CANADA
GJN Consulting will guide you through visa and work permit requirements as well as healthcare and educational issues.
Climate
Most regions have four distinct seasons. Summers are generally very warm and winters can be very severe when temperatures, with the exception of the West Coast, drop below 0°C and sometimes as low as -25°C. Snow may be on the ground from mid December to mid March.
For detailed weather information on a specific region check out the website www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
Time Zones
The main time zones observed in Canada are Eastern (GMT -5hrs), Central (GMT -6hrs), Mountain (GMT -7hrs) and Pacific (GMT – 8hrs)
Many provinces observe daylight saving time in the summer months.
Currency
Canadian dollars with 100 cents to the dollar. Notes are available in $5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 1,000 and coins in $0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 1.00 and 2.00 pieces.
Language
Canada is a bilingual nation. French and English are the official languages.
Driving
Like the USA, driving is on the right hand side. Distances are measured in kilometers.
Sales Tax
GST (goods and sales tax) is a 7% federal tax levied on most goods and services purchased in Canada.
Work Permits
Check out the Canadian Government Citizenship and Immigration website at www.cic.gc.ca and the Immigration Division of the Canadian High Commission in London website at www.canada.org.uk/visa-info for guidance on working in Canada as well as information on health and education.
Education
There is no national education system. Educational policies are determined by each province. For further information check out www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomer/fact_education.html
Major Cities
Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are the main cities in Canada. Both Montreal and Toronto are on Eastern Time and Vancouver is on Pacific Time.
Vancouver
Mountains and the Pacific Ocean form the backdrop to this multicultural city. It’s the largest city in the province of British Columbia and less than 25 miles from the US border. Unlike many places in Canada, Vancouver enjoys a mild climate throughout the year.
There’s a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Water based activities such as kayaking and sailing are very popular and there are many cycling paths in or close to the city. The internationally renowned ski resort of Whistler is just a two hour drive away.
According to the 2001 census the population of Greater Vancouver was 2 million.
The 2004 survey carried out by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine saw Vancouver voted the Top City in the Americas.
Toronto
Situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario. It’s the largest city in Canada with a population of more than 4 million people. It is regarded as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world (more than 100 languages are spoken).
Toronto’s outstanding landmark in the CN tower. The city has an excellent integrated public transport system.
The theatre scene is vibrant and said to rival that of London and New York. The city is a mecca for shoppers from both sides of the Atlantic. Activities on the water are, of course, very popular and there are miles of trails along the waterfront.
Montreal
Situated on an island in the St Lawrence River, it’s the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second largest city in Canada with a population of over 3 million.
Quebec law means that almost all outdoor signs are shown in French but Montreal is a very cosmopolitan city and English is widely spoken.
Montreal has very good integrated public transport system. Whether you are interested in history, nature or culture, Montreal has plenty to offer. There are many excellent ski areas in the Quebec region.
