Vancouver A Good Place to Emigrate To!

[Asychee]

One of the main reasons Vancouver is so popular with asians is that
the winters are mild, it rains in winter. Snow is so rare that when it snows there is chaos because no one is prepared.

If you want to see snow you'll have to drive to the mountains.

Another reason for Vancouvers popularity is that its only one flight away from HK. Although its a long flight. When I went back to edmonton for holidays it was a pain to have to change to connecting flights.

I stayed in Edmonton for many years . Had temperatures going down to -30 to -40s. Must remember that its only in winter that you get such cold temperatures & even then there are days when the temp is +1, +2,. +3 ...

Central heating is common in Canada. I remember going about in T-shirt & shorts in winter in my apartment. Cars have heaters, you have heated bus shelters, you have malls, ... If you visit Edmonton, be sure to visit West Edmonton Mall, its got: casinos, hotels, shops, hockey rink, beach with surfing, chapel,... & parking is free

I am in edmonton, i migrated in 2006 - i am running my own recruitment business now after spending the 1st year of working for others. The spin off from my business are the rental properties that i brought to house the foreign workers.

My $0.02 - choosing a place to land is like fighting a war, u try to find a softest beach head to land and fight your way inland. Once u have established yourself in the place that matches your SWOT. Then u can slowly research if vancouver is rite for you.

I went to vancouver a couple of times, i like the city but not the people there. The people in edmonton are far friendlier and helpful. Business wise the opportunites are better in Calgary, Red Deer & Edmonton Corridor.

 

[johnny333]

I went to vancouver a couple of times, i like the city but not the people there. The people in edmonton are far friendlier and helpful. Business wise the opportunites are better in Calgary, Red Deer & Edmonton Corridor.

I have to agree that small towns like Edmonton are friendlier. Have had complete strangers offering assistance when I needed a battery boost, help in pushing my car which was stuck in the snow. Even had nurses offering to help with my groceries when I was recovering from a broken leg

With the oil boom Calgary & Edmonton must be doing well. Its good to see Alberta doing well.

 

[johnny333]

Nah, i don't really fancy a place with 'too many' asians. I try to stay away from suburb have many of those esp from PRC & india. If u live the same way as before, might as well stayback in Sg.

I haven't seen my cousin for ages, might pay her a visit there someday.

Nice thing about Canada is that its big enough for everyone.

Its good that people have different preferences in where they want to stay, otherwise everyone would be crowded into Vancouver & the other parts of Canada would be empty

Its convenient to stay in cities with a large asian community. You will find a chinatown, little india,...where you can find familar foods.

Its up to you how you want to live your life in Canada, there's no LKY, PAP, state controlled media, ..., to tell you how to live your life

Should visit your family while they are still alive. They & you weren't be around forever.

 

[IWC2006]

Nice thing about Canada is that its big enough for everyone.

Its good that people have different preferences in where they want to stay, otherwise everyone would be crowded into Vancouver & the other parts of Canada would be empty

Its convenient to stay in cities with a large asian community. You will find a chinatown, little india,...where you can find familar foods.

Its up to you how you want to live your life in Canada, there's no LKY, PAP, state controlled media, ..., to tell you how to live your life

Should visit your family while they are still alive. They & you weren't be around forever.

Aiya, I already got my Australian PR and is currently based in Sydney, why would I want to move to Canada and start all over again? I will, however, visit my cousin in Vancouver one day.

 

[eatshitndie]

I am in edmonton, i migrated in 2006 - i am running my own recruitment business now after spending the 1st year of working for others. The spin off from my business are the rental properties that i brought to house the foreign workers.

hopefully, you're not a pimp and smuggling chickens into remote canada.

 

[ak168]

Hi Guys = Specially to Asychee and Johnny333,

I have been following this Forum on the Topic of migration to Canada for the last 3 year or so since i applied for the PR in Singapore in 2006. I must say i have collected very useful real life information on this Topic and somehow was inspired by you guys, but aside from that, am also quite exposed to Europe, Asia and US in my current job and I have decided to migrate my family to Canada for good after having my PR granted by end of this year.

Last month, i received the letter for medical check up, document update and such which i have submitted and hopefully get an response for passport visa in 2 mths time. Based on my profile below, could you guys if you may give me some advise on my attempt :-

1) Location

I have no particular province as yet as i will go where the job take me, but target Vancouver or Alberta (Edmonton) in view of comment in the forum and my resource.

2) Job

I understand i should not have high expectation for a start or even find a similar field as my current. Am in IT industry last 8 years sales/business development/mgmt/consultancy and have Master degree in computing from UK. I know this could mean nothing without so called Canadian experience.

Hence, Am open and prepare to do anything that come and am not turning back ...hence willing to take up course while working but am not sure what trade is popular. I notice drafting with CAD system is in demand for Alberta from the job site, i have done this before in my uni days and intent to take up a course here before i go to refresh myself so as to get a job there...will this work ? Or i should take a course in Canada instead for recognition sake which cost more and have no idea if there is any in the first place.

3) House

I have target to land in Nov this year for 2 weeks with my son of 6 years old. After getting the PR card, i will try to search for a job online in Singapore and will land in Canada for good early next year. Do you think this will work, looking for job online with the PR status ?

4) Children care

How can i get a school for my son ? Primary school is equal to their grade 1 in Canada right ? If I have to work during the day in Canada, is there a children care center that i can put him to ..so that i can fetch him to/after school. You see, i have no relative in Canada and am a single parent :(....any advise from you guys apart from getting a wife there immediately after landed...

Thanks and looking forward

 

[ak168]

Hi Asychee,

What is the nature of your recruitment business ? Can get me a job ? I will target to land in Canada in Nov thus year if everything go smoothly. (cross my fingers) Kindly advise and thanks ! If you need, you could see further detail of my profile in my recent contibution to this topic. Cheers !

 

[neddy]

Hi Guys = Specially to Asychee and Johnny333,

I have target to land in Nov this year for 2 weeks with my son of 6 years old.

http://gocanada.about.com/od/monthbymonthcanada/p/nov_in_canada.htm

Enjoy Canada in November
Travelers to Canada in November can take advantage of lots of low-travel-season deals, including great airfare and hotel packages (try Travel Zoo Canada).

The weather is cold but if you're prepared and have packed appropriately, you can still enjoy city walking and lots of outdoor activities.

Average November Temperature (Low / High):
Vancouver, BC: 37 / 48ºFahrenheit (3 / 9ºCelsius)
Edmonton, AB: 14 / 32ºF, (-10 / 0ºC)
Yellowknife, NWT: 0 / 14ºF, (-18 / -10ºC)
Inukjuak, NU: 16 / 27ºF, (-9 / -3ºC)
Winnipeg, MB: 18 / 32ºF, (-8 / 0ºC)
Ottawa, ON: 28 / 41ºF, (-2 / 5ºC)
Toronto, ON: 32 / 45ºF, (0 / 7ºC)
Montréal:, QC: 30 / 41ºF, (-1 / 5ºC)
Halifax, NS: 32 / 45ºF, (0 / 7ºC)
St. John's, NF: 32 / 43ºF, (0 / 6ºC)


November Perks:
Fewer crowds
Lots of travel bargains

November is the month when most major cities across Canada hold their Santa Claus parades. Great for family entertainment, but be sure to dress appropriately. Bring an extra layer and don't forget mits and hats for the kids. Check out Santa Claus Parades in Major Canadian Cities

Good to Know:
Average temperatures in Canadian provinces vary widely. Be sure to check the weather by Canadian city and province.
Find out about Canadian money, where to exchange currency, using ATMs, typical prices in Canada, and more.

Holidays in Canada in November:
Canada does observe Remembrance Day on November 11; however, school, bank and government closures vary by province. In Ontario and Quebec, November 11 is not a general holiday, but in the West and in the Maritimes it is. Best bet is to call ahead to any banks or government offices if you're planning a visit.

 

[neddy]

Hi Guys = Specially to Asychee and Johnny333,

Canadian experience.

Hence, Am open and prepare to do anything that come and am not turning back ...hence willing to take up course while working but am not sure what trade is popular. I notice drafting with CAD system is in demand for Alberta from the job site, i have done this before in my uni days and intent to take up a course here before i go to refresh myself so as to get a job there...will this work ? Or i should take a course in Canada instead for recognition sake which cost more and have no idea if there is any in the first place.

Congrats on your PR. By committing to "not turning back", you have solve the basic question affecting all would-be migrants - the back door out. You are giving yourself a real opportunity to thrive in your adopted country. You are not alone.

I cannot comment about Canada, but as a migrant who does a bit of recruitment in Australia, my general suggestions are:-

Canadian experience.
- Check if the migrant service in your country provide a Work Experience programme where they pay for your on-the-job insurance while working for a company "free" for 1-2 weeks.

- In the worst case scenerio, you can work as a volunteer in an office environment ... say for The Salvation Army or other highly regarded charity, etc. I have known that a reference from such organisation is useful.

Take a course in Canada
- As a PR, I believe it should be cheaper for you. You get to meet people, live in your newly adopted country and there may have job opportunities provided by the university for the graduating students. Living in the country will give you the feel. I would expect western countries to provide creche service for your child. There are students who are single parents and appreciate these services. The student union/student service should help.

 

[ak168]

http://gocanada.about.com/od/monthbymonthcanada/p/nov_in_canada.htm

Enjoy Canada in November
Travelers to Canada in November can take advantage of lots of low-travel-season deals, including great airfare and hotel packages (try Travel Zoo Canada).

The weather is cold but if you're prepared and have packed appropriately, you can still enjoy city walking and lots of outdoor activities.

November Perks:
Fewer crowds
Lots of travel bargains

November is the month when most major cities across Canada hold their Santa Claus parades. Great for family entertainment, but be sure to dress appropriately. Bring an extra layer and don't forget mits and hats for the kids. Check out Santa Claus Parades in Major Canadian Cities

Holidays in Canada in November:
Canada does observe Remembrance Day on November 11; however, school, bank and government closures vary by province. In Ontario and Quebec, November 11 is not a general holiday, but in the West and in the Maritimes it is. Best bet is to call ahead to any banks or government offices if you're planning a visit.

Great info...my son would be overjoy hearing this....Thanks...Good to know we have a forum community with kind soul like you to share....cheers!

 

[ak168]

.... I would expect western countries to provide creche service for your child... .

What's creche service ? Can you elaborate ?

 

[neddy]

Great info...my son would be overjoy hearing this....Thanks...Good to know we have a forum community with kind soul like you to share....cheers!

No worries mate. Whether is it Canada or Australia, we are under the same Head of State, that foreigner, the British queen.

Just remember, travelling between tropical warm Singapore and wintery cold Canada - need to take extra care - keep warm, the kids are vulnerable to fever, cold, flu. No joke. So many times, I see people fall sick.

Winter is when the flu hits, all the warm and cosy indoor air with windows shut.

 

[johnny333]

Hi ak168

If you're not in a hurry I suggest going to Canada after winter, in spring. It'll give you time(spring,summer, fall) to adapt before winter. This is especially important if you are going to Alberta(Edmonotn & Calgary) with its more extreme weather.

In Nov the temp between Spore and Calgary/Edmonton can is quite large & when winter hits from Dec onwards it is cold. You'll see the white stuff.

Am in IT industry last 8 years sales/business development/mgmt/consultancy and have Master degree in computing from UK. I know this could mean nothing without so called Canadian experience.

Can't comment on job specifics since I'm out of the Candian job market for years

However don't waste your time taking anymore courses in Spore.

If you can't find a job with your current qualifications you can then consider diversifying your skils set at a Canadian poly like NAIT or SAIT, both in Alberta. Some courses may have have a placement component, where you'll be placed with an employer.

I don't think you'll want to go to a Uni again, the poly courses are shorter & more job oriented & very reasonable cost wise. Can also be done part-time.

http://www.nait.ca/
http://sait.ca/

4) Children care

Sorry never had any kids

You should be able to approach the Provincial Gov't offices for more info. Don't be afraid to approach them they are there to help people.

Congrats on going. It may be tough in Canada with this recession but its going to be even worse in Spore

 

[axe168]

Great info...my son would be overjoy hearing this....Thanks...Good to know we have a forum community with kind soul like you to share....cheers!

I'm sure your son will enjoy the green open space. I have a 6y.o. son too.. he requested Daddy not to relocate anymore, coz he likes to be with his buddy-old-pal in school.. My wifey likes the new place too, plenty of tea session with all the mummies in school.

I have only one word for you once you step out of Singapore.. "Enjoy.."

 

[neddy]

What's creche service ? Can you elaborate ?

Apologies ... write too fast. basically, just check out the type of services the univ provide for kids while parents are studying. You may need to pay a fee, but the govt may subsidise a Canadian resident.

These are just some possibilities for you for explore.

Frankly speaking, in Singapore, a lot of basic services are not there for the people.

 

[ak168]

I'm sure your son will enjoy the green open space. I have a 6y.o. son too.. he requested Daddy not to relocate anymore, coz he likes to be with his buddy-old-pal in school.. . "Enjoy.."

May i ask if your son enjoys the school in Canada and how different is the system .....? Care to share how you manage to survive the first year in Canada...with your family ... I ask you because your profile is quite close too mine....minus the wife part because am divorced.

Looking forward...thanks !

 

[Hock]

Hi Guys = Specially to Asychee and Johnny333,

I have been following this Forum on the Topic of migration to Canada for the last 3 year or so since i applied for the PR in Singapore in 2006. I must say i have collected very useful real life information on this Topic and somehow was inspired by you guys, but aside from that, am also quite exposed to Europe, Asia and US in my current job and I have decided to migrate my family to Canada for good after having my PR granted by end of this year.

Last month, i received the letter for medical check up, document update and such which i have submitted and hopefully get an response for passport visa in 2 mths time. Based on my profile below, could you guys if you may give me some advise on my attempt :-

1) Location

I have no particular province as yet as i will go where the job take me, but target Vancouver or Alberta (Edmonton) in view of comment in the forum and my resource.

2) Job

I understand i should not have high expectation for a start or even find a similar field as my current. Am in IT industry last 8 years sales/business development/mgmt/consultancy and have Master degree in computing from UK. I know this could mean nothing without so called Canadian experience.

Hence, Am open and prepare to do anything that come and am not turning back ...hence willing to take up course while working but am not sure what trade is popular. I notice drafting with CAD system is in demand for Alberta from the job site, i have done this before in my uni days and intent to take up a course here before i go to refresh myself so as to get a job there...will this work ? Or i should take a course in Canada instead for recognition sake which cost more and have no idea if there is any in the first place.

3) House

I have target to land in Nov this year for 2 weeks with my son of 6 years old. After getting the PR card, i will try to search for a job online in Singapore and will land in Canada for good early next year. Do you think this will work, looking for job online with the PR status ?

4) Children care

How can i get a school for my son ? Primary school is equal to their grade 1 in Canada right ? If I have to work during the day in Canada, is there a children care center that i can put him to ..so that i can fetch him to/after school. You see, i have no relative in Canada and am a single parent :(....any advise from you guys apart from getting a wife there immediately after landed...

Thanks and looking forward

You got your PR before medical? You applied in 2006 and got your
PR in 2009. That was super fast.

 

[axe168]

May i ask if your son enjoys the school in Canada and how different is the system .....? Care to share how you manage to survive the first year in Canada...with your family ... I ask you because your profile is quite close too mine....minus the wife part because am divorced.

Looking forward...thanks !

I'm in Melbourne.. relocated a few times to find a good location.. spent a few pennies along the way, but it is worth it !

I believe the system in Canada is just the same in Australia.. they are engineered to speak-out, think independently.. all of us are seeking for quality life and most importantly be 'happy'.. Family time is most important. No employer can encourage you to work your arse off.. strictly 8-5pm.. if they do force you to work hard, quit the job asap !

An advice for you: if your set out to lead a happy life, then the 1st world country ie Canada, is good for you... If ya seeking for 'opportunity' like the earlier dumb arse, please continue to stay in SG. Of course, if there is rare opportunity along the way, you will take it lah.. Bottomline, set a realistic aim... go for it and dont look back.. got it ?

Oh back to the school topic my son brings home story book everyday from school.. I read to him every night. now he is able to read all the books by himself..In a couple of years, I believe he'll be independent enough to read and research all topics by himself.. Finally, he will get to choose his own path without an IRON FIST environment. This is the different between a spoon feeding enclosed environment versus the problem-solving, self-regulating, open space environment..

 

[ashjaw]

hi ak168, I can't offer any advice but just want to say that your son will thank you for what you are going through for him. I applaud your courage .

 

[Charlie9]

Try to Improve your written and spoken English

Hi Guys = Specially to Asychee and Johnny333,

I have been following this Forum on the Topic of migration to Canada for the last 3 year or so since i applied for the PR in Singapore in 2006. I must say i have collected very useful real life information on this Topic and somehow was inspired by you guys, but aside from that, am also quite exposed to Europe, Asia and US in my current job and I have decided to migrate my family to Canada for good after having my PR granted by end of this year.

[ NOTE: pardon me for making corrections to your post in green -- 3 years; my family and I have decided to migrate; and expect to receive my permanent resident status by the end of this year ]

Last month, i received the letter for medical check up, document update and such which i have submitted and hopefully get an response for passport visa in 2 mths time. Based on my profile below, could you guys if you may give me some advise on my attempt :-

[ I received a letter (but if you are referring to a specific letter, then you will use: The letter requested updated documents); hopefully receive a response; give me advice or offer any advice ]

1) Location

I have no particular province as yet as i will go where the job take me, but target Vancouver or Alberta (Edmonton) in view of comment in the forum and my resource.

[ wherever the job takes me; Vancouver in BC, Edmonton in Alberta ]

2) Job

I understand i should not have high expectation for a start or even find a similar field as my current. Am in IT industry last 8 years sales/business development/mgmt/consultancy and have Master degree in computing from UK. I know this could mean nothing without so called Canadian experience.

[ may I suggest that you consider writing like an individual with a Masters degree in computer science or computer technology ]

Hence, Am open and prepare to do anything that come and am not turning back ...hence willing to take up course while working but am not sure what trade is popular. I notice drafting with CAD system is in demand for Alberta from the job site, i have done this before in my uni days and intent to take up a course here before i go to refresh myself so as to get a job there...will this work ? Or i should take a course in Canada instead for recognition sake which cost more and have no idea if there is any in the first place.

[ Hence, I am open to and prepared to do anything;
intend to take a course or study; ]

3) House

I have target to land in Nov this year for 2 weeks with my son of 6 years old. After getting the PR card, i will try to search for a job online in Singapore and will land in Canada for good early next year. Do you think this will work, looking for job online with the PR status ?

4) Children care [ child care ]

How can i get a school for my son ? Primary school is equal to their grade 1 in Canada right ? If I have to work during the day in Canada, is there a children care center that i can put him to ..so that i can fetch him to/after school. You see, i have no relative in Canada and am a single parent :(....any advise from you guys apart from getting a wife there immediately after landed...

[ How do I enrol my son in an age appropriate school?
How do I select child care centers?
send him to the child care center or take him there;
pick him up from the child care center on my way home;
any advice -- advise is a verb, whereas advice is a noun
finding a female companion or partner ]

Thanks and looking forward

I believe that being polite and civil, with good spoken and written English will help you in the long run.
I am sure you are a polite and civil professional in Singapore.
As posted by another individual, may I suggest that you consider travelling (landing or migrating) to Edmonton in spring rather than November, in order give your son and you a more comfortable weather to acclimatize, because in spring the temperature gets progressively warmer, and the daylight hours gets longer.
Consider dressing in layers to facilitate adding and shedding: wear cotton undershirt and/or cotton turtleneck, shirt, wool sweater (allows your skin to breathe and keeps you warm even when it is wet; avoid acrylic), waterproof jacket or down jacket (bring what you have, but consider buying it wherever you intend to be, and consider buying it on sale at the end of the winter or in spring). Boots -- waterproof, non-skid and good traction, the made it Australia Blundstone is one example.
Congratulations, be positive, and good luck, from a resident who has been residing in Toronto for close to 30 years.