“My heart will always belong in South America – it’s where I was born and raised. However, I somehow knew from a young age that I wanted to live abroad, and that I probably would not spend my adult years in the southern hemisphere.
I have always wanted to travel the world and experience a different way of life. I now call Canada my second home and am very happy to have chosen this incredible country. The decision was not an easy one to make; however, from my research I concluded that this country had so many great things to offer. Canada’s culture and values aligned perfectly with the life that I sought out for my family and I. If you are considering emigrating from your country in search of a new beginning and a new place to call home, Canada is a top contender for so many reasons. Immigrating to Canada has changed my life in many positive ways, and for this reason I am happy to share some of the important points that resulted in my decision.”
Things to Keep in Mind When Immigrating to Canada
Canadian Climate
“One of the first things I considered when immigrating to Canada, and in fact, worried about, is the harsh Canadian climate. Coming from a tropical country, I legitimately wondered how Canadians cope and thrive in bitter cold temperatures. I quickly learned that while most of Canada experiences cold weather, temperatures vary greatly depending where you live. Also, while the general perception is that Canada is in a consistent state of ice and cold, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the hot and humid summers experienced in east/central Canada – the area I was considering moving to. At the end of the day once I moved to Canada, I was quick to learn and adopt a very Canadian attitude about weather – there is no bad weather, only bad clothes! Luckily a bit of cold weather did not discourage me from immigrating to Canada. In fact, winter is now my favourite season!”
Cost of Living
“The cost of living in Canada is considerably higher than in many South American countries, but so is the average disposable income. While at first it might seem like something to dissuade you from coming to Canada, once you are established and start working, that concern will fade. Canadians also pay high rates of income tax; however, the healthcare, schools, roads and public facilities benefit greatly from this.”
Population
“Canada’s population is approximately 34 million, which means that the country is very sparsely populated considering the large geographic area it covers.
The stereotype of Canadians being friendly and apologetic is also quite true, for the most part! It also has a very diverse population, with more than one in five Canadians being foreign born. The mix of cultures, religions and beliefs make for a welcoming and inclusive place to live.
Every Canadian has equal opportunities when searching for employment. Country-wide only 6.5% of Canadians are unemployed, which is relatively low.”
Healthcare and Quality of Life
“This was a top concern for me as I have young kids. Paying higher taxes is not such a bad thing when it results in a reliable healthcare system. Life expectancy in Canada averages 82 years of age; however, there is a higher risk for obesity in North America than in other parts of the world. For this reason, a fit and active lifestyle is the best way to stay healthy.”
Education
“Canada’s education system ranks quite high compared to most countries and it has the highest percentage of college graduates among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Not only do most Canadians seek a higher education after secondary school (and have plenty of schools within the country to choose from), many students have foreign-born parents. These students achieve the same level of success and quickly integrate within the school system.
These are just a few of the main points I researched when trying to decide if Canada would be a good home for my family and I. I believe that welcoming people, an exceptional education system and a general high quality of life are enough to make a wonderful home for anyone. Immigrating to Canada has given me and my family endless opportunities. If you are looking into the possibility of coming to Canada, get in touch with an immigration lawyer to see which immigration program best suites you and your family.”