Helping Immigrants Integrate and Succeed

The Centre Block on Parliament Hill, containing the houses of the Canadian parliament (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vancouver, April 2, 2013 — A new, more comprehensive guide and a new web tool to help newcomers settle and integrate in Canada were unveiled today by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

CIC’s new flagship publication, Welcome to Canada, is intended to be the official handbook to assist immigrants in preparing to come to Canada and to help them navigate their way during their first months in Canada.

“Our Government is committed to ensuring newcomers to Canada integrate and succeed in the Canadian economy and society as soon as possible,” said Minister Kenney, speaking at the MOSAIC settlement service centre. “The new edition of Welcome to Canada shows our commitment to helping the citizens of tomorrow experience a smoother transition into their new community and into the Canadian workforce.”

Twice as long as the previous edition, the new guide’s content has been built on the foundation of academic research, in consultation with several federal partners and experts in the field of integration, and has been reviewed by new immigrants. The guide features practical information on many different topics including how to access language classes, basic information about Canada’s education system, laws and the justice system, the labour market and much more.

For the first time, the Welcome to Canada guide includes examples of immigrants to Canada who have successfully integrated. The guide was enriched by advice and anecdotes from Nick Noorani, himself an immigrant and an expert who specializes in immigrant integration and career outcomes.

“It is a huge honor and privilege for me to have had a chance to work on this publication,” said Mr. Noorani. “Canada has given me more than I could ever have dreamed of and through my experiences I can help future immigrants succeed in Canada and this guide is a big part of that.”

This is the first time the Welcome to Canada guide has been revamped since it was first introduced in 1997.  Like ourDiscover Canada citizenship study guide, Welcome to Canada is available in PDF or E-book format at cic.gc.ca/publications.

In addition, following the resounding success of the Come to Canada Wizard, the online immigration assessment and application tool, Minister Kenney today launched another interactive tool, this time intended for newcomers who have recently arrived in Canada.

The Living in Canada Tool produces a semi-customized settlement plan filled with tips, next steps, and useful links based on user responses to the initial questionnaire. Users can also find local immigrant-serving organizations with the integrated Find Services map, and can bring with them their customized settlement plan for additional, personalized support.

“To help newcomers integrate, the Government has tripled settlement funding since 2005-06 and remains committed to ensuring the distribution of settlement funding is fair, that immigrants receive the same level of service, regardless of where they choose to settle,” said Minister Kenney. “The new Living in Canada web tool helps newcomers find and access language and settlement services quickly upon arrival.”

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Average Monthly Living Expenses in Canada

Red Ensign (pre-1965 Canadian flag) (Photo credit: Lone Primate)

Communications

• Telephones - You can buy your own telephone, or rent one from the telephone company. Major home phone companies are: Rogers, Bell, Shaw,Telus and Primus
• Average Cost of Telephone (Monthly): $20 - $40 plus long distance charges.
• Cellular phones - Many Canadians have a cellular (cell), or mobile, phone instead of or in addition to a land-line. You will need to purchase a phone and pay for the monthly phone service. Major cell phone retailers are: Rogers, Bell, Fido, Telus, Virgin Mobile, Windmobile, Mobilicity, Publicmobile,  Solo and Koodo.
• Average Cost of Cell Phone (Monthly): $40 + Cost Initial Cost of Phone
• Cable or satellite television - you may need to purchase cable or satellite service. There is a monthly fee for such service, and it usually varies depending on the provider, the scope of the package and the options you choose.
• Average Cost of Cable (Monthly): $25 - $50
• Internet - Many Canadians subscribe to an Internet service, which allows them to surf the web or send emails from their home computer. You can purchase Internet service from most cable or telephone companies.
• Average Cost of Internet (Monthly): $20 - $60

About Canada's Health Care

One of the most important things you need to do as soon as you arrive in Canada is to apply for a health insurance card. All members of your family, even newborn babies, must have their own card. You can get an application form from the provincial ministry of health office, any doctor's office, a hospital or a pharmacy.

To apply for a health card, you will need your birth certificate or Confirmation of immigration status in Canada (IMM 5292) and passport. Your Permanent Resident card may also be presented. In most provinces, you will receive coverage as soon as you apply.

Health-care services covered by medicare include:

• examination and treatment by family doctors;
• many types of surgery;
• most treatment by specialists;
• hospital care;
• X-rays;
• many laboratory tests; and
• most immunizations.

Health-care services not covered by medicare, and for which you will have to pay, include:

• ambulance services;
• prescription drugs;
• dental care; and
• glasses and contact lenses.

Medical Expenses

Canadian residents enjoy a healthcare system that is publicly funded. Many health services are paid for from taxes and are free to all residents of Canada who hold a provincial health card.

However, not all medical expenses are covered. Depending on the province in which you live, you may have to pay for services such as:

• Dental care
• Eye examinations and prescription eye wear
• Treatment provided by psychologists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, dietitians and naturopaths
• Cosmetic or elective surgery

Taxes in Canada

Canadians enjoy many government-funded benefits, such as healthcare, education systems, interconnecting highways, clean drinking water and sanitation systems. Canadians pay a variety of taxes to the federal and provincial governments to support these benefits.

Each year, you determine your final tax obligation. On the return, you list your income and deductions, calculate federal and provincial or territorial tax, and determine if you have a balance of tax owing for the year, or whether you are entitled to a refund of some or all of the tax that was deducted from your income during the year.

Sales Taxes

When you purchase an item or a service one or more types of tax may be added:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) - A 5% federal tax applies to most goods and services sold in Canada.
• Provincial Sales Tax (PST) - With the exception of Alberta, the provinces also tax many new and used items (but not services). The rate varies by province.
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) - In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, the GST and PST are combined into a single tax - the HST. The HST is 13% (5% GST plus 8% PST) and is added to the cost of the goods or services for the final total price.

Provincial/Territorial tax rates (combined chart)*
Provinces/Territories	Rate(s)
Newfoundland and Labrador	7.7% on the first $31,061 of taxable income, + 12.8% on the next $31,060, + 15.5% on the amount over $62,121
Prince Edward Island	9.8% on the first $31,984 of taxable income, + 13.8% on the next $31,985, + 16.7% on the amount over $63,969
Nova Scotia	8.79% on the first $29,590 of taxable income, + 14.95% on the next $29,590, + 16.67% on the next $33,820 + 17.5% on the amount over $93,000
New Brunswick	10.12% on the first $35,707 of taxable income, + 15.48% on the next $35,708, + 16.8% on the next $44,690, + 17.95% on the amount over $116,105
Quebec	Contact Revenu Québec
Ontario	6.05% on the first $36,848 of taxable income, + 9.15% on the next $36,850, + 11.16% on the amount over $73,698
Manitoba	10.8% on the first $31,000 of taxable income, + 12.75% on the next $36,000, + 17.4% on the amount over $67,000
Saskatchewan	11% on the first $40,113 of taxable income, + 13% on the next $74,497, + 15% on the amount over $114,610
Alberta	10% of taxable income
British Columbia	5.06% on the first $35,716 of taxable income, + 7.7% on the next $35,717, + 10.5% on the next $10,581, + 12.29% on the next $17,574, + 14.7% on the amount over $99,588
Yukon	7.04% on the first $38,832 of taxable income, + 9.68% on the next $38,832, + 11.44% on the next $48,600, + 12.76% on the amount over $126,264
Northwest Territories	5.9% on the first $36,885 of taxable income, + 8.6% on the next $36,887, + 12.2% on the next $46,164, + 14.05% on the amount over $119,936
Nunavut	4% on the first $38,832 of taxable income, + 7% on the next $38,832, + 9% on the next $48,600, + 11.5% on the amount over $126,264
* Source: http://www.cra.gc.ca as of September 18, 2009

Pay Deductions

The following deductions are standard for all employees in Canada. The deductions are automatically taken out from your paycheck before you receive your pay.

• Income taxes
• Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan
• Employment Insurance
• Union dues - if you belong to a union
• Contributions to a retirement or pension plan
• Any other necessary or agreed upon deductions between you and your employer

The above deduction could reduce your pay by as much as 25% to 35% of your total income.

Source:Going to Canada

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Expenses in Canada

English: Pie chart of the area of provinces and territories of Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you move to Canada, your expenses may be different from those you are used to. Canada is a very large country, and costs can vary significantly depending on where you live. When you move to Canada, it's helpful to know a little about the money that you'll be using when you get there.

Coins come in six denominations. Each is a distinct size, shape and color for easy identification.

• penny = 1¢
• nickel = 5¢
• dime = 10¢
• quarter = 25¢
• dollar = $1.00 (known as the "loonie")
• two dollar = $2.00 (known as the "toonie")

Paper money is all the same size, but each bill is different in color.

• $5 - blue
• $10 - purple
• $20 - green
• $50 - red
• $100 - brown

It's a good idea to exchange some of your money into Canadian currency before you leave your home country, so that you have cash on hand for small purchases as soon as you arrive. Once you're here, there are several ways to exchange your money for Canadian currency.

Housing

You've arrived in Canada. One of the most important tasks ahead of you is finding a place to live. This is likely to be one of your biggest expenses.

Many people rent their home for their first few years in Canada, which usually costs less than buying a home.

Average Cost of a house in Canada and Renting in Canada
	Avg. Cost of House*	Avg. Monthly Rent for 2 Bedroom**
British Columbia	$ 461,931	$ 1,045
Alberta	$ 346,955	$ 884
Saskatchewan	$ 234,655	$ 613
Manitoba	$ 204,465	$ 709
Ontario	$ 325,364	$ 931
Quebec	$ 228,184	$ 738
New Brunswick	$ 160,400	$ 637
Prince Edward Island	$ 148,885	$ 642
Nova Scotia	$ 203,725	$ 799
Newfoundland and Labrador	$ 211,844	$ 651
Yukon	$ 281,420	$ 556
Northwest Territories	$ 331,696	$ 1,365
* Source: June 2009 The Canadian Real Estate Association ** Source: Study in Canada

Utilities

You will need to set aside money in your budget to cover these essential services.

• Heat - most homes in Canada are heated by natural gas, oil or electricity.
• Electricity - your home will also require electricity to power lights, electronic equipment, appliances and air conditioning units.
• Water - if you live in or near a city, the municipality will charge a fee for providing water and sewage services.

Average Cost of Living in Canada
Utilities (Monthly)	$20 - $100
Phone (Monthly)	$20 - $40
Cell Phone (Monthly)	$40
Cable (Monthly)	$25 - $50
Internet (Monthly)	$40
Groceries(1-2 Person Monthly)	$200-$300
Transportation (One way)	$2.75
Fast Food Meal (1 Person)	$4 - $6
Average Restaurant Meal (1 Person)	$10 - $25
Gas	$1.15 - $1.50 / Liter
Entertainment (Movie)	$11.50 - $13
*** Source: Study in Canada

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What does it cost to live in Canada?

Apartment buildings in the English Bay area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The vast size, varied climate and population distribution of Canada mean that costs of living can vary from one area to another. There may also be some expenses that you weren’t expecting before you arrived.

Here are some typical costs for items and services in Canada. Please note all figures are in Canadian funds.

Rent—Bachelor Apartment (1 room apartment, 1 month, large city)	$700–$1,100
Rent—Bachelor Apartment (1 room apartment, 1 month, small city/town)	$500–$700
Water, Gas and Electricity (1 month) - Apartment	$150
Water, Gas and Electricity (1 month) and Sewage – Single Family house	$400
Car Insurance for a mini Van of $35,000, 250 deductible and 2 drivers with very good history	$1350
VOIP Phone (1 month, including long distance)	$30–$40
Cheapest Cell Phone Package (1 month) with Unlimited Data	$40
Cable Television (1 month)	$25–$50
Internet Connection (high speed, 1 month)	$50
Groceries for One Person (1 month)	$200–$300
1 Dozen Eggs	$2–$3
Bag of Rice (20 pounds) – High Quality	$20
Bus Fare 1-Way (local)	$2.25
Fast Food Meal (hamburger, soft drink, french fries)	$4–$6 per person
Average Restaurant Meal	$10–$25 per person
Coffee from Specialty Coffee Shop	$1.70
Admission to Nightclub	$0–$15
Gas/Petrol	$1.15–$1.50 per litre
Movie	$11.50–$13
Pair of Jeans	$40–$80
Pair of Running Shoes	$60–$200
Return Flight from Vancouver to Toronto	$300–$1,200
Letter within Canada	$0.57
International Postage (letter)	$1.70
Interest Rate on Savings	.5%

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New Start-Up Visa opens for applications on April 1

English: Diagram of venture capital fund structure for Venture capital (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ottawa, March 28, 2013 — The world’s best and brightest entrepreneurs from around the world, with ideas for new business ventures and financial backing from Canadian investors, can apply to the brand-new Start-Up Visa Program as of April 1, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“Canada is open for business to the world’s start-up entrepreneurs,” said Minister Kenney. “Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential drivers of the Canadian economy. That is why we are actively recruiting foreign entrepreneurs - those who can build companies here in Canada that will create new jobs, spur economic growth and compete on a global scale - with our new start-up visa.”

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is the first of its kind in the world. By providing sought-after entrepreneurs with permanent residency and access to a wide range of business partners, Canada hopes to become a destination of choice for start-up innovators which will help Canada remain competitive in the global economy.

CIC has worked with two umbrella organizations, Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) and the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO), to identify and designate the venture capital funds and angel investor groups that are keen to participate in the program. Immigrant entrepreneurs hoping to launch cutting-edge businesses in Canada and attain permanent resident status need the support of participating Canadian investors. A full list of designated venture capital funds and angel investor groups is now available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

"The CVCA and our individual members look forward to the launch of the Start-Up Visa Program,” said Peter van der Velden, President of the CVCA. “Our participating funds welcome the opportunity to take part in this first-of-its-kind program, which has the potential to help them attract best-in-class entrepreneurial talent to their Canadian-based investee companies.”

"There has been significant interest from both angels and entrepreneurs since the announcement of this program," said Michelle Scarborough, Chair of NACO. "Our angel group members across Canada are eager to participate, and we look forward to supporting the growth of new businesses and helping them to make their mark in Canada, further expanding our economy."

To apply for permanent resident status in Canada, the foreign entrepreneur must first secure a significant investment commitment from a designated Canadian angel investor group or venture capital fund. Applicants must also demonstrate language proficiency skills at a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and have at least one year of education at a post-secondary institution.

“With our new start-up visa, we are opening the door to new and exciting opportunities for Canada’s economy to grow and prosper,” added Minister Kenney. “This is part of our government’s transformational changes to Canada’s immigration system that will make it fast, flexible, and focused on Canada’s economic needs.”

The Start-Up Visa Program is a pilot program that will run for five years. It is expected that due to the narrow focus of the program, initially, the number of applications will be limited. However, the focus of the program will be on the quality of the applicants and on establishing a track record of success.