QSW living in Quebec (Gatineau) & working in Ottawa?

[Patientman]

Hey guys,
I need a precise advise. As a QSW, we have signed a statement promising that the applicant and his family intend to live in Quebec. Take the following scenario: living on the borders of quebec (still inside quebec, gatineau to be precise) and working in Ottawa but yet still paying all quebec taxes including income tax to Quebec - this does not seem to violate intention to reside in Quebec form at all!

We promised to live in Quebec and we are but working in Ottawa but paying taxes to Quebec - how does that sound? The intention to reside statement say that applicant intends to live in Quebec. It does not say anything about working there!

Ideas plz.

Cheers,
Patient

 

[next2015]

You have not broken any law. Just pay your taxes and live your life - enjoy it!

Whereas you signed the declaration of intent to reside in Quebec, there is actually no law that requires you to do so. If you chose to move to another province, you will be within the law.

Section 6 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides permanent residents and Canadian citizens with the right to live and work in any province in Canada.
It reads:
Every citizen of Canada has the right to enter, remain in and leave Canada.
Every citizen of Canada and every person who has the status of a permanent resident of Canada has the right
to move to and take up residence in any province; and
to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.

This is an issue many immigrants struggle with, particularly those whose PR was issued based on a provincial selection certificate. However, it really shouldn't boggle your mind. What I have learned from my research on the subject is: it is wise for the concerned immigrant to land and reside in the province for at least 3-6 months. By doing so, the immigrant indicates they did land in the province and settled for a period of time after which they chose to leave for various reasons e.g. a better employment opportunity.

So worry not, fear not; you have not put your PR status up for cancellation. You are well within your rights, well within the law of the land.

All the best.

 

[qsw_applicant]

I am in a similar situation as mentioned by patientman, the problem is I am still awaiting a decision on my federal application part ( Got CSQ July last year, currently I have paid the landing fees and medicals are all done). I am awaiting Singapore COC.

Basically I have worked in Montreal for over 2 years and my current contract is running out. I did receive a few offers within Quebec but the salary was too low and the work wasnt suitable for my profile ( I applied to these jobs because I didnt want to violate the intent to reside in Quebec by moving to other province).

However I have now a job offer in Ottawa but as my PR is still under process, I dont know if staying in Gatineau and working in Ottawa would harm my PR process. As Patientman pointed out we did sign an agreement to "live" in Quebec and nothing was mentioned about work.

Guys I really need your help as I really need take this job, have a family to take care of ...Please guide me.

Thanks

 

[atzquebec]

You have not broken any law. Just pay your taxes and live your life - enjoy it!

Whereas you signed the declaration of intent to reside in Quebec, there is actually no law that requires you to do so. If you chose to move to another province, you will be within the law.

Section 6 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides permanent residents and Canadian citizens with the right to live and work in any province in Canada.
It reads:
Every citizen of Canada has the right to enter, remain in and leave Canada.
Every citizen of Canada and every person who has the status of a permanent resident of Canada has the right
to move to and take up residence in any province; and


Your inputs are superb. But would it make a difference that at some point of time in the near future, Quebec decides to split and all of a sudden you have not lived nor worked in Quebec...and they find out.
to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.

This is an issue many immigrants struggle with, particularly those whose PR was issued based on a provincial selection certificate. However, it really shouldn't boggle your mind. What I have learned from my research on the subject is: it is wise for the concerned immigrant to land and reside in the province for at least 3-6 months. By doing so, the immigrant indicates they did land in the province and settled for a period of time after which they chose to leave for various reasons e.g. a better employment opportunity.

So worry not, fear not; you have not put your PR status up for cancellation. You are well within your rights, well within the law of the land.

All the best.

 

[qsw_applicant]

Thanks atzquebec, my situation is a bit different dont you think?...I have not landed yet as a PR, I am awaiting the decision from CIC, and have paid my landing fees and medicals done too.

Do you think this advice from next2015, applies to me too?

 

[next2015]

I am in a similar situation as mentioned by patientman, the problem is I am still awaiting a decision on my federal application part ( Got CSQ July last year, currently I have paid the landing fees and medicals are all done). I am awaiting Singapore COC.

Basically I have worked in Montreal for over 2 years and my current contract is running out. I did receive a few offers within Quebec but the salary was too low and the work wasnt suitable for my profile ( I applied to these jobs because I didnt want to violate the intent to reside in Quebec by moving to other province).

However I have now a job offer in Ottawa but as my PR is still under process, I dont know if staying in Gatineau and working in Ottawa would harm my PR process. As Patientman pointed out we did sign an agreement to "live" in Quebec and nothing was mentioned about work.

Guys I really need your help as I really need take this job, have a family to take care of ...Please guide me.

Thanks

It should not harm your process at all as Gatineau is within the province of Quebec. Additionally, you'll be filing your taxes in Quebec since it is your province of residence (and ultimately the province's interest is the taxes) - I know a few people living in Montreal working part time (3days/week) in Toronto. I strongly advise you take the job.

 

[qsw_applicant]

Thanks a lot for your response next2015. Felt relieved after talking to you. God bless you..thanks...

 

[next2015]

@atzquebec
First, let me say this: the chances of Quebec leaving the union are extremely slim, be it now or in the future. Reason? Quebec will suffer the most, especially economically. The effects of such a move are too much for the province to contain/manage. My opinion? Its just a lot of talk by politicians.

That said, if QC was to achieve independence, I do not think that would affect CSQ immigrants. Why? The existing law under which CSQs are issued, gives the recipients the right to live and work in any part of the country. With QC's independence that'd change going forward, but how it affects the past is subject to a lot of amendments in the immigration act, amendments that may touch on rights provided for by the constitution, particularly the right to live and work anywhere in the country. This would complicate things, from a legal standpoint, because laws that affect constitutional rights cannot be retrospective, normally.

Again, I am not a legal expert more so on Canadian constitutional law, but from my knowledge on governance and economics, QC independence will remain only a dream. So, your question is not one you should ponder on, in my opinion.

For your benefit read this article for a picture on the implications of QC independence and make your deductions http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-staggering-price-of-quebec-independence/article17529502/