian work experience, which can make the initial job search daunting. To bridge this gap, newcomers can gain Canadian experience through volunteer work, freelance projects, or short-term roles. For regulated professions like medicine, nursing, and engineering, licensing is mandatory before practicing in Canada.

Access to publicly funded healthcare

Canada’s healthcare system is one of its most valued features. Administered at the provincial or territorial level, the system provides publicly funded healthcare plans for permanent residents and citizens, and in some cases, for temporary residents like work permit holders and international students.

With this system, residents don’t need to pay out-of-pocket for regular doctor visits, medically necessary treatments, or diagnostic tests. Costs are covered through taxes, and healthcare providers bill the government directly for covered services. However, certain expenses, like vision and dental care, medications, and cosmetic procedures, may not be included, so many residents opt for private insurance or employer-provided coverage.

Free public schooling and affordable higher education

Canada is renowned for its world-class education system. Public schooling is free for children aged 5 to 18 (age requirements vary by province) and provides high-quality education. Additionally, Francophone public schools and public Catholic schools are available in some provinces for no extra cost.

For higher education, Canada boasts prestigious universities and colleges offering a wide array of programs. Permanent residents and citizens benefit from significantly lower tuition fees compared to international students, making education more accessible and affordable.

Canada’s commitment to providing quality education ensures that families and individuals have the resources they need to build a brighter future.

Diversity and multiculturalism

One of Canada’s most defining characteristics is its commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, which can help newcomers feel welcomed and included. Across the country, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, religions, and ethnicities, reflecting the global origins of its people.

In Canada, all individuals are considered equal and deserving of respect, regardless of their origin, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age. Canadian laws strongly uphold equality and human rights, creating an inclusive environment for everyone. A notable example is the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005, making Canada one of the first countries in the world to take this progressive step.

Safety and peacefulness

For many immigrants, safety is a key factor in choosing Canada as their destination. Ranked as the 7th safest country in the world by the U.S. News Best Countries survey, Canada provides a secure environment for families. While no country is entirely free of crime, Canada’s rates of violent crime are relatively low compared to global standards.

Canada also ranked 12th on the Global Peace Index in 2022, highlighting its commitment to maintaining a peaceful society. Furthermore, Canada actively welcomes refugees who have been displaced due to conflict or persecution, offering them a safe haven and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Social services and benefits

Canada’s robust social services system provides a strong safety net for its residents, ensuring their well-being and security. Newcomers can benefit from a variety of programs, including:

• Employment Insurance (EI): Temporary income support for those who lose their jobs or cannot work due to specific reasons, such as illness or pregnancy. To qualify, individuals must have worked a minimum number of insurable hours and paid EI premiums through their employer.
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): A financial safety net for retirees, supplemented by other programs like the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). The Quebec Pension Plan serves a similar purpose for residents of Quebec.
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Financial assistance for eligible families with children under 18, helping cover the costs of raising children.
• Old Age Security (OAS): Support for seniors with low retirement incomes.

Additionally, Canada offers generous parental leave policies, allowing one or both parents to take time off to care for a newborn or adopted child while receiving financial support.

A straightforward path to Canadian citizenship

Canada stands out for its clear and relatively accessible path to citizenship. Permanent residents (PRs) who meet certain criteria can apply for citizenship after fulfilling a three-year residency requirement within a five-year period. Applicants must also demonstrate language proficiency in English or French, file their income taxes in Canada, and pass a citizenship test (for those aged 18-55).

Canada has also made it easier for international students and temporary foreign workers to transition to permanent residency and eventually citizenship, reflecting its commitment to retaining skilled individuals who contribute to its economy and society.

Scenic beauty and cleanliness

Canada is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and pristine environment. From the towering Rocky Mountains in the west to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the country is home to diverse landscapes that captivate residents and visitors alike. Iconic natural wonders include the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, Quebec’s fjords, and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in the Yukon.

Canada’s commitment to environmental preservation is evident in its 37 national parks, such as Banff, Kootenay, and Bruce Peninsula National Parks, as well as nearly 100 provincial parks. These protected areas provide countless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.

Moreover, Canada’s urban planning emphasizes greenery, with 72% of urban land classified as “green.” This results in clean, unpolluted air, even in major cities like Toronto, where forested areas and walking trails are easily accessible.

Seven challenges of living in Canada as a newcomer

Settling into life in a new country takes time, and while Canada has numerous advantages, certain aspects of living there can pose challenges for newcomers. Below is a detailed look at some of the disadvantages newcomers may face:

High cost of living

Canada’s cost of living can be significantly higher than that of many other countries, and this can be an adjustment for newcomers. Your expenses will vary depending on your location, family size, and lifestyle, but living in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal can be particularly expensive.

For instance, an individual earning $27,514 or less annually falls below Canada’s low-income threshold, which may not be enough to meet basic expenses. Planning your budget is essential – online calculators and tools can help estimate living expenses in different cities.

High taxes

Canadians pay taxes at both federal and provincial levels, and tax rates increase with income. Federal tax rates range from 15% to 33%, while provincial rates can reach up to 25.75% for higher income brackets.

For example, in Ontario, someone earning $85,000 annually could owe approximately $17,400 in taxes (20.4% of their income). While taxes fund Canada’s robust public services, they can feel burdensome for newcomers. Contributing to registered savings plans like the RRSP or FHSA can help reduce your tax liability over time.

Expensive housing

Housing costs in Canada, whether renting or buying, are among the highest in the world. On average, Canadians spend 30–50% of their monthly income on housing. To save on housing, newcomers often opt for smaller cities, suburbs, or shared accommodations like basement apartments or house shares.

Costly services

Service-based expenses in Canada, such as food delivery, haircuts, or cab rides, tend to be high, partially due to minimum wage requirements. Additionally, tipping is customary and expected in many industries, with tips ranging from 10% to 25% of the bill.

Services that might be more affordable in other countries, such as domestic help or handyman services, are considerably more expensive in Canada. Newcomers often need to adjust their expectations and spending habits to accommodate these higher service costs.

Extreme weather

Canada is known for its harsh winters, with temperatures regularly dropping below 0°C and even reaching -20°C in many regions. Snow and icy conditions are common, and adjusting to these weather extremes can be challenging.

Fortunately, indoor heating ensures comfort, and layering appropriately for outdoor activities can help you stay warm. Canada also experiences warm springs and summers, with temperatures in southern cities like Toronto and Vancouver occasionally exceeding 30°C, providing some balance to the cold winters.

Limited intercity connectivity

While Canada’s major cities generally have well-developed public transit systems, traveling between cities or accessing remote areas can be difficult due to the country’s vast size.

The VIA Rail network connects eight provinces with over 500 weekly trains, but last-mile connectivity is limited. Suburban or rural residents often require a car for commuting, as public transit options may not adequately serve less populated areas.

Lack of a support network

Relocating to Canada often means leaving behind family and friends, creating feelings of isolation and homesickness. For families, the absence of intergenerational support can make child-rearing more challenging.

Over time, most newcomers find ways to rebuild their social networks. Many Canadian cities offer vibrant cultural communities where you can connect with people from your home country, enjoy familiar foods, and celebrate cultural traditions.

Balancing the challenges and opportunities

Despite these challenges, Canada offers a high quality of life, excellent public services, and abundant opportunities for immigrants. The cost of living may be high, but it is often balanced by competitive wages and access to essential benefits like healthcare and education. Adjusting to life in Canada may take time, but with careful planning and an open mind, newcomers can thrive and create a fulfilling life in their new home.

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