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.

Immigrating: The Trade-Off

Highway 401 west of the Don Valley Parkway/Highway 404 junction. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

by Dale Sproule

Moving to a new country is scary. You’re leaving behind your family, your friends and whatever business network you established in your homeland. It also means that you are leaving behind other familiar things, like the ability to go to a sporting event and cheer on your favourite cricket or soccer team. It is surprising how important it can be to your mental well-being simply to go to a movie in your first language, or go out for dinner in comfortable surroundings where you can enjoy familiar foods and to talk to other people who share your culture and knowledge of your homeland – from homegrown musicians to politics.

So, it only makes sense to settle in a place where there is something familiar – like a fragment of your network, in the form of family or friends you can talk to, get advice from and fall back on. Your confidence can grow within a community of people who speak your first language and share your enthusiasm for your favourite sports teams or television shows. At the very least, you want to shop for the foods you grew up with, find an appropriate place of worship where you can practice your faith, find new cds by your favourite musicians, and shop for the clothing or other products you feel comfortable with.

Everybody Does It

The formation of ethnic communities is a well documented trend. These communities act as magnets for newcomers settling in Canada. It is human nature to settle in areas that offer the strongest support networks.

As ethnic populations in large cities grow, the larger cultural communities build their own infrastructures. Stores, supermarkets, shopping centers, and places of worship spring up to serve the growing population; and in turn, more people of the same ethnicity decide to settle within those communities because of the access to services available in their first language, and because of the presence of family and friends who have already settled and established roots within the community. The presence of the familiar makes the difficult process of immigration much easier.

Largely for this reason, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) becomes home to nearly half of the immigrants coming to Canada. A Statistics Canada study released in January 2008 (“Immigrants in the Hinterlands”, you can read the full article here) shows that 75 percent of newcomers settle in either Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal.

Since Canada’s population is spread across such a vast region, most Canadian cities are very small by international standards. The size of the ethnic communities are not just smaller in proportion to the size of the cities, they are also smaller because most immigrants give in to the attraction to the bigger cities. The study showed that only 3 percent of immigrants settle in small towns or rural areas.

The Downside of City Living

The larger the population, the greater the competition. The following statistics are not accurate. They were invented simply to illustrate the point we are making.

Imagine that in 2011, Canada determines that there are 15,000 vacancies in the engineering field in the country and actively seek out immigrants with the appropriate background. Let’s say that the recruitment effort actually results in 15,000 engineers immigrating to Canada.

But employment statistics are national in scope. Many, or perhaps even most, of the opportunities exist in small cities and towns across the country. So it’s likely that as few as 4,000 of those jobs would be available in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Because of the attraction of the ethnic communities, it is likely that as many as 7,500 of those newcomers with engineering backgrounds will end up settling in the GTA. If 3,000 Canadian trained engineering graduates were competing against them, that would leave jobs for a fraction of those immigrants with engineering backgrounds.

Perhaps 2,000 would keep looking and find jobs in their field within a few years. But in the end, it is quite conceivable as many as 4,000 of them will be forced to retrain and change careers. Some will return to their country of origin, convinced and upset that Canada recruited them for jobs that do not exist. Many will end up taking survival jobs. And since people who stay too long in those jobs often get trapped by the need to keep providing income for their families, they will continue to work as taxi drivers or store clerks or short order cooks for the rest of their working lives. Some will rise to management positions in their new occupations, but few will ever reach the salary that they would have realized if they had found jobs in their fields.

Meanwhile, 4,000 of the engineering opportunities in places like Estevan, Saskatchewan and Kenora, Ontario will remain unfilled. The 3,000 newcomers who are willing to settle outside of the major cities will have their choice of jobs and the vast majority of them will become well-employed and will be able to use their Canadian experience to move back to the big cities in a few years if they choose to do so.

The Statistics Canada study shows that 37 percent of immigrants who settle in major cities like Toronto will initially earn less than the Canadian average. After four years, the gap closes to 22 percent, but even after 12 years, 10 percent of those immigrants will still be earning less than the national average.

In smaller cities the initial gap of 14 percent disappeared by the fourth year. You may be surprised to learn that those immigrants who settle outside of the major cities actually make 2 percent more than the Canadian average after four years and after 11 years immigrants make 18 percent more than the Canadian average.

The article states that, “The income advantage of immigrants was even more pronounced in small towns and rural areas, where the average income of immigrants was 4 percent higher than that of Canadians after only one year of permanent residence.”

The Solution is Not as Simple as it Seems

If you move away from the large cities, you stand a much better chance of finding a job in your field and of reaching your employment and salary expectations. So why don’t more people do it?

Culture shock and homesickness can make life difficult even for people who settle in their own ethnic communities. Imagine settling in a place where almost no one speaks your first language. There may not be a mosque or temple where you can worship. The nearest restaurant or food store that sells foods and spices you love may be hundreds of miles away. Your nearest friends outside of your immediate family may be thousands of miles away. Your wife or husband may not be able to find a job of any kind, let alone one in their field of expertise. These stresses can tear at the fabric of your family and make life unbearably lonely.

So it really is a trade-off. If you can withstand the stresses of separation from everything you hold dear – even for a year or two – this country can offer enormous potential and almost unlimited opportunity. There’s a good chance you will eventually grow to love your new community. After all, when the immigrants settled in Canada for most of the past few hundred years, there was no choice but to live with your decision to leave your old life behind, and millions of people thrived in their new surroundings.

But in our modern times, you can stay in contact with your personal network on the internet and by telephone. You can order goods and services online and have them delivered to you. You can subscribe to a satellite or internet service and watch tv programs, movies and sporting events in your first language. You can jump on a plane and visit your family back home or relatives who have settled in other parts of Canada. And, if worst comes to worst, you can quit the new job and take your chances in the big city.

But before you settle for that survival job, or get discouraged and depressed by the lack of opportunity where you are, it would be wise to spread your wings and take a chance. Rather than trying to sink your roots into the cracks in the concrete and asphalt, open your mind and look around. Canada is a very big country, and the path to a wonderful future may take you through the fertile ground that lies outside of the big cities.

Source: http://cnmag.ca/issue-29/567-n00-immigrating-the-trade-off

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Immigration: Changing Your Route

Toronto Skyline (Photo credit: Bobolink)

By Pankaj Tripathi

Every adventurer to this land, down from Jacques Cartier in 1536 to you – has experienced doubt. “This isn't turning out as I expected it to.” “Should I have come?” “Is it all worth it?”
Do those doubts and fears have a basis in fact? Are they real? Do others in the same boat feel the same way? Well, sure they do. Even people who move from one city to another lose their networks and may need to start at lower positions.

Those who land jobs before coming to Canada or who have networks of friends or family here may not feel as uncertain or vulnerable as you, but most people deal with some degree of worry and self-doubt.

Middle aged immigrants with families to care for may be facing mid-life crisis, change in career, low self esteem, lack of job and depleting financial resources all at the same time.

But rather than caving in and giving up to depression and resignation, think of the successes that brought you this far in life. Be positive, calm and confident. And, as Ted Rogers said, "Don't be afraid to ask."

Starting down a new road

The first few steps of immigration are relatively easy. From the Permanent Card application, renting an apartment, applying for the Health Card (OHIP), opening a bank account, getting a drivers license, everything is pretty well organized.

Credit Cards might be a bit difficult, but you could always go for a secured credit card.

Then comes the difficult part. With limited financial resources and endless responsibilities, you have to find a job. You send out your résumé and call up companies. You may often be told you don't have Canadian experience, or the position is already filled. You may even encounter fraudulent recruitment agencies. If days turn to weeks, and weeks into months without success, panic can set in. No one intends to leave a stable job and a family that loves you in order to come to this strange land and flip burgers, distribute flyers; become a security guard or recruit other newcomers for a dodgy multi-level marketing scheme. If you were already an engineer, regional sales manager or other professional back home, how do you bring yourself to take a job stocking shelves at the local supermarket?

While volunteer opportunities may get you needed Canadian experience, they are by definition “unpaid” – and you have bills to pay. So what do you do when you are down to your last 1,000 dollars and your worst fears seem about to come true?

A few decide to throw in the towel and go back to their homeland. They may close this chapter forever, or re-plan and come back after a few years.

Some take survival jobs. While you attend school and drive a cab at the same time, keep in mind the individuals in Canadian society who were stocking shelves at the local grocery store twenty years ago and now own multi-million dollar retail chains. Our current Chief of the Defence Staff flipped burgers and was a newspaper boy as a young man in Winnipeg, and one of our prime ministers sold newspapers in Saskatoon. So respect the work you are doing, do it well and be proud of it. This pride and confidence will show in other aspects of your life. But never lose sight of your end goals and allow the survival job to become your new career.

Some of the more tenacious folks get their credentials evaluated, retool themselves, go to school upgrade their qualifications and try to re-enter the job market in their chosen profession. This is the most difficult but potentially rewarding option. It requires stamina, mental toughness, resilience and belief in oneself. You may even have to swallow your pride and accept some form of social assistance. But then who said success is easy? It takes a really special effort.

Be prudent in your spending habits. Look for deals and offers, and don't buy stuff you could do without. Every dollar saved lets you wait one day longer for your success.

Be prepared to make adjustments in your career, level of entry or take any new courses that you might need to kick start your career. From banking to education to driving, systems are different in Canada, and at times simply confusing. Seek help in understanding them. From friendly colleagues to numerous free courses and seminars, there are ways to learn and avoid costly mistakes.

Network, all the time. Find the right person. There is someone, somewhere in this huge crowd, in whichever city, town or village you are in, from Vancouver to Halifax, Toronto to Iqaluit, who will help you or knows someone who will make it happen for you.

As you go about your settlement process, keep in mind that it takes time, and you have to be patient, especially if you are not so young and have no local educational credentials or references. The economic crisis and uncertainty have not made it any easier. You have to balance expectations and reality, as it might be quite a different equation than what you were used to back home.

The process in itself is full of stress and different individuals have varying abilities to cope, based on their financial, emotional and psychological strengths. But the question will you ever make it, and will it all be worth it? Well yes, for sure.

Ask everyone who has stayed behind, done their slogging and made it. Empires don't happen when you have a boat waiting in the harbour. Success is for those who believe beyond belief, not for those who are ready to cut and run.

When the first settlers and homesteaders built this nation, there was no way home for most of them. Canada was born and flourished and grew through their dedication and determination. They were not quitters, and you can hardly stand in that long line, if you even think of quitting.

Employment outcomes for internationally trained professionals have been improving, and with initiatives like the Ontario Regulators for Access Consortium (ORAC), you should be able to restart your career even more quickly. So leverage your strengths, use the available resources, work through the system and be successful. There is no substitute for success, and your kids deserve it.

10 rules that can help you:
1. Re-pledge yourself to your goal and ambition every single day.
2. Look at the positive side of everything.
3. Be open to new ideas, concepts and friends.
4. Don't overspend in your first few weeks and months. Be prudent.
5. Don't cling to what you were back home, instead see the new landscape and assess where you best fit in.
6. Compromise but don't demean yourself.
7. Read about successful immigrants. They are enough success stories all around you, one just has to look for them.
8. Be especially careful of crooks who are out there to make a fast buck from the unwary, ignorant or confused individual.
9. Ask and take support - from friends, neighbours, agencies and government programs.
10. Network all the time. You never know who knows whom, or what leads to where. So network, and keep your eyes and ears open all the time.

Pankaj Tripathi

Pankaj Tripathi is a writer, journalist and management professional with more than
15 years of experience in advertising, marketing, academics, personal coaching and business restructuring. He is a motivational speaker working with young people. Pankaj is currently working on his PhD. He can be reached at (416) 508-5519 or by e-mail at p.tripathi@rogers.com.

Source: http://cnmag.ca/issue-36/462-immigration-changing-your-route-n11

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