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- Telephones - You can buy your own telephone, or rent one from the telephone company. Major home phone companies are: Rogers, Bell 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, 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
To keep in touch with your relatives abroad, get a free $5 calling card when you sign up for the Scotiabank StartRight Program
Education
Education is important to Canadians, and attendance is mandatory for children between the ages of six and 16. In Canada, children are eligible to receive free elementary and high school education through the government-funded public education system. Budget for additional expenses such as school supplies, some books, sports equipment and musical instruments.
A Scotia® RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) will help you to provide for your child's post-secondary education, especially when you invest early and regularly. Find out more.
| Average costs for Undergraduate or post-secondary education | |
| Province | 2008-2009 Undergraduate tuition fees (avg. per academic year)* |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $2,632 |
| Prince Edward Island | $4,530 |
| Nova Scotia | $5,932 |
| New Brunswick | $5,590 |
| Quebec | $2,167 |
| Ontario | $5,643 |
| Manitoba | $3,276 |
| Saskatchewan | $5,015 |
| Alberta | $5,361 |
| British Columbia) | $5,040 |
| * Source: Statistics Canada as of March 26th, 2009 | |
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.
ScotiaLife Financial™1 can help protect you and your family from life's unexpected events. Find out more.
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
