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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by SlowlybtSurely: 5:41pm On Apr 23, 2017
TheCongo2:


In addition to that, if you are involved in an accident in which someone die , you may be charged with murder if alcohol is found in your blood (breath) even if it the accident wasn't truly your fault. (I am not sure about the legal limit on this one)
In the eyes of the police, the dead person was killed by a drunk driver even though the accident was due to weather condition, mechanical failure etc ..

Okay, I say you will be charged with murder, but you may or may not be convicted. You have to convince the judge that the accident wasn't due because of the effect of alcohol.

Na wa! See plenty rules. One would have to unlearn Naija driving stunts.

4 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by TheCongo2: 5:59pm On Apr 23, 2017
SlowlybtSurely:


Na wa! See plenty rules. One would have to unlearn Naija driving stunts.

Just as your moniker says "Slowly but surely you become the product of your environment."
It won't take too long to break off from old habits given the new world (environment).

10 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by SlowlybtSurely: 6:07pm On Apr 23, 2017
TheCongo2:


Just as your moniker says "Slowly but surely you become the product of your environment."
I won't take too long to break off from old habits given the new world (environment).

Lol. True that.
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by salford: 6:14pm On Apr 23, 2017
flyhigh1881:



Great information. Thanks! Please what is the name of the FB groups?
Facebook groups are specifics to towns or areas.

Nievel:
Interesting.please how soon can one drive after landing. I know most western countries require rigorous driving tests.

In most provinces, you have to be on a learners license for one year. To obtain a learners license, you have to pass a computer knowledge test. You would be required to have a full licensed driver(no GDL) beside you when you drive. After one year, you can now go for a road test. If you pass, then you can drive independently.

If you have the ORIGINAL license from Nigeria(it would be verified by the province) and you pass your knowledge test, you would not need to wait for one year to take the road test.

Nievel:
Interesting.please how soon can one drive after landing. I know most western countries require rigorous driving tests.

I have no idea...I dont think personal breath analyzer are sold on ebay...lol
Best, if you drink...take a taxi home or get a friend to drive you.

modified: Actually found some on ebay..hopefully not chinese knockoffs.
Its just not worth the risk. No one should drink and drive.

12 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by CoCoLav(f): 8:27pm On Apr 23, 2017
SlowlybtSurely:


$20 for couch? Odikwa sweet. grin Please, what is the name of these FB groups?

Depends on your location, they usually approve join requests based on location.

Ottawa for instance has more than 10 groups. Schools also have their groups. There are also groups for specific categories like baby things, clothes etc. Some groups like Buy, Sell, Trade or Free Ottawa, Ottawa Black Market, Ottawa Student Market, Snowpie.ca Black market. Some of the things are even free. For instance, this was posted as free today, first come, first served.

Other cities have similar groups, try to search Facebook and send a join request.

19 Likes 14 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by CoCoLav(f): 8:34pm On Apr 23, 2017
40manlappy:
@maternal @salford

Is it practical for a new PR holder who is not tied to PNP to land in say, Ontario and then reside permanently in Quebec?

I have seen a few discussions/arguments "for and against" staying in Quebec and working in another province. Are there any constraints especially if one decides to live in a Quebec town that shares border with Ontario?

If you are single and earning above minimum wage, DO NOT move to Quebec, the taxes will kill you.

If you are married with kids, Quebec is sweet coz there's lots of benefits..childcare, education, kids get to have French as first language, rent, utilities, buying a house is stupid cheap compared to other provinces. The downside is quebec healthcare is not so good coz they have limited number of doctors. It can take a while to get a family doctor assigned to you as well as paediatricians for your kids. The attractive thing is just the cost of living.

Also, compared to Ontario, the waitlist for daycare is not so long just make sure you book preschools as soon as you realize you are expecting.

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by CoCoLav(f): 8:37pm On Apr 23, 2017
maternal:


As a PR not tied to PNP you have a right to live anywhere in the country you want. You can live in Quebec for the cheap rent and work in Ottawa, but there could be tax implications. I know people who have done it, and they say you can pay both Ontario and some Quebec taxes. I'd use someones (a friends) Ottawa address as my main address for all government documents, then try to rent a place in Quebec without signing a lease or having any paper trail. This includes utilities. Perhaps pay the landlord a few months in advance as an incentive ? But if you can't do that just live in Ottawa and pay the extra 300 dollars or so in rent. It's not worth it. When Canada Revenue deals with you, you'll know what I mean.


I won't advice anyone to do this. There's a name for this kind of fraud and it's highly discouraged. You can only get away with it if your parents reside in Ontario and you reside in Quebec for educational purposes but do not intend to make it your primary residence.

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by 40manlappy: 9:01pm On Apr 23, 2017
@maternal, CoCoLav, salford, TheCongo2

Thanks for sharing further insights. Please keep them coming! cheesy

We need all the information that we can get.

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by temitope06(m): 10:01pm On Apr 23, 2017
40manlappy:
@maternal, CoCoLav, salford, TheCongo2

Thanks for sharing further insights. Please keep them coming! cheesy

We need all the information that we can get.

Bros, na here u dey. I like ur spirit, u already seeing yourself in Canada. I no get that kain mind. Pls return back to Express Entry thread, head boy don dey find you.

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by 40manlappy: 10:27pm On Apr 23, 2017
temitope06:


Bros, na here u dey. I like ur spirit, u already seeing yourself in Canada. I no get that kain mind. Pls return back to Express Entry thread, head boy don dey find you.

Chairman, what can we do but hope for the best? cheesy grin

9 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by deesmom(f): 10:58pm On Apr 23, 2017
SlowlybtSurely:
OP, thanks alot for creating this thread. Very informative. I'm also awaiting my PR visa.

Looks like most of you are in Alberta. Anyone in Ottawa or Montreal? I'm looking for a city with low standard of living but with a good University where I can obtain a 2-year Nursing degree (after first degree) and has high employment rate for people in the finance sector as hubby will be ACCA certified by the time we will be moving.

Also which province has very subsidised day cares cos we have a toddler.



Which province can I get student loan without having to live there for a long time? I want to start school immediately after landing so I would have to do the processing from Naija. Is this possible?

Is it feasible for one person to work and keep the family afloat while the other goes to school (full time)? Keep in mind that we have two kids with only one being of school age.

Is anyone amongst you doing this Nursing-after-first-degree program or know someone who is? I've some very pressing questions I would love answered.

Justwise please, let's limit this thread to life in Canada for immigrants. Any questions or enquiries not in-line with the subject should be hidden.


Please check York university. They have an accelerated program. I intend to go through this route too, however I will wait till I get PPR before I commence preparation. This is to enable me apply as a PR . Target is February 2018.

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 11:16pm On Apr 23, 2017
TheCongo2:


In addition to that, car insurance is wayyyyy cheaper in Quebec.
A new immigrant may pay $300 to $400 per month in car insurance in Ontario. However, in Quebec, they would only pay $20 per month. That is a huge gap.

Aside the language barrier, why are some immigrants not wanting to live in Quebec?

Do people really pay up to $300 for comprehensive car insurance. I know the older the car the higher the insurance or the more accident you are involved in the higher the insurance cheesy (well that's how it works here)

2 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 11:26pm On Apr 23, 2017
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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by otokx(m): 11:28pm On Apr 23, 2017
Weldone Salford, great job.

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 11:30pm On Apr 23, 2017
SlowlybtSurely:


Na wa! See plenty rules. One would have to unlearn Naija driving stunts.

I have a brother who drives like a Nigerian in Nigeria but drives like a decent man in obodo oyibo. I don't know how he does it though undecided. He's never lost points.

I don't drive in Nigeria....Oh well not entirely true, I started again last year from point A to Point B which was about 0.3metres cool. I swear obodo oyibo road tamed me embarassed

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by salford: 12:00am On Apr 24, 2017
WellEndowed:


Aside the language barrier, why are some immigrants not wanting to live in Quebec?

Do people really pay up to $300 for comprehensive car insurance. I know the older the car the higher the insurance or the more accident you are involved in the higher the insurance cheesy (well that's how it works here)
In canada...alot of things are considered when getting a quote for car insurance.
The province itself is major. Ontario and Alberta have the highest rates in the country but ontario na baba. I heard the rate of insurance fraud is high in both provinces hence the high fees. I believe alberta is still fair. Some other province have very cheap insurance because the government handles auto insurance themselves.
Other factors are: how long you have been driving in Canada or the US, age, accidents, previous claims, traffic offence (points on license), age of car, distance of commute in a year, postcode(some areas have high rate of vandalism or car theft), where the car is packed(garage or street parking), safety rating of car and sometimes credit rating.

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 12:03am On Apr 24, 2017
salford:

In canada...alot of things are considered when getting a quote for car insurance.
The province itself is major. Ontario and Alberta have the highest rates in the country but ontario na baba. I heard the rate of insurance fraud is high in both provinces hence the high fees. I believe alberta is still fair. Some other province have very cheap insurance because the government handles auto insurance themselves.
Other factors are: how long you have been driving in Canada or the US, age, accidents, previous claims, traffic offence (points on license), age of car, distance of commute in a year, postcode(some areas have high rate of vandalism or car theft), where the car is packed(garage or street parking), safety rating of car and sometimes credit rating.
Yes same factors are considered here. Still $300-400/month no be small money. shocked
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by salford: 12:06am On Apr 24, 2017
WellEndowed:

Yes same factors are considered here. Still $300-400/month no be small money. shocked
sometimes the type of weather where you live. e.g lethbridge and airdrie area in alberta experience lot of hail storm the size of golf balls...lol.
snowy weather is a factor too hence the question..do you have snow tires...?
it could sometimes be higher than that amount....
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by salford: 12:17am On Apr 24, 2017
WellEndowed:


Aside the language barrier, why are some immigrants not wanting to live in Quebec?

Immigrants prefer where they have friends or families.
The language barrier thing is actually big..how can someone get a job or survive in Quebec without being able to speak french? lol.
Then in New brunswick, alot of jobs want people that are billingual.

2 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 12:26am On Apr 24, 2017
salford:

sometimes the type of weather where you live. e.g lethbridge and airdrie area in alberta experience lot of hail storm the size of golf balls...lol.
snowy weather is a factor too hence the question..do you have snow tires...?
it could sometimes be higher than that amount....

Ah yea. Now I understand the insurance fraud. Una weather no dey help matter cheesy
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 12:33am On Apr 24, 2017
salford:

Immigrants prefer where they have friends or families.
The language barrier thing is actually big..how can someone get a job or survive in Quebec without being able to speak french? lol.
Then in New brunswick, alot of jobs want people that are billingual.

That language thing is not funny. I wanted to do a program in Germany, let's just say I only survived a few months in Germany before running away. That language barrier of a problem is not funny at all.

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by salford: 2:44am On Apr 24, 2017
WellEndowed:


That language thing is not funny. I wanted to do a program in Germany, let's just say I only survived a few months in Germany before running away. That language barrier of a problem is not funny at all.
German! That is a difficult language to learn and not widely spoken except maybe for Germany and Austria. Better to learn french than German. lol

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by TheCongo2: 4:29am On Apr 24, 2017
salford:

Immigrants prefer where they have friends or families.
The language barrier thing is actually big..how can someone get a job or survive in Quebec without being able to speak french? lol.
Then in New brunswick, alot of jobs want people that are billingual.

There is a huge English speaking community in Montreal.
You will find in Montreal a good number of American and Canadian who can't speak French at all.
I have come accross a lot of them.
It seems to me like there are jobs for everyone there.

7 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by maternal: 4:33am On Apr 24, 2017
SlowlybtSurely:


But one is supposed to pay tax to the province they are resident in and not one they work in. I read of someone who lives in Quebec but works in Ottawa who was double taxed but got his Ontario tax refunded after he filed a complaint.

Again, other than rent/mortgage being significantly lower in Quebec, i read it also has the lowest childcare costs and car insurance. For a new immigrant, especially one with little children, any money saved would be gold.

I can't think of any jurisdiction in the world where one works there but isn't required to pay taxes. Moreover, you'll be using Ontario's infrastructure to and from work, so why wouldn't you have to pay the province of Ontario taxes ? Lastly people lie. Nobody really knows the case between that person you read about and the CRA (Canadian revenue agency). He must have had a nice lawyer or got tax credit through some sort of business. But if CRA caught him living in Quebec but working in Ontario, he's paying those taxes period. Well all have to deal with rent/mortgage, child care,etc but we're not breaking the law. If you've gotten your PR, remember any illegal activity can get you deported. Is it worth it just to save some money ? Lastly, despite what people think on here, the cost of living isn't really that much cheaper in Quebec.

9 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by TheCongo2: 4:49am On Apr 24, 2017
maternal:


I can't think of any jurisdiction in the world where one works there but isn't required to pay taxes. Moreover, you'll be using Ontario's infrastructure to and from work, so why wouldn't you have to pay the province of Ontario taxes ? Lastly people lie. Nobody really knows the case between that person you read about and the CRA (Canadian revenue agency). He must have had a nice lawyer or got tax credit through some sort of business. But if CRA caught him living in Quebec but working in Ontario, he's paying those taxes period. Well all have to deal with rent/mortgage, child care,etc but we're not breaking the law. If you've gotten your PR, remember any illegal activity can get you deported. Is it worth it just to save some money ? Lastly, despite what people think on here, the cost of living isn't really that much cheaper in Quebec.

You may have a good point. Things may seem cheaper in Quebec, but the question to ask is how are the salaries in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada? I have heard Quebec offers some of the lowest salaries in Canada.

9 Likes 1 Share

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by maternal: 4:51am On Apr 24, 2017
CoCoLav:


If you are single and earning above minimum wage, DO NOT move to Quebec, the taxes will kill you.

If you are married with kids, Quebec is sweet coz there's lots of benefits..childcare, education, kids get to have French as first language, rent, utilities, buying a house is stupid cheap compared to other provinces. The downside is quebec healthcare is not so good coz they have limited number of doctors. It can take a while to get a family doctor assigned to you as well as paediatricians for your kids. The attractive thing is just the cost of living.

Also, compared to Ontario, the waitlist for daycare is not so long just make sure you book preschools as soon as you realize you are expecting.

Just to add further. This is addressed to everyone, not necessarily you. Every province has it's pros and cons. And like I said previously, nothing is for free. While Quebec has the cheapest car insurance, daycare,etc in the country, they also pay the highest taxes in North America. No other state or province pays as much taxes as Quebecois. Furthermore, sales taxes (GST/PST) is close to 15 percent. Whereas other provinces can range from 13 percent to 5. Only two other provinces have 15 percent I believe. I have a friend who's job transferred him from Alberta to Montreal. He has the same pay (100k per year) and in Alberta he paid 25k in taxes, while in Quebec he paid 31k. A 6k difference on income tax. Not to mention Alberta's sales tax is 5 percent (Just GST no PST), while Quebec's own is almost 15 percent. So he pays an extra 10 percent in taxes on almost everything he buys now. 6K less in the pocket, plus 10 percent more on every purchase. You don't automatically save more money living in Quebec because things seem cheaper is my point. Each province has benefits for families with children, so no real advantage there.

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by maternal: 5:00am On Apr 24, 2017
WellEndowed:


Aside the language barrier, why are some immigrants not wanting to live in Quebec?

Do people really pay up to $300 for comprehensive car insurance. I know the older the car the higher the insurance or the more accident you are involved in the higher the insurance cheesy (well that's how it works here)

The province of Quebec has a level of autonomy regarding their immigration system. They're paranoid to lose their french language/ID so the province at times is not welcoming to people who don't attempt to assimilate to their language/culture. Montreal is obviously different, but try going to Quebec city. I also think to immigrate there as a PNP, you need to speak french. I could be wrong. But at the end of the day, people go where the jobs are. Toronto and the west coast, mainly Alberta, is where good paying jobs are.

Lastly, such insurance quotes are usually for people who live in Toronto. Insurance in Ottawa and other city's are not that high. In Toronto a lot of south east Asians commit accident fraud which costs the insurance industry millions per year, while Nigeria just steal the cars outright and send them to naija. These cost the industry hundreds of millions per year, and they're not in the business to lose money. So it's passed on to the consumers. These are the type of insurance fraud that happens literally everyday on Toronto streets. Why won't premiums be high ?




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZJjDLnZ5ZA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXuEcfLl698

4 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by salford: 5:53am On Apr 24, 2017
TheCongo2:


There is a huge English speaking community in Montreal.
You will find in Montreal a good number of American and Canadian who can't speak French at all.
I have come accross a lot of them.
It seems to me like there are jobs for everyone there.
Interesting.

TheCongo2:


You may have a good point. Things may seem cheaper in Quebec, but the question to ask is how are the salaries in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada? I have heard Quebec offers some of the lowest salaries in Canada.
hmmmmm

maternal:


I can't think of any jurisdiction in the world where one works there but isn't required to pay taxes. Moreover, you'll be using Ontario's infrastructure to and from work, so why wouldn't you have to pay the province of Ontario taxes ? Lastly people lie. Nobody really knows the case between that person you read about and the CRA (Canadian revenue agency). He must have had a nice lawyer or got tax credit through some sort of business. But if CRA caught him living in Quebec but working in Ontario, he's paying those taxes period. Well all have to deal with rent/mortgage, child care,etc but we're not breaking the law. If you've gotten your PR, remember any illegal activity can get you deported. Is it worth it just to save some money ? Lastly, despite what people think on here, the cost of living isn't really that much cheaper in Quebec.
I was also discussing with my flatmate and she said the reason why cars are cheaper in Quebec is because they put salts on their road, hence; their cars have a lot of rust. In Alberta and Sask, they use gravel and the gravel are swept off during spring street sweep... undecided
She mentioned the high rate of tax too. Seems it's not so much of an eldorado afterall..

I watched your video on insurance fraud. I wasn't surprised the culprit was an Indian. Indians and Insurance frauds are like 5&6...be it cars, mobile phone or jewelries.

4 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Fusion23: 10:02am On Apr 24, 2017
CoCoLav:


Depends on what you are into...

If you are into travel, BMO has a nice air miles package on their credit card

If you are into movies, Scotiabank is bae for free movies.

If you are into customer service, TD bank is it.

You can also chill till TD bank does their annual Samsung Tab free gift for new customers.

I would recommend visiting the site redflagdeal.com/forums to learn about rent, the best banks, tips/tricks/scams, companies to avoid working for, taxes, your rights as an employee, your rights as a tenant or homeowner, mortgage taxes, daycare etc.

No mention of RBC ,

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by TheCongo2: 12:55pm On Apr 24, 2017
Fusion23:


No mention of RBC ,

Any new immigrant who walks into a RBC branch will automatically be given a credit card with at least $1000 regardless of job status and there is no credit check. The person has to be in Canada for less than 2 years.
RBC also have program to help new immigrant purchase their first home in Canada with no credit check.

23 Likes 13 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by TheCongo2: 1:08pm On Apr 24, 2017
Does any one has any idea on how to find and buy a foreclosed home?
I know that is the cheapest way to buy a house. So, how to find one?

maternal
salford
SlowlybtSurely
CoCoLav

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