Nievel:
Well done guys!

I actually heard from someone who moved to Canada on PR that she got free household stuff from the the govt or some agency.she landed in Edmonton.

Pls I have 2 questions.

1. How soon can one access childcare benefits as PR? Is it after 18 months of residence? If that is the case one needs to plan properly cuz if childcare is about $1000 per month and house rent is about same. That means your settlement funds will finish in no time.

2. I'm wondering why most immigrants hardly land in BC considering the fact that it has the most friendly weather. Are Jobs very scarce or what might be the reason? From my observation most people land in Ontario and Alberta.

I'm wondering what major factors to consider in choosing a province and then a city, it's quite scary seeing as Canada is so massive.

Please share your thoughts, thanks!

- Goverment does not give free household. They can only direct you to NGOs that can give you referrals to get free or used items at a subsidized cost at local charities.
- As a PR, access to childcare is immediately. i dont remember exactly how to register again, but its likely going to be by filling out forms at service canada kiosk/office or service canada online.
- Settlement funds would indeed deplete fast if you dont plan properly, canada is an expensive country to live in.
- You would find Nigerians all over Canada except may be the northern provinces. Most people usually land in cities or towns where they have friends or family. It makes the integration smooth. There are lots of Nigerians in ontario and alberta than any other province, hence more Nigerians keep landing there. There are aslo lots of Nigerians in Manitoba too due to their provincial programs.
- Canada is indeed massive but sparsely populated. Most people also live some 300km to the US border. In my opinion, major factor to consider are ease of integration, job outlook in that particular province and the cost of living. e.g you can ask yourself....

"what are the job prospect in a place say like vancouver vs winnipeg and the cost of living in both cities".

Job prospects is a broad topic. Are you looking for just any job to survive, are you looking to change careers, would employers accept your overseas work experience or qualifications, do you need to write licensing exams? e.t.c

For the cost of living...do not consider rent alone.
Also consider other stuffs like taxes, utility rates, phone/internet, wages e.t.c All these vary across provinces and differences are sometimes substantial.

Nievel:
Well done guys!

I actually heard from someone who moved to Canada on PR that she got free household stuff from the the govt or some agency.she landed in Edmonton.

Pls I have 2 questions.

1. How soon can one access childcare benefits as PR? Is it after 18 months of residence? If that is the case one needs to plan properly cuz if childcare is about $1000 per month and house rent is about same. That means your settlement funds will finish in no time.

2. I'm wondering why most immigrants hardly land in BC considering the fact that it has the most friendly weather. Are Jobs very scarce or what might be the reason? From my observation most people land in Ontario and Alberta.

I'm wondering what major factors to consider in choosing a province and then a city, it's quite scary seeing as Canada is so massive.

Please share your thoughts, thanks!

I think Salford answered all your questions. But just to make this clear again, THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA DOES NOT GIVE YOU ANYTHING FOR FREE. If you get something for "free", you'll eventually pay it back someday (taxes). If not, you won't get a penny from them. The government of Canada is NOT a charity organization. It operates like a corporation with the Prime Minister as the CEO, and citizens as the shareholder, which the CEO (PM) is responsible for. They're actually blood sucking, who'd charge you interest even if you owe them a penny. Yes that happened to me.

maternal:


I think Salford answered all your questions. But just to make this clear again, THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA DOES NOT GIVE YOU ANYTHING FOR FREE. If you get something for "free", you'll eventually pay it back someday (taxes). If not, you won't get a penny from them. The government of Canada is NOT a charity organization. It operates like a corporation with the Prime Minister as the CEO, and citizens as the shareholder, which the CEO (PM) is responsible for. They're actually blood sucking, who'd charge you interest even if you owe them a penny. Yes that happened to me.

haha..you are right...The goverment is the worst to owe money... any sort of over payment, bill, or tax.....they quickly slap interest on any money owed and also threaten to withdraw drivers license or other access to government services. .lol

Pics to spice up the thread....first 3 pics - Downtown Regina two weeks ago.
last pic was snapped on highway 1. Sask heading east to Manitoba.

still regina.

Transcanada popularly called highway 1 in some provinces. Highway 1 stretches through all ten provinces of Canada from the Pacific Ocean on the west to the Atlantic on the east. The main route spans 8,030 kilometres (4,990 mi) across the country, one of the longest routes of its type in the world. The highway was built in such a way that it passes through a lot of major cities. Speed limit on most of the stretch is 110km/hr. Speed radar cameras are planted on different parts to ensure people dont drive too fast on it.

Some people travel all the way to Quebec to buy cars and drive it back as far as BC. Cars are cheaper in Quebec. I dont know why though. If you buy a car in a different province to use in your home province, you would have to do an out-of-province inspection in your home province before the car can be registered.
Nothing much to see on the highway except cattles and farmlands. The most beautiful stretch can be found around banff all the way to BC. You would drive through mountains.. Any new immigrant landing in Alberta should endeavor to visit banff. Its paradise on earth.

1st pic...wheat farm along HW1
2nd pic...cattle grazing on a farm. Most part of the highway have short wired fence to prevent animals from straying in the HW Tunnels are also dug at different points along the highway or wildlife bridge built, so that animals can cross the highway without getting hit by vehicles.
pic 4 same HW1 around driving west to BC.

subdivision in sask in summer
pic 1: Townhouses
Pic 2: detached houses..
The first two pics are new subdivisions
Older subdivisions have older looking houses like the one in pic 3 which snapped off my computer screen at work.
Older houses offer cheaper rents.
pic 4: new condos

Sometimes...its just better to fly across provinces. Usually cost $150 dollars upward (one way). One of the reasons why i said canada is costly. I remember one can hop on a plane from manchester to paris for $60 on Ryan Air. Not booking well in advance guarantees you are ready to pay high price for your ticket. It could go up to $500 sometimes for a 45min flight! Two popular airline are aircanada and westjet. One doesnt have much choice other than this two. There is the greyhound too, usually cost less but be ready to spend hours if not days on the road. Greyhound buses offer postal service hence they drive into all small towns and hamlets along the way to drop parcels.

Salford nice pics. Please keep them coming.

Thanks for the pictures @salford

@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?

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?

Talking about living in Gatineau and working in Ottawa?

Let's hear what the landed seniors have to say.

SlowlybtSurely:


Talking about living in Gatineau and working in Ottawa?

Let's hear what the landed seniors have to say.

You sabi wella

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?

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.

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.

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.

Thanks a lot Salford and Maternal for very very detailed info. I appreciate
I was just giving information I heard from the person that moved to Edmonton o, lol.

The pictures are absolutely beautiful, Canada has such lovely blue bright sky and clean environment.

I have been doing research and watching YouTube videos and Alberta seems to have captured my heart more than any other province

Thanks so much pls keep the pictures coming to ginger us, they are beautiful!

maternal:


I think Salford answered all your questions. But just to make this clear again, THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA DOES NOT GIVE YOU ANYTHING FOR FREE. If you get something for "free", you'll eventually pay it back someday (taxes). If not, you won't get a penny from them. The government of Canada is NOT a charity organization. It operates like a corporation with the Prime Minister as the CEO, and citizens as the shareholder, which the CEO (PM) is responsible for. They're actually blood sucking, who'd charge you interest even if you owe them a penny. Yes that happened to me.

Nice pictures Salford. Keep them coming.

Fusion23:


Lol I never thought of it too, It wasnt my idea , heard from someone .

The city of Ottawa offers free furniture to new immigrants. You must have been referred by one of the immigration partners such as a church or other organization.

IKEA is pricey but also remember that you can sell it off for 70% of the price even after extensive use if you buy quality. Try not to go cheap on mattress, sometimes it's not worth it. But stuff like TVs, end tables and coffee tables sure. You can also get these stuffs by joining the Facebook groups. Most people don't post on kijiji but on Facebook groups so it's safer to buy a mattress and couch from someone you can put a face to. I buy most of my stuff at ridiculously cheap prices from the FB groups...you can see a nice couch for $20-40 or a sectional for $150.

vcole:
I'm also up for any good info as regards getting affordable furniture. I was/am hoping for a warehouse or auction kinda store with really good furniture cos the prices I can see online for new sofas and stuff are a bit pricey. @fusion23, I wouldn't buy a used mattress though, I don't think you should.
Also, what would you recommend for a bank account? taking into consideration monthly fees, credit card annual fees and limits, etc etc. What bank would work best for a newcomer?
cc: maternal, fusion23, shinarambo1, salford, dogice, et al

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.

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.

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.

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.

just $20 bucks! Shocked!!!
jeez. Guys in Quebec are balling...cheap cost of cars+cheap insurance is sweet.

if you are yoruba and you love ewedu....You can get it from superstore. its called molokhia... The arabs love this food so its popular in canada. Okro is everywhere and easily identified.

I buy fish from T&T. Its a chinese store now owned by Sobeys. I am not sure if they have stores in all provinces. They stock titus fish and kote(mackerel).

Cow legs and other assorted meats can be purchased from halal stores.

Regular beef can be purchased from superstore or T&T, but if you have friends, you can group yourselves and buy a whole cow or goat at a farm.

salford:

just $20 bucks! Shocked!!!
jeez. Guys in Quebec are balling...cheap cost of cars+cheap insurance is sweet.

Quebecers say they live in Quebec and NOT in Canada.

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.

Thank you TheCongo2. Looks like a win win for new immigrants.

Try not to get one of this. This cost me $200 plus tax and 3 points on my license for going 18km/hr over the limit on HW1 at Medicine Hat. Canada has wide roads, so there is always this temptation to drive fast...lol.
There are radar cameras everywhere. Its a good income generator for provinces. Sometimes, these fines triple depending on where you are caught.

I was lucky my drivers abstract history wasnt pulled up when my insurance was due for renewal. My premium would have gone up too if the abstract was pulled.

Most jobs that requires driving would set a maximum limit of 5 points on your license for employees, and its very easy to rack up multiple tickets. A work colleaugue racked up 6 points in one day...one for speeding, and the other for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

There are many jobs outside city limits that can only be accessed if you have a car. Some smaller cities do not even have a public transit system, hence; you dont want your license withdrawn.

Another important thing to note is "do not drink and drive". We do this a lot in Nigeria. We get on the wheels after downing bottles of beer or wine at events or parties. Problem is how do you know when you are over the limit or the amount of alcohol in your system despite not feeling tipsy?

In Canada, dui is a criminal offence. If you have a dui, your PR would not be renewable and you are considered no longer inadmissible to Canada. It could cost up to $10,000 too by the time you are done with legal fees. If you have an American visa, you automatically become inadmissible to the US as well as DUI is a felony in the states. Lots of Nigerians(newer immigrants) are already victims of dui.

TheCongo2:

Quebecers say they live in Quebec and NOT in Canada.

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.

Nice info! Thanks oooo

CoCoLav:


The city of Ottawa offers free furniture to new immigrants. You must have been referred by one of the immigration partners such as a church or other organization.

IKEA is pricey but also remember that you can sell it off for 70% of the price even after extensive use if you buy quality. Try not to go cheap on mattress, sometimes it's not worth it. But stuff like TVs, end tables and coffee tables sure. You can also get these stuffs by joining the Facebook groups. Most people don't post on kijiji but on Facebook groups so it's safer to buy a mattress and couch from someone you can put a face to. I buy most of my stuff at ridiculously cheap prices from the FB groups...you can see a nice couch for $20-40 or a sectional for $150.

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

Sweet information! Thanx much.

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.

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

salford:
Try not to get one of this. This cost me $200 plus tax and 3 points on my license for going 18km/hr over the limit on HW1 at Medicine Hat. Canada has wide roads, so there is always this temptation to drive fast...lol.
There are radar cameras everywhere. Its a good income generator for provinces. Sometimes, these fines triple depending on where you are caught.

I was lucky my drivers abstract history wasnt pulled up when my insurance was due for renewal. My premium would have gone up too if the abstract was pulled.

Most jobs that requires driving would set a maximum limit of 5 points on your license for employees, and its very easy to rack up multiple tickets. A work colleaugue racked up 6 points in one day...one for speeding, and the other for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

There are many jobs outside city limits that can only be accessed if you have a car. Some smaller cities do not even have a public transit system, hence; you dont want your license withdrawn.

Another important thing to note is "do not drink and drive". We do this a lot in Nigeria. We get on the wheels after downing bottles of beer or wine at events or parties. Problem is how do you know when you are over the limit or the amount of alcohol in your system despite not feeling tipsy?

In Canada, dui is a criminal offence. If you have a dui, your PR would not be renewable and you are considered no longer inadmissible to Canada. It could cost up to $10,000 too by the time you are done with legal fees. If you have an American visa, you automatically become inadmissible to the US as well as DUI is a felony in the states. Lots of Nigerians(newer immigrants) are already victims of dui.

CoCoLav:


The city of Ottawa offers free furniture to new immigrants. You must have been referred by one of the immigration partners such as a church or other organization.

IKEA is pricey but also remember that you can sell it off for 70% of the price even after extensive use if you buy quality. Try not to go cheap on mattress, sometimes it's not worth it. But stuff like TVs, end tables and coffee tables sure. You can also get these stuffs by joining the Facebook groups. Most people don't post on kijiji but on Facebook groups so it's safer to buy a mattress and couch from someone you can put a face to. I buy most of my stuff at ridiculously cheap prices from the FB groups...you can see a nice couch for $20-40 or a sectional for $150.

Great information. Thanks! Please what is the name of the FB groups?

salford:
Try not to get one of this. This cost me $200 plus tax and 3 points on my license for going 18km/hr over the limit on HW1 at Medicine Hat. Canada has wide roads, so there is always this temptation to drive fast...lol.
There are radar cameras everywhere. Its a good income generator for provinces. Sometimes, these fines triple depending on where you are caught.

I was lucky my drivers abstract history wasnt pulled up when my insurance was due for renewal. My premium would have gone up too if the abstract was pulled.

Most jobs that requires driving would set a maximum limit of 5 points on your license for employees, and its very easy to rack up multiple tickets. A work colleaugue racked up 6 points in one day...one for speeding, and the other for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

There are many jobs outside city limits that can only be accessed if you have a car. Some smaller cities do not even have a public transit system, hence; you dont want your license withdrawn.

Another important thing to note is "do not drink and drive". We do this a lot in Nigeria. We get on the wheels after downing bottles of beer or wine at events or parties. Problem is how do you know when you are over the limit or the amount of alcohol in your system despite not feeling tipsy?

In Canada, dui is a criminal offence. If you have a dui, your PR would not be renewable and you are considered no longer inadmissible to Canada. It could cost up to $10,000 too by the time you are done with legal fees. If you have an American visa, you automatically become inadmissible to the US as well as DUI is a felony in the states. Lots of Nigerians(newer immigrants) are already victims of dui.

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.

.