Part-3
Weather
Always remember the winter (November to March) is the toughest time in Canada. According to Toronto Star, since 1885, this winter was the coldest with 27 days' acute weather warning (up to -30-35). So choose the right time to enter Canada and be prepared to face the freezing cold. Don't bring any winter clothes, they may not sustain in the extreme. They are all available everywhere. I really hate this time. Everywhere you can see snow and only snow, trees without leaves, walkways covered. The wind always chills the cold too fast. By March third week spring starts you'll get warmer by June.
Living Expenses
The higher Federal and province taxes always make our life difficult. Everybody works for paying bills. So, in my opinion a family of 4 will have to pay the following bills:
1)Rent: 1000 to 2700 (Basement to Condo, apartments in the middle). You can find accommodation anywhere without much difficulty, but some areas are more expensive like North York. Brampton and Mississauga are cheaper. Almost all the streets look alike with almost same types of houses. So, it is not easy to get back or find your location in initial times. Here comes Google maps with great help, almost every nook and corner is covered in Google maps. Housing sector is going steadily up and it's a safe deposit if you can buy one. Minimum $300 thousand. You can pay the mortgage with the rent, if you have own house/apartment/condo.
2) Grocery: 300 to 600 approximately. Almost every food items are available, but not in all places. You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, egg and other confectionary are available in Loblaws, NoFreez etc... and in malls. Many Punjabi shops are available in Brampton area. The food stuff are high in quality and of course in price too. A haircut will cost you average 15 dollars.
3) Clothing: It's seasonal and depends up on selection and interests.
4) Transportation: If you have a car, the gas is not an issue, but the monthly instalment and insurance is very high. You'll have to pay at least $300 as monthly insurance and it varies according to place, provider and make. Parking is not allowed everywhere; you'll have to pay in many areas.
Public transport (TTC- Toronto Transit) is very efficient. Everything pre-paid. Buses have only driver, fully automatic. A ticket costs you $3. Metros are very frequent and many use it every day. It is very difficult to commute without a car.
5) Electronics: Everything is available; no need to bring tvs, music system smart phones- some may not work here. Fido, Wind, Rogers have more presence in Toronto and you can get a smart phones on contract without paying more than $50. Monthly plans are there, minimum you'll have to pay 50 to 150 according to your usage. Calling cards are also available, which are cheaper for overseas calls.
My suggestions
*Bring as much money as you can
*Choose a right time for landing
*Try not to bring the whole family and children first. If husband is the principal applicant, you come first, learn well, settle and then bring your family.
*Be prepared with some technical education like computer software/hardware, welding is a very highly paid job, communication, production, management, mechanical etc....General professionals like teachers, banking professionals, administration and health care will have very difficult time here. Everything needs license here. You know, to get a license as a brick masonry, you need to enrol in to a college and take up a two year programme- but the wages are minimum $30/hour
* The system, Govt. and rules are more perfect compared to our country, corruption is minimum, and life is free as far as you are not doing anything bad
* Always be aware life is not easy in Canada. Be prepared to face challenges. I don't want to discourage or scare anybody, so my policy is “ it's your life-you decide”
*Always be truthful, sincere, punctual and hardworking. Respect everybody and you will get it back.
Priorities
1) Apply for PR card, providing a Canadian address
2) Get a temporary accommodation
3) Apply for SIN (Social Insurance Number), must for finding a job
4) Get a bank account
5) Get a mobile connection
6) Prepare for drive test
7) Start applying for survival jobs
8) Settlement takes pretty good time, so be ready to give ample time and effort
And now something more about myself. As I said I went through all initial struggling, took up two survival jobs but kept on applying for better positions. When fully realized that further study is inevitable, I enrolled myself for MBA-very expensive but very demanding with the financial aid from OSAP with University of Toronto, working part time as an administrative assistant in a reputed college. Have some great friends and colleagues, bought a car, moved to a single room condo.
Let me remind you one thing, what I wrote are from my personal experience, do not try to generalise. I respect different experiences of many who came here. Once again all the best with your life in Canada. If you need any particular help, you can write me and will look into the matter- what I can do
