Present-day Canada was discovered at the beginning of the late 15th century when British and French expeditions began exploring and colonizing various parts of North America. Very early on in 1534, the colony of New France was established and claimed. And at the beginning of the 17th century, permanent settlements began to appear.
Living in Canada – Pros and Cons
After their defeat in the Seven Years’ War in 1763, France ceded almost all of its possessions in North America to the United Kingdom. Then to create a self-governing entity, the new Province of Canada joined with the colonies of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick which eventually became the country that we know of today. Throughout 1949, the expansion continued as Newfoundland and Labrador were added.
It wasn’t until 1982 when the Constitution for the nation was patriated, finally removing the last vestiges of legal dependence upon the British parliament. As of 2019, there are 10 provinces that form the country, with Nunavut and Yukon noticeably reducing the size of the Northwest Territories in recent years.
Canada is a target country for many people to go and settle in. And if you’re making plans to become a fellow resident, here are some pros and cons of living in Canada listed to help you decide clearly.
Pros of Living in Canada
1. Access to More Healthcare Options
As it is known, the universal healthcare system in Canada isn’t actually free. Each province is liable for administering this advantage to living here, which usually costs about $5,000 per annum for one person. Families are typically required to pay about $9,000 per household for access.
This payment is like what the insurance rates are for Americans, and it’s less than what you’ll find in countries with comparable systems. You’ll be visiting the doctor, the ER room, and receiving other care benefits without the necessity to pay a direct fee as a part of the procedure.
2. Overall Crime Rates are Relatively Low
Ranked as the 53rd highest in the world for its crime levels in 2018, Canada had a rating of 39.03. The US received a ranking of 55.84, placing the country as the 30th-highest in the world for this issue. The crime rate within the U.S. is approximately 40% above Canada. That’s also the difference found between these two North American countries in the usage of opiates. Compared to Canada, women are 16 times more likely to experience sexual abuse within the U.S.
Because of the lower population levels, the per capita total crime rate is surprisingly 94% higher in Canada than in the US. Crime levels are steadily declining since 1991 and violent crime is the rate, so overall the country is one of the safest places in the world to settle in today.
3. Affordable and Plentiful Educational Opportunities
The public school system in Canada is analogous to the US, where students can enroll in K-12 without needing payment from parents. Attending a university or college within the country is a little higher as compared to the students in Europe. But it’s far cheaper to pursue an advanced degree in Canada than it is within the U.S. each year. The reason behind the cost difference is that the tax subsidies for education that are present overseas aren’t a part of the Canadian learning system.
Canada is additionally just one of a couple of countries that appear within the Top 10 for mathematics, science, and reading. The state also has the world’s highest proportion of working-age adults who went through higher education: 55% compared to the 35% average within the modern world.
4. A Significant Amount of Diversity
When you begin exploring Canada, you’ll discover that there’s significantly more diversity found here than in other places of the world. This community structure provides added strength to the economy because there are numerous opinions and experiences that each one contributes to the ultimate decision.
About 1 in 4 people that are currently living within the country are foreign-born, which adds another element of perspective to the experience also. If you’ll navigate the immigration process successfully, then there’s a superb chance that you’ll be expanding your personal horizons.
5. Nicest People in the World
Even if there are always exceptions to each rule, most Canadians are warm and welcoming – even when they come to know you’re a transplant or tourist. People will stop to have a talk with you within the grocery, while you’re taking a walk, or maybe while visiting Walmart. There’s a particular sense of community that you simply will experience in this country that’s a refreshing change of pace if you come from a space valuing independence above everything else.
Cons of Living in Canada
1. Weather
Unless you reside along the coast, the northern location of Canada means it offers a colder climate than what you’ll experience in other countries. Winter can be a real thing here, lasting for up to eight months if you reside within the northern provinces or territories. Some might argue that the snow emphasizes the natural beauty of the landscape, but that goes to waste if you can’t even make it outside to enjoy it.
The average heat in Yellowknife, NT within the month of December is 0 degrees. That drops to -2 once you reach January. The typical low during these months will range from -13 to a surprising -17. You’ll reach the 70s in July on the Fahrenheit scale but be expected to bundle up throughout most of the year.
2. Healthcare Can Also Be a Distinctive Disadvantage
Rural provinces sometimes struggle to form healthcare options available to residents because there’s only so much money to make it around. There may only be 1-2 providers for a whole community because it is a rural area.
Although you have the option to fly to the closest caregiver for your given circumstance, there could also be a delay in some of the care that you receive. Long-term care, special needs, and elective procedures can sometimes need a long waiting. If you reside around a largely populated area, then also you would possibly encounter this issue.
3. More Government Involvement in Your Daily Life
According to what most Canadians feel, their government regulations tend to be an overreach into the choices that they can make about their lives. In almost every survey, local residents say that they might prefer it if there’d be fewer rules to follow.
Government interference in their lives is somewhat of a necessity, but is it really necessary for regulations to the government on what proportion of trans-fat might be in a restaurant meal or how rare a burger or steak could be cooked? If you don’t mind these issues or think they’re beneficial, then this disadvantage won’t appear to be much of a drag. If you favor forming your own choices, then this issue might be a particular setback when moving.
4. Expensive Living
In comparison to living in other countries, there are much higher costs that you will be facing when living in Canada. Food may be a significant expense. Purchasing chicken will cost roughly twice what you’d be paying within the US.
Clothing is additionally about 20% costlier, even after accounting for the beneficial exchange rates that exist. Counting on where you choose to settle within the country, the differences might be even higher. Some households can manage their costs and are okay with the expenses but most find that the prices are comparable at the best to their current situation.
5. Settling in can Take Some Time
Depending on your field of employment, it can sometimes be a struggle to seek out an edge if you haven’t had any Canada-specific work experience. Some things also become luxuries after your move, like renting a house or having funds to visit restaurants most nights of the week. If you’re willing to put in the time to get settled, then living in Canada can become an excellent decision. It just might take a couple of years to get there.
Cost of Living in Canada
Life in Canada can be exceptional if you focus on the good part and make compromises with the cons. And if you’ve made a decision to make this country home, here are some basic costs of living you should know.
1. Rent
Canadian rent prices are different as it depends on the city and province in which you live. Across the country, the typical rental price for a one-bedroom in the city center is 1,200 CAD (900 USD), and 980 CAD (730 USD) if outside the city center.
2. Utilities
The cost of utilities is also different according to the provinces. For example, in Ontario, the residents pay some of the highest rates for electricity. A house with one occupant can have averaged an annual cost of 700 CAD (500 USD) for water, sewer, and garbage; two occupants will pay 1,100 CAD (790 USD); a family of three will pay 1,520 CAD (1,080 USD), and four people will pay 1,930 CAD (1,390 USD).
3. Healthcare
As mentioned earlier, Canada’s universal healthcare system is paid for by taxpayers. The average person pays 6,000 CAD (4,300 USD) per annum to be maintaining their free public healthcare.
This is why healthcare costs, such as childbirth, doctor’s visits, and check-ups are free. But it should also be noted that Canada’s free healthcare system is only available to Canadian permanent residents and citizens. Hence, the newly-landed ex-pats should make sure they have some kind of international medical coverage and private health insurance.