Canada at a Glance
Moving to Canada
Stunning scenery is only one of the reasons for moving to Canada.
For centuries, moving to Canada has been a popular option for those seeking a new home abroad. Thousands of immigrants, expats and students still move to Canada every year. These days, some simply go there for several months or a couple of years while others move to Canada in search of a new life.
To welcome people moving to Canada from abroad is a well-established tradition in this country. While emigrants moving to Canada used to be mainly of European origin, most immigrants come from Asian countries nowadays. The local authorities have a broad immigration policy for moving to Canada. There are also specific visa programs for people who move to Canada temporarily.
Moving to Canada: Current Economic Climate
The country’s continuing economic success makes moving to Canada an attractive option for many expats-to-be. A move to Canada means starting a new life in one of the world’s wealthiest nations.
The service sector is the most important part of the Canadian economy, with three quarters of the workforce employed in this field. Primary industries also play a vital role in the Canadian economy. Logging and the oil, gas and minerals industries are of particular importance, offering more opportunities for those moving to Canada.
Move to Canada: The Results of the Economic Crisis
Self-made expats moving to Canada in order to start a new job will be especially interested in the unemployment rate. Before the global economic crisis, the national unemployment rate lingered around 6%, but it is now slightly higher (around 8%).
Nevertheless, you will soon see that the country is quickly recovering from economic downfall. The major banks have emerged from the financial crisis in an even better global position, due to strong capitalization and conservative lending rules.
Moving to Canada: Regional Disparities
When planning a move to Canada, potential expats should consider the strong regional disparities in economic development. Chances are high that you will live in the south, within 160 km of the US border – around 90% of the population live in this area. Consequently, most of the industries which offer opportunities for expats moving to Canada are located there, too.
The northern parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan hold a large number of oil and gas fields as well as oil sands, which contribute to the economic success of these regions. They attract investors and workers from all over the world. Other regions, such as the Atlantic Provinces, face more economic difficulties and are less frequently a destination for expats moving to Canada.
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