The topic of emigration to Canada would seem to be well studied in our country. Suffice it to say that more than a dozen firms are already developing the "Canadian direction" in our emigration market. But the realities of modern life are forcing not only well-versed "old-timers" but also "newcomers" who know practically nothing about the Land of the Maple Leaf to think about a quick move across the ocean.
According to statistics, the majority of our compatriots leave for Canada under the independent (skilled) immigration program. This, in particular, means that they cannot count on special government assistance – like refugees; nor on family support – like family-sponsored immigrants; nor on assistance from commercial partners – like business immigrants. Of course, firms handling immigration cases can provide some help to their clients. But for the most part, problems related to adaptation in a new country will have to be solved on their own. So an independent immigrant, more than any other, must be prepared for life in Canada – informationally, morally, and materially.
ALL CANADAS ARE GOOD...
The first inhabitants of the vast territory located between the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans were Indians and Inuit, who came here from Asia across a now-vanished land that once connected Siberia to Alaska. The first wave of European settlers came to Canada from France and Britain at the beginning of the 17th century. Representatives of these two peoples laid the foundation for the state on territories that were not even marked on geographical maps at that time.
Naturally, Canada became a place of fierce rivalry between England and France. As is known, the French lost. However, in 1774, the Quebec Act was passed, which guaranteed the French-speaking population of the country official recognition of French civil laws and religious freedoms. In 1867, Canada officially transformed from a colony of Great Britain into its dominion. But the division into "English" and "French" Canada has persisted to this day.
Which of the two parts of the country to live in – that is the first question a settler must decide. In principle, the French-speaking province of Quebec is one of those that has its own immigration program. And applicants for an immigration visa who speak French and feel a commitment to all things French can immigrate specifically under the Quebec program. However, regardless of which program – federal or Quebec – you came to Canada under, the choice of where to live is yours. By law, no one has the right to restrict you in this matter. The only question is which language you are more comfortable communicating in and which way of life is closer to you – "French" or "English."
The second criterion for choosing a specific place of residence is the economic orientation of each of Canada's 10 provinces, the match between your profession and the needs of the local labor market, and, therefore, the prospects of quickly finding employment.
For example, in NEWFOUNDLAND – the largest of the so-called Atlantic provinces – many major centers of high technology, industry, and science are located. Therefore, qualified "techies" will clearly find it easier to find a job here than, say, on PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, which is famous for its farmland and even nicknamed the "Million-Acre Farm."
Specialists working in forestry and logging should consider settling in the province of NEW BRUNSWICK, 85% of which is covered by forests. And those planning to find work in agriculture should pay attention to SASKATCHEWAN – a southern province of Canada. After all, the fertile lands of Saskatchewan allow Canada to play the role of a global supplier of grain crops.
The province of MANITOBA is often called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." All the main rivers of western Canada flow through the lowland part of Manitoba and provide the region with about 90% of its hydroelectric power. Therefore, former employees of various regional power companies and related fields will find Manitoba the perfect place.
BRITISH COLUMBIA – the largest western province, the Pacific and Asian gateway of the country. It may be of particular interest to anyone connected with the sea and water in general – sailors, fishermen, and fish farmers. However, it is not worth considering British Columbia exclusively as a "fishing" region. Suffice it to say that one of Canada's largest business and industrial centers is located here – Vancouver, in most houses of which a solid fuel boiler is still used for heating, and where immigrants from the former Soviet Union traditionally settle in large numbers.
Two provinces of Canada deserve a separate discussion – Quebec and Ontario. As for QUEBEC, it is not only a land of separatist-minded Francophones but also the largest Canadian province – three times larger than France and seven times larger than Great Britain. Almost 80% of the province's population lives in cities located along the St. Lawrence River. The largest city in Quebec is Montreal, with a population of over 3 million.
In terms of population, this metropolis can only be compared to the 4-million-strong Toronto – the economic capital of the province of ONTARIO. Toronto has a reputation as a "city that works": it produces the lion's share of Canadian industrial goods, houses the head offices of most Canadian firms and corporations, and centers of English-language Canadian art and cultural industry. Bay Street is the heart of the country's financial system, where the headquarters of most Canadian banks, exchanges, and insurance companies are located.
Montreal and Toronto are the cities that most immigrants choose. Which is understandable: here you can find work for representatives of almost all professions – and also be at the center of the country's economic, cultural, and social life. The only difference is that Montreal is usually chosen by proponents of the European lifestyle, while Toronto by the American one.
It remains to add that Ontario is home to almost the world's largest mineral deposits and more than 50% of the most profitable Canadian firms. By the way, this is also where the capital of the country is located – bilingual Ottawa.
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