Muchmor Magazine Issue 27

muchmor issue 26 Jan 2008

MOVING TO: YUKON AND QUEBEC YUKON PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM GIRL GUIDES IN CANADA FOREIGN BORN CANADIAN POPULATION REAL LIFE: BROCKVILLE, ONTARIO WHY WILLS ARE SO IMPORTANT DO CANADIAN STUDENTS MEASURE UP TOP EMPLOYERS IN CANADA AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS DRIVING LICENCE TYPES WINTER IN WHISTLER PLUS MUCHMOR…...

2 Zoom Airlines

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Contents 3 From the Editor.....

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Welcome to 2008 to all our readers. We hope it will be a happy and prosperous one for everyone.

The new year brings with it some changes to Muchmor. Along with the style changes we announced last month we now have a new way of viewing the magazine which we hope you will agree is much quicker and easier than before. Of course if you want to download a pdf version you can still do so in the Tools section of the toolbar. You can click on any weblink or advert and go straight to the related website and you can also view the contents, advertisers etc more easily.

So happy reading.

Contents…

Zoom Airlines

2

Canada: Moving to….

Québec Québec City Gatineau Montréal Sherbrooke Yukon Territories Whitehorse Dawson City Watson Lake London, Ontario welcome Inuit history in Canada 2007 A year in review

4 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17

Immigration Yukon Nominee Program 18 Work experience 19 Lethbridge, Alberta welcome 20 Foreign-born Canadians 21 Immigration news 24 Settlement funding 25 Real Life Brockville, Ontario

26

Money Why wills are important Price comparisons

28 30

HiFX currency exchange

31

Employment Canada’s top employers Average weekly earnings Money news

32 33 34

Motoring Types of driving licence Motoring news Green rebates on cars

35 36 37

Education Canadian students survey

38

Kidzone Girl Guides in Canada 40 What you will learn in school 42 Puzzles 43 Out & About Winter in Whistler

44

Tea Break Feedback Top Canadian….

Whistler wordsearch

46 47 48

Muchmor Realty Realty news and realtor information

49-60

4 Canada

Québec Québec is the second most populous province in Canada. But if you don’t “parlez français” you could be in trouble.

Québec is the second most populous province in Canada with 7,546,131 people calling it home.

It is also the largest province in the country with a land area of 1,356,366 square kilometres. Only one other territory is larger: Nunavut.

Québec is located to the east of Ontario and is bordered to its east by New Brunswick and Labrador. Nearly all of Québec lies within the Canadian shield dating back to the ice ages, This means it is rich in mineral deposits which contributes heavily to the economy.

French is the official language in Québec with over 80% of the population speaking it as a first language and over 40% speaking both French and English.

So if you are not a French speaker then Québec is probably not the place for you.

It is the only Canadian province with French as the official language.

In 2006 a total of 44,677 people moved to Québec from other countries, most of them to Montreal, the largest city in the province. The majority of people originate from Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Economy The main economies in Québec are science and technology, tourism, transportation and natural resources.

For many year natural resources dominated Québec’s economy, but in recent years the service sectors have taken over and now account for over 70% of the Gross Domestic Product.

Many jobs in the province are within the communication and information sectors with over 5,000 companies employing over 100,000 people.

Québec ranks fourth in North America in terms of the number of

biotechnology companies and has six of the seven research centres of multinational pharmaceutical companies in Canada.

Aerospace is also a big player in Québec with the Canadian Space Agency headquartered here. Québec ranks sixth in the world in terms of output in this sector. One person in 200 works in the aerospace industry in the province.

Tourism is also important to Québec which sees on average 30 million visitors each year. These visitors generate a revenue in excess of $10 billion. The province has over 90 ski resorts making it a prime winter destination. The province is also home to the Canadian Grand Prix, and the Rogers Cup. Over 330,000 people work within Québec’s tourism industry.

Weather Because Québec is so huge it has four climate types: Continental, Arctic,

Canada 5 Subarctic and Maritime. To the very north of the province the climate is Arctic with continuos permafrost, bitterly cold winters and very cool summers. Very few people live in this area. Average temperatures in Inukjuak which is on the 58th parallel in January are -25°C and in July 9°C. Most of the snow falls during the winter months with the annual being around 200 cm.

Rainfall is mainly during the summer months with the annual fall being 260 mm.

The area between the 50th and 58th parallels is classed as subarctic. In this region the winters are long and cold with lots of snowfall. The summers are short and cool. Schefferville is on the 54th parallel and sees average January temperatures of -24°C and July of 12°C. The majority of the population live in the area dominated by a continental climate which means hot summers and cold winters with lots of precipitation in the form of both snow and rain. Montreal is within this region and it sees average January temperatures of -8°C and July temperatures of 22°C. Annual rainfall is 50 mm and annual snowfall 60 cm.

Only one location in the province is classed as maritime and that is Îles-de-laMadeleine, a small island in the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Health The Régie de l'assurance maladie issues a Health Insurance Card to persons eligible for the Québec Health Insurance Plan. All residents should carry their card with them at all times.

If you are moving to Québec from another Canadian province or territory your Québec health cover will start on the first day of the third month of residency. Your existing health coverage will be valid during this probationary period. You should apply for your health coverage as soon as possible after arrival in Québec to ensure continuity of cover.

For people moving to Québec from outside Canada there is a three month waiting period before cover begins. You should apply for cover soon after taking up residency and should obtain additional health cover during the probationary period.

Driving The Societe de l’assurance automobile (SAAQ) is responsible for the issuing of driving licences in Québec.

If you are moving to Québec from inside Canada you can exchange your existing licence for a Québec licence without having to take a road test. This applies to all passenger vehicle and motorcycle licences. For other types of licence a test will be required.

People moving from the United States may also exchange their existing passenger vehicle or motorcycle licence for an equivalent Québec licence without taking a test. For other types of licence a test will be required.

If you are moving to Québec from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Turkey or Wales you may exchange your existing licence for an equivalent licence (passenger and motorcycle licences only) without taking a road test. If you are from a country not listed above then you can still exchange your existing licence but will need to take a road test first. Other licence types will require testing.

Everyone wishing to exchange their out of province licence will need to do so by appointment only. Canadian citizens should call 514 873-7620 from Montreal or 1 800 361-7620m elsewhere in Québec to make an appointment. Non Canadian citizens should call 514 954-7771 from within Montreal or 1 888 356-6616 from other locations in Québec.

Permanent residents must bring the "Confirmation of Permanent Residence" document. No licence exchange is possible without this. A permanent resident card is not sufficient.

Québec

Olympic Park Stadium Montreal Québec City

6 Canada

Québec City

During 2006 1,778 people moved to the city from outside Canada.

Housing The average selling price of a singlefamily detached property in Québec was $227,528 during the third quarter of 2007.

The highest average prices in the city ($290,488) occur in the Sainte-Foy, Sillery, Cap-Rouge, Saint-Augustin areas the north central region of the city. The lowest prices of $181,207 are in the Val-Bélair, Saint Émile, Loretteville areas in the northern suburbs.

Rental rates vary across the city but you can expect to pay on average $450 per month for a bachelor apartment, $570 for a one-bedroom apartment and $800 for a three-bedroom apartment.

The most expensive areas to rent are in Québec Haute-Ville and the cheapest inBeauport and Boischâtel.

Employment

Québec City is the capital of Québec and has a population of 715,515 making it the second largest city in the province. It is also the only fortified city north of Mexico in North America with its walls still in existence.

The city skyline is dominated by the Chateau Frontenac, an historic hotel and one of the city’s main tourist attractions.

The city is known for its 17th and 18th century European architecture and is a favorite destination for tourists worldwide.

Québec City is the second most important economical centre in Québec after Montréal. Culture, tourism, high technology and information technology are prominent economies within the city. It is also the centre of government activity.

Out of 52 European and North American cities surveyed, Québec City ranked second in leading edge software, plastics, and metal manufacturing. This expertise also carries over to electronics, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications equipment, for which it is ranked fourth.

The local government provides many jobs within the city and the civil service alone accounts for 40,000 jobs. Over 80% of the service sector jobs can be found within the retail, education and healthcare industries.

The average unemployment rate in the city during November was 4.7%. This compares well to the same month in 2006 when the rate was 6.1%.

The average weekly earnings in the city during September 2007 was $708.

Pets The cost of an annual dog licence in Québec is $20.00 for the first dog and $25.00 for a second. Only two dogs over three months of age may be kept at a single residence.

Canada 7

Gatineau

Gatineau is located at the southwestern edge of the province of Québec at the confluence of the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers. With the Ontario city of Ottawa just across the river, Gatineau is a major hub for economic and social development.

every year. The industry employes over 4,000 people.

Housing

The average selling price of a single family detached property during the third quarter of this year was $225,832. A condominium’s average selling price is $129,793.

Rental costs range from around $500 The new city of Gatineau was created per month for a bachelor apartment, $700 on January 1, 2002, following the for a two bedroom apartment to $800 for a amalgamation of the former cities of three-bedroom apartment. Newer Aylmer, Hull, Gatineau, Masson-Angers properties command higher rents than and Buckingham. Gatineau is part of older properties.

Canada’s National Capital Region which The Hull area is the the costliest for includes Ottawa, the country’s capital. both rental and purchase prices.

The city has a population of 283,959 as of the 2006 census. Over 1,000 Employment newcomers made the city their home during 2006. The majority of newcomers The Government of Canada is the originate from Europe and China. largest employer in the region with over The city’s economy used to be dominated by forestry and agriculture, but 21,000 jobs. The Government of Québec in recent times the service industries have is also a major employer as is the health sector. Other major employers include grown with the relocation of major Commission Scolaire des Draveurs companies to the area. (education), the Casino du Lac-Leamy The tourist industry is also an important economic sector for the city with (gaming), Commission scolaire des over six million visitors coming to the area Portages-de-l’Outaouais (education),

Bowater (paper manufacturer), HP (computers) and Bell Canada (telecommunication).

During September 2007 the average unemployment rate in the city was 5.7% and the average weekly wage was $819.

Pets Dogs and cats in Gatineau require an annual licence at a cost of $30 per unaltered animal and $20 for altered animals.

A maximum of four dogs and/or cats are allowed per dwelling.

8 Canada

Montréal

Montréal is the largest city in Québec and is located on the Island of Montréal where the St Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers meet and is surrounded by the St Lawrence River. It is connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. In the centre of the island is Mont Royal, a 233 metre extinct volcano.

With a population of 3,635,571 according to the 2006 census, it is the most populous city in the province. In 2006 over 38,000 people moved to the city from outside Canada.

Montréal is the largest inland port in the world where many ships stop off between the Atlantic and the Great Lakes.

This has meant the city has become a hub for the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Canadian National Railway.

Major industries within the city include pharmaceuticals, textiles, high technology, clothing manufacturing,

education, electronics and software engineering. The city is one of the world’s largest aeronautics centres, along with Seattle (USA) and Toulouse (France).

Montréal also ranks fourth in North America in terms of employment in the pharmaceutical sector.

Housing The average selling price of a single family dwelling in the city during the third quarter of this year was $307,601.

Rental rates vary across the metropolitan area of the city, but the average rates for a bachelor apartment are $500 per month, $650 for a twobedroom apartment and $800 for a threebedroom apartment. The Montréal Island area has the highest rental rates of around $1,600 per month for a threebedroom apartment or around $900 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Employment Major companies in the city include Alcan (aluminum manufacturer), Bombardier (aerospace), CGI Group (information technology), Air Canada (transportation), CAE (aerospace), Saputo (food manufacturer), Cirque du Soleil (entertainment), Bell Canada (telecommunications) and the National Bank of Canada (finance).

The unemployment rate in the city during October 2007 was 7.2% and the average weekly wage was $709.

Pets No more than two dogs over the age of three months may be kept at a single residence.

Every dog over three months of age must have a valid licence, the cost of which is $25.00 per year.

Canada 9

Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke is located where the Saint-Francois and Magog rivers meet in the eastern region of Québec. It is a community of 186,515 people with over 90% speaking only French and the majority being of Catholic faith.

For many years the local economy was based on the textile, food and machinery industries but recently it is changing to a more service industry led economy.

Much of the population and the employment in the city is built around the four colleges and two universities located here. The Bishop’s University is the only English language university outside of Montreal in the province.

Housing It is currently a sellers market in the city with 383 homes selling via MLS during the third quarter of this year.

Throughout the municipality of Sherbrooke the average selling price of a single family detached home is currently $181,648.

Rental rates in the city average $370 per month for a bachelor apartment, $420 for a one-bedroom apartment and $640 for a three bedroom apartment.

Employment The labour force in the city is divided between a few key sectors: construction sector 4% of jobs, the manufacturing sector 19%, commerce 14%, health care and social services 16%, education 11% and other services 36%.

Major employers include Université de Sherbrooke (education), University Hospital (health), Nordia Inc (business services), Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec (finance), City of Sherbrooke (public administration), Kruger Inc (pulp and paper) and Cégep de Sherbrooke (education).

As of September 2007 the unemployment rate was 6.1% and the average weekly earnings were $687.

Pets No more than four dogs may be kept in a single domestic residence.

Dogs require an annual licence at a cost of $40 for unaltered animals and $30 for altered dogs.

Cats also require a licence at a cost of $30 for unaltered cats and $20 for altered cats.

Previous issues of Muchmor featuring Québec include: May 2006 and November 2006.

10 Canada

Yukon Territories The Yukon is one of Canada’s three territories and is the location of Canada’s highest point Mount Logan.

Yukon Territories are located in the northwest corner of Canada above British Columbia and west of Northwest Territories. It has 200 km of Arctic coastline and is 483,450 sq km in size.

The population according to the 2006 census was 30,372 with the majority of those people found in the territory’s capital Whitehorse which is the only city in the territory.

As well as being the location of Mount Logan the highest point in Canada at 5,971 metres, it is also home to the second longest river in Canada, the Yukon River which is 3,185 km long and runs from northern British Columbia to the Baring Sea. The longest non-polar ice field is also in the Yukon at the St Elias mountain range. It is over 700 metres deep and over 30 km long.

All Yukon communities are located south of the Arctic Circle and are accessible by road except Old Crow.

There are more than 4,000 km of allweather roads in the territory including

some linking Yukon with Alaska and southern Canada.

The Klondike Gold Rush was the main even in Yukon’s history. Gold was discovered along the Klondike River near Dawson City in August 1896. Over 40,000 people came to the region to find gold during the following two years. After the gold rush the population declined from over 27,000 to just over 4,000.

The second most important event in Yukon’s history was the construction of the Alaska Highway during the Second World War which finally connected the territory with southern Canada. The road is an all-weather road and is 2,451 km long.

Economy Mining and mineral exploration have been mainstays of the Yukon economy since the turn of the century. The territory is rich in minerals and the industry continues to grow with mining of gold, copper, lead, tungsten, zinc, coal and silver.

The area is also rich in oil and gas but as yet the Yukon’s potential in this

area is still untapped. This leads to exciting new opportunities for the future.

The tourism industry is the single largest private contributor to the economy. It is estimated that 70% of Yukoners work in a tourism related field.

Over 300,000 people visit the Yukon every year, that is ten times the normal population.

The oldest industry in the territory is the fur trade with the largest portion of trappers’ incomes coming from the sale of lynx and marten pelts. Sales of wolverine, fox, muskrat and beaver are also important. Other significant industries include agriculture and fishing.

The average weekly earnings in Yukon amount to $852.80 which is around 14% above the national average.

Weather The Yukon has a sub-arctic continental climate with temperatures reaching as high as 36.1°C in the summer months and as low as minus 60°C in the winter. The lowest temperature ever recorded was a mind-numbing -62.8ºC in Snag in February 1947. Average frost free

Canada 11

Yukon

period ranges from 93 days in the Watson Lake area to 21 days at Haines Junction.

As well as varying greatly geographically, frost free periods vary substantially from year to year at any location.

Average annual precipitation ranges from less than 20 cm west of Whitehorse to more than 40 cm in Watson Lake. The Southwest Yukon, where most agricultural production occurs, lies within the rainshadow created by the St. Elias and Coastal mountains. South-west Yukon is subject to droughts between April and July. Snowfall is actually often lower than many parts of southern Canada with averages of 50-70 cm annually.

Health

Yukon welcome sign Luane Lake World’s largest gold pan

Yukon Health Care Insurance (YHCIP) is provided to all residents for medically required hospital and medical services and is free.

If you are moving to the Yukon from another Canadian territory or province your cover will start three months after taking up residency. Your existing health cover will remain effective during this probationary period.

For people moving to the Yukon from outside Canada cover becomes effective three months after the date of residency.

You are advised to take out additional health cover during this waiting period.

Pharmacare is available to residents who qualify for the YHCIP and who are

over 65 years of age, or over 60 but married to a Yukon resident over 65 years of age. Registration is automatic upon reaching the required age. Newcomers qualifying will automatically receive membership when applying for YHCIP. The Pharmacare program will pay the total costs of the lowest priced generics of all prescription drugs listed in the Yukon Pharmacare Formulary. Certain nonprescription drugs and goods are also covered by the program

Driving If you are moving to Yukon from another Canadian province or territory you can exchange your existing licence for an equivalent Yukon licence without additional written or road tests. Classes 1,2,3 and 4 require a vision test and medical report.

People moving from the United States can also exchange their existing licence if exchanging for classes 5 or 6 (passenger cars and motorcycles) without testing. Other types of licence require testing.

New residents from outside Canada needing a licence should contact the motor vehicle office. For Whitehorse this is at 308 Steele Street, Lynn Building, Main Floor, Tel: (867) 667-5315 or 1-800-661-0408 local 5315 (toll free within Yukon) or email; motor.vehicles@gov.yk.ca

12 Canada

Whitehorse

During the first half of 2007 the Whitehorse is not only the average selling price for a single family capital city of the Yukon, it is also home in Whitehorse was $219,703. the only city and the largest Rental cost in the city average $730 community in the territory. Over per month across all rental types.

75% of Yukon’s population (24,041) live within the city limits.

Employment The First Nations population make The largest share of employment is up around 16% of the numbers.

The city was developed during the Klondike Gold Rush as a transportation hub. Once the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway linked Whitehorse with the Alaskan port of Skagway, Whitehorse became the centre of transportation into and out of the Territory.

Whitehorse was made the capital in 1953 taking over from Dawson City. The city now acts as the major transportation and service centre for Yukon. The government is located here as is the Council of Yukon First Nations.

The Whitehorse International Airport provides transportation links to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and other locations in Canada and beyond.

Housing During 2006 a total of 590 properties were sold, a reduction on the previous year. During 2006 the average selling price was $216,413, a 16% increase on 2005.

within the sales and service sectors.

Another large employment group is the business and administration services.

Other major employment sectors include health, education, science and technology and trades.

The unemployment rate in Whitehorse is around 3.3%, considerably below the national average of 5.9%.

Pets All dogs and cats over six months of age require a licence in Whitehorse. A maximum of four dogs and four cats may be kept in a residential property at any one time.

An altered dog or cat can be licenced for life at a cost of $25.00, however unaltered dogs and cats require annual licensing at a cost of $35.00 per year.

Once proof of sterilization is obtained a lifetime licence can be purchased.

Canada 13

Dawson City

Although Dawson City is a city in name, it is actually a town. It was originally granted city status in 1902, but lost that title in the 1980’s, with special provision to allow it to use the word city.

Dawson is located about 536 kilometres northwest of Whitehorse, at the end of the Klondike Highway.

Like Whitehorse the city was originally established to cater for the people coming to the area during the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890’s. By 1898 the city was the largest city in Canada west of Winnipeg with over 40,000 residents. Once the gold rush was over the population dropped resulting in only 5,000 people remaining there in 1902. Dawson City was Yukon’s first capital, relinquishing the title to Whitehorse in 1953.

Today, Dawson has a population of just under 2,000, but visitors boost that

number by around 60,000 every year. In fact tourism is one of the most important economies for the town for both revenue and employment. Accommodation and food services account for around 18% of the employment in the town. recreation and arts is also another major employment sector which is growing with around 11% of the town’s employment.

Many still visit in the hope of finding gold and others for the spectacular scenery. The Northern Lights are also a big draw for visitors in Dawson and other Yukon locations.

Housing During the first half of 2007 the average selling price for a single family home in Dawson City was $216,500 Rental cost in the city average $720 per month for a two bedroom property.

Employment The majority of people in Dawson are employed in the tourism industry and associated services such as food and accommodation. Other services account for another portion of employment along with health, education, mining and utilities.

Pets Dogs require an annual licence in Dawson City. An unaltered dog will cost $50.00 per year and an altered dog $10.00 per year.

14 Canada

Watson Lake

Watson Lake is the third Housing Employment largest town in the Yukon with Housing costs in Watson Lake are Some of the largest employment 1,567 residents. It is known as the cheaper than Whitehorse at an average of areas in the town are within the service “Gateway to the Yukon� due to its $178,645 whilst rental costs average $680 industries. position on the southeastern per month. corner of the territory close to the border with British Columbia.

The town is a key transportation hub as it sits on the junction of the Alaska Highway, the Robert Campbell Highway to the central Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and the Stewart-Cassiar Highway from central British Columbia.

The town was first established in 1939 when the Canadian government decided to build a number of airports in the north. One was at Watson Lake and so the community was born.

The town now acts as a service and business centre for southeastern Yukon and has a diverse economy. Nearly 20% of employment comes from government services and other important sectors include forestry, tourism. construction and other services.

Watson Lake is also home to the famous Signpost Forest. This was started back in 1942 when a U.S. Army GI decided to erect a sign giving the milage to his hometown whilst working on the Alaskan Highway. Many other people followed his lead and soon thousands of signs had been erected. The site now has over 10,000 individual signs and it is said to be the largest collection of "stolen" property in the world.

Let me help you find your ideal home Claudia Hancott Sales Representative 264 Front Street Belleville Ontario K8N 2Z2 Tel: +1 613 967 2100 Fax: +1 613 967 4688 email: chancott@c21lanthorn.com www.claudiahancott.com

Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage Each Office is independently Owned and Operated

If you are looking at moving to the Belleville and surrounding area of Ontario, then give me a call. I am fluent in both English and German and as an immigrant myself I know the importance of finding the right home!

Canada 15 .

London Ontario welcomes you open letter from London Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best As London’s Mayor, I am pleased to tell you about our wonderful community. Often referred to as The Forest City, London is the 10th largest centre in Canada and serves as the educational, economic and health hub for our region. With a wide spectrum of facilities, including the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College, London is an excellent place for newcomers to meet people, learn new things and network for the future.

London is also a great place to live, work and share with family. Ours is a diverse community, made up of individuals and families representing varied cultures found throughout the world.

We believe it is these new Canadians, these new Londoners, who are defining our city and our future. And, our recently launched Immigration Portal on the City of London website (www.london.ca) is an important tool to assist in learning about London’s great opportunities.

As Londoners, we believe a great city welcomes newcomers and understands what it means for people to be strangers in a strange land. That’s why London hosted its first-ever Cultural Diversity Conference in 2006. For the event, we brought hundreds of leaders together, including Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman - to discuss how demographics are changing; to promote ideas of social inclusion; and to look for ways workplaces can be proactive in their recruitment efforts. Through such events, our goal is to enhance London as one of the greatest places to live, work and play.

To this end, we have spearheaded London’s Workforce Development Strategy focused on three primary measures. The first is to increase the skills of existing workers through more accessible training and retraining programs. The second measure is to increase immigration to London, and implement effective methods for assessing and training immigrants to be ‘job ready’. And, the third measure is to work with local businesses to create programs and offer inducements to convince older, more experienced workers to remain in the workforce.

We have great tools to support this Strategy. They include the London Economic Development Corporation, which liaises directly with local companies to ensure their continued growth and vibrancy. Our ‘Welcoming Cultural Diversity Plan’ focuses on how we smoothly integrate immigrants into our community and the ‘Experience Works’ resource kit challenges companies to keep experienced workers on the job as long as possible. In addition, London’s ‘International Skills Connections’ helps build relationships outside of Canada to support local businesses recruiting employees with specialized skills.

In London, we are also fortunate to work in partnership with WIL Employment Connections and the Cross Cultural Learner Centre to provide new Londoners with everything necessary for a smooth move.

And, recognizing our city as the economic hub for Southwestern Ontario, we continue to lobby other levels of government to play an integral part in supporting immigration to our city by providing additional resources through our colleges, university and key service delivery agencies. As such, we invite you to choose London as your new home and hope your transition will be a pleasant one!

16 Canada .

Inuit history in Canada To many people the word Inuit is still a mystery, however it refers to the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canadian Arctic. There are also Inuit in Alaska and Greenland, but a large number, around 45,000, live in Canada.

Inuit were commonly known as Eskimos to outsiders, but they prefer to be known as Inuit which simply means “people” in their native Inuktitut. Inuit can be found in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Northern Québec and Labrador. Inuit are one of the three Aboriginal peoples in Canada, as defined by the Canadian Constitution. The other two are First Nations and Métis people.

The origins of the Inuit go back over 4,000 years during which time they have adapted to the harsh and demanding environment they live in. Inuit give equal respect to land, animals, plants and humans and maintain a harmonious relationship and have strict traditions and laws to maintain balance.

Until the 1940’s Inuit had very little contact with other Canadians. However around this time the Canadian government tried to encourage the Inuit to establish permanent settlements instead of moving from place to place with the seasons. These settlements were supported by police, health, housing and social services programs and soon Inuit had their own communities.

In the 1960s, Inuit began to form marketing co-operatives to help sell their products, including art prints and carvings that were to become world-famous.

Because of this new economy Inuit soon had new schools and improved medical facilities. Regular air travel and telecommunications helped link the settlements to each other and the rest of the world.

Today Inuit work in all sectors of the economy, although they still supplement their income with hunting. Tourism is a growing industry in the Inuit economy.

Inuit guides take tourists on dogsled and

Inuit populations in North America (yellow) hunting expeditions, and work with outfitting organizations. About 30 percent of Inuit derive part-time income from their sculpture, carving and print making.

Unfortunately Inuit communities see higher levels of overcrowding,

unemployment, ill-health, crime and suicide. They do however, have the highest birth rate amongst Canadians and their population is expected to double by 2016.

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final changes June 2, 2005

Canada 17

2007 a year in review Top 10 weather stories (Environment Canada)

1. Vanishing Ice in the Arctic Satellite images reveal ice the size of Ontario has disappeared from the Arctic.

2. B.C.’s Long Flood Threat

Top 10 news stories

(CTV)

1. High Flying Loonie The strong Canadian dollar reaches and exceeds parity with the American dollar.

2. Canadian Casualties

British Columbia was under flood threat for several months in early 2007.

Rising death toll in Afghanistan leads to stretch of highway 401 being renamed “Highway of Heroes.”

3. Pre-Winter Weather Mayhem

3. Conrad Black Trial

Winter weather hits Canada coast to coast with a vengeance in December.

Former media baron tried for misappropriation of millions of dollars from the newspaper empire he headed.

4. Tropical Summer on the Prairies Record temperatures hit the prairies causing deaths and crop disasters.

5. Dry in Southern Ontario Record temperatures hit Southern Ontario, three times the normal +30°C days

6. Robert Pickton Trail Canadian pig farmer is given life for the murder of six Vancouver women. Twenty other murders are also linked to him.

7. Pedophile Investigation Canadian pedophile Christopher Paul Neil is finally caught in Thailand

8. RCMP Shootings Christopher John Worden (30) in Hay River, Northwest Territories and Douglas Scott (20) in Kimmirut, Nunavut are killed.

9. Multiple Births

4. Product Recalls

Sextuplets are born in British Columbia and quadruplets in Calgary.

Scandal as many products from toothpaste to toys made in China are recalled.

10. Mulroney Scandal

5. Tasar Incidents

Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in scandal over cash payments

The death of a Polish immigrant at Vancouver airport puts the police use of tasars under-fire.

6. Big Bad Noel but No Juan Fifteen named storms, including six hurricanes, occur 2007

7. How Low Will They Go? Trillions of gallons of water vanish from the Great Lakes causing record low levels.

8. A Winter That Wasn’t - Almost!

Winter arrives late with no major snow until mid January

9. Record Prairie Hailers A record 410 severe weather events eclipse a previous record of 297

whatever your lifestyle... we have something for you!

10. Canada’s First F5 Tornado On June 22, an F5 tornado touched down near Elie, Manitoba.

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18 Immigration

Yukon Nominee Program Amended Last month Patrick Rouble, Education minister announced changes to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) aimed at making it easier to fill skill shortages within the territory.

He said “ The Yukon government recognizes that the territory is facing a labour shortage and employers are finding it increasingly more difficult to attract and retain workers.”

Perviously temporary foreign workers were required to leave the Yukon once their work permit expired and then had to wait two years before applying for permanent residency status. The new changes mean that such workers can be nominated by their employers whilst still in the Yukon. This is not only beneficial to the applicant but also to the employer who no longer has to worry about rehiring people and being without workers.

Assistant Deputy Minister Brent Slobodin said, “ The demand and interest for jobs from outside Canada’s borders are there. These changes are designed to speed up the paperwork and get workers into the territory as soon as possible to fill existing shortages, notably in the retail and hospitality industries.”

The changes to the YNP should see results in the near future, said Rouble.

“I believe we already have applications coming in for Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, as well as other small businesses.”

In addition to providing immigrants with guaranteed employment and putting them on track to having permanent status, employers also pay the airfare to get them here. In many cases, when the foreign workers need to learn English, the employers arrange for them to take classes, and find them housing as well, although that is not a legal requirement.

“We will continue working on future market labour development programs in order to keep the Yukon economy vibrant and strong.” added Rouble.

The Yukon Nominee Program has several components:

Skilled Worker / Critical Impact Worker Program The Critical Impact Worker and Skilled Worker Programs are employer driven; designed to assist Yukon employers, sectors or governments to identify and nominate potential qualified immigrants to fill positions that cannot be filled by the territorial or national labour market.

This category is in place until March 31, 2009 or until the labour market for semi-skilled workers within the Yukon economy demonstrates this category is no longer required.

Both the employer and the nominee must complete the relevant paperwork which is then assessed for approval or refusal. The employer will then be advised in writing if the application has been successful or not.

Approved nominees will be nominated for permanent residency and, if

needed, a letter of recommendation for use by the nominee to obtain a temporary work permit to facilitate temporary entry to Canada while the permanent residency processing takes place.

Details of this program can be found on the official website which also include all forms required. http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/ advanceded/ynp.html

Business Program The Business Program has two components: an Entrepreneur category and a Self Employed category.

Entrepreneur: Although most economic sectors are eligible the following are deemed to be priority industries by the Government of Yukon: • Information Technology • Manufacturing • Value-added Processing • Forestry • Tourism Products, Attractions, Services and Facilities • Energy • Mining/Mineral Development

Immigration 19 • Agriculture • Cultural Industries • Film and Video Production The applicant’s business plan may involve a new business startup or the purchase of an existing business. To be eligible the applicant must: • invest a minimum of $150,000 equity into starting or buying a business in Yukon.

• Have a personal net worth of at least $250,000.

• Demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of Yukon and its economy.

• Be able to demonstrate reasonable communication skills.

• Have the necessary experience and education to successfully implement the business plan.

Self-Employed: The self-employed category of the Nominee Program is designed to attract professionals who can provide a service that is in demand in Yukon by establishing business outlets or

Work experience trips skilled worker

By Guidy Mamann A young professional was convinced that he had at least 67 points under our Federal Skilled Workers Class and that he would therefore qualify for permanent residence in Canada Accordingly, he was shocked when the Canadian consulate in Detroit refused his application.

Like so many others, he focused on his score and ignored the other lesserknown criteria in this category.

He furnished proof that he had worked full-time on four separate occasions for a total of 16 months and thereby exceeded, he believed, the oneyear work experience requirement. The consulate accepted his evidence but nonetheless refused his application.

professional practices. The applicant must: • be identified as a professional skill shortage.

• Satisfy any certification or accreditation requirements for the particular profession or occupation.

• Be licensed/accepted by the body governing the profession, if any.

• Demonstrate reasonable communication skills appropriate to Yukon.

• Demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of Yukon and its economy.

• Demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to start and operate the professional practice and to support themselves and any dependents for a period of six months.

• Submit a detailed business plan for the business or practice.

The applicant must submit an application and business plan for review by the Yukon Department of Economic Development. Once an applicant is accepted and the business plan is

The reviewing officer explained “You have not satisfied me that you have at least one year of continuous full time employment experience or the equivalent in continuous part-time experience”.

Although the applicant had one year of full-time work experience it was not continuous nor was it the equivalent in “continuous part-time experience”. Had he worked, say, half days (i.e. at least 18.75 hours per week) for 24 straight months that would have been both equivalent and continuous.

He requested “substituted evaluation” to overcome this difficulty.

However, this plea was also rejected since this remedy can only be used to overcome a deficiency in points and not a deficiency in the work experience criteria.

IRPA states that if the applicant fails to meet this criterion, the “visa shall be refused and no further assessment is required”.

implemented, a nomination certificate for permanent residency will be issued to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Should the applicant be unable to implement the business plan immediately, a letter of support for a work permit will be issued to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to allow the applicant additional time to implement the business plan.

Details of the Business Program along with all instructions and forms can be found at the official website: www.economicdevelopment.gov.yk.c a/general/ynp.html The Government of Yukon currently recognizes three key skill shortages: • medical doctor • registered nurse • electrical or electronic engineer Those occupations listed on the Skill Shortage List prior to June 2007 (physicians, nurses and professional engineers) will be placed on the list until April 1, 2008.

The main page dealing with work experience in CIC’s online “Self Assessment Test” makes no mention of the fact that the experience must be continuous. It reads, “You must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work…” Although the omission on this page is a glaring one, it does point the reader to another page which clearly states this requirement.

Those in similar situations cannot correct the problem while their application is pending since the regulations require compliance at the time that an application is filed. Such applicants should consider re-filing after they meet this minimum requirement. Provided that the one-year of minimum experience is gained before the application is filed, additional experience gained during the application process will be credited with the appropriate points.

20 Immigration

Come to Lethbridge, Alberta Lethbridge Mayor’s Message I came to Lethbridge with the idea of starting my career, and then moving on to greener pastures. Forty years have since passed, and I never want to leave. Lethbridge is a special place – a great community to grow your career, raise a family, and enjoy living life.

The United Nations Human Development Index has ranked Canada as the best country in which to live, ten times in the last twenty-four years. Alberta is well known as one of the premier provinces in Canada. And Lethbridge offers residents one of the finest qualities of life to be found in Alberta. Newcomers to our city rave about the lifestyle they enjoy in this beautiful community.

There’s so much to say about our city, that it can’t be covered in one message.

I’ll highlight some of my favourite things about life in Lethbridge, but a very good place to learn all about the city is at our website: www.lethbridge.ca .

One of my favourite things about our city is the moderate continental climate with warm winters and mild summers. We are influenced by the warm Chinook winds which can melt a snowy landscape virtually overnight, and the area also receives one of the highest amounts of sunshine in the country, at roughly 2400 hours per year.

Our city has a population of approximately 79,000. The municipal boundaries encompass so much land that there is room to run and stretch and grow in Lethbridge. You can drive across the city in just 15 minutes on our well-designed and maintained road systems, yet transit service is affordable and convenient. We have great schools as well as both a college and a university.

Lethbridge is located about an hour from the American border to the south. Two hours to the north is the booming city of Calgary. An hour and a half to the west are the beautiful Rocky Mountains which provide a natural playground in winter or summer. Lethbridge is just a short drive from the World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed In Buffalo Jump where Aboriginal history and culture is featured.

Lethbridge is a vibrant, small city active in the global marketplace. Our economy is strong, and Lethbridge companies have a growing need for motivated employees. For more information about opportunities and lifestyle issues, you can log on to www.chooselethbridge.ca/youbelonghere . Economic Development Lethbridge’s “Easy Move Package” can be found there, and it is a concise, user-friendly resource for families, individuals and businesses. On this site, you’ll find easy access to the information you need to make relocation an enjoyable experience. When you do, you’ll learn why you should choose Lethbridge, too.

For centuries, residents of the British Isles have viewed Canada as a land of opportunity. Come for a visit and you will see that life in Canada offers a familiar flavour in a relatively young country that is blossoming with potential. Come to Lethbridge, and you will find a community that welcomes you with open arms.

Robert D. (Bob) Tarleck, M.A., M.Ed., Ako’Tasi Mayor, City of Lethbridge

Immigration 21

Results of Census 2006: Canada’s foreign-born population Statistics Canada recently released the results of the 2006 census regarding foreign born Canadians and their language abilities. It shows that the foreignborn population in Canada is the highest for 75 years.

Statistics show than almost one in five people living in Canada was born outside the country. That is 6,186,950 people or 19.8% of the population.

Between 2001 and 2006, Canada's foreign-born population grew by 13.6%.

This was four times faster than the Canadian-born population, which increased by 3.3%.

Overall, Canada's total population increased by 1.6 million between 2001 and 2006, a growth rate of 5.4% from

2001. The census estimated 1,110,000 newcomers arrived in the country between January 1, 2001 and May 16, 2006. They were responsible for more than two-thirds (69.3%) of this population growth.

Compared with other countries, Canada has a high proportion of foreignborn people with only Australia with 22.2% of its population foreign-born beating it.

countries accounted for 37.8% of immigrants in 2006.

Immigrants from Europe accounted for 16.1% of newcomers in 2006, this compares with 61.6% back in 1971.

Another change is the source country within Europe. In the past the majority of European immigrants came from the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany.

Recently more Eastern Europeans have moved to Canada with Romania taking the top spot in 2006.

Where are they coming Immigrants from Central and South from?

America and the Caribbean and Africa accounted for 10.8% of all newcomers in Of the 1.1 million people who arrived 2006. The two top source countries were in Canada between 2001 and 2006, Columbia and Mexico. Immigrants from 58.3% were from Asian countries. The Africa have also been increasing over Republic of China was the main source recent years with Algeria and Morocco with a total of 14% of immigrants, followed providing the majority of immigrants.

by India with 11.6%. Along with the Philippines and Pakistan the four

Source Countries of immigrants 1971 - 2006 100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0% 1971

1981

1991

Oceana & Other Africa Central & South America & Caribbean

2001

2006

Asia & Middle East Europe United States

22 Immigration What language are they speaking?

In the census nearly 150 different languages were listed as the mother tongue language. Of the foreign-born a quarter listed their mother tongue as English and 3.1% as French. In 2006 around 70.2% of the foreign-born population said their mother tongue was neither English or French. Of these the largest proportion spoke Chinese (various dialects), followed by Italian, Punjabi, Spanish, German, Tagalog and Arabic.

In total 93.6% said they could converse in either English or French and only 9.3% stated they could speak no English or French,

China (145,315), United Kingdom (137,460), India (119,265), Hong Kong (78,060) and Philippines (69,200).

According to the census the top mother tongues in the province are English, Chinese, Punjabi, German and French.

Alberta Alberta has a population of 3,256,355 of which 537,030 are foreign born. The main mother tongues spoken are English, Chinese, German, French and Punjabi.

Top source countries are United Kingdom (60,210), China (41,500), India (38,610), Philippines (36,630) and the United States.

Saskatchewan

Age groups Because of the nature of immigration, most of the foreign-born population are in younger age groups than the Canadianborn population.

57.3% of immigrants were in the age group 25-54 years. This compares to 42.3% of Canadian-born.

In the age group 55-64 years only 4.1% of immigrants qualified compared to 10.7% of Canadian-born.

Around 223,000 newcomers were children under the age of 14 years. A further 167,600 were between the ages of 15 and 24 years.

Seniors accounted for only 3.4% of foreign-born in Canada compared to 11.5% of Canadians over 65 years.

Where do they live?

Ontario, Québec and British Columbia received 85.8% of newcomers to Canada since 2001. Ontario is home to 38.5% of Canada’s total population but takes in over half of the newcomers to the country.

Here is a snapshot of each province in Canada:

British Columbia The population of British Columbia is 4,074,385, of which 1,119,215 are foreign born. The top five source countries are

In Saskatchewan the main language is English followed by German, Cree, Ukrainian and French. Of the 953,845 population 48,160 are foreign born from the following countries: United Kingdom (7,685), United States (5,425), China (3,400), Germany (2,680) and Philippines (2,460).

Manitoba The province of Manitoba has a population of 1,133,515. Foreign born numbers equate to 151,230 from the Philippines (25,485), United Kingdom (15,225), Germany (9,045), Poland (7,355) and United States (7,090). The top five mother tongues are English, German, French, Tagalog and Ukrainian.

Ontario The most populous province with 12,028,895 people is also home to the majority of foreign born people (3,398,725). The United Kingdom is the country of origin for 321,650 of them, India (258,530), China (229,945), Italy (198,315) and Philippines (151,380). The top five mother tongues are English, French, Chinese, Italian and Spanish.

Québec Québec shows a different pattern to many other locations with 851,560 foreign born people from the total population of 7,435,905. The main source country was Italy (65,550) followed by France (59,210), Haiti (56,750), China (39,190) and Lebanon (34,875). Not surprisingly the top mother tongue is French, followed

by English, Italian, Spanish and Arabic.

New Brunswick New Brunswick is home to 719,650 people of which 26,395 are foreign born.

The top five mother tongues are English, French, Mi’kmaq, Chinese and German.

The top source countries are the United States (8,660), United Kingdom (5,210), Germany (1,775), Netherlands (995) and China (925).

Prince Edward Island PEI is the smallest of Canada’s provinces with a population of 134,205. Of those 4,785 are foreign born coming from the United States (1,260), United Kingdom (1,170), Netherlands (495), Germany (225) and Belgium (80). The top five mother tongues are English, French, Dutch, German and Spanish.

Nova Scotia Nova Scotians number 903,090, of those 45,190 are foreign born. The top mother tongues are English, French, Arabic, Mi’kmaq and German. The top source countries are the United Kingdom (11,665), United States (7,960), Germany (2,850), Netherlands (1,830) and China (1,740).

Newfoundland and Labrador Of the 500,610 population 8,385 are foreign born. The top source countries are United Kingdom (2,330), United States (1,400), India (435), Germany (390) and China (345). The top mother tongues are English, French, Montagnais-Naskapi, Chinese and Spanish.

Immigration 23 Yukon Territories

Nunavut

The Yukon has a population of 30,190 with around 10% (3,010) being foreign born. The top source countries are the United States (600), United Kingdom (555), Germany (400), Philippines (160) and Switzerland (125). Top mother tongues are English, French, German, Athapaskan and Chinese.

Northwest Territories The population of Northwest territories is 41,060 with foreign born numbers of 2,810. The main source countries are the Philippines (555), United Kingdom (345), Viet Nam (245), United States (235) and Germany (130). The top five mother tongues are English, Dogrib, South Slave, French and North Slave.

Canadian Citizenship

Nunavut has the smallest number of foreign born population at just 455 against a total population of 29,325. Over 20,000 of that population speak native Inuktitut languages followed by English, French, Tagalog and German. Of the few foreign born people they originate from the United Kingdom (90), Philippines (45), United States (45), Germany (30) and Poland (15).

Toronto, Ontario Of all the locations in Canada, Toronto is the primary destination of all immigrants. Of the 5,072,075 population of the city more than half (2,320,160) are foreign born. The main source countries are India (221,935), China (191,120), Italy (130,685), Philippines (130,315) and United Kingdom (125,975). The main mother tongue languages spoken in Toronto are English, Chinese, Italian, Punjabi and Spanish.

The census asked immigrants about their citizenship status. It found that in 2006 85.1% of those immigrants who were eligible for Canadian citizenship chose it. This is a slight increase on 2001 when the figure was 83.9%.

Some countries allow multiple citizenship which means someone can hold both Canadian and their home country’s citizenship. Of the foreign born people who held Canadian citizenship those from the United Kingdom were most likely to hold duel citizenship, followed by Poland and the United States.

Population of each province by immigrant status Newfoundland & Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia 0

2,250,000

Non-Immigrant Population

4,500,000

6,750,000

Immigrant Population

9,000,000

24 Immigration

Citizenship for overseas adoptions made easier New legislation introduced last month

by Citizenship and Immigration Canada will allow children adopted abroad by Canadian citizens to obtain Canadian citizenship without first having to become permanent residents.

Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration said. “Canadian families welcome foreign-born children into their homes and we want to welcome them into the country. The new citizenship process means that citizenship can be granted to adopted children after the adoption is complete.”

After December 23, 2007, citizenship may be granted to adopted children providing that an application for citizenship is submitted and the legislative requirements are met. These requirements aim to protect the best interests of the child and ensure that the adoption conforms with both the adoption laws of the province or the territory of residence of the adoptive parent and the country where the adoption took place.

Under the current system, a Canadian adopting a child born abroad must first apply to sponsor the child to come to Canada, then seek a permanent resident visa, then apply for citizenship.

Saskatchewan wants to attract newcomers Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) have announced funding of $660,000 over three years to help Saskatchewan to attract immigrants to the province. The funds will help promote the province as a destination and help immigrants settle once they arrive.

“Immigration and the successful integration of newcomers are priorities for Saskatchewan’s new government,” said the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister

Responsible for Immigration. “The funding for this initiative will help us develop new and innovative ways to more aggressively market all the tremendous jobs and great opportunities for families here in Saskatchewan. It will also help us to connect immigrants as early as possible to the resources and services they need to make a successful transition to their new homes in Saskatchewan.”

Australia was the most popular destination for emigrants, with 39% of respondents making a move to the country. Other favoured destinations include the USA, Canada, Spain and New Zealand.

91% of respondents from Spain said they were happy or very happy with their lives post emigration.

Emigrants to New Zealand followed closely in the happiness stakes with 88% enjoying their new life, while for Canada and Australian the figures are 86.4% and 84.2% respectively.

Respondents living in France and the US were less happy, with 18.6% and 13.8% respectively disappointed with the move.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of UK citizens opting to move abroad permanently increased to a record 207,000 in 2006.

Expat happiness poll KForex, the online foreign exchange provider, has published the results of a survey that shows almost 80% of adults who have emigrated from the UK are happy with their new life overseas.

This compares with 51.8% of respondents who were satisfied with their earlier life in the UK.

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Immigration 25

Settlement funding announced Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced new federal commitments to assist in the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada. $121.6 million will be provided over the next three years.

This new funding is in addition to the provisions laid out in the 2006 Budget bringing the total allocation to more than $1.4 billion over five years.

Each province and territory is allocated funding specific to the numbers of newcomers settling there. Extra funding is set aside for refugees due to their unique settlement requirements.

Alberta

The COAI increased funding for Ontario by $920 million over five years.

2007-08 - $30,591,991 2008-09 - $47,199,829

Québec

Northwest Territories

The Canada-Québec Accord provides funding for Québec via an annual grant.

The estimated funding for 2008-09 is $237.5 million.

2007-08 - $306,142 2008-09 - $271,915 Nunavut 2007-08 - $215,056 2008-09 - $102,523 Yukon Territories 2007-08 - $287,427 2008-09 - $219,345 Ontario Ontario is funded via the CanadaOntario Immigration Agreement (COIA).

Finley said “The Government of Canada is committed to helping newcomers and their families succeed.

Since 2006, we have substantially increased funding in every province to support programs and services that can make a real difference in their lives. With this new funding, we will continue to respond to the needs of newcomers to help them become part of our community and our economy.

Newfoundland and Labrador 2007-08 - $1,311,252 2008-09 - $1,391,455 Prince Edward Island 2007-08 - $733,702 2008-09 - $990,367

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26 Real Life .

Our thoughts, eighteen months in When Mary and Ian contacted Muchmor asking if we would be interested in their thoughts about immigration we obviously were.

They emigrated to Brockville, Ontario in June of 2006 and thought that their story was too much like other peoples - apply, wait, move and enjoy. So, we asked them instead to look at the differences between their old and new lives and we are sure you will find this very interesting.

Things we like about Canada Our house: In the UK we lived in a compact three bedroom semi with one small bathroom and no garage just a carport. Here in Canada we own a three bedroom home with two bathrooms, a double garage and an acre of land. The Canadian house is probably three times the size of the house in the UK but actually cost us less than we sold for.

Wildlife: We love the wildlife in Canada which is much more accessible than in the UK. We get lots of birds, squirrels, raccoons and deer in our garden and just a short drive away we can see many more varieties either at the local provincial parks or down by the lake and riverside. We were shocked to get hummingbirds in the garden as we had always thought of them as tropical birds.

Roads: We love the fact that where we live the roads are never busy. In fact you can drive for miles and not come across too many other vehicles, making driving a pleasure. You can travel much further here in less time than you could ever do in the UK where there is too much congestion. Driving in Canada is definitely less stressful.

Scenery near Brockville Security: We feel much safer here in Canada. In know that if you live in the big cities such as Toronto there is still ample crime, but out here in the sticks there is very little. People often leave their car windows down and cars unlocked in car parks even if there is visible stuff inside.

We still cannot allow ourselves to do this though.

deal with is the odd raccoon squabble or a few coyote howling.

Peace and quiet: Although we lived close to the countryside in the UK, we still had cars going past day and night. We also had neighbours who, shall we say, were not the most considerate when playing music, revving up their cars and generally being teenage boys.

Here in Canada we still have some neighbours, but we rarely hear a peep out of them. We are on a very quiet road, and we can sit outside and not hear anything other than the birds and squirrels etc..

When we first moved into our house we had trouble sleeping, as it was too quiet in the night. The most we have to

Things we don’t like about Canada

Eating Out: This is much cheaper than in the UK and we eat out here far more often than we ever did in the UK. In our local town of Brockville you can find loads of restaurants which cater for every taste and budget.

Bugs: We honestly didn’t expect as many bugs as we get here in the summer.

I personally don’t seem to suffer too much, but Ian is like a bug magnet and spent most of the summer months with several bites at any one time.

TV: The TV in Canada/America is good in many ways, but so, so bad in others. Many of the programs are great, some of which we were watching when back in the UK like House, CSI etc.

Real Life 27 .

However, we cannot get used the terrible comedies they show and the constant advert breaks. An example is Coronation Street: This is a half hour show with three ad breaks, each lasting 3-4 minutes – agh!

Shopping: Food shopping is more expensive than the UK and we feel the quality is not as good in many cases. We also have to shop at more than one store to get everything we want rather than just the one in the UK. Lack of Manners: We have been constantly amazed by the lack of manners we see in Canada. This extends from motorist blocking junctions without a thought to other road users, to having doors slammed in your face by people not bothering to look behind them and hold a door open.

Table manners also leave a lot to be desired and many people seem incapable of using a knife and fork together. We often see someone holding a fork like a dagger and stabbing at his or her food – strange.

Lack of doctors: Since arriving in Canada we have been unable to get a family doctor. This is not just a problem where we live, but countrywide, there just aren’t enough doctors for everyone. This means you either just don’t bother, or you have to go to a walk-in clinic. These clinics are generally packed with people and you have to wait for many hours to be seen: not an ideal situation.

TV: As we mentioned before North American TV leaves a little to be desired.

We miss some of the UK dramas that we used to watch and although some are shown in Canada, we are definitely missing most of them. We have taken to downloading some from the internet so it’s not too bad.

Food: Although we can get most of the same types of food we had in the UK here in Canada there are a few items we miss. Ian misses pork pies and I miss garibaldi and malted milk biscuits.

What we don’t miss about the UK: Driving: I don’t miss driving 35 miles to and from work every day on busy Aroads. We don’t miss the road rage and the tailgating and the excessive speeding.

Noise: We don’t miss the constant noise of the UK, be it roads, kids, cars, music etc.

Claustrophobia: We lived on an estate that meant our house was overlooked front and back by lots of other properties. Here we have wide-open spaces and privacy.

Our house: We lived in our house quite happily for over twelve years, and although it was no mansion, we never considered it cramped. Since moving here, we realise how small the house was and now wonder how we ever managed.

Summary Although we had a pretty good life in the UK, we have a better quality of life in Canada. We have a better house, better car, more wildlife, more countryside etc.

Our cost of living is a little less than the UK but not as much as we were led to believe.

Houses and cars are cheap but day to day living is similar.

We have never regretted moving to Canada and hope we never will.

Anglo Pacific made it easy When we moved to Canada Anglo Pacific took care of everything

What we miss about the UK Friends & relatives: We only have a few relatives in the UK, Ian’s mum, my parents and we both have brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces and we do miss them all. However with technology as it is we can keep in touch really easily and even see each other on our webcams.

Most of them have visited us in Canada so it perhaps isn’t as bad as we thought it might be.

Next: I really, really miss shopping in Next. They had great clothes that fitted me, oh how I wish they had a store in Canada.

I have heard others say this too, so come on Next open a store here.

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28 Money

Why wills are so important None of us likes to think about death, but unfortunately it is the one thing we can all be certain of achieving. We can never know when or how we are going to die, but we can have a say in what happens to our estate after we have gone. We can all write a Last Will and Testament.

Many people don’t think about what will happen to our belongings and finances after death, after all you won’t be around to care - but someone will be. That someone could be a spouse, relative or friend and if you haven’t prepared in advance you could be leaving a potential nightmare for those left behind. By having a will you are clearly laying out how you want your estate to be handled after you are gone.

Many people think that they don’t have to bother with a will as they haven’t got much to leave behind, or they only have a few relatives and feel sure it will all get sorted out in the end, but this may not be the case. Every province and territory in Canada has it’s own rules regarding people who die intestate (without a will) and how their estate will be divided. You may find that your estate might not go to who you think! The following details give an overview of the way an estate might be distributed if a person dies intestate. In most cases if there is no spouse or children the estate will then go to grandchildren, parents, siblings, nephews and nieces etc.

Property jointly owned with right of survivorship, joint bank accounts and life insurance may be exempt from the estate as it is automatically transfered to the surviving person after death.

If the deceased has a spouse and children the spouse will receive the first $65,000 and a portion of the remaining estate. If the deceased has one child the remaining estate is divided equally between the child and the spouse. If the deceased has more than one child the spouse will receive one third of the remaining estate and the other two thirds will be divided between the children.

If the deceased has no spouse, only children, the estate is divided equally between them.

If the deceased has a spouse and one child the spouse will receive the first $50,000 and the remaining estate will be divided equally between the spouse and child. If the deceased has more than one child the spouse will receive one third of the remaining estate and the remainder will be shared equally between the children. If the deceased has no spouse the estate is divided equally between any children.

Saskatchewan

Alberta

If only a spouse survives the deceased the entire estate will go to If the deceased leaves just a spouse them. However if the deceased is then the entire estate will pas to the survived by both spouse and children the spouse. spouse will receive the first $100,000 of If the deceased has a spouse and the estate and the remaining estate will be one child, the first $40,000 will go to the shared half and half if there is one child. If spouse and the remaining estate divided there are two or more children the spouse equally between the spouse and child. If will receive one third of the remaining there is more than one child the spouse estate and the remaining estate will be receives one third of the remaining estate divided equally between the descendants. and the remainder is split equally between If the deceased has no spouse the the children. If the deceased has no estate is divided equally between any spouse, only children the estate is divided children. equally between them.

Ontario British Columbia

Manitoba

The spouse of the deceased will If a person dies, leaving only a spouse (no children) then the entire estate receive the entire estate if there are no children. goes to the spouse.

If a person dies and only leaves a spouse, that spouse will receive the entire estate. If the deceased has no spouse the estate is divided equally between any

Money 29 children. If the deceased has a spouse and children the estate will be divided as follows: The spouse will receive the first $200,000 from the estate and the remaining estate will be divided equally between the spouse and a single child. If there is more than one child then the spouse will receive one third and the remaining two thirds will be divided equally between the children.

QuĂŠbec In QuĂŠbec the rules are slightly different. If the deceased is married and the marriage contract or civil union contains a clause stating that the surviving spouse should receive the whole estate then that is what happens.

However if no such clause exists the estate is divided as follows: If the deceased has a spouse and children the spouse will receive one third and he remaining estate will be divided equally between children. If there are children but no spouse the estate is divided equally between them.

If there is a spouse, but no children or other descendants the spouse will receive the estate, however if there are other descendants the spouse will only receive one third of the estate and the remaining estate will be divided between descendants consisting of parents, siblings, nieces and nephews etc.

Nova Scotia A surviving spouse shall receive the whole estate if there are no children. If the deceased has both a spouse and children the estate will be divided. The spouse shall receive the first $50,000 and the remaining estate will be divided equally between a spouse and one child or one third to the spouse and two thirds to two or more children.

If there are children but no spouse the estate will be shared equally between them.

New Brunswick If the deceased dies leaving only a spouse the spouse shall receive the

whole estate. If there is a spouse and one child the spouse shall receive the matrimonial home and one half of the remaining estate, the other half going to the child. If there is more than one child the spouse shall receive the home and one third of the remaining estate. The remaining two thirds shall be divided equally between the children.

If there are children but no spouse the estate will be shared equally between them.

Prince Edward Island If only a spouse survives the deceased they will receive the entire estate, however if there are children the estate is divided. The spouse will receive the first $50,000 of the estate and the remainder will be divided as follows: if there is one child the spouse and child will share the remainder equally. If there is more than one child the spouse will receive one third and the remaining estate will be split equally between the children.

If there are children but no spouse the estate will be divided equally between them.

Newfoundland and Labrador A surviving spouse will receive the entire estate if there are no children. If there is one child the estate will be divided equally between the spouse and the child.

If there is more than one child the spouse shall receive one third of the estate and the children the remaining two thirds, shared equally.

If there are children but no spouse the estate will be shared equally between them.

Northwest Territories The surviving spouse shall receive the whole estate if there are no children. If there are children the spouse will receive the first $50,000 of the estate and the remaining estate shall be divided in half between a spouse and one child, or one third to the spouse and two thirds to the children if there is more than one. If there

are children but no spouse the estate will be shared equally between them.

Nunavut If only a spouse survives the deceased they will receive the entire estate, however if there are children the estate is divided and the spouse will receive the first $75,000 of the estate and the remaining estate shall be divided in half between a spouse and one child, or one third to the spouse and two thirds to the children if there is more than one. If there are children but no spouse the estate will be shared equally between them.

Yukon A surviving spouse will receive the entire estate if there are no children. If there is one child the estate will be divided equally between the spouse and the child.

If there is more than one child the spouse shall receive one third of the estate and the children the remaining two thirds, shared equally.

If there are children but no spouse the estate will be shared equally between them.

Conclusion There are many factors which can affect claims to estates and everyone is recommended to make a legal will to be sure your estate will be divided as you would want.

People in common-law or same sex relationships should always consult a lawyer regarding wills as different rules apply in different areas.

If your circumstances change such as a marriage, separation, divorce etc you should rewrite your will as these factors may void a previous will unless stipulated otherwise.

Don’t think of a will as a morbid thing, rather as a gift to those you leave behind enabling them to settle your estate more easily and to your wishes.

30 Money

Cosmetics and fragrance price comparison All prices in Canadian dollars converted using HiFX n 17th December 2007 US dollar - Canadian dollar = 1.023 , BD Pound - Canadian dollar = 2.074 We have used prices from London Drugs in Canada, Boots the Chemist in the UK and Rite Aid in the US All prices are base prices excluding all taxes

PRODUCT DETAILS

CANADA

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

Maybelline Volume Express Mascara

6.99

7.35

8.81

L’Oreal Glam Shine Lip Gloss

8.99

9.20

12.35

Revlon SuperLustrous Lip Colour

7.99

5.70

12.84

L’Oreal Cashmere Perfect Powdercreme Makeup

16.99

12.79

15.87

Nivea Visage Gentle Eye Makeup Remover 125ml

8.99

5.92

5.72

Olay Daily Facial Express Cleansing Cloths 30 pk

8.99

5.72

9.54

Revlon Fabulash Mascara

5.99

6.94

14.98

Olay Regenerist Night Cream 50ml

27.99

19.75

34.44

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

8.99

7.25

10.56

Revlon ColorStay Always On Nail Enamel

3.99

6.05

10.91

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

6.99

5.10

6.50

Calvin Klein Obsession Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml

89.00

61.41

79.44

Armani Code for Women Eau de Toilette 75ml

97.5

78.80

98.86

Hugo Energise Eau de Toilette 75ml

49.99

47.08

56.49

Ralph Lauren Polo Eau De Toilette Spray 59ml

70.00

40.92

58.26

Lacoste Touch of Pink Eau de Parfum 50ml

72.00

75.22

60.02

David Beckham Eau de Toilette Spray - 50ml

53.00

57.31

44.13

Total Shopping Basket Price

544.38

452.51

539.72

Money 31 . .

32 Employment

Canada's Top 100 Employers For the last nine years a national competition has been held to determine Canada’s top employers. The employers are evaluated on a number of criteria:

Christie Digital Systems Canada, Inc. Deloitte & Touche LLP Diagnostic Chemicals Limited / DCL Durham Regional Police Service EPCOR Utilities Inc. Emergis Inc. • Physical workspace Enbridge Inc. • Work atmosphere and social • Health, financial and family benefits Export Development Canada / EDC Fairmont Hotels & Resorts • Vacation and time off Farm Credit Canada / FCC • Employee communications Fidelity Investments Canada Limited • Performance management General Dynamics Canada, Ltd. • Training and skills development Community involvement Golder Associates Ltd. • Great Little Box Company Ltd., Employers are compared to other The organizations in their field to determine HSBC Bank Canada which offers the most progressive and Halifax Herald Limited, The forward-thinking programs.

Hamilton Health Sciences Any employer with a head office or Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. principal place of business is eligible.

Hill & Knowlton Canada They can be private or public and of any I Love Rewards Inc. size.

IKEA Canada Limited Partnership In alphabetical order the 2008 Jacques Whitford Ltd. winners are: KPMG LLP Keane Canada, Inc. Abebooks Inc. L'OrŽal Canada Inc. Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. / Laurentide Controls Ltd. ALPAC MBNA Canada Bank AltaGas Ltd. Manitoba Liquor Control Commission Appleby College Mars Canada Inc. Arcis Corporation Marsh Canada Limited Assiniboine Credit Union Limited McGill University Health Centre / MUHC Association of Management, Microsoft Canada Co. Administrative and Professional Crown Mintz & Partners LLP Employees of Ontario, The / AMAPCEO Monsanto Canada Inc. Bayer Inc. NB Power Holding Corporation BioWare Corp.

National Arts Centre BitHeads, Inc. New Flyer Industries Ltd. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Next Level Games Inc. Boeing Canada Technology Ltd., North Atlantic Refining Ltd. Winnipeg Division Nycomed Canada Inc. British Columbia Safety Authority / BCSA OPSEU Pension Trust Business Development Bank of Canada / Office of the Auditor General of Canada BDC Ontario Power Generation Inc. CAE Inc. PCL Construction Group Inc. Canada Post Corporation Patient News Publishing Inc. Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Cementation Canada Inc. Procter & Gamble Inc. Ceridian Canada Ltd. Progressive Solutions Inc. Certified General Accountants Association Radical Entertainment Inc. of Canada / CGA-Canada Research In Motion Limited / RIM

Royal British Columbia Museum Corporation Royal Canadian Mint Russell Investments Canada Limited SAS Institute (Canada) Inc. Sapient Canada, Inc. SaskTel Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Saskatchewan Government Insurance / SGI Shell Canada Limited Sierra Systems Group Inc. Simon Fraser University Spruceland Millworks Inc. Suncor Energy Inc. Swiss Re Life & Health Canada Sybase iAnywhere Solutions, Inc. Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. TD Bank Financial Group Toronto Hydro Corporation Toronto International Film Festival Inc. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. Trican Well Service Ltd. University Health Network / UHN University of Toronto Urban Systems Ltd. Vancouver City Savings Credit Union / VanCity Veer Incorporated Wardrop Engineering Inc. Whistler, Resort Municipality of Yellow Pages Group York, Regional Municipality of

Employment 33

Average earnings in Canada Statistics Canada recently released details regarding average earnings for certain industries and averages for the provinces and territories.

In October the average weekly earnings of all types of employment in Canada rose to $776.48, an increase of 0.5% or $4.04. Alberta saw the highest increases of +4.6%.

Here is a breakdown of the average weekly earnings for each province and territory.

PROVINCE OR TERRITORY

AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS

Alberta

$853.89

British Columbia

$763.50

Manitoba

$712.35

Saskatchewan

$735.68

Ontario

$807.01

Nova Scotia

$670.47

Newfoundland and Labrador

$723.60

New Brunswick

$710.69

QuĂŠbec

$724.49

Prince Edward Island

$627.41

Yukon

$892.43

Northwest Territories

$1026.84

Nunavut

$956.34

The average weekly earnings for different types of work vary significantly. The following information is based on average earnings for all job types within the industry stated.

INDUSTRY

WEEKLY WAGE

Forestry, logging & support

$954.16

Mining, oil and gas

$1,426.86

Utilities

$1,139.44

Construction

$951.98

Manufacturing

$945.00

Retail

$487.27

Finance & Insurance

$1,013.99

Real Estate

$694.09

Education

$833.88

Health care

$708.13

Accommodation & food services

$325.28

Public administration

$983.49

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34 Employment

British Columbia Toyota hiring in looks to Ontario for Ontario workers The new Toyota assembly plant in British Columbia is so short of workers the government is looking further afield to fill vacancies in local companies.

In February a one-week job fair will take place in southern Ontario which will be sponsored by B.C. companies.

In the 1990’s many people left the province for Ontario when B.C. faced high unemployment levels, now the province wants to woo these workers back. It is estimated that around 50,000 left British Columbia and Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen said, “ Part of our campaign is to attract back some of the British Columbians who left the province 10 years ago.

“We know now with some of the challenges that southern Ontario is facing in the manufacturing sector that now might be the time to communicate to some of those former British Columbians and others that there are some great opportunities and some long-term opportunities for careers.”

The job fair will take place in locations throughout southern Ontario including Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor and Kitchener-Waterloo.

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) will be attending the fair with the hope of attracting construction workers. With over 20,000 workers expected to retire in the next ten years the BCCA has launched programs to recruit new workers particularly women, aboriginals and internationally trained workers.

Manley McLachlan, president of the BCCA said, “We want to attract skilled workers, particularly from European countries that have a similar training program and standards to Canada’s.

“One would assume it might be a little easier to recruit people from within Canada. And having done very little recruitment inside Canada we thought this would be a good opportunity to give it a whirl.”

Woodstock Ontario is looking for workers now that the plant has been completed.

The plant will hire approximately 2,000 people ready for production to start later in 2008.

The 1.8 million square foot plant which has cost $1.1 billion will build the next generation 2009 RAV-4 SUV and is expected to produce 150,000 units per year.

Around 300 employees have already been hired and Toyota expect to receive around 40,000 applications for the remaining 2,000 posts.

Alberta launch offshore assessment for nurses In December Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Alberta Health and Wellness launched a new initiative to help the nursing shortage in the province.

Traditionally internationally trained nurses who wanted to work in Alberta had to travel to the province and take assessment exams in Calgary. The new program will allow nurses to be assessed before they arrive allowing them to integrate much quicker into the local workforce. Their skills will be assessed in language, competencies and knowledge against Registered Nurse competency standards.

The newly funded project is a collaboration between Mount Royal College’s Internationally Educated Nurses Assessment Centres in Calgary and The College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. Assessments are taking place in London, Dublin, Dubai, Qatar and elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates.

Tony Clement, Minister of Health said, “Projects such as this will help to alleviate Canada’s nursing shortage, which in turn will lead to improved care and a reduction in wait times. This is a

ground-breaking initiative, in which the Government of Canada is proud to take part.” The federal government will be contributing $536,000 to the program.

“We’re delighted with this federal support that ensures increased access to nurses educated and registered in other countries who, through our program, are able to continue their careers as fully qualified and fully registered nurses here in Canada,” said Mount Royal College President, Dave Marshall. “By working together we can help ensure the supply of health care workers necessary to ensure a high quality health care system in Canada.”

42,600 jobs added in November Canada added 42,600 jobs in November and wages rose 4.2%. So far this year the economy has added 388,000 jobs, an increase of 2.3%.

Statistics Canada said the rate of employment in Canada now stands at a record high of 63.8 per cent - higher than in the United States and in most European countries.

The biggest employment growth was in British Columbia, Québec, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.

Sectors recording job gains were transportation and warehousing; business, building and other support services; educational services; and natural resources.

Unemployment rates by province in November: Canada 5.9% Newfoundland and Labrador 13.2% Prince Edward Island 11.2% Nova Scotia 8.0% New Brunswick 7.2% Québec 7.0% Ontario 6.2% Manitoba 4.2% Saskatchewan 4.0% Alberta 3.6% British Columbia 4.2%

Motoring 35

Types of Driving Licence In Canada there are many different types of driving licence available. Here we list the most common types along with a description of vehicles allowed to be driven. For most people the Class 5 or G licence is the one you will need as this covers most passenger vehicles. Other more specialist licences are also available.

VEHICLE TYPE

LICENCE TYPE

CLASS REQUIRED

Semi-trailer trucks and all other motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles except motorcycles

Class 1 in all provinces and territories except in Ontario where it is a Class A

Buses (over 24 seats), including school buses (over 36 seats), special activity buses and special vehicles Trailers or towed vehicles may not exceed 4,600 kilograms except if the bus and trailers or towed vehicles do not have air brakes

Class 2 in all provinces and territories except in Ontario where it is a Class B, C or D depending upon use and type

Trucks with more than two axles, such as dump trucks and large tow trucks, but not including a bus that is being used to transport passengers Trailers may not exceed 4,600 kilograms except if the truck and trailers do not have air brakes A tow car towing a vehicle of any weight A mobile truck crane

Class 3 in all provinces and territories except in Ontario where it is a Class D

Buses with a maximum seating capacity of 25 persons (including the driver), including school buses, special activity buses and special vehicles used to transport people with disabilities Taxis and limousines Ambulances Special vehicles with a seating capacity of not more than 10 persons (including the driver) used to transport people with disabilities

Class 4 in all provinces and territories except in Ontario where it is a Class B or E,

Two axle vehicles including cars, vans, trucks and tow trucks, motor homes (including those with more than two axles), construction vehicles Trailers or towed vehicles may not exceed 4,600 kilograms Limited speed motorcycles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs) Passenger vehicles used as school buses with seating capacity of not more than 10 persons (including the driver) Three-wheeled vehicles - does not include threewheeled motorcycles (trikes) or motorcycle/sidecar combinations

Class 5 in all provinces and territories except in Ontario where it is a Class G and British Columbia where it can be Class 5 or 7

Motorcycles, all-terrain cycles, all terrain vehicles (ATVs)

Class 6 in all provinces and territories except in Ontario where it is a Class M and British Columbia where it can be Class 6 or 8

36 Motoring

Ontario introduces new driving licence

At the beginning of December Ontario’s Minister of Transport Jim Bradley unveiled a new, more secure driving licence for Ontario.

The licence is available immediately and will be issued to all new licence holders or those requesting replacement licences.

The licence is more secure than previous licences making fraud and identity theft more difficult. The new card incorporates leading edge security features such as laser engraved photo, signature, personal information, a fine line background, 2D barcode, micro and rainbow printing, secondary photo and signature images and ultraviolet features among others.

It is hoped that in the future the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will authorise the use of the card for border crossings into the United States removing the need for Ontarians to use passports. If this is approved information such as Citizenship will be added to the card.

Alberta asks for licence plate design ideas The existing Alberta licence place has been around for 25 years and so the government is looking at redesigning the plate. It has asked Albertans to share their views and submit their own designs and has even set up a website made for the purpose.

“We want all Albertans to share their views, especially children and youth, and we’ve designed this consultation to encourage young people to take part,” Lloyd Snelgrove, Minister of Service Alberta said.

The government will also consult with law enforcement, public safety organizations and others on the design, use, production and distribution of a new licence plate. A new licence plate design would apply to cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, commercial vehicles, and personalized licence plates. The website address is: www.licenceplate.alberta.ca.

Cobalt, Toyota Camry and Pontiac G5/ Pursuit.

Year-to-date, the top ten best-selling cars as of November were the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Cobalt, Toyota Camry, Pontiac G5/Pursuit, Ford Focus, Nissan Versa and Toyota Matrix.

Top selling cars in Canada

In order, the top ten best-selling light trucks in Canada in November were the Ford F-Series, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Year-to-date, the top ten best-selling light trucks as of November were the Ford F-Series, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford In order, the top ten best-selling Escape, Ford Ranger, Honda CR-V, passenger cars in Canada in November were the Honda Civic, Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac Montana SV6 and Chevrolet Uplander.

Mazda3, Honda Accord, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet

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Motoring 37

Green rebate on new 2008 models In our June 2007 issue we gave you details of the Canadian governments measures to encourage people to buy fuelefficient vehicles. The government offered rebates on cars which fulfilled their ‘green” criteria.

In that issue which can be downloaded from our website www.muchmormagazine.com we gave details of all the models from 2006 and 2007 which were included in the rebate scheme. Last week the government announced the latest 2008 models which will be included in the scheme, they are as follows:

$2,000 rebate Toyota Prius: 1.5L, 4 cylinder, continuously variable transmission Honda Civic Hybrid: 1.3L, 4 cylinder continuously variable transmission Smart ForTwo (coupe & Convertible): 1.0L, 3 cylinder 5-speed automatic with manual mode Ford Escape Hybrid (FWD & AWD): 2.3L, 4 cylinder continuously variable transmission Saturn VUE Hybrid: 2.4L, 4 cylinder 4-speed automatic

$1,500 rebate Toyota Camry Hybrid: 2.4L, 4 cylinder continuously variable transmission Nissan Altima Hybrid: 2.5L, 4 cylinder continuously variable transmission Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4x4: 3.3L, 6 cylinder continuously variable transmission

$1,000 rebate Toyota Corolla: 1.8L, 4 cylinder, 5speed manual Toyota Yaris (hatchback or sedan): 1.5L, 4 cylinder 5-speed manual or 4speed automatic Mini Cooper or Copper Clubman: 1.6L, 4 cylinder 6-speed manual Honda Civic (2 or 4 door): 1.8L, 4 cylinder 5-speed manual

Honda Fit: 1.5L, 4 cylinder 5-speed manual Lexus RX 400H 4WD: 3.3L, 6 cylinder continuously variable transmission Jeep compass 2x4 & 4x4: 2.4L, 4 cylinder 5-speed manual Jeep Patriot 2x4 & 4x4: 2.4L, 4 cylinder 5-speed manual Chevrolet HHR FWD (Panel FWD): 2.2L, 4 cylinder 4-speed automatic Nissan Rogue FWD: 2.5L, 4 cylinder continuously variable transmission Jeep Compass 2x4: 2.0L, 4 cylinder continuously variable transmission Jeep Patriot 2x4: 4 cylinder continuously variable transmission

Flex-fuel Vehicle ecoAUTO Eligibility $1,000 rebate Chevrolet Impala FFV: 3.5L, 6 cylinder 4-speed automatic Dodge Avenger FFV: 2.7L, 6 cylinder 4-speed automatic Chrysler Sebring Sedan FFV: 2.7L, 6 cylinder 4-speed automatic Chevrolet Impala FFV: 3.9L, 6 cylinder 4-speed automatic Certain provinces also give rebates for “green” cars. Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia all offer rebates in addition to the government rebates from between $1,000 and $3,000.

38 Education

How do Canadian students measure up?

Over the last few years the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) has been looking at how 15 year olds perform in reading, science and mathematics. In total fifty-seven countries participated in the program including Canada. In each country at least 5,000 students were tested in at least 150 different schools. In Canada 22,000 students from every province in approximately 1,000 schools were part of the program.

Science Canadian students performed very well in combined science with only Finland and Hong Kong-China outperforming them. Within the three science competency Canadians also performed well. In two Competencies “identifying scientific issues” and “using scientific evidence” Canada came second only to Finland. In a third competency “explaining phenomena scientifically” Canada came fifth behind Finland, Hong Kong-China, Chinese Taipei and Estonia.

Alberta outperformed all other provinces in science with above Canadian average results. Provinces who performed significantly lower than the national average were Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Ontario, Québec and British Columbia all performed as well as the Canadian average.

The results also showed that students in English language schools performed better than those in French language schools except in Québec where the French language schools performed slightly better.

In the competency “using scientific evidence” girls outperformed boys in Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan. The other provinces saw no difference between the sexes. Girls also outperformed boys in “identifying

scientific issues” in Canada as a whole.

However, boys came tops in most provinces in “explaining phenomena scientifically”. The only exceptions being Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan where no significant difference was seen.

In Combined science the overall scores were as follows. The average score is classed as 500 points.

1. Finland 2. Hong Kong-China 3. Canada 4. Chinese Taipei 5. Estonia 6. Japan 7. New Zealand 8. Australia 9. Netherlands 10. Korea

563 542 534 532 531 531 530 527 525 522

Other significant results: 13. Germany 14. United Kingdom 20. Ireland 25. France 29. United States 50. Indonesia

516 515 508 495 489 393

In Canada the provinces scores points as follows: Alberta British Columbia Ontario Québec Newfoundland and Labrador Manitoba Nova Scotia Saskatchewan Prince Edward Island New Brunswick

550 539 537 531 526 523 520 517 509 506

Reading Once again Canadian students performed well in this subject with only Korea, Finland and Hong Kong-China performing better.

None of the provinces scored above the Canadian average in reading.

Québec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia all performed at levels equal to the Canadian average. The remaining provinces all performed below the national average in this subject.

Students in minority language schools such as French language schools in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick etc on

Education 39 .

average performed significantly lower than English language school students. In Québec there was no significant difference between English or French language schools.

Overall Canada maintained its scores in reading over the last six years, however other countries have improved significantly meaning they now outperformed Canada.

Girls outperformed boys throughout Canada in reading.

The following results were seen in reading with 500 being the average score.

1. Korea 2. Finland 3. Hong Kong-China 4. Canada 5. New Zealand 6. Ireland 7. Australia 8. Liechtenstein 9. Poland 10. Netherlands

556 547 536 527 521 517 513 510 508 507

Other significant results: 15.

16.

17.

18.

23.

Japan Chinese Taipei Germany United Kingdom France

other provinces all performed below the national average.

In New Brunswick and Ontario the English language school student performed much better than their French language school colleagues and in Québec French language schools did much better than English. In other provinces the differences were minor.

Boys outperformed girls in Nova Scotia, Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. The remaining provinces saw no significant differences.

The following results were seen in mathematics with 500 being the average score.

1. Chinese Taipei 2. Finland 3. Hong Kong-China 4. Korea 5. Netherlands 6. Switzerland 7. Canada 8. Macao China 9. Liechtenstein 10. Japan

549 548 547 547 531 530 527 525 525 523

Other significant results: 11.

18.

21.

22.

24.

34.

New Zealand Germany Ireland France United Kingdom United States

522 504 501 496 495 474

In Canada the provinces scores points as follows: Québec Alberta Ontario British Columbia Manitoba Newfoundland and Labrador Saskatchewan New Brunswick Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island

540 530 526 523 521 507 507 506 506 501

498 496 495 495 488

In Canada the provinces scores points as follows: Alberta Ontario British Columbia Québec Manitoba Newfoundland and Labrador Saskatchewan Nova Scotia New Brunswick Prince Edward Island

535 534 528 522 516 514 507 505 497 497

Mathematics Québec was the only province to score better than the Canadian average in this subject. Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia all performed at the same levels as the national average. The

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40 Kidzone

Girl Guides in Canada Last month we looked at Scouting in Canada and how it is open to both boys and girls. This month we take a look at the Girl Guides movement in Canada which as its name suggests is only open to girls and young women.

Girl Guide programs are available throughout Canada for girls up to the age of 18 years. The aim of the Girl Guides is to help girls and young women become responsible citizens, able to give leadership and service to the community, whether local, national or global.

In Canada there are over 100,000 girls participating in the Girl Guides program.

The Girl Guides follows certain principals: Vision: The Girl Guides wants to make a positive difference to every girl who participates so she can contribute responsibly to her community.

Mission: To challenge members in their personal development and empower them to be responsible citizens.

Promise: I promise to do my best, To be true to myself, my God/faith* and Canada; I will help others, And accept the Guiding Law. Law: • be honest and trustworthy • use my resources wisely • respect myself and others • recognize and use my talents and abilities • protect our common environment • live with courage and strength • share in the sisterhood of Guiding.

Girl Guides are famous for their cookies which are sold to raise funds. The tradition of making cookies goes back to 1927 when the cookies were first made to raise money for uniforms and camping equipment. Although many different types of cookies have been sold over the years, today the chocolate and vanilla creme are

the ones sold by guides all over Canada in the spring and during the fall the chocolatey mint variety are sold. They are produced by a Canadian owned company, Dare Foods Limited and are both nut and peanut free and cost $4.00 per box.

Every year over five million boxes of cookies are sold in Canada raising approximately $13 million.

Guides of all ages have the opportunity to participate in the cookie selling and receive a certificate and a badge for taking part.

If you want to take part in Girl Guide activities there are several programs available:

Sparks Sparks are for girls of 5 or 6 years of age. The Sparks take part in various activities such as arts and crafts, nature activities, outdoors, science, community activities and sports amongst others. The aim of the group is to encourage young girls to make friends and take part in their community.

Sparks can earn badges when the take part in different activities. They usually meet once a week for about an hour.

Brownies The Brownies are for girls aged 7 and 8 years who want to gain confidence and learn new skills. Many different activities are included in Brownie programs such as first aid, healthy lifestyle, science and technology, outdoors, arts and crafts and much more. Camping and nature activities are popular as are community based projects.

Brownies earn badges either individually or in groups for skills and activities undertaken. They meet on a weekly basis for between one and one and a half hours.

Brownie Motto: Lend a Hand Brownie Law: As a Brownie I am honest and kind; I help take care Of the world around me.

Guides Guides are for girls aged 9 to 11 years. The guides promote young girls to engage in their community, learn new skills and make decisions. Girls take part

Kidzone 41 it's the Rangers themselves who decide what they would like to do and how they would like to go about doing it.

Senior Motto: Be Prepared

in community service projects to help understand other people and other cultures. Activities include camping, horseback riding, hiking, water sports as well as community activities such as food banks.

Guides can earn badges through learning new skills, developing awareness, exploring new ideas and expanding their understanding of the world around them. Guides meet every week for two hours.

Pathfinder Motto: Be Prepared Guide Law: The Guiding Law challenges me to: be honest and trustworthy use my resources wisely respect myself and others recognize and use my talents and abilities protect our common environment live with courage and strength share in the sisterhood of Guiding.

Senior Law: The Guiding Law challenges me to: be honest and trustworthy use my resources wisely respect myself and others recognize and use my talents and abilities protect our common environment live with courage and strength share in the sisterhood of Guiding.

Lones

Lones are for girls of any age who are unable to attend regular meetings.

This may be because of distance, health, lack of transport etc. Lone Guiding allows a girl to be assigned to a unit appropriate to her age. She is then sent details of all the activities and events and can take part whenever appropriate. They are sent Guide Motto: Senior Branches regular challenges which they return when Be Prepared complete and receive badges etc. They In Senior Branches, young women also receive fun stuff such as puzzles, Guide Law: (15-17 years) complete a core program crafts, games etc.

The Guiding Law challenges me to: that focus on adventure and This type of guiding is particularly be honest and trustworthy independence. Girls learn practical skills useful if a member has to move abroad use my resources wisely such as understanding relationships and and wants to keep in touch with friends respect myself and others money management. Hikes, trips, camps recognize and use my talents and abilities and service projects give Senior Branches and activities. It is also useful for members who may have disabilities or protect our common environment Members the opportunity to have fun in health issues preventing them from taking live with courage and strength the company of others their age. part fully in activities. Lone membership share in the sisterhood of Guiding.

In addition to the core program, can be for a few weeks, months or several Senior Branches Members choose from years depending on the circumstances. three program streams.

Pathfinders Cadets: Cadets gain practical Trex experience as leaders in different Pathfinders are aged between 12 and branches of Guiding. Cadets meet as a 14 years. They take leadership roles at “Trex” refers to “treks.” A trek is a unit to exchange ideas and plan activities, camps and events, perform community journey that can be challenging and and then go to Spark, Brownie, Guide and service, learn first aid and participate in sometimes even arduous. A Trex Girl citizenship projects. Outdoor activities are Pathfinder units to try out their programs Guide is someone who embraces on girls of varying ages. a popular part of the Pathfinder program Junior Leaders: Junior Leaders gain challenging, exciting and bold outdoor with things such as camping, canoeing adventures. She wants to face physical practical experience as leaders in one and even international travel. challenges energetically and fearlessly, as branch of Guiding. They are part of the Pathfinders plan their own program she tests her limits and pushes herself to leadership team involved in the planning with the guidance of their leaders. In overcome obstacles and achieve new and running of a unit.

Pathfinders the girls determine if their Rangers: Rangers are challenged to goals. Trex is open to girls between 12 challenges will be done individually, in and 17 years of age plan and lead their own activities. Their small groups, or by the whole unit.

Unit Guiders act as resource people, but

42 Kidzone

What will you learn in school?

Depending on which province or territory you live in your school curriculum will differ slightly. Although all schools teach the basics of English, Maths and Science there are other subjects that you will be learning. This month we take a look at elementary school grades 1 - 8 or children aged 6 to 14 years and see what the key subjects are. Depending on the grade, different allocations of time per subject are allocated per week.

Alberta English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health and Life Skills, Art and Music.

Information and Communication Technology is added from Grade 2 British Columbia Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Fine arts, Health and Career Education.

From Grade 5 a second language is added. Grade 8 also includes Business Education, Home Economics and Technology Education

Education, Personal Development, Health and Well-being New Brunswick English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts Education, Technology, Music, Physical Education Prince Edward Island Arts, Communication and Information Technology, French, Health, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science At Grade 7 Health and Family Life, Industrial Technology, Home Economics and Social Studies are added Nova Scotia Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, Health Education, Physical Education

Next month we will look at the curriculum for secondary schools grades 9 - 12 (ages 14 - 18).

Carol Brough Sales Representative 102 Main Street Picton Ontario K0K 2T0

Saskatchewan Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health Education, Arts From Grade 7 Practical and Applied Arts are added

QuĂŠbec English Language Arts, French Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Arts

Additional optional subjects may also be offered such as additional languages, Aboriginal Studies, Drama etc.

I have helped many newcomers find a home in the Prince Edward County, Quinte area and now offer my services to Muchmor readers - give me a call today!

Manitoba Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health Education, Arts

Ontario The Arts, Health and Physical Education, Language, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Studies, French From Grade 8 History and Geography replace Social Studies

Newfoundland and Labrador French, English Language Arts, Health, Mathematics, Music and Art, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Social Studies From Grade 7 Home Economics, Technology, Industrial Arts, Education and Industrial Arts, Communications Technology are added. Grade 8 introduces Production Technology and Control Technology modules

Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd.

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Brokerage Each Office is independently Owned and Operated

I make it happen You make it home

Kidzone 43

Sharon Armitage Broker of Record (email) sharon@quinteisle.com

Betty Burns Sales Representative and Associate to Sharon Armitage

(email) betty@pictonrealty.com

YOUR LOCAL BROKER Situated in the Heart of Wellington, Ontario, Canada Serving ALL of Prince Edward County & Quinte District

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44 Out & About

Winter in Whistler The village of Whistler has a population of around 10,000 people, however visitors number over two million annually. It is located in the Coast Mountains about 125 km (2 hours) north of Vancouver. It can be found along Highway 99 which is also known as the Sea to Sky Highway and has been voted the “Most Romantic Road in the World”.

Whistler is known as one of the best year round mountain resorts in North America, but it is as a winter sports destination that it is best known.

Whistler is a village set between two mountains: Whistler and Blackcomb. It started life in the early 1900’s as a fishing camp and was a popular summer destination for Canadians. Over the years it has become one of the world’s premier winter resort destinations and will be the location of many sports during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The area has won many awards and accolades including: Best Overseas Resort (Luxury Travel Magazine 2007), Best North American Ski Resort (British Travel Awards 2006), Best Downhill Slopes in North America (Forbes Traveler 2006) and Number One Resort in North America (Skiing Magazine - 10 consecutive years).

So what sets Whistler apart from other locations? Firstly it is the two mountains Blackcomb and Whistler which together offer over 8,000 acres of skiing terrain. Secondly, snow. With over 10 metres of annual snowfall there is more than enough of the white stuff to go around. Even with all the snow, the temperatures at Whistler tend to be quite moderate with average January daytime temperature of around -2°C and going into the high twenties in the summer months.

It has the longest ski season in Canada and the largest ski area in North America.

If you are the more shy and retiring type you might want to check out some of Whistler has something for everyone Whistler’s more gentle activities such as from steep, death-defying slopes to gentle skating on a mountain lake, or how about a magical sleigh ride in a sleigh pulled by nursery slopes for those with less giant horses. You can even include a stop experience. Of course there are many off with roaring camp fire, dinner, hot activities you can choose to take part in. chocolate and of course a singing cowboy The most obvious is skiing and you can show. take advantage of 200 runs which offer Dog sledding is another popular expert, intermediate and beginner activity where you can enjoy having the terrains. You can also Heli-ski which Huskies do all the work. Or how about involves being taken by helicopter to the some gentle winter fishing? run and skiing off-trail downhill. This is On days when you just want to sit only for the more experienced skier. If you don’t fancy a helicopter ride, how about a back and relax why not take in some of the local scenery? snowcat? At Whistler you can take an all There are many types and durations day adventure in a twelve-person snowcat of tour available such as aerial tours which takes you to runs for snowboarding where you board a plane or helicopter for and skiing activities. Then there is Nordic the view to remember. Aerial tours can be skiing or cross-country skiing and of just a few minutes to a whole day. If you course snowboarding. have a bit more energy then think about a If you fancy something a little more adventurous how about bungee jumping? back-country tour which enables you to explore the remote wilderness that is You can jump from a pedestrian bridge Whistler.

300 feet into a canyon with a whitewater Other tours available include hot rod river flowing underneath. The actual tours in all terrain vehicles for that extra bungee is only 160 feet, nothing really, thrilling ride or if you want something a bit what are you waiting for? more sedate then try a sno-limo. In a snoBungee jumping not enough adrenalin for you, how about ice climbing? limo you simply sit back and let someone With this activity you actually climb frozen else do all the work. This is a good activity for people who do not want to ski but want waterfalls so you need to be fit and the experience of the slopes. It is also possibly crazy. Another great activity is good for people with disabilities, ziplining in which you get strapped to a Young and old alike will no doubt love harness and zip along a steel cable the Coca-Cola Tube Park. The park has between two mountains - yes really!

Winter activities

Out & About 45 several lanes from 300 to 1,000 feet long where you can ride the snow and have lots of fun doing it.

Gay Travelers

Whistler has been voted the “largest gay-friendly mountain resort in North Accommodations America,” and home to the annual WinterPRIDE Whistler. In early February There are many accommodation every year (3rd - 10th 2008) thousands of options to choose from of all types and gay and straight people visit Whistler for prices. Hotels are available in Whistler the WinterPRIDE festivities. As well as itself or neighboring locations. They range taking part in the sports activities available from top class hotels such as the famous there are many other fun activities such Fairmont Chateau Whistler to the more as dances, banquets, parties, nightclubs budget friendly like the Holiday Inn or Best and live music to mention but a few. To Western chains. find out all the details of the 2008 event If you don’t fancy a hotel how about see the www.gaywhistler.com website. renting a home? Some can be rented via the individual owners, but many are Getting Married? available through management companies.

Whistler offers the perfect backdrop If you want to be a little closer to for the perfect wedding. Anyone can nature there is the Riverside R.V. Resort marry in Whistler, citizens, residents and and Campground. It is the only one in visitors alike. There are no blood tests or Whistler so advance booking is residency requirements, all you need is recommended. You can choose to stay in photo ID, birth certificates and divorce a log cabin or book one of the RV or tent certificates if relevant. Same-sex marriage sites. is legal in British Columbia, so what better

Facilities Whistler is a pedestrian-only village with all the amenities you require such as visitors centre, activity centre, parking, equipment hire, restaurants, accommodation, golf courses, spas, shopping, entertainment and nightlife.

There is a transit system called WAVE which can transport you to any location in the village or neighboring locations.

Disabled Travelers Don’t worry if you are disabled in any way as Whistler is accessible to all. Many of the ski areas are accessible to disabled travelers and many offer specialist equipment and programs, including lessons from certified instructors.

The local accommodations are also geared up for you with wheelchair accessible rooms and other such amenities. Transport is available throughout the resort for both able bodied and disabled people as is designated parking space.

place to hold your ceremony than Whistler.

You can arrange your own wedding or have a local wedding planner do it all for you.

Costs Obviously costs vary depending on where you stay, the activities you take part in and when you visit.

You can choose to book the different parts of your trip individually, or opt for one of the many packages available via tourist websites, travel agents, hotels etc.

Adult lift tickets cost from around $150 for a three-day pass and children around $100. A fourteen day pass will cost around $700 for an adult and $600 for children. Packages which include accommodation and lift tickets can be a money-saving option with seven-night packages from around $700 per person.

If you want to experience some of the other activities expect to pay from around $500 for cat-skiing, $120 bungee jumping, $800 Heliskiing, skiing lessons from $60, sleigh rides $100, dog sledding $300 and from $15 for the Tube Park.

46 Tea Break

Feedback I am desperate to move to Canada to be with family (none of the type to sponsor) and friends. I want to put in my application for skilled worker as i know the waiting list is long. The problem is I am currently studying for a degree and without it I will be short on points. Can I submit my application now with a note explaining that I am taking the course and will have graduated well before my case is assessed?

Molly, UK Unfortunately Molly, the CIC stipulate in their immigration regulations that you must qualify for all required criteria (experience, points and funds) at the time of application. This means that you cannot apply under the “promise of graduating”, you must have already done so. You should therefore wait until you have graduated and apply at this time, sorry.

My husband has a daughter by his first marriage who he no longer has any contact with. She is 26 years old and will not be accompanying us to Canada. Do we still have to include her on our application as this could be problematic.

Anon, UK As his daughter is over 22 years of age and is not a dependent, you do not have to include her on your application.

My wife an I submitted our application for residency to Canada just over a year ago. We have now decided to move to Spain instead to be with my brother and his family. Do we need to let CIC know of our decision or just leave it?

Dave, Ireland Yes, you definitely need to let CIC know of your change of heart.

By doing so before your application is processed you will receive a refund of your processing fees and, If paid your Right of Permanent Residence Fee. Also your withdrawal will allow someone else to move up in the queue. Good luck in Spain.

Before I begin I know this is a silly question, but I have to ask as my husband will not rest until I have an answer. Can you get HP sauce in Canada? Hubby cannot live without it!

Sue, Glasgow, Scotland

I live in South Africa and want to emigrate to Canada but I am not sure how to go about it. Can you help?

Daniel, Petoria The first thing you will need to do is decide which process of immigration you need to use. You should find the following websites useful in helping you make hat decision: Muchmor: www.muchmormagazine.com Citizenship and Immigration Canada: www.cic.gc.ca Canadian High Commission in South Africa: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/southafrica South Africans to Canada Forum: www.sacanada.org Canadian Relocation Solutions www.canadianrelocationsolutions.com

You would be amazed at the number of times we are asked this type of question, be it Marmite, baked beans or indeed HP Sauce. Yes, you can get HP sauce in most supermarkets throughout Canada.

How easy is it to renew a British Passport from Canada? We are moving to Ontario soon but will need to update our passport in the next few years.

Miloko, London It is very easy to renew a British passport once in Canada. Here is a link to the British High Commission in Ottawa click on Consular and Visa Services then passports.

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Tea Break 47

Top Canadian…

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TV shows

C.S.I. 3.13 Survivor: China (Tue) - 2.32 C.S.I. Miami - 2.29 C.S.I. New york - 2.08 Without a Trace - 2.07 Criminal Minds - 2.00 Survivor: China (Sun) - 1.98 C.S.I. - 1.62 CTV Evening News - 1.52 House (Tues) - 1.46

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House (Mon) - 1.45 The Polar Express - 1.41 CTV Evening News (wkd) - 1.37 Shrek the Halls - 1.31 N.H.L.C Game 1 - 1.28 NCIS - 1.16 Rudolph the Reindeer - 1.12 Jeopardy - 1.12 Ghost Whisperer - 1.10 Two and a Half Men - 1.09

CD’s 1. Noel, Josh Groban 2. Taking Chances, Celine Dion 3. Duets, Friends & Legends, Anne Murray 4. Muchdance 08, Various 5. One Chance, Paul Potts

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As I Am, Alicia Keys Ultimate Hits, Garth Brooks Let it Snow, Michael Buble Carnival Ride, Carrie Underwood Christmas With Boney M, Boney M

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The Bourne Ultimatum Superbad Pirates: At World’s End Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix The Nanny Diaries Live Free or Die Hard

7. Mr. Bean’s Holiday 8. Ocean’s Thirteen 9. I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry 10. Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Fiction paperbacks 1. The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett 2. Sign of Seven Trilogy Book 1, Nora Roberts 3. The Gathering, Anne Enright 4. Exit Music, Ian Rankin 5. Next, Michael Critchton 6. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini

7. Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García Marquez 8. Secrets From the Vinyl Cafe, Stuart McLean 9. Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen 10. Memory Keepers Daughter, Kim Edwards

Fiction hard cover 1. Late Nights on Air, Elizabeth Hay 2. Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini 3. Confessor, Terry Goodkind 4. World Without End, Ken Follett 5. Divisadero, Michael Ondaatie 6. For One More Day, Mitch Albom

7. T is For Trespass, Sue Grafton 8. Canadian Short Stories, Jane Urquhart 9. Playing For Pizza, John Grisham 10. Lord John and the Hand of Devils, Diana Gabaldon

48 Tea Break

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Tube Park Activities Slopes Aerial Tours WinterPRIDE Package

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Dog Sledding Blackcomb Nordic Skiing Wheelchair Village Ticket

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January 2008

MUCHMOR REALTY More properties online at www.muchmormagazine.com

muchmor realty bringing you the best property and realty news from around Canada

Canada’s house prices to rise by 3.5 % in 2008 A report by Royal Le Page, Canada After experiencing an exceptional year characterized by strong average house price appreciation and record breaking unit sales, the momentum from 2007 is anticipated to carry over and position Canada’s real estate market for steady, yet moderate growth in 2008, according to the Royal LePage 2008 Market Survey Forecast released today.

Nationally, average house prices are forecast to rise by 3.5 per cent to $317,288 in 2008, while transactions are projected to fall slightly from this year’s record high unit sales to 500,927 (–4.0 %) unit sales in 2008. Despite the year-overyear reduction in unit sales, the number of homes trading hands in 2008 is expected to remain higher than in all years prior to 2007.

“Canada’s housing market in 2008 should continue to thrive on a balanced diet of strong economic fundamentals, including high levels of employment, resilient consumer confidence, modest levels of inflation and the relatively low cost of borrowing money,” said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “Canada is currently enjoying one of the longest housing market expansions in history; however, as we move into 2008 it is anticipated that slowly eroding affordability will cause demand to ease, allowing the market to move toward balanced conditions, with lower levels of price appreciation, and fewer homes trading hands.”

With the most affordable major market homes in Canada, residents of Regina and Winnipeg are forecast to drive the greatest increases in house prices in 2008, as job opportunities and in-migration continue to soar in each city. While Calgary and Edmonton will continue to boast healthy

economies and high levels of home sale activity, the excessively fast run-up of home values in 2006 and the first half of 2007 priced people out of the market, causing inventory levels to rise late in the year. Alberta home price increases will be much more moderate in 2008 as the regional market continues to adjust to the new house value reality.

With the country’s highest home prices, Vancouver’s steadfast market will continue to expand on the back of a strong provincial economy. As the city readies itself for the 2010 Olympic Games, there will be an abundance of new jobs created.

Ontario and Québec markets are anticipated to maintain their relative strength and vibrancy throughout next year, weathering stormy financial markets and adjusting well to the high value of the Canadian dollar. The services based industries that have become the backbone of the Toronto and Montreal economies have tolerated the rise of Canada’s dollar to parity very well, despite increasingly

50 Realty price competitive offering from overseas markets.

In Atlantic Canada, a slight depletion of inventory coupled with high immigration levels will see the housing market growing at a strong and steady pace – Halifax is expected to have higher than national average growth in 2008.

The frenzied pace of price inflation that has characterized the real estate market over the past two years in the resource rich west were unsustainable and should ease substantially in 2008. In Central Canada, price increases peaked in late 2005, and have been moderating since.

From coast-to-coast, the homebuyer demographic is anticipated to swell with first-time purchasers, as many flock to take advantage of recently reduced lending rates, longer amortization periods and the resultant manageable mortgage payments.

Added Soper: “The year ahead presents opportunities for those people

who have shied away from the frenetic real estate market of the past few years, with its bidding wars and unconditional offers; while prices should continue to rise, they are expected to do so at a more reasonable pace. Canada’s economy is strong, and the desire for home ownership remains a vibrant and attainable goal – real estate remains a solid long term investment.”

LOCATION

2007 PROJECTED

2008 FORECAST

Halifax

$218,000

$233,000

Montreal

$230,000

$238,000

Ottawa

$273,500

$285,000

Toronto

$375,500

$388,500

Winnipeg

$170,500

$190,000

Regina

$163,500

$188,600

Calgary

$412,500

$429,000

Edmonton

$337,500

$341,000

Vancouver

$565,000

$587,500

51 Realty

Helen Parnell Tel: 403-932-8888 www.moving2alberta.com MLS: C3298002 City: Calgary

Price: $264,900 Bedrooms: 2

Province: Alberta Bathrooms: 2

Beautiful main floor condo in Bridlewood . This home is recently been painted and in immaculate condition with 2 bathrooms 2 bedrooms 2 parking stalls. The master bedroom has walk in closet and 4 piece ensuite. The kitchen has a large eating bar with plenty of space for entraining , All appliances are included with low condo fees covers everything except phone and cable. Walking distance from Sobies and all amenities. Don't miss this great buy. !!

MLS: C3297692 City: Cochrane

Price: $279,500 Bedrooms: 3

Province: Alberta Bathrooms: 2

Great private, secluded and quiet place to call home. This home has it all. Nice size family room to cosy into on these cold nights. The kitchen is bright with dining area and new laminate flooring installed earlier this year. The kitchen faces west so great for the evening sun. A two-piece washroom completes this level. Upstairs you have a good size master and then two further bedrooms. The 4-piece washroom is all new with tiling all the way to the top of the wall by the deep soaker tub. The walkout basement needs your finishing touches but walks out on to a nice deck on private fenced yard. Unit backs onto a treed

MLS: C3297037 City: Cochrane

Price: $569,900 Bedrooms: 4

Province: Alberta Bathrooms: 3

Executive style 2 storey walkout that has real "WOW" value. Open foyer at front entrance,sweeping staircase to upper level with open hallway and four bedrooms. Cozy living room off kitchen as well as an office/den. Beautiful wood cabinets in kitchen. Deck off garden door with valley views. Main floor laundry room includes washer and dryer with purchase. Large master BR has wonderful bright ensuite with soaker tub. Walkout has been professionally developed with wet bar, custom built-in wall unit and fireplace, another bathroom with extra large tiled shower.

MLS: C3275434 Price: $1,289,000 Province: Alberta City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Acres: 26.86 Great holding property only 5 km's north of Airdrie on Dickson/ Stevenson Trail. Most of the value is in the land as the house does need quite a lot of work. Includes a 30 x 40 steel quonset, a large double garage and a storage shed. House is sheltered in a very large grove of trees and is not visible from the road.

MLS: C3295500 City: Cochrane

Price: $489,900 Bedrooms: 3

Province: Alberta Bathrooms: 3

Lovely, fully finished, 2 story family home in sought after River view. Spacious master bedroom with gleaming hardwood and 4 piece en-suite. 2 other well sized bedrooms. Main floor features hardwood and porcelain tile, open kitchen and family area, formal dining and living room.. Fully finished basement with 2 more "bedrooms" full bathroom and family/rec room. Beautifully landscaped including New composite decking and aluminum rails.

Includes all appliances

52 Realty

MLS: 2076970 City: Prince Edward

Price: $169,900 Bedrooms: 2

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 1

2 Bedroom Bungalow in great Sub-division. Open concept Kitchen - Living room, Hallway to bedrooms and one bedroom door wider for wheelchair access. Single car detached garage built approx. 2 years ago. Storage room with access to 4'crawl space off of kitchen. Good sized kitchen with plenty of cabinets. Lot size to be verified.

MLS: 2075898 City: Prince Edward

Price: $375,900 Bedrooms: 5

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 2

Grand Century Home situated on a 12 acre parcel of land with great Privacy! Large barn in good condition. This home boasts many original features, 9 1/2 foot ceilings, extra wide baseboards, original trim and most doors. Over 3400 sq. ft. with great potential. Spacious 4 bedrooms upstairs, original wood bannister. Large room on main floor could be master bedroom or Parlour. This all brick home is set back from Road with long driveway going into property, offers a wonderful Privacy!

MLS: 2074064 City: Prince Edward

Price: $249,900 Bedrooms: 4

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 2

Well Kept family home in Great subdivision. Fully finished home on both levels. 2 bedrooms up and 2 bedrooms on lower level, with 4pc. washroom on both as well. Spacious eat-in kitchen with patio doors to deck and above ground pool. Backyard faces parkland. Finished rec-r.

MLS: 2073841 City: Wellington

Price: $239,900 Bedrooms: 2

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 2

Prime area of Wellington, quiet Cul-de-sac with many Newer homes! Walking distance to all amenities. This lovely 2 bedroom home would make a perfect retirement home. Gleaming hardwood floors, ceramic tiles,spacious master bedroom with bright 3pc. ensuite and large walk in closet. Open concept living area with gorgeous kitchen with patio doors to deck facing parkland. Large laundry room with access to attached garage. Full partially finished basement. Move in condition a must see

Realty 53

Kevin Gale Tel: 613-476-5900 kevingale@remax.net www.forsalebygale.com Re/Max Upper Canada Realty Ltd, Brokerage 1 Lake Street, PO Box 20 Picton, ON, K0K 2T0

MLS: 2076774 City: nr Picton

Price: $149,900 Bedrooms: 4

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 2

Immaculate 4 bedroom, 2 storey home in growing community near Picton. Hardwood floors throughout home, new windows, new sidings and new front porch in past year.

This home is priced to sell and well suited for first time buyers and/or families.

MLS: 2075852 City: Picton

Price: $309,000 Bedrooms: 4

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 1

This 2 + 2 bedroom family home is in excellent condition & located near the beaches.

Partial water view of West Lake as well 30' deed R.O.W. to the water. Large open kitchen dining area. Living room has wood burning fireplace & finished family room in basement has functional wood stove. Great home for family. More bedrooms can easily be added if someone is looking to make this a rental property.

MLS: 2075888 City: Picton

Price: $235,900 Bedrooms: 2

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 1

This 2 bedroom Hilden Home is being built with retirees in mind. Open kitchen & dining area with walkout to deck. Large living room is great for entertaining. Two large bedrooms. Main floor laundry mean no stairs to climb. Unfinished basement can be finished for an additional cost.

MLS: 2076133 Price: $369,000 City: Bloomfield Bedrooms: 4

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 2

Immaculate 3 + 1 bedroom home in the heart of Bloomfield. This home is surprisingly spacious with large kitchen that has recently been refurbished.

Oversized living room/dining is accented by the warmth of wood burning fireplace.

Mast bedroom. has walkout to pool/hot tub area overlooking massive manicured back yard. Second main floor bedroom has separate outside entry lending itself to home based business. Home is serviced by municipal water & well.

Realty 54

Housing starts Toronto sets new remain stable in real estate November records in Dec The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts was 227,900 units in November, essentially unchanged from 227,600 units in October, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Housing starts remained strong in November and are consistent with our new home construction forecast for 2007,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “The strength in November is attributable to the good performance of single-detached home starts, which reached their highest level since March 2006.”

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased 0.2 per cent to 192,000 in November, compared to October. Urban singles were up 12.8 per cent to 95,400 units in November, while multiple starts decreased 9.8 per cent to 96,600 units.

In November, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased in two of Canada’s five regions. Urban starts registered an increase of 12.7 per cent in Ontario and 16.9 per cent in British Columbia. The Atlantic region, the Prairies and Québec all recorded an easing of activity in November (-8.0 per cent, -11.6 per cent, and -20.6 per cent respectively).

Urban single starts were up in all regions except the Prairies. Only the Atlantic region and British Columbia saw increases in urban multiple starts.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 35,900 units in November.

Actual starts, in rural and urban areas combined, were up an estimated 2.7 per cent in the first 11 months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. In urban areas, actual total starts grew by an estimated 0.1 per cent year-to-date.

Actual urban single starts from January to November 2007 were down 4.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2006, while multiple starts grew by approximately 4.2 per cent over the same period.

The Greater Toronto resale home market reached two new heights during the first half of this month Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill announced today.

"The 2,868 transactions recorded during the first two weeks of December have made this the first year that sales have exceeded 90,000," said Ms. O'Neill.

This activity also represents a 3 per cent increase over the 2,783 sales recorded during the first two weeks of December 2006.

This year's record activity has been matched by record prices.

"The average price is now $404,707, which is the first time it has exceeded $400,000," said Ms. O'Neill.

The current average price has increased 3 per cent since last month and 19 per cent compared to the same timeframe a year ago.

In the Danforth area (E03) transactions are up 24 per cent compared to mid-December 2006, as a result of strong semi-detached sales.

New Toronto transactions (W06) are up 43 per cent compared to the same timeframe a year ago, as a result of strong condominium apartment sales.

Condominium apartment transactions Downtown (C01) also pushed overall sales in that area up 28 per cent compared to the first half of December 2006.

In North York (C14) detached home transactions led to an overall sales increase of 34 per cent in the area compared to mid-December 2006.

"The two new precedents set in the last two weeks is certainly positive news, said Ms. O'Neill. It's shaping up to be a busy holiday season for homebuyers and sellers alike."

House types Condominium (condo): owner owns the property from the interior walls inward. Common areas, gardens etc are owned by a corporation for which a condo fee is paid for maintenance etc.

Townhouse or row house: Property in a group of three or more attached properties, each individually owned.

Duplex: A property which has been split into two separate properties either side-by-side or top and bottom.

Detached or semi-detached: A detached property site with no others attached to it. A semidetached has one other attached property, separately owned.

Bungalow or ranch: House with one level above ground, but may also have a basement.

Bi level or hi ranch: Bungalow or ranch with a raised main level creating a higher basement, allowing windows above the ground level.

Split level: A property with multiple levels above ground.

1½ storey: Property with high pitched roof allowing for extra rooms.

2 or 3 storey: Property with two or three levels above ground.

Executive: Large detached house on its own plot of land.

Acreage: Large area of land which can be purchased with or without property already built.

Mobile: A moveable structure that is used as a permanent structure, may or may not have a permanent foundation

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Remax report condominium sales up After more than three decades of slow but steady growth, the condominium concept has finally clicked with Canadian homeowners. The lifestyle has proven to be a solid investment in housing markets across the country, chalking up some of the most impressive gains in residential real estate in 2007, according to the RE/ MAX Condominium Report.

Their universal appeal is ubstantiated, with every market reporting increased momentum in condominium sales volume over 2006 levels. In fact, 80 per cent of markets surveyed reported double-digit gains in sales year-over-year, with 40 per cent reporting increases over 20 per cent. The greatest growth was experienced in Canada’s small to midsized markets. Leading the country, in terms of percentage increase in sales so far this year, are Regina (+57%), St. John’s (+54%), and Saskatoon (+33%).

“Deteriorating affordability levels in major Canadian centres have led to the resurrection of the condominium lifestyle in recent years,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Condominiums are clearly the answer to the skyrocketing cost of land and shelter that has all but eradicated the dream of homeownership for many firsttime buyers.”

While price appreciation on freehold properties, in particular, was the primary factor in the upswing, the strong desire among baby boomers to lead an active, carefree lifestyle has also driven the concept to unprecedented popularity. The RE/MAX Condominium Report identified Greater Vancouver as the strongest market in the country – where close to 60 per cent of all residential sales now involve a condominium. Condominium presence is also on the rise in centres such as Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Ottawa, and Hamilton-Burlington, where condos now represent 20 to 30 per cent of all MLS sales.

travel and to enjoy the best the city has to offer from restaurants to recreation were cited in overall condominium appeal.

“In years past, there seemed to be a ceiling in terms of what buyers were willing to pay for this type of product,” says Polzler. “Widespread acceptance has seen that philosophy tossed out the window. In the upper-end especially, buyers have demonstrated a willingness to set new benchmarks, and in some cases, are spending more than what a detached home might cost. Multiple offers, once unheard of, have become a “The white picket fence, sprawling reality in some centres.” green lawn and tidy urban bungalow has New benchmarks for the most become an unattainable ideal for many expensive apartment-style condominium first-time buyers—especially in the West,” units ever sold through MLS have been says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice reported in several cities in 2007, President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. including Vancouver ($18 million), Calgary “By necessity, condominiums have ($3.7 million), Edmonton ($2.3 million), become the only practical means to homeownership for a growing segment of Winnipeg ($1.25 million), and KitchenerWaterloo ($670,000). the population. Today’s entry-level Given solid demand through all price purchasers aspire to manageable ranges, it comes as no surprise that mortgage payments, sunset city views, investors have been very active in the and the non-stop action and amenities of majority of markets surveyed, hoping to central core living, all packed into 600 to snap up a piece of the pie while demand 800 sq. ft. The momentum of the market in recent decades has redefined the home remains at peak levels. Yet, with a growing number looking for a quick return buying process.” on investment, swelling inventory levels Condominium values were also up from coast-to-coast in 2007, with all major have become a serious concern in several markets reporting an increase in average markets, most notably in Calgary and Edmonton, and to a much lesser extent, price. Thirty-three per cent of cities Kelowna. surveyed reported double-digit price “The impact of speculation, appreciation. The most dramatic hikes especially in Canada’s largest were seen in Western Canada’s red-hot condominium markets, has yet to be housing markets, led by Saskatoon determined, but concerns for the future (+24%), Calgary (+22%), Edmonton (+19%), Kelowna (+16 % for town homes, are relevant,” says Ash. “In downtown +12% for apartments), Vancouver (+14 % Vancouver, an estimated 50 per cent of sales activity is attributed to investors, for town homes, +11% for apartments), whereas as much as 60-85 per cent of and Victoria (+9% for town homes, +12% new condominiums sales in Toronto’s for apartments). downtown core reportedly involved At the top end of the market, investors in 2007. This is a major factor condominium ownership has been that could influence prices in years to equated with lifestyle. Throughout 2007, come.” aging baby boomers fuelled demand for For now, a number of market luxury condominium units. Upper-end fundamentals point to increased growth in activity was reported to be on the rise in sales, prices and demand well into 2008. all markets examined, with the greatest appreciation occurring in Edmonton (+154 These include vibrant economies, %), Greater Toronto (+98 %), Victoria (+85 Canada’s aging population, rising prices, %), Winnipeg (+58%), Vancouver (+49%) and higher levels of immigration, to name a few. and Kitchener-Waterloo (+39%). The maintenance-free factor, the ability to

56 Realty

MLS: C3293558 Province: Alberta Bedrooms: 2

Price: $365,000 City: Calgary Bathrooms: 2

***PRICE BELOW MARKET VALUE FOR QUICK SALE...LOWEST PRICED UNIT IN COMPLEX***beautiful 2 story-WALKOUT-townhouse.

Several recent upgrades include stained maple hardwood flooring, new carpet for upper level and fresh paint. Walk into 9ft ceilings Main floor features large living room with fireplace and bay window, 2 piece bath,huge kitchen with custom designed ceramic tile flooring with back splash, dining area with patio doors open to sunny deck. Upper level boasts two large bedrooms, EACH with walk in closets and 4 piece en suites, laundry area!!! WALK OUT lower level in bright, open and updated. Insulated & drywalled double garage ( 21"x 19" ) completes this package.

MLS: C3289958 Province: Alberta Bedrooms: 4

Price: $682,500 City: Calgary Bathrooms: 3

Tanglewood Estates proudly presents this 2 storey, 2595.52 S.F.,4 bedroom,full Baths,Maple Floors, Granite Counters, Gas Fireplace, Oversized Double Garage, Main Floor Laundry/Mudroom, Freshly Landscaped,Mountain View. Now is the time for you to acquire your personal show home and reveal your individual style with the various accent walls, art niches, and custom built-ins incorporated throughout this sophisticated home. Huge floor to ceiling windows bring in loads of bright sunshine into the kitchen and family room. Entertaining will be a breeze in the gorgeous kitchen, boasting thick granite counters and mocha kitchen cabinets with the large island, opening into the family room.

Realty 57

MLS: 258631 Price: $599,900 Province: Saskatchewan City: Saskatoon Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Brand new and beautiful in a prime Briarwood location! This spacious, fully developed 1613 square foot raised bungalow features exceptional quality and style with dramatic vaulted ceilings, gleaming hardwoods, polished granite and an amazing ensuite bath with seperate air tub, 3' x 5' shower and dual sinks. Complete with 4 bedrooms plus a bright and inviting main floor den/office, this exceptional home is ready for immediate possession. Quality construction by Ward Homes - Saskatchewan New Home Warranty is included..

MLS: 257535 Price: $1,049,000 Province: Saskatchewan City: Saskatoon Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 This amazing 'to be built' two storey walkout will boast over 4100 sqft on all 3. Four car garage, 9' ceilings, custom kitchen and baths anc closets, possible 4th bedroom. Custom moulding pkg, central air, central vac, heated basement floor. Too many extras to list.

MLS: 255708 Price: $469,000 Province: Saskatchewan City: Prince Albert Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Privacy at it's finest with this beautiful lakefront acreage on Cowan Lake. 36.98 acres with over 300 meters of lake front. 3 bedroom RTM home, built in 2000, is in excellent condition.

Faces west with incredible view of the lake. Lots of wildlife in area. 1040 sq. ft. home plus 12x14 porch. Outdoor wood-fired boiler with electric furnace for backup in crawl space.

Owner states lots of good drinking water from 50' well. Septic tank to mound. Fridge, stove, washer & dryer included. 2 storage sheds included

MLS: 259231 Price: $277,500 Province: Saskatchewan City: Saskatoon Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Priced below market value and ready for a quick possession date. A very attractive "West Coast Style" 3- storey town house condo in excellent condition anda preferred end unit model with more open views than most other units. A good color scheme with a white kitchen, 6- appliances, balcony off the kitchen, central air conditioning, 2- bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus a flex room on the main level. There is a single attached garage with direct entry plus 1- electric parking stall. Condo fees are $155.57 per month which includes the water. You will like what you see, this is a great property..

MLS: Various lots Price: $60,900 - $139,900 Province: Saskatchewan City: Prince albert These beautiful lake lots come in a variety of dimensions and elevations and are conveniently located just 10 minutes west of the town of Big River on highway 55. Power & phone service to be run upon completion of roads. Marina to be located on the south west corner in the phase one of the development. This is your chance to get in at phase one prices. Lots being sold first come first serve. Investor package available..

58 Realty

Donna McNeil Exit Realty Metro Tel: (01) 902-222-4937 Exit Realty Metro 2055-1658 Bedford Highway Bedford NS B4A 2X9

MLS: 00570739 City: Wellington

Price: $269,900 Province: Nova Scotia Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1

If a park like property and privacy is what you are looking for, well take a closer look.

This one of a kind gem has one of the most private settings available in the area. Beds of perennials fill the property and line the paved driveway. The home sit on professionally landscape lot that measures almost an acre in size and backs on over 7 acres of unused HRM Parkland. Inside you will be equally impressed with new hardwood floors, fully finished basement with walkout, 3 bedrooms and open kitchen.

Truly a pleasure to view!

MLS: 40544603 City: Grand Lake

Price: $274,900 Province: Nova Scotia Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 2

Love privacy? This is the one for you. Situated on 2.5 acres on Kelly Lake, this large family home has 200ft of Lake Frontage. Home features 3 bedrooms on the main level, plus room for 3 more downstairs, a large kitchen with eating area, master bedroom with ensuite, and woodstove for those cool nights, all with a total living space of 2200 sq ft. A new double detached garage makes this the perfect place to call home. Other fine additions include a newly finished 3rd bathroom plus custom crown moldings throughout the Living Room, Dining Room and Hall. What more could you want?

MLS: 41116138 City: Halifax

Price: $374,900 Province: Nova Scotia Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4

This absolutely stunning 2 storey cape cod home has a very unique layout and is situated in desirable St. Andrew’s Village; one of Metro’s most popular subdivisions! You will be impressed by the cozy and yet elegant styling which includes walnut stained birch floors, mushroom glazed kitchen cabinets with center island, and the brick wood burning fireplace. The 3216 sq ft of finished living space offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, home office, den, media room, and more.

MLS: 41115593 City: Fall River

Price: $339,900 Province: Nova Scotia Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

Stunning 4 bedroom home has everything you’re looking for. Sunken family room with stone propane fireplace, eat in gourmet kitchen that’s great for entertaining. Double French doors to formal living room. Double doors that leads through to master bedroom with walk in closet, 5 piece en-suite, bay window seat with storage. Main bath with laundry. 10 year New Home Warranty. HST rebate back to builder. Please note that the listing agent is related to the vendor. Commission payable on sale price minus HST.

MLS: 40841470 Price: $344,900 Province: Nova Scotia City: Hammonds Plains Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 This exceptional three bedroom home with 2500 sq ft of living space is located on quiet, friendly, sought after Carmel Cres., in Highland Park Subdivision. The home is brand new using quality materials. Built with extreme thought and care at every stage of construction. The home features a huge double car garage, private 22x10 pressure treated rear deck, maple kitchen cabinets with island, desk, pantry and garden doors to the deck.

www.halifaxdartmouthrealestate.com

Realty 59

MLS: 2076639 City: Picton

Price: $975,000 Bedrooms: 5

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 4

Located on prestigious Loyalist Parkway overlooking Picton Bay stands this fifties vintage structure renovated & added to in a "Southwestern" style. Prince Edward County Glenora Road lakeside living at it's best. Beautiful sunsets, easy access to sheltered water, substantial lake activity(birds, sailing school, kayaking, world class fishing, seaplanes, power & sailing yachts), an award winning saltwater pool & hot tub & a myriad of lake facing rooms including the substantial in-law suite. The custom designed large well equipped commercial kitchen is a Chef's dream. B&B potential

MLS: 2075613 City: Hillier, Quinte

Price: $269,000 Bedrooms: 4

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 4

Immaculate home on pleasant bay. Walk-out from basement with guest suite potential.

Large insulated double garage plus: Marsh waterfront for the naturalist, Central air conditioning, Central vacuum system, TV antenna, Garage: double, Garage: attached, Garage: detached, Double width or more driveway, Paved driveway, Crushed stone driveway, Oil or heating oil, Brick exterior finish, Vinyl exterior finish, Asphalt shingles roofing, Smoke Detectors, Garage with inside entry, Carpeted Floor

MLS: 2075438 City: Prince Edward

Price: $249,000 Bedrooms: 3

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 2

Beautifully maintained 3 bedroom house in popular area of Wellington. Low maintenance brick and vinyl construction, 2 car garage and large play area in basement. All of this plus minutes to fabulous beaches and in the heart of wine country.

MLS: Exclusive City: Prince Edward

Price: $595,000 Bedrooms: 2

Province: Ontario Bathrooms: 3

Gorgeous waterfront home, custom design and quality finished home with beautiful 295 ft. shoreline and landscaped grounds. This home offers an exceptional interior design, gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinetry, open concept principle rooms with great water views, maple flooring, finished walk-out basement with floor radiant heat and more.

Realty 60

National vacancy rates unchanged at 2.6% The average rental apartment vacancy rate in Canada's 34 major centres remained unchanged at 2.6 per cent in October 2007 compared to October 2006, according to the Rental Market Survey released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

"Strong employment growth, solid income gains, and high immigration levels continued to support strong demand for both ownership and rental housing,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC's Market Analysis Centre. The rising gap between the cost of home ownership and renting also kept demand strong for rental accommodation.”

“However, modest rental construction and increased competition from the condominium market offset the strong rental demand, keeping the rental apartment vacancy rate unchanged from a year earlier.” Condominiums are a relatively inexpensive type of housing for renters moving to home ownership. Also, some condominium apartments are owned by investors who rent them out.

Therefore, high levels of condominium completions have created competition for the rental market and have put upward pressure on vacancy rates.

In October 2007, provincial vacancy rates were lowest in British Columbia (1.0 per cent), Saskatchewan (1.2 per cent), Manitoba (1.5 per cent), and Alberta (1.6 per cent). The strong economic expansion in western provinces continued to attract workers from the rest of Canada. Many of these newly arrived migrants initially settled in rental housing, keeping rental demand strong in the West.

The centres with the highest vacancy rates in 2007 were Windsor (12.8 per cent), Saint John (5.2 per cent), and Moncton (4.3 per cent). On the other hand, the major urban centres with the lowest vacancy rates were Kelowna (0.0 per cent), Victoria (0.5 per cent), Greater Sudbury (0.6 per cent) and Saskatoon (0.6 per cent).

In Ontario, vacancy rates were lower than last year in seven of 15 major centres, higher in four and unchanged in four. Rising youth employment and fewer condominium apartment completions across the province increased rental demand. However, this increase was more than offset by the shift to home ownership and declining international migration. At 0.6 per cent, Greater Sudbury registered Ontario’s lowest vacancy rate. Both the rental and ownership markets in Greater Sudbury are benefiting from a boom in mining activity driven by rising commodity prices which in turn is boosting employment growth and in-migration.

Vacancy rates remained above provincial averages in goods-producing centres such as Windsor (12.8 per cent), St. Catharines - Niagara (4.0 per cent) and Thunder Bay (3.8 per cent). A Canadian dollar above parity dampened local business and housing market conditions in these centres. The vacancy rate in Ontario’s two largest centres was unchanged from last October with Ottawa at 2.3 per cent and Toronto at 3.2 per cent.

In Québec, vacancy rates went up in Montréal, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, and declined in Gatineau, Québec and Saguenay. Despite a less favorable migratory context and the completion of several rental projects, strength in certain segments of the labour market helped sustain overall rental demand. Gatineau’s vacancy rate decreased to 2.9 per cent in October 2007 from 4.2 per cent in October 2006, while the vacancy rate in Montréal increased by 0.2 of a percentage point to 2.9 per cent over this period. Québec saw a 0.3 percentage point decrease in its vacancy rate to 1.2 per cent.

In the Prairies, vacancy rates were below two per cent in all five metropolitan areas, even though three of the five major centres recorded increases. In Alberta, weaker net migration and indirect additions to the rental supply via condominium investments led to higher vacancies in Calgary and Edmonton.

Vacancy rates increased to 1.5 per cent in Calgary (up 1.0 percentage point) and Edmonton (up 0.3 of a percentage point).

In Saskatchewan, a rapid improvement in net migration and escalating home ownership costs led to fewer vacancies in Saskatoon and Regina. Saskatoon’s vacancy rate decreased by 2.6 percentage points to 0.6 per cent between October 2006 and October 2007, the sharpest drop among Canada’s major centres. In Winnipeg, the vacancy rate increased marginally from 1.3 to 1.5 per cent.

In British Columbia, vacancy rates remained unchanged in Vancouver (0.7 per cent) and Victoria (0.5 per cent), but rose marginally in Abbotsford (up 0.1 of a percentage point to 2.1 per cent) between October 2006 and October 2007. British Columbia’s newest Census Metropolitan Area, Kelowna, saw its vacancy rate decline from 0.6 to 0.0 per cent. Increased job opportunities, the rising cost of home ownership, a high level of immigration and longer completion times on new multipleunit projects kept rental demand strong.

On the supply side, there have been very few new rental projects built in B.C. during the last year. Some renters are turning to the secondary rental market, which includes accessory suites and investorowned condominiums, to meet their housing needs.