Why Canada is the Best Place to Move to With your Family

As a parent, you want to give your children the best possible start. We dream of safe environments, quality education, and a bright future filled with opportunities. But finding the perfect place to raise a family can feel like searching for a mythical unicorn. Well, what if that unicorn not only exists but it wears a maple leaf and speaks both English and French? Canada is the ideal destination for your family's next chapter. With a prestigious education system, universal healthcare, and plenty of opportunities for you to thrive, learn why you and your family should immigrate to Canada.

A Prestigious Education System

Canada's commitment to education makes it an optimal choice for families seeking a holistic learning environment. The country houses world-renowned institutions, providing top-quality education from primary to post-secondary levels. The emphasis on a well-rounded curriculum ensures your children receive not only academic excellence but also opportunities for personal growth and development.

Free Education Up to High School Level

Picture this: from Kindergarten to Grade 12, your children have access to high-quality education completely free of charge. When you move to Canada, you can say goodbye to the stress of hefty school fees. This not only relieves the financial burden but also allows them to concentrate on learning and academic growth without any worries.

Canada's K-12 Education System

When it comes to your child's education, you want the best foundation possible. The Canadian education system provides just that, nurturing inquisitive minds from kindergarten to high school with a blend of quality, accessibility, and diversity.

Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten

At four or five years old, your child can embark on their Canadian education journey in either optional pre-kindergarten or free kindergarten. These playful learning environments focus on social-emotional development, language skills, and early literacy and numeracy, planting the seeds for future success.

Elementary School

From grades 1 to 6, children in Canada delve deeper into core subjects like English, French (in many provinces), math, science, history, and geography. The focus is on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through interactive learning and hands-on projects.

Junior High School

Around grades 7 and 8, students transition to a more subject-oriented curriculum, exploring subjects like math, science, social studies, language arts, and elective courses like music, art, and technology. This is a crucial stage for developing independent learning skills and preparing for high school.

High School

Canada's high school curriculum diversifies further, with students choosing options related to their interests and future goals. They can dive deeper into academic streams like science, mathematics, or humanities, or explore vocational pathways like automotive repair or hospitality.

Highly-ranked Universities

Renowned for their academic excellence, diverse programs, and world-class research facilities, Canadian universities are launchpads for future Einsteins, Malalas, and Picassos.

Imagine your child, brimming with potential, navigating the vibrant campuses of one of the top universities in Canada. Here are the top 3:

The University of Toronto

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto (U of T) has blossomed into a world-renowned institution, consistently ranking among the top universities globally. Ranked in Canada and 21st in the QS World University Rankings 2024, U of T boasts a vibrant mix of over 90,000 students across three campuses.

With over 700 undergraduate degree programs and 200 postgraduate programs, U of T offers an unparalleled breadth and depth of academic options. Whether your child's passion lies in medicine, engineering, art history, artificial intelligence, or any other field imaginable, U of T has a program that ignites their curiosity and cultivates their talents.

McGill University

Set in the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec, McGill University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural richness. Ranked second in Canada and 32nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024, it is woven from a storied history, cutting-edge research, and an infectious spirit of intellectual curiosity since its founding in 1821.

More than a prestigious institution, McGill is a global community where over 39,000 students from 150+ countries converge to learn, discover, and shape the future. Offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across 12 faculties, McGill caters to diverse academic interests, from global health challenges to quantum physics and French literature.

Situated in a bilingual setting—primarily English in a French-speaking city—McGill uniquely positions students for a bilingual advantage, fostering cultural understanding and expanding professional opportunities in today's globalized world. Beyond academics, Montreal's vibrant cultural scene, historical landmarks, and a diverse, accepting community contribute to an enriching university experience, preparing students to thrive in our interconnected and multicultural world.

The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) seamlessly blends academia with the awe-inspiring landscapes of Vancouver, offering your child an unparalleled experience where nature and intellectual pursuits harmonize. Ranked third in Canada and 34th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, UBC stands out for its academic brilliance across diverse disciplines, guided by world-renowned faculty. Boasting two distinct campuses, Vancouver and Okanagan, UBC provides a dynamic urban setting and a tranquil environment, respectively.

With over 68,000 students from 140+ countries, UBC is a globally recognized institution, offering international opportunities and a vast network of connections. Beyond academics, UBC thrives as a hub of extracurricular activities, allowing your child to explore the outdoors, immerse in the arts, engage in volunteer initiatives, and join a diverse club scene with over 400 student clubs. Whether kayaking on serene lakes or participating in global projects, UBC ensures a well-rounded and enriching university experience.

Learn more about the top universities in Canada.

Universal Healthcare

Before you immigrate to Canada, it is important to do some research on healthcare in the country. Canada boasts a publicly funded healthcare system called Medicare. This means the government subsidizes the cost of most essential medical services, making them free or significantly cheaper at the point of use. So, if you are a Canadian citizen or have Canadian permanent residency, this means you won't have to pay exorbitant bills or worry about breaking the bank to get the care you need.

What's Covered?

Let's take a look at what Canada's universal healthcare covers.

What Canada’s Universal Healthcare Covers Description
Medically necessary hospital care From emergency room visits to surgeries, your hospital expenses are covered.
Physician services Consultations with doctors and specialists are also covered, ensuring access to primary and specialized care.
Diagnostic tests X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures are readily available without hefty price tags.
Some prescription medications A portion of prescription drugs are covered under provincial drug plans, offering relief from expensive medication costs.

Important Points to Remember

If you are eligible for universal healthcare in Canada, you have to take the following into account:

  • Provincial Variations - Each province has its specific coverage details and eligibility requirements. Research the specifics of your chosen province to understand what's covered and how to access care.
  • Wait Times - While public healthcare is universally accessible, wait times for non-emergency procedures can vary depending on location and the severity of the issue.
  • Private Options - You can opt for private health insurance for services not covered by Medicare or to potentially reduce wait times, though this is an additional expense.

Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits

If you plan to move to Canada and wish to start a family, it is essential to do some research on maternity benefits. Employment Insurance, maternity, and parental benefits offer financial support of 55% of their earnings, which, according to the Government of Canada's website, can be up to a maximum of 668 CAD per week. You will qualify for this if:

  • You are absent from work due to pregnancy or recent childbirth
  • You are a parent taking time off work to care for your newborn or recently adopted child

Maternity Benefits

Maternity benefits are exclusively available to individuals away from work due to pregnancy or recent childbirth and cannot be shared between parents. You may also qualify for parental benefits as a recipient of maternity benefits.

Parental Benefits

Parental benefits extend to parents of a newborn or newly adopted child. Two options are presented: Standard parental benefits or Extended parental benefits.

The choice made determines the duration and weekly amount of benefits received. If parents opt to share benefits, both must select the same option and submit individual applications. Parents can receive their benefits concurrently or consecutively.

While parental benefits need not be taken consecutively, they must fall within specific periods starting from the week of the child's birth or the week of adoption placement:

  • Standard parental: within 52 weeks (12 months).
  • Extended parental: within 78 weeks (18 months).

Before applying, consider whether standard or extended parental benefits align better with your circumstances. Note that you cannot switch between standard and extended parental benefit options once a week of parental benefits has been paid or if the other parent has received shared benefits.

Canada Has Increased the Age of Dependents to 21

As of October 2017, The Government of Canada has revised the age of dependents from "under 19" to "under 22," aligning with a significant commitment of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. This alteration aims to enhance the ability of more immigrant families to remain united. When newcomer families can stay together, it positively impacts their integration into Canada, fostering improved opportunities for work and contributions to their communities. Parents seeking to determine if their child qualifies under the new age criteria should consult the IRCC's web tool for this.

Plenty of Job Opportunities

Canada's booming economy translates to a vibrant job market with opportunities across diverse sectors. Whether you're a seasoned tech wizard or a culinary maestro, your skills are valued and sought-after. This means stable careers, upward mobility, and a chance to build a thriving future for your family when you access one of the thousands of jobs in Canada.

According to Statistics Canada, there were 671,270 job vacancies in Canada in October 2023. The high vacancy rate is largely due to the country's high retiree population and low birth rate.

Discover the top in-demand jobs in Canada.

A Good Quality of Life in Canada For Your Family

Forget the hustle and bustle of crowded metropolises. Canada offers a unique blend of urban convenience and breathtaking natural beauty. Imagine raising your children in communities where clean air meets vibrant cultural offerings, and weekend adventures involve exploring majestic mountains or kayaking glassy lakes. Canada prioritizes a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you have time to nurture your family alongside your career.

A Multicultural Society

Diversity is Canada's heartbeat. Imagine your children growing up surrounded by a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and traditions. This fosters empathy, tolerance, and a global perspective, equipping them with the tools to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. This multicultural ethos enriches the social fabric and provides a unique opportunity for families to learn, grow, and contribute to the diverse Canadian mosaic.

FAQs

Is Canada Safe?

Yes. Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. It ranks 11th on the Global Peace Index.

How do I Secure Canadian Permanent Residency?

Canadian permanent residency can be obtained through various immigration programs tailored to individual circumstances. Explore options such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or family sponsorship, each offering a unique pathway to Canadian permanent residency.