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Living in Canada: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Canada.

Canada welcomes large number of expats each year: would you like to be one of them?

Being one of the richest and most developed countries in the world, bilingual and multicultural, Canada will offer you numerous opportunities. It is then notsurprising that it is one of the favorite destinations to settle abroad, the government implementing several projects to continuously attract potential immigrants.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy with a federal parliamentary system, which recognizes Queen Elizabeth II since her coronation on February 6, 1952. It is also a bilingual and multicultural nation, with English and French being the two official languages at the federal level. New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province. Quebec is officially French, but English is also spoken. The other provinces are English-speaking.

Demography of Canada

Canada's capital is Ottawa. The main cities are Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, among others. Among the various provinces listed are Ontario, which is the most populated province, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. Two-thirds of Canadians live in the south, near the border with the United States.

The population in 2017 was 36,708,083, according to Statistics Canada. From 2011 to 2016, Canada had the highest population growth in the Group of Seven (G7) countries. About two-thirds of this result is attributed to increased migration.

The average age of Canadians is 40.6 years. The most represented age group is the 15 to 64 age group, followed by those aged 64 and over. In 2016, according to Statistics Canada, the number of people close to retirement has exceeded the number of young people preparing to enter the labour market.

Politics in Canada

Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, has been the 23rd Prime Minister since 2015. The next federal elections will be held by October 2025.

The Governor General of Canada is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, but he has no real power. Rideau Hall in Ottawa and the Citadelle in Quebec City are the governor's residences.

Canada's federal parliamentary system is part of a democratic tradition inherited from 16th-century English democracy. The legislative branch consists of the Parliament, composed of the Governor General of Canada who represents the Queen, the Senate and the House of Commons.

Canada is considered one of the richest nations in the world. The country is also a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the G7. Its market economy is slightly more subject to government intervention than the US economy, but much less so than most European countries. In November 2018, the unemployment rate stood at 5.6%, the lowest rate in 40 years.

Immigration in Canada

More than 16 million people visit Canada each year. Each year, nearly 400,000 foreign workers go there to take up temporary jobs. In 2017, according to data from the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 494,525 international students were enrolled in Canadian schools (all levels combined).

Generalities

Get an overview of living in Canada with general information to discover the destination.

Formalities

Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Canada.

Visas

All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Canada.

Work

Dive into the Canada labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Canada.

Accommodation

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Canada. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Study

Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Canada.

Health care

Understanding the healthcare system in Canada: public and private health system, health insurance...

Bank

Navigate the banking system in Canada: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.

Tax

All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Canada.

Taxes in Canada

Taxes in Canada

Any person residing in Canada for more than 183 days is deemed to be a Canadian resident for the purposes of the Income Tax Act. Income earned ...

Transport

From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Canada.

Getting around in Canada

Getting around in Canada

After you've made Canada your home, navigating around will be easy, thanks to the extensive transportation system. Learn more about it in this ...

Driving

Essential information on driving requirements in Canada, driver's license exchange and international permits.

Driving in Canada

Driving in Canada

If you're thinking about driving in Canada but aren't sure where to start, here's some information that might be helpful.

Removal

Moving to Canada? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.

Communications

Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Canada.

Leisure

Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Canada.

Leisure activities in Canada

Leisure activities in Canada

If you've recently relocated to Canada, you might be curious about how to spend your free time. Here's a rundown of the different activities ...

Everyday life

Eager to discover what life in Canada looks like? Here's a taste.

Diversity and inclusion in Canada

Diversity and inclusion in Canada

Interested in immigrating to Canada but have questions about these progressive policies in the workplace and everyday life? Here's some ...

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