Last week we aimed to prepare you for your first steps in Canada by providing you with crucial pointers and information that will benefit you before you make the journey to Great White North. Today, we carry on from last week’s piece to highlight some more key factors that will assist you in integrating into Canadian life.

Healthcare

Canada's healthcare system, which is renowned worldwide for its quality, is one of the pillars upon which newcomers' warm welcome to Canada is built.

It is provided by a publicly funded system that is mostly free at the point of use and provides the majority of services through private entities.

Despite the fact that some federal funds are used to pay for healthcare, it is administered by the provinces. Each person who enrols in the programme receives a health card from the Provincial Ministry of Health, and everyone receives the same level of care.

Permanent residents can obtain provincial coverage, but in some provinces, they must wait several months for coverage to begin.

Driving Licences

Many of the tests or examinations you took in your home country may not be valid in Canada or may necessitate paperwork to be converted.

Driving licences in Canada are issued by the provinces rather than the federal government, and each province has its own set of rules and testing procedures.

Various countries around the world have specific treaties with the Canadian provinces.

It is a good idea to check the rules for international licence holders in your chosen province or territory and make sure you have all of the necessary documentation before arriving in Canada.

Taxation

Taxes are levied at multiple levels under Canada's decentralised federal system. Both the federal and provincial governments collect income taxes.

Depending on your employment status and terms, you may be entitled to a tax refund at the end of the fiscal year.

Sales taxes vary by province, ranging from 5% in Alberta to 14.95% in Quebec. These are not included in the price, but are added at the point of sale.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

When relocating to Canada, it is critical to understand your rights upon arrival and throughout your stay.

From the policies and actions of all areas and levels of government, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees certain political rights to Canadian citizens and civil rights to everyone in the country. As a result, the Charter serves as the foundation of Canadian political, civil, and social society, and it outlines the type of welcome newcomers can expect in Canada.

Canada confidently boasts a wide array of benefits that a prospective Canadian citizen will welcome with open arms in their journey to the Great White North. There is absolutely no doubt that choosing to immigrate to Canada is a wise decision for one wanting to improve their future and their wellbeing.

Interested in taking the leap to a better life in Canada? Speak with a New World Immigration consultant today to have your skills assessed and discover if you are in line to be Canada’s latest and greatest hot property.