Expats Moving to Canada

Before relocating to Canada, it is important that you gather as much information as you can about the country, its society, land, government, economic etc.'

The more you know, the better you are prepared, and the easier you adjust to expatriate life in Canada.

Moving to Canada - Facts about Canada

Important facts to know about Canada before Moving to Canada:

Canada is the second largest country in the world (after Russia).

Location: Canada extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Canada has land borders only with the United States.

Capital: Ottawa in the province of Ontario

Canada comprises ten provinces and three territories each one having its own capital:

Alberta (Edmonton)
British Columbia (Victoria)
Manitoba (Winnipeg)
New Brunswick (Fredericton)
Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's)
Northwest Territories (Yellowknife)
Nova Scotia (Halifax)
Nunavut (Iqualuit)
Ontario (Toronto)
Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown)
Quebec (Quebec)
Saskatchewan (Regina)
Yukon (Whitehorse).

Canada has six different time zones: Newfoundland, Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific.

Population: Around 32 Millions. Approximately 85% of the population is concentrated within 300 km of the US border.

Political System: Canada is a federal parliamentary democratic state and also a constitutional monarchy, with a Governor General and Prime Minister.

Languages: Canada is a bilingual country, with both English and French as official languages. English is a majority language in most provinces of Canada. French is the official language of Quebec, an official language of New Brunswick, and is spoken in various areas throughout the country.

Religion: Mostly Christians - Roman Catholic and Protestant are the most common.

Economy: Canada is the world's seventh largest market economy. It has a diversified economy with industries such as forestry, mining, energy, agriculture and fishing. But lately it is also recognized for its high technology such as communications, machinery, and transportation. Canada has dynamic trade relationships with other nations mostly with the U.S.A but also with Europe and Asia countries.

Currency: Canadian Dollar.

International Dialing Code: +1

Electricity: AC 110 volts 60 cycle electrical system.

Moving to Canada - Canadian Holidays

Moving to Canada – Weather in Canada

When moving to Canda you will realize that the climate in Canada is a big issue, and one of the main topics for daily conversations among the Canadian people.

Canada weather varies greatly from one region to another and from one season to another. Temperatures are reported in Celsius degrees.

The coast of British Columbia has the most moderate climate – summers are pleasant and relatively dry, winters are wet and quite mild, snowfalls are rare except in the mountains. Average daytime temperatures: 6 Celsius degrees in the winter and 22 Celsius degrees in the summer.

The climate in the Rockies is much more severe - the mountains create a much colder, longer and snowier winter, but the summer is warm as on BC's coast. Average daytime temperatures: -7 Celsius degrees in the winter and 23 Celsius degrees in the summer.

The Prairies and Northern Manitoba

The plains of Alberta and Prairie Provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba – The Climate is continental with cold winters full of snow, and hot summers. Rainfall is relatively sparse. Average daytime temperatures: -13 Celsius degrees in the winter and 26 Celsius degrees in the summer.

Northern Manitoba has an extreme northern climate. The winters are snowy, intense cold, long and can last from October to April. Average daytime temperatures: -23 Celsius degrees in the winter and 17 Celsius degrees in the summer.

Ontario

In Ontario there is quite heavy snow in the winter; summers are pleasant but can be rainy and humid, heat waves are not uncommon in the south of the province, (Windsor or Toronto); Falls are characterized by sunny days and cool bracing nights. Average daytime temperatures: -7 Celsius degrees in the winter and 27 Celsius degrees in the summer.

Quebec

Southern Qu?bec has a temperate climate with four definite seasons. Spring is short and mild and fall often quite cool. Summers are hot and frequently humid and the winters cold and snowy. Average daytime temperatures: -11 Celsius degrees in the winter and 24 Celsius degrees in the summer.

The Atlantic Region

The climate characterized by sudden temperature changes. The snowfalls in the winter can be heavy. Summers are warm, and not extremely hot. Average daytime temperatures: -4 Celsius degrees in the winter and 23 Celsius degrees in the summer.

Looking at the average temperatures of the weather in Canada might make you believe that the winters are not as hard and cold as you imagined.

Actually they are very cold, and this is where the wind chill factor plays a huge part.

Never heard of it? Well, when moving to Canada you should be prepared to feel it.

The wind chill describes the way you feel as a result of the combined cooling effect of temperature and wind. For example, if the outside temperature is -10° C and the wind chill is -20° C, it means that your face will feel as cold as it would on a calm day when the temperature is -20°C.

Each year, in Canada, more than 80 people die from over-exposure to the cold, and many more suffer injuries from hypothermia and frostbite. The best way to avoid the hazards of wind chill is to check the weather forecast before going outside, and be prepared by dressing warmly; wear layers of warm clothing, with an outer jacket that is wind-resistant. Winter coat, mittens or gloves, boots with rubber soles, scarf, neck tube, face mask and a hat are also very important.