There’s a lot of misinformation online about what it’s like to live in Canada. As one of the world’s most popular immigration destinations, many people either focus too much on the positives or spotlight the negatives. To provide a more balanced view, this article addresses some of the internet’s most common misconceptions about Canada.
Misconception 1: Immediate Employment
Myth: Newcomers can immediately get a job in their industry upon arriving in Canada.
Fact: Finding a job in Canada can be a time-consuming process for newcomers. While some job seekers may find employment quickly, it often takes weeks or months to get a job interview. Even after landing an interview, employers may take several months to hire for a position due to the high number of applicants. According to TopResume.com, the average job search in 2024 can take between five and six months.
A specific challenge for newcomers is the “newcomer skills mismatch.” This occurs when newcomers with extensive experience in their home country struggle to find a job in their field in Canada. However, this situation is improving, with Statistics Canada reporting a 4.4% increase in immigrants working in jobs fitting their qualifications between the 2016 and 2021 censuses.
Misconception 2: Climate
Myth: Canada is always cold.
Fact: Canada’s climate varies significantly depending on the region. Some areas experience harsh, cold weather, while others enjoy milder conditions. For example, Eureka, Nunavut, has an average temperature of -18.1°C, while Victoria, British Columbia, has a year-long average of 10.3°C.
Weather can also fluctuate greatly within the same region. For instance, Lytton, B.C., recorded a high of 42.2°C in August 2023, while nearby Abbotsford saw temperatures as low as -16°C in January 2024. Even within the same month, temperatures can vary dramatically, as seen in Regina, Saskatchewan, where temperatures in October have ranged from 32.0°C to -26.1°C.
Misconception 3: High Cost of Living
Myth: Living in Canada is uniformly expensive.
Fact: The cost of living in Canada varies widely depending on the city. Major cities like Vancouver and Toronto have higher living costs. According to Rentals.ca, the average rent for a two-bedroom unit in June 2024 was $3,628 in Vancouver and $3,284 in Toronto. In contrast, cities like St. John’s and Regina had average rents of $1,149 and $1,517, respectively.
Misconception 4: Immediate Access to Free Healthcare
Myth: Newcomers to Canada will get immediate access to the country’s universal healthcare system.
Fact: Access to public health insurance in Canada generally depends on a newcomer’s status. Health cards are typically reserved for citizens and permanent residents, though some provinces offer coverage to temporary residents like international students and temporary foreign workers.
Additionally, some provinces require newcomers to wait up to three months before becoming eligible for public healthcare coverage. The only provinces without a waiting period are Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more information on healthcare coverage eligibility in each Canadian province and territory, you can visit the respective provincial websites.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Understanding these myths and facts can help newcomers better prepare for their life in Canada. For personalized assistance, consider scheduling a consultation to explore your immigration options.
