Best place to settle for IT and banking jobs?

[dctcanada999]

Hi everyone,
I have got my PR visa and initially planned to land in Ontario in Jan 2011 but I am still debating whether to land in Ontario or Alberta. What are the job prospects for IT and Banking jobs at Alberta? I have US banking experience and my husband has US IT experience. Although Ontario definitely has better prospects, I prefer Alberta / Manitoba because we can get health cards immediately and there is no waiting period. Also I feel the cost of living at Alberta/Manitoba will be lesser since it is uncertain when we will be getting a job. Do the seniors still feel that Ontario is better since we have a chance of getting more face to face interviews? What about the average cost of living for a family of 3 members? Seniors please advise. Thank you
:-\ dctcanada999

 

[scylla]

Can't answer all of your questions. However the highest number of banking jobs are definitely located in Toronto since this is where all of the major Canadian banks have their headquarters.

 

[thezieglers]

How to determine best job prospects: Working In Canada website (http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/content_pieces-eng.do?cid=1&lang=eng)

I have to agree with scylla, Toronto./Mississauga sound like good places. AB is not what it used to be 5 years ago. MB is a small Province... but you can always try. Check the website above for a good insight.

Of course, ON is more expensive than AB and MB.

You'll have to do some research here I guess.

 

[Canadian Career Coach]

Winnipeg, Manitoba has a few head offices for large insurance companies eg) Great West Life, and it is definitely a lower cost of living, however the overall job prospects are fewer. Alberta still has a relatively strong oil and gas economy, where they'll need IT people in their companies. Markham, Ontario (suburb just north of down-town Toronto) is a smaller IT area with headoffices like Motorola etc. Another city to investigate is Ottawa, which although it went through a major downsizing 2 years ago when the recession hit, still is known for lots of IT jobs. Overall, cost of living will be higher in Toronto area, however Calgary and Edmonton have been creeping up in costs over the last few years. At the moment, I believe Vancouver (B.C) is the most expensive city to live in. Many, many people who work in Toronto commute into the city and live in the suburbs. It's not uncommon for people to commute 1.25++ hours each way -- this unfortunately has become 'normal' in Toronto.

 

[dctcanada999]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Career Coach, you have been giving very useful advise to all forum members regarding job/studies etc and we all really appreciate it. Keep up the good work!
will definitely reconsider suburbs of Toronto and will let you all know once we are in Canada by Jan 2011!!!
Thanks to all!
dctcanada999

 

[MsVee2]

This message is for Canadian Career Coach - do you review and/or critique resumes? If I wanted you to review and critique my resume, is there a fee. If so, how much and will it be in Canadian dollars? I am trying to relocate/immigrate to Canada from the US. I am unsure if I would need a work permit prior to obtaining a NEXUS card. I have to make an appointment for an interview for the NEXUS card, but am uncertain what to do. Do they network in Canada like in the US? Any suggestions or opinions are valued. Thanks