***Living in Toronto***

[Aaisha09]

Hey guys!

We are looking to move to Ontario early next year. My husband's workplace is mostly going to be in North york. We would like to buy a 2 bedroom townhouse between $300,000 - $400,000. What areas would you suggest keeping in mind good school districts and easy commute to work.

Thanks in advance,
Aaisha

 

[Donald Trump]

Hey Rossie,
Can you please advice us on RRSP and TFSA? With which institution u opened it?
Thanks.

 

[foodie69]

Hey Rossie,
Can you please advice us on RRSP and TFSA? With which institution u opened it?
Thanks.

http://www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca/en/managing-your-money/investing/rrsps-for-retirement/Pages/Opening-an-RRSP.aspx#.WQ4Kg9LyuuU

http://www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca/en/managing-your-money/investing/tax-free-savings-accounts/Pages/TFSA-basics.aspx#.WQ4KyNLyuuU

 

[Donald Trump]

http://www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca/en/managing-your-money/investing/rrsps-for-retirement/Pages/Opening-an-RRSP.aspx#.WQ4Kg9LyuuU

http://www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca/en/managing-your-money/investing/tax-free-savings-accounts/Pages/TFSA-basics.aspx#.WQ4KyNLyuuU

thanks foodie....I don't agree with all the information provided in the website. But a good resource.

 

[Donald Trump]

has anyone of u brought gold bars without mentioning it on B4? Do I need to mention it on declaration? or pay the duty?

 

[akcec]

Anyone has good experiences with ESL schools? Are the free ESL and LINC classes good or is one better off registering at private colleges?

 

[Angelbd]

Hello.I'm from bangladesh,planning to come in september,I HAVE2 KIDS.Can you please suggest some places name with good elementary schools. close to TTC and reasonable apartment rent.

 

[reify]

Thanks for the detailed info. Are we supposed to take medical insurance compulsorily? If so, what would be the approx monthly premium for adults and kids. I thought, since medical assistance we get from Govt, we may not require medical insurance.. please correct me if i am wrong on this..

 

[canuck78]

You may want to get coverage for the the first 3 months if you are moving to a province where you will have to wait to get coverage for 3 months. The Canadian medical system does not cover prescription medication that is not received in hospital, dental care, most vision check-ups (some exceptions) glasses and contact lenses not covered, dental not covered, physiotherapy/massage/chiropractor ( except MB)/acupuncture. Most peoplw get there extended benefit plans through there employers. You can look into it but they may deny coverage for pre-existing conditions and it cam be expensive.

Unfortunately 400k won't get you a townhouse in the GTA especially in North York.

 

[Rossei]

Thanks for the detailed info. Are we supposed to take medical insurance compulsorily? If so, what would be the approx monthly premium for adults and kids. I thought, since medical assistance we get from Govt, we may not require medical insurance.. please correct me if i am wrong on this..

Medical insurance is not mandatory but as cauck78 said, it's good to have private insurance for the first 3 months if you're coming/settling in Ontario. Most residents of Ontario (Work permit holders, PR or Citizen) get OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program) after 3 months of their respective status come into effect. OHIP covers most basic needs and emergency services except the following:

What OHIP doesn't Cover

• Prescription drugs for individuals under the age of 65 (although medication while hospitalized is covered)
• Smoking cessation drugs
• Most alternative medicine consultations and treatments (i.e. homeopathy, acupuncture etc.)
• Physiotherapy treatments for people 20 to 64 years of age
• Circumcision
• Dental care (unless you are on social assistance)
• Chiropractic services
• Items such casts, crutches and splints
• Routine eye care for persons aged 20 to 64 years
• Immunizations for travel
• Missed appointment fees
• Various treatments, such as cosmetic procedures, cryotherapy for warts and more
• Medical forms and notes
• Tensor bandages, splints and other medical supplies

Now it's commonly feared that prescription drugs, eye and dental care are NOT covered by OHIP. However, most emergency medical service for a disease of Eye/Dental that needs hospitalization/surgery will be covered by OHIP. You may qualify for Trillium Drug Program (TDP) which covers some prescription drugs. FYI, over-the-counter medicines (i.e. painkillers, vitamins, supplements etc.) are not generally covered by anyone. From 2018, Ontario is introducing OHIP+ plan for all kids under 24 years which will cover most prescribed drugs.

Relevant Links re: OHIP
OHIP Publications (what is covered)
TDP Eligibility
OHIP+ for Children & Youth under 24
Online quote for different medical insurance providers

Visitor Insurance
Visitor insurance (first 3 months before OHIP kicks in) premium highly depends on the deductible you choose. It also depends on person's age and pre-exisiting conditions. Generally, it costs as low as $3 - $4 per day per person. Here is an example I got using the above link:

Premium	Deductible
$81.32	$5000
$93.83	$2500
$100.08	$1000
$106.34	$500
$125.10	$75
$131.36	$0

Manulife coverage of $100,000 for 30 days for any age person with stable pre-existing conditions

 

[canuck78]

Extended medical coverage (non-OHIP covered services) is often provided through an employer at a subsidized cost. Trillium drug program is only for those who pay a large percentage of their income on medication. I still have to pay a large deductible with a pretty low income so I wouldn't count on that. They don't cover as many medications as private benefit plans. I would wait and see what the employer provides.

Vision care is also not included in OHIP services although eye appointments are covered for seniors (maybe kids?) no coverage for glasses and contact lenses unless you have private insurance. Dental services can also be quite expensive compared to most other countries.

 

[canuck78]

Hello.I'm from bangladesh,planning to come in september,I HAVE2 KIDS.Can you please suggest some places name with good elementary schools. close to TTC and reasonable apartment rent.

These things don;t always go together although most public schools are decent and not like some of the schools I have seen in the US. This is partially because teachers require masters level teaching degree and Canadian teachers are well paid so they attract talented people. What is your budget? Do you have a job? Are you targetting a certain industry. Many south east Asian families settle in Brampton but that is not on the ttc.

 

[JabNas]

Honestly, you will seldom find a full furnished condo in Scarborough region. There are some available in Toronto area, specially at/near downtown. The price varies from $1600 to $2500 for 1-bed. However, these buildings are medium to upscale that come with underground parking, secured facility, gym/pool, concierge etc. Most apartment buildings are managed and rented by property management companies and hence they are not furnished. Furnished condos (privately owned) are partly/fully rented on shorter terms.

If you need to stay in Scarborough, then it's better to rent an apartment and gradually buy furniture.
If you ought to have a furnished condo, then your safest bet would be Scarborough basements or Toronto / North York / Mississauga area.

You are a blessing Rossei

 

[Ahmed_adel107]

I'm a PR (didn't land yet ) and I'm planning to settle down in Ontario specifically Toronto, but i'm open to move elsewhere if it's in my best interest.
I have a bachelor degree in Pharmaceutical sciences. I was thinking about making a career shift by going to a medical school and trying to be a licensed doctor in Canada.

I need info about if any scholarships are available for medical students and loans as well.
I would also like to know how long does it take to be a licensed doctor (ex. family doctor)

Thanks in advance.

 

[canuck78]

I'm a PR (didn't land yet ) and I'm planning to settle down in Ontario specifically Toronto, but i'm open to move elsewhere if it's in my best interest.
I have a bachelor degree in Pharmaceutical sciences. I was thinking about making a career shift by going to a medical school and trying to be a licensed doctor in Canada.

I need info about if any scholarships are available for medical students and loans as well.
I would also like to know how long does it take to be a licensed doctor (ex. family doctor)

Thanks in advance.

Getting into medical school in Canada is extremely difficult. Unless you have excellent marks and MCAT scores and have done lots of volunteer work you will probably not be accepted. I would suggest you have a plan b.

It takes 4 years of medical school and 2 years of residency to complete family medicine. There are not many scholarships you will habe to take out loans. Average tuition is 20k a year without living expenses. You may want to try the northern medical school which only admits family doctors. Many Canadian applicants end up applying many times or going to medical school in another country so I would have another plan. You wouldn't be able to apply until the next year and should be planning your application for the Sept 2018 admission right now.