About Canada
Thinking of immigrating to Canada? In this section you'll learn more about what makes Canada a first choice for many immigrants.
Geography and Weather
Canada is located in the western hemisphere and occupies the northernmost part of North America. It is bordered by the United States to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the north, Alaska to the northwest and the Arctic Ocean to the north.
Canada's vast geography changes from one place to the next. From mountains and rainforests, to prairies and coastal towns, there is something for everyone. A commonly held belief is that Canada is a very snowy country. While this may be true in some parts of the country, the weather really does change from region to region. If you live in one of the country's coastal cities you'll experience a rainforest-like climate. In the northern province of Yukon winters are dark and snowy but summers come with long sunny nights. Major city centres such as Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal have moderate winters while the prairie provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan can have warm dry summers and harsh, cold winters.
Capital and City Centres
Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario, is the Capital City of Canada. Other major city centers that are popular landing spots for new immigrants, include (by population size):
Toronto, Ontario
Montreal, Québec
Vancouver, British Columbia
Calgary, Alberta
Ottawa, Ontario
Edmonton, Alberta
Québec City, Québec
Thinking of immigrating to Canada? In this section you'll learn more about what makes Canada a first choice for many immigrants.
Geography and Weather
Canada is located in the western hemisphere and occupies the northernmost part of North America. It is bordered by the United States to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the north, Alaska to the northwest and the Arctic Ocean to the north.
Canada's vast geography changes from one place to the next. From mountains and rainforests, to prairies and coastal towns, there is something for everyone. A commonly held belief is that Canada is a very snowy country. While this may be true in some parts of the country, the weather really does change from region to region. If you live in one of the country's coastal cities you'll experience a rainforest-like climate. In the northern province of Yukon winters are dark and snowy but summers come with long sunny nights. Major city centres such as Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal have moderate winters while the prairie provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan can have warm dry summers and harsh, cold winters.
Capital and City Centres
Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario, is the Capital City of Canada. Other major city centers that are popular landing spots for new immigrants, include (by population size):
Toronto, Ontario
Montreal, Québec
Vancouver, British Columbia
Calgary, Alberta
Ottawa, Ontario
Edmonton, Alberta
Québec City, Québec
Why Choose Canada
Canada is a natural choice for many people when choosing to immigrate. Why? There are many reasons, but the primary one is Canada’s high quality of life. The United Nations Human Development Report consistently ranks Canada as one of the top ten countries to live in. This annual survey takes into account many different criteria such as income, education, public safety, housing, cost of living and life expectancy.
According to the United Nations, Canada has one of the world’s best-educated and healthiest populations. The majority of Canadians live in metropolitan and modern cities, and all enjoy an extensive social welfare system and protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
A Safe Place to Live
Canada’s political system is made up of a constitutional monarchy and parliaments at both the federal and provincial levels. Made up of ten provinces and three territories, Canada is remarkably free of conflict and violence and is admired throughout the world as one of the safest places to live.
A Land of Opportunities
Canada is currently recruiting immigrants who have good education and employment skills that can be adapted to the Canadian labor market, with knowledge of English or French to ease the transition into the Canadian community.
Health Care an Social Security
All Canadians have free access to health care. Visiting a doctor is free and no Canadian is forced to pay for hospital bills. In 2002-2003, the government spent an estimated $97.6 billion on health care. This means a total of almost $3,174 spent on each Canadian for that year alone! With such an advanced health care system, paired with an elevated standard of living, the life expectancy of men is 75 years and 81 for women. Canada also has an extensive social security network including old age pension, family allowance, unemployment insurance and welfare.
Multiculturalism is woven into the very fabric of Canadian life
For generations, people from all over the world have immigrated to Canada, making it a truly multicultural country. Twenty-five per cent of the population has some ethnic origin other than Canadian, British or French. 60% of Canadians speak English, 24% French and 16% another language. In terms of new arrivals to Canada, the largest groups are from China and India.
Keeping your identity
The rich cultural diversity of this country’s population is what makes it great. Rather than casting off their ancient cultural heritages, new Canadians are encouraged to keep their historic identities alive. In many communities, one can receive heritage language instruction, and in some provinces, classes are available in their schools. In July 1988, the Government of Canada instituted the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which states that every citizen, regardless of origin, has an equal chance to participate in all aspects of the country’s collective life.
Education
Canadians take pride in one of the best education systems in the world. Every child’s primary and secondary schooling is free, and their post-secondary education is subsidized: the government in most provinces pays more than two-thirds of tuition costs. Consequently, Canada’s workforce is among the world’s most educated and highly skilled.