Essential Things to Know about Life in Canada

Excellent Healthcare

Canada’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. One of its benefits is its provision of publicly funded healthcare to all. Canada even has educational healthcare programs that teach the elderly how to avoid injuries and other health risks.

About two-thirds of Canadians have private health insurance, which covers additional services, such as dental and eye care, prescription drugs, and private hospital rooms. Around 90% of these premiums are paid for by employers or unions.

Canada is Welcoming to All

Canada is generally a very progressive, diverse, and multicultural country. So, if you are considering living there, especially in one of its major cities, this is one of the benefits for foreigners.

In Toronto, Canada’s largest city, more than 140 languages are spoken. Over 20% of the country’s population was born abroad, so expats are bound to fit in well. Most immigrants live in Ontario, British Columbia, Québec, and Alberta.

The Natural World

From mountains and lakes to urban life, Canada is known for its abundance of nature. In fact, it has 20% of the world’s fresh water in its lakes and rivers, and the longest coastline on Earth. And there’s a chance you might bump into bisons, black bears, and bobcats, so pay attention when walking in the woods. You might even hear a wolf howling.

Canada’s waters are also teeming with life. You can see humpback whales, sea otters, and orcas. Plus, nearly two-thirds of the world’s polar bears live in this country. So why not join them, from a safe distance of course?

Some of the main natural attractions are: Lake Louise at Banff National Park, Big Muddy Badlands in Saskatchewan, Red Sands at Prince Edward Island, Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in British Columbia.

While there is a lot to love about Canada, no country is perfect. Relocating is about creating your own slice of heaven where you happen to land. So, here are a few issues that might make living in Canada challenging at times.

Part 2: The Not So Sweet

High Cost of Living in the Most Popular Cities

If you want to live in a remote area of Canada it can be relatively affordable. But if you want to live in one of Canada’s densely populated cities, like Toronto or Vancouver, it is going to cost you. For instance, the average annual cost of living in Toronto is 45,400 CAD (33,880 USD), almost twice as much as in Québec, where it is 25,374 CAD (18,944 USD). Vancouver is slightly cheaper than Toronto with the average cost of living at 40,682 CAD (30,397 USD).

French Canadian Québec

If you are moving to Québec, bear in mind that French is the official language. 95% of the population speaks it as either their first or second language. This could make you feel like an outsider if you do not speak French fluently, so you might need some time to adapt.

Immigration is Limited

Although Canada is seen as a country that welcomes lots of expats, the last time it had the highest net migration per capita in the Western World was in 2000. In 2017, Canada was 18^th in the world for net migration (the difference between the number of people leaving and entering a country).

Between 2015 and 2019, Canada had only the twelfth highest increase in migrants of all Western countries. Germany, Sweden, Australia, and Austria were in the top four places for the proportion of migrants welcomed compared to their overall population. The United Kingdom and Ireland also saw higher increases than Canada.

Around 300,000 expats and other immigrants were allowed to enter the country in 2018 and 2019, but many more were refused. And it was not necessarily plain sailing for those whose applications were accepted. Some of these more fortunate applicants had to wait years before they were eventually allowed entry.

People who immigrate to Canada have to pass through a rigorous vetting process. In addition, simply flying to Canada can be a tough task. In 2017, 30% of people who applied for a visitor’s visa to fly to Canada were rejected.

There is good news though, while from 2005 to 2015, the average number of allowed immigrants was only about 250,000 per year, this number is growing. The number of immigrants allowed can rise again to 350,000 between 2020 and 2021, as Canada attempts to address its ageing population problem. There are about 10,000 centenarians living in Canada.

Although the number of people allowed to settle in Canada looks set to keep increasing, there will still be many aspiring expats forced to wait to apply again.

To avoid awkward social situations in Canada or cultural faux pas, it is essential to understand Canadian customs and etiquette beforehand. This sub-section will briefly go over Canadian culture and what is expected of you when it comes to dining, tipping, riding public transport, and other day-to-day activities.

Culture

Canadian culture values honesty, sensitivity, empathy, and humility in their relationships both with friends and strangers. Canada can be described as an egalitarian country, meaning everyone is equal. Hierarchy is not so important in Canada. In fact, Canadian children are raised from a very young age to be very independent. Many kids are confident enough to speak to teachers and other adults in the same casual manner they might talk with friends. Canadians are known for being polite and very nice overall. They are friendly, unpretentious people.

Introductions

When meeting someone for the first time, make eye contact and shake hands with your right hand. In Québec, they may kiss you on the cheek. Older men might even kiss a woman’s hand. If you are a woman, you can accept this graciously, but if you are a foreign man, do not do this to a Québécois woman as they may find it strange. It is polite to refer to people as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “Madame,” or “Monsieur” until invited to use first names.

The Basics

It is polite to hold the door open for someone, not interrupt when others are speaking (although Francophones are likely to do this), and to let people off of the elevator first. Remember to say “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome.” If you did not hear someone clearly the first time say “pardon.”

Elders and people with disabilities are treated with compassion and understanding. Do not spit in public, litter, and make sure to pick up after your pets. If there is a line, patiently wait for your turn. It is also considered rude to point your finger at someone.

In Conversation

Canadians do not touch each other much when conversing, so keeping to your own personal space is important. It is also good manners to take your hat and sunglasses off when speaking to someone. In Québec, it is rude to talk with your hands in your pockets. You will find that French-Canadians are a bit more animated and expressive than others.

Gift Giving

Neighbours might come by your house to welcome you to the area. They may bring food, a small gift, or a card. Other occasions where Canadians give gifts are Christmas and birthdays. However, this gesture is only reserved for close family and friends. If you are invited to dinner at someone’s home, bring a small gift for the host. This could be a bottle of wine, flowers, or chocolates. Do not gift cash. People will usually open presents upon receiving.

In Québec, people send flowers to the host before the dinner party. If gifting flowers, never gift white lilies. These are reserved for funerals. Avoid gifting or sending red roses, too, as this is associated with romantic love.

Dining

If you are at a restaurant, event, or someone’s home, do not seat yourself. Instead, wait to be seated. Do not start eating until everyone else has been served and, if at a dinner party, wait for your host to start eating before you begin. Never talk with your mouth full. Do not rest your elbows on the table. It is generally acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your dinner plate. If eating at a restaurant, never summon a waiter or waitress by yelling and snapping your fingers. Instead, wait for them to pass by your table, make eye contact, and say “excuse me.”

In Québec, it is normal to be served wine with your meal. However, never ask for a martini or scotch before dinner. These drinks are considered “palate numbing.” If you are having drinks before dinner, opt for champagne, Pernod, kir, or vermouth instead.

Tipping

If you are eating out, tipping is expected. Usually, Canadians tip 15% of their bill. However, in some places, the tip is automatically included when serving large parties, so make sure you check your bill carefully before leaving another tip on top of what might already be there. Other people you may tip are taxi drivers, hairdressers, and barbers. Valet parkers and bellhops expect only 1 CDN (1 USD) as a tip.

Punctuality and Timing

When it comes to punctuality, Canadians take it seriously and very literally. When they say “3:00 o’clock” they mean 3:00 o’clock. If you are late, it is considered rude, and an apology and explanation will be expected. Also, showing up too early (15 minutes or more) is looked down upon. Therefore, do your best to get there right on time.

Do not call people in the early morning hours or late at night as this is considered disrespectful and inconsiderate.

On Public Transportation

Canadians are pretty quiet while riding the bus or metro. If you are commuting and want to listen to music, make sure you use headphones. If you are with friends, do not yell or speak too loudly.