Roughly 21.5% of the Canadian population accounts for emigrants with permanent residents. To date, Canada ranks at the top spot with the number of immigrants, amounting to nearly 300,000 every year. Many people prefer to choose Canada for employment, higher education, or just to set up a new business. It is an excellent place for those seeking the life they want. With a focus on the healthcare system and polite citizens, Canada is an attractive destination for many people. Montreal’s most common language is French (surprisingly enough). Canada offers numerous advantages for new residents, including breathtaking natural sites like the Great White North, diverse landscapes, dependable healthcare services, and a thriving economy. However, as always, you should take into account the pros and cons of living in Canada before you make the big move.
The prominent pros of living in Canada include the following:
Canada is famous for its United Healthcare system which is free for the public and allows citizens to access essential medical services without extra costs. So, if you are planning to move to Canada, you won’t have to stress over medical bills and healthcare services.
As per General Social Survey, crime statistics in Canada have gone down. This survey is conducted every five to seven years by the Social and Aboriginal Statistics Division. In 2020, although police in Canada recorded a quarter of all reported crimes as violent, over 50% of these incidents did not cause significant physical harm. Moreover, 70% of the non-violent crimes reported were related to minor offenses like vandalism, bail and parole violations, fraud, and petty theft.
Canada is known for its multicultural society, which is home to the Americans, French, Indians, and many other ethnicities. The nation fosters diversity and includes people from different backgrounds. This allows individuals to experience different cultures and explore new opportunities in the country.
The Canadian government is making ongoing efforts to bring in foreign workers to the country to spur economic growth and address skill shortages in industrial sectors. To assist new immigrants, the government offers various facilities and employment opportunities. Given that Canada has plentiful natural resources, many job prospects are available for newcomers.
Canadians are known worldwide for their friendly and welcoming nature and their polite and kind behavior. They often stop to chat with visitors or immigrants they encounter on the street. Canada has many immigrants, contributing to a diverse population with various cultures and religions.
This diversified atmosphere creates a refreshing experience, especially if you come from a country where your values are placed above all else. Canada’s progressive approach and its people are known for being peaceful and well-mannered.
Canada has a highly diversified, export-oriented manufacturing sector that ranks among the top countries for foreign direct investment inward flows and stock market capitalization. The Canadian economy offers advantages to citizens and immigrants who decide to live, work or invest in Canada. Citizens benefit from free healthcare, subsidized education, and generous social benefits such as employment insurance (EI), pension plans, and other government services.
Despite many potential plus sides, you should always be aware of the disadvantages of living in Canada also.
The cold climate can make it difficult to do outdoor activities and lower the quality of life. During winter, temperatures dip far below zero degrees Celsius for weeks, making traveling or spending time outside difficult. Snowfall can make roads dangerous and reduce driving visibility, leading to more car accidents.
Well, healthcare services do come at a low cost, but what costs you more are taxes and other living expenses. People have to pay higher taxes than in other countries, which can also burden your paycheck. With the cost of living constantly increasing in Canada, it’s becoming harder for citizens to make ends meet. That’s not all, you may also have to deal with exceptionally higher housing costs in Canada, especially in Vancouver or Toronto.
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Although most people speak English as their primary language, there are still some regions where French dominates. If you aren’t fluent in either language, you may have to face difficulties understanding others.
Although Canada is one of the most developed countries in the world, it still trails behind some other nations in terms of its technological infrastructure and access to high-speed internet. This can make certain activities such as streaming movies or downloading large files difficult.
It's evident that when healthcare services are cheaper, every citizen wants to access them, which is no exception in Canada. However, the healthcare system in Canada still faces long delays in terms of medical attention and treatment. Situations can worsen for patients with life-threatening conditions such as cancer or heart disease who may need immediate care but cannot get timely access.
Conclusion
With its diverse landscape and culture, living in Canada is a fantastic experience. For those who love the outdoors and appreciate nature, all the outdoor beauty and activities Canada offers are genuinely captivating. However, Canadian living may not be suitable for you if you're an individual who values privacy and freedom of mobility. From its weather conditions to the cost of living, having a checklist of what matters most to you should help narrow down the pros and cons when evaluating which country would make the best fit for you long-term. With all the factors in mind, you can reach a conclusive state on whether or not moving to a Canadian city is a better option for you or not.
Every major city in Canada has an expensive lifestyle that may not suit everyone. Additional expenses such as housing, transportation, and food can put you under the most fiscal burden if you are a student. Canada experiences long and severe winters, with snow and ice covering most of the country for several months annually.
The Better Life Index shows that Canada excels in healthcare, education, and safety and is also highly ranked in categories such as social connections, work-life balance, and environmental quality.
Many individuals from India aspire to obtain permanent resident status (PR) in Canada as it comes with numerous legal rights and opportunities.
Indians can enjoy high salaries and benefits like health insurance, paid vacation time, and pensions as part of the Canadian lifestyle. The minimum wage law in the country also guarantees a fair wage for all workers.
