PR card to be sent to Ontario add, but landing in Alberta!

[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 depending on job prospects.
I have a friend who has his own house there and so will want to get my PR card at their home add. I still had a question though. Is it OK for me to give his address for my PR card even if I land in Alberta? Is it the same for the SIN card too? Will I still be sent the medical insurance card too to Ontario address even if I am applying for health insurance in Alberta?
The problem is that I dont know anyone reliable in Alberta and dont want to send any important documents to the hotel address. Also is there any other way around it? :-\ What abt opening a PO box at Alberta? How long does the process take? Please give suggestions.
Thank you all again.

 

[AllisonVSC]

Hi,

I can't answer all your questions but yes you can land in Alberta and send your PR card to your friend's address in Ontario. I believe you can also have your SIN sent there when you apply for it since this is also a Federal program.

Health coverage is going to be another matter, though, as they are Provincial programs. I think you have to provide proof of residence to sign up. Ontario (OHIP) has a three month waiting period which starts the day you land, so you can sign up for that after you have settled. I believe, though I'm not entirely sure, that Alberta health coverage begins right away and I doubt you can have the card sent to Ontario.

It is not clear from the Canada Post website whether you can rent by phone, email etc or if you have to go in person, but here's the link. Try a Google search for more info...
http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/ratesprices/receive/postalbox.jsf

 

[dctcanada999]

Thank you Allison for your prompt reply! This will help me in making my decision.
Thanks again!

 

[bobinus]

I wonder if post box address can be used for PR card/landing.
can someone please confirm this?