Canada welcomes over 250,000 new immigrants every year, making it one of the top destinations for skilled workers looking to relocate and work in Canada. Skilled foreign workers do not only find it easy to successfully integrated into Canadian society, but have also stated that they are happier and more engaged in their new jobs than they’ve ever been.
Studies have shown that Canadian workplaces offer greater satisfaction and engagement than anywhere else in the world. In a recent survey by Monster Canada, almost two-thirds of Canadian workers reported that they were happy at work, with about one-quarter of employees saying that they would work without compensation. Other surveys found that 90% of Canadians are content with their jobs and 81% said that they were inspired. This is a vast difference compared to the global average of 65% of employees who feel engaged in the workplace.
Studies are revealing that there is an undeniable link between social contexts and mental health. Factors such as employee job satisfaction and quality of life can contribute to the general well being and happiness of an individual. With Canada ranked 9th in the World Happiness Report, who wouldn’t want to relocate to this beautiful country? Still not convinced? Well, let's have a look at how Canada promotes greater quality of life as well as the many work benefits that it offers.
Top 8 Reasons To Live And Work In Canada
1. Employment Opportunities
Canada offers a variety of job opportunities. There is currently a gap in the labour market and Federal Immigration Programs are now geared towards accommodating skilled foreign immigrants who want to live and work in Canada. Immigration services are also readily available to those who need to complete necessary documents and find accommodation. Added Bonus: Not only is accommodation affordable, but immigrants are also able to purchase real estate, which is extremely uncommon in most countries!
2. Employment Benefits
Employment in Canada also offers a variety of benefits such as insurance, which facilitates the employee as well as his/her family members with regard to health, compassionate care, childcare and pregnancy. Employees are also protected in the event of job loss. Added Bonus: Canada’s world-class public healthcare system, which covers most routine visits and procedures, is free to all locals and permanent residents!
Employment Benefits in Canada | |
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Employment Insurance | Covers job search, benefits if unable to work due to illness, family benefits, self-employed workers, employees’ dependents, education and security. |
Family Benefits | Benefits are extended to those who are pregnant, have recently given birth, have adopted a child or are caring for a newborn. |
Compassionate Care | This covers any family member who is suffering from a grave illness or is at risk of death. |
Parents of critically sick children | This applies to parents who have a child that is critically injured or ill. |
Pregnant Women | This includes advice and helps regarding good health and nutrition, prenatal vitamin supplementation, breastfeeding education and maternal lifestyle counselling. |
Parental and Maternity Leave | Sufficient leave is provided to those who are pregnant, have recently given birth, have adopted a child or are caring for a newborn |
Child Care Benefits |
3. Advanced Technology
Canada is highly ranked and rapidly advancing in the technological sector, making it one of the best countries in the world for IT professionals and computer scientists to relocate to. Other industries that are thriving include telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and engineering, which have all significantly and innovatively contributed to technology on a global scale. This is due largely to the high level of education at both secondary and tertiary institutions in Canada. Added Bonus: Public secondary education is free to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents up until Grade 12!.
4. Positive Work Environment
Work culture in Canada promotes individualism and encourages personal autonomy. Equal opportunity is also valued and there is little emphasis placed on status and formality, allowing for freedom of expression on all levels. Wellness programs are also becoming increasingly common, offering benefits such as health peril assessments, fitness membership discounts and caregiver facilitation. Added Bonus: Work time is generally 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. Employees are also entitled to statutory holidays for which they are given paid leave or if required to work, bonus pay is awarded for time worked!
5. Benefits for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Business owners can enjoy the perks of managing a business at a considerably low cost. This is due to factors such as affordable electricity, land and construction rates. Corporate taxes are also extremely reasonable and help to reduce overall business overheads. The Federal and Provincial governments have also provided resources to assist and support those who are interested in start-up businesses. Added Bonus: There are immigration programs, such as the Self Employed Program and Start-Up Visa Program, which are geared specifically towards newcomers who want to start a business in Canada and contribute to Canada’s booming economy.
6. Work Permit Benefits
All work permit holders’ benefits are extended to his/her spouse. This means that they are able to find employment in Canada and that his/or her children are able to study at any public secondary institution at no cost until that have graduated from high school.
7. Weather
Most people are unaware that Canada has 4 seasons. This is, of course, dependant on the province or territory that you live in but temperatures can average at 25°C in summer and between -5°C and -15°C in winter.
8. Cost of Living
Cost of living varies depending on where you are situated but provinces such as New Brunswick, Quebec, Montreal and Ontario are surprisingly affordable. For example rent in Moncton (New Brunswick) will cost approximately $893 per month and Quebec city (Quebec) monthly rent averages around $914.
9. Quality of Life
The average life expectancy of Canadian citizens is 80 years old for men and 84 years for women. This is owed largely to contributing factors such as safety, healthcare and low levels of pollution. The crime rate has steadily been decreasing since the 1990s and the World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked Canada as one of the countries with the highest air quality.
10. Diversity
Canada is one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries, with over 140 languages spoken in Ontario alone. Not only is Canada open to accommodating a large number and variety of immigrants, but is also extremely dedicated to eradicating discrimination on all levels, particularly in the workplace. Genders are regarded as legally equal under the Canadian Constitution, for example, all laws pertaining to the military service are gender-neutral.
In order to live and work in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit. Currently, the best option is to apply via the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program and How Do I Apply?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) allows skilled foreigners, who are qualified and have the necessary experience, to apply for permanent residency. It falls under the Express Entry System, which is designed to streamline and speed up the immigration process. There are certain requirements that need to be met in order to qualify, including having a high Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). Your CRS is based on information that must be submitted on your online Express Entry Profile, which includes details such as your age, education and work experience. All applicants will then be entered into a draw pool with other candidates and will be ranked against each other. The highest-scoring candidates will then receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
With more and more job opportunities available to newcomers and the promise of greater job satisfaction on the horizon, Canada is the perfect destination for job seekers looking for a change in scenery and quality of life. With so many options available, it is understandable that the process can be quite confusing and overwhelming, but with our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants(RCIC) professionals at your fingertips it doesn’t have to be. Our highly-trained consultants are here to assist you on your journey towards becoming a Canadian citizen as well as make the application process effortless. Why wait? Sign up today for your assessment.