School System in Canada

Education System in Canada is a provincial responsibility under the Canadian constitution, which means there are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. However, standards across the country are basically high.


The Canadian education system has both publicly funded and private schools, from kindergarten through to pre-university. In general, Canadian children attend kindergarten for one or two years at the age of four or five on a voluntary basis. All children begin Grade One at about six years of age. The school year normally runs from September through to the following June but in some instances, January intake dates are possible. Secondary schools go up to Grade 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province. From here, students may attend university, college or Cégep studies. Cégep is a French acronym for College of General and Vocational Education, and is two years of general or three years of technical education between high school and university.Many Canadian public schools are now accepting international students into their programs. Almost all public schools are co-educational and offer day programs only. Policies on accepting international students and the fees charged vary from district to district.

Private schools exist in every province and provide an attractive alternative for families seeking overseas education for their children. All private schools must be registered with the Ministry of education in their province or territory and must meet the curriculum and other standards set by their respective ministries. Families can choose schools that are boys-only, girls-only or co-educational. Some private schools offer full boarding programs, others are day schools and many offer both.

Universities and colleges
Canadian universities are internationally known for their high quality of teaching and research. Degrees from Canadian universities are considered to be equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities. Most universities offer a broad range of courses and a full range of degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and can also offer certificates and professional degrees.

School System of Canada; another pointers to remember if your about to relocate.

Read more...

Canada's Financial Information

Financial Information of Canada

As continuation to my post Relocating in Canada and Facts about

Canada. Here is another relocating tips;Financial Information.

Financial information - How to open a bank account in Canada, information about Canada's currency, how to get insurance.

Currency


Canadian currency is based on dollars and cents. U.S. currency is usually accepted throughout Canada, but to avoid exchange problems it is preferable to use Canadian dollars. Paper currency comes in denominations of five (blue), 10 (purple), 20 (green) and 50 (red). The brown C$100.00 bill and larger bills are less common and can be difficult to change.
Canadian coins come in denominations of one (penny), five (nickel), 10 (dime) and 25 (quarter) cent pieces. There are also the gold C$1.00 (loonie) and C$2.00 (toonie) pieces. The gold-coloured loonie features the loon, a common Canadian water bird, while the two-toned toonie is decorate with a polar bear.

Banking

Banking hours in Canada are 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday, with extended hours in some locations. The ATM cards of certain U.S. banks connect directly with Canadian banks (Chase and Royal banks) via the PLUS system. Canada also uses checking and savings accounts.

Savings accounts

Savings accounts offer interest on money you keep in them. Most people with small savings, who don't want to commit to keeping it in the bank, open a general savings account. For those who have more than a few thousand dollars, or can commit to keeping it in the bank for two or more years, money markets or even CDs are a good idea. These will pay you more interest on your money. You can also ask an investment specialist about low-risk stocks and bonds.

Checking accounts

A checking account allows you to write checks against funds you have in the bank. Carrying cash can also be dangerous and it doesn't leave as much evidence behind to prove your payment if there's a dispute. Another benefit is that you can deposit your paycheck or any other checks or cash directly into your account as opposed to going to someone else's bank or a check cashing outfit (which charges a fee) to get your cash.
It's best to change money at companies such as Thomas Cook, which specialises in international transactions. If you can't find a money exchange office or booth, try a bank. American Express and Thomas Cook are the best traveler’s cheques to have, and you should make sure they are either in US or Canadian dollar denominations.

Checks and Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express. ABMs (ATMs) are common throughout Canada, with the Interact system the quickest and most convenient way to replenish cash.

Most US credit cards are honored in Canada, but those coming from the US should check with their home bank before leaving.

Insurance

Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent. We recommend that visitors to Canada obtain traveler’s health insurance before leaving their country because health insurance plans often do not extend coverage for services received outside the country of residence. Visitors taking prescription medicine should bring a copy of the prescription, in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada.

Upon arrival

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. If necessary, the immigrant-serving organization in your area can help you fill out the form. To apply for a health card, you will need your birth certificate or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) and passport. The Permanent Resident Card may also be presented. In most provinces, you will receive coverage as soon as you apply.

Taxes

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 7 per cent across the country and most provinces have a provincial tax rate as well. Income tax rates vary from province to province.
Canadian residents are required to pay tax on any income world-wide. Retirement pension funds are not taxed. If you are considered a non-resident you are still required to pay tax on your Canadian income. You are a resident if you have spent 183 days or more in a calendar year in Canada, regardless of where the permanent residence is.
Income tax ranges from 16% of total income to a maximum of 53.19%.Income tax is also payable on a provincial level.


Hope this financial information will be helpful on your plan in Relocating to Canada.

Read more...

Facts About Canada

Quick Facts About Canada

For those first time individual who will land in Canada whether as an Immigrant, Tourist or Student here are a quick facts about Canada.Learn about Canada's climate, population, government and more.

Here are some relocations tips.

Population: 33,642,603 (Source: Statistics Canada, Demography division (updated December 10, 2008).

Languages: English official, French official, other

Political system: Confederation with parliamentary democracy

Capital: Ottawa

Culture: British Isles origin 28% ; French origin 23% ; other European 15% ; Amerindian 2% ; other NA ; mostly Asian NA ; African NA ; Arab 6% ; mixed background 26%

Religions: Roman Catholic 46% , Protestant 36% , other 18%

Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.5% (male:3,052,005; female:2,903,007)
15-64 years: 68.6% (male:11,099,907; female:10,984,903)
65 years and over: 12.9% (male:1,774,262; female:2,393,029)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $29,400 (2002 .est)

Terrain: Mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Geography: Second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route;

approximately 85% of the population is concentrated within 300 km of the US border

Climate: Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Provinces and capital cities: Alberta (Edmunton); British Columbia (Victoria); Manitoba (Winnipeg); New Brunswick (Fredericton); Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's); Northwest Territories (Yellowknife); Nova Scotia (Halifax); Nunavut (Iqaluit); Ontario (Toronto); Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown); Québec (Québec); Saskatchewan (Regina); Yukon (Whitehorse)

Read more...

Relocating in Canada

Finding a place to live - Rent or buy? Apartment or house? If you are a new comer in Canada here are some pointers in looking a place in Canada.

When you first arrive in Canada, you may find it easier to live in a temporary home while you look for a permanent place. You will also have to decide whether you want to rent or to buy and whether to choose an apartment or a house. Prices vary. Many new immigrants prefer to rent a place to live, while they work and save money to buy a home.
If you want to buy a house, unless you can pay the full price, you will need to get a long-term loan called a mortgage. Mortgage loans are provided by banks and other financial institutions. They decide whether the borrower has enough income, more assets than debts, and a good credit rating. Most will ask you to pay at least 10 percent of the cost of the house from your own money. In your search, you may come across the following terms:
• Furnished or unfurnished: Furnished housing normally means it includes beds, tables, chairs, lamps, curtains, a stove and a refrigerator. Unfurnished housing may include a stove and a refrigerator, but not always.
• Room for rent: This is usually in a house or an apartment that is owned or rented by other people. Everyone shares the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Bachelor or studio apartment: These are small apartments designed mainly for one person. They have one large room with a kitchen and a sleeping area, plus a separate bathroom.
• Other apartments: Most other apartments have from one to three bedrooms. All will have a separate kitchen, a living room and a bathroom.
• Duplex: This is a house divided into two separate apartments. They can usually be bought or rented.
• Townhouse: This is a small house joined to other houses. They can usually be bought or rented.
• Condominium: This is an apartment or townhouse that is individually owned, while "common areas" are jointly owned. As well as the mortgage payment and property taxes, each owner pays a monthly fee for maintenance, such as snow removal, grass cutting and repairs.
Where to begin
Here's how to look for the right home for you:
• search the classified advertisements in local newspapers;
• visit a real estate agent;
• become familiar with the public transportation available;
• ask an immigrant-serving organization in your area for advice;
• ask friends and family already living in the area for advice;
• look for "Vacancy" or "For Rent" signs on houses and apartment buildings;
• check bulletin boards in grocery stores, laundromats, health clinics and community centres; and
• ask for advice at your place of worship.
Cost
You will probably pay about $350 a month for a room, and up to $2,000 a month for a luxury apartment or a large house. Rental costs vary greatly across cities and across Canada. Housing is more reasonable outside the large cities. An immigrant-serving organization in the area where you plan to settle can help you find affordable housing.
Your lease
If you decide to rent an apartment, you will have to sign a lease. Sometimes a lease is valid from month-to-month, meaning you can move out at a month's notice, but most leases are valid for a full year. You will probably need to pay the first and last month's rent when you sign the lease. Read the lease very carefully before you sign it. It will specify things such as how many people are permitted to live in the apartment and whether or not pets are allowed. It will also say if you have to pay a fine if you need to break the lease early. Remember - once you sign the lease, it is a legally binding document

Read more...