Pros and cons of living in Canada

Canada regularly examines the level of satisfaction with the lives of immigrants, introduces new immigration programs, and leads in prestigious ratings that reflect the quality of life and the level of economic development. As in any state, it has its own charms and difficult moments that you should be aware of when planning a move.

Advantages of living in Canada

Political stability, highly developed economy

The country has accumulated huge reserves of natural resources, developed industrial infrastructure, and established internal transport links. The government allocates considerable funds for scientific research, development of information technologies, and support for the environment. These factors have a positive effect on the standard of living of people. Any sphere of life, according to immigrants, is better and developed than in the country of residence.

Extensive immigration opportunities

The government is showing loyalty in accepting immigrants. New jobs are being created, programs are being implemented. There are many ways to legally enter the country, get a prestigious education, work, reunite with your family. A successful set of Express Entry points allows you to immediately move to a permanent place of residence. Every immigrant here is his own in his country, regardless of skin color, religion, origin.

Favorable business opportunities

The state encourages small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, issues low-interest loans to develop their own business, and simplifies the procedures for obtaining licenses.

Progressive healthcare system

Canadian medicine is free. Treatment, diagnosis of the vast majority of diseases are covered by medical insurance. Hospitals and polyclinics are well equipped, they employ highly qualified specialists who constantly maintain a professional level. There is no need to bribe doctors here, everyone gets proper medical care. It is worth knowing that the call of a doctor, emergency care, services of a dentist, an ophthalmologist is not covered by insurance, so it is advisable to cure your teeth and eyes before moving.

Amazing nature

Canada has mountains and seashores, parks, forests, lakes and rivers. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, excursions, tourism, sports.

Safety

The Global Peace Index ranked Canada sixth in the list of the safest countries in the world. The overall crime rate is not high. Incidents of terrorist attacks are extremely rare. Strict order is maintained on the streets and in public places. Police patrols are intensifying, the level of illumination of the streets is increasing. At night, with proper behavior, walking is absolutely safe. A round-the-clock hotline operates to inform the authorities about violations.

The list of advantages of living in the country is complemented by absolute gender equality, food for every taste, a variety of cultural, sports, entertainment infrastructure, a calm and measured lifestyle.

Negative aspects of life in Canada

Even such a prosperous country is not without flaws. The traditional "package" of cons includes:

• high tax rates. On average, Canadians transfer up to 40% of their earnings to the budget. However, given that the average annual family income exceeds 70 thousand Canadian dollars, it becomes clear that this shortcoming is conditional. Funds for a full life after mandatory payments remain;
• difficulties in finding employment. The labor market is different in different regions. Despite the demand for personnel, employers are slow to make decisions on hiring, considering candidates for a long time. The average duration of a job search in the country is from six months to nine months;
• climatic disasters. Some parts of Canada experience severe snowy winters. In the coldest months, the thermometer drops to minus 40 ℃. We predict this drawback: you can choose a city with a more comfortable climate in advance;
• high prices. Immigrants need to carefully calculate the budget. The Internet, mobile communications, transport costs, rental housing, domestic and international flights are quite expensive. The cost of living is different in different provinces, you can always find an acceptable option for yourself. Often in stores, price tags do not indicate the amount of tax, which can mislead buyers. Experienced immigrants know that in such cases, 13% must be added to the price;
• long phone calls. Most government agencies have a digital menu, which you can “wander” for a very long time until the issue is resolved. On the other hand, it is better to spend half an hour on the phone, to get to any institution.
• long queues for medical appointments with highly specialized specialists.

The mentality of Canadians is special. It contains both pluses and minuses. Immigrants note politeness, friendliness, tolerance, willingness to help. Here, no one pays attention to the strange appearance or bad English. On the other hand, the neighbor who smiled at you in the elevator may call the police because of loud music from your apartment instead of personally asking you to fix the problem.

Politeness must be answered in the same way, with respect for the peculiarities of Canadian culture and mentality.