Relocation guide canada by Shaun Giblin

Relocation Guide: Canada Our guide to living and working overseas

Canada Overview of Canada

Canada is the world’s second largest country, a federation comprising of ten provinces and three territories with both English and French as official languages.

Area: 9,017,699 sq km Capital City: Ottawa, Ontario Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAN$) Government: Constitutional monarchy Language: English and French Population: 33,487,208 Population Density: 3.5 sw. km Religion: Christian

Air Energi in Canada

Air Energi Canada is located in the city of Calgary, Alberta - just one hour away from the Rocky Mountains. This branch has been in operation since 2000 and supports over 90 contractors in the region. The Assignment Support team brings many combined years of immigration and relocation experience. They are here to help guide you through the many phases of moving you and your family to Canada. The team will support you in all aspects of your mobilisation - employment, immigration, relocation and logistical support.

Capital Cities

Edmonton Alberta Victoria British Columbia Winnipeg Manitoba Fredericton New Brunswick St. John’s Newfoundland & Labrador Yellowknife Northwest Territories Halifax Nova Scotia 1

Iqaluit Nunavut Toronto Ontario Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Quebec City Quebec Regina Saskatchewan Whitehorse Yukon

Oil and Gas in Canada

The Canadian oil and gas market is generally concentrated in three regions: western, northern, and Atlantic. The most well known are the formations in western Canada, within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB), and the oilsands deposits located primarily in the Athabasca region in the northeast corner of Alberta. Northern Canadian deposits are found in Canada’s Northwest Territories with significant reserves in the Mackenzie delta, while in the Atlantic region, major oil and gas finds are offshore beyond the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Notable projects in this region include Hibernia, Sable, White Rose, and most recently Deep Panuke and Hebron. Alberta’s oil and gas industry is the cornerstone of the Canadian market with a long history of activity developing both conventional and increasingly unconventional resources. The Athabasca Oilsands are generally acknowledged to be the second largest global oil reserve behind the Middle East, and have been in development for over thirty years now, with interest increasing as known mature global fields deplete, and exploration is driven further and deeper. Total estimated proven reserves are now booked at 1.75 Trillion Barrels, in addition there are another 130 billion barrels of potential reserves that could be moved into the proven category with either new recovery technologies or higher oil prices (which many in the industry predict). There are similar sized reserves now being confirmed in

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neighbouring Saskatchewan. Smaller heavy oil deposits in other areas of Alberta, including notably the Cold Lake and Peace River regions which have had active programs for several years using primarily in-situ extraction. British Columbia is also becoming increasingly well know for major shale gas formations in north eastern BC in the Horn River basin, with most major operators securing leaseholds in this area.

Geography

As the second largest country in the world, Canada has a relatively small population compared to its geographic size. Landscapes are diverse ranging from the Arctic tundra of the north and the prairies in central Canada, however the Majority of land is still wilderness. Canada is also home to the Rocky Mountains, the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and Niagara Falls - the largest falls in North America based on volume.

Climate

Due to Canada’s vast size, temperatures vary relative to their distance from water, latitiude, elevation and winds. Canada’s northerly position means that tempertatures in the winter months can plummet as low as -40 degrees celcius in certain places. This means that Canadians generally have to be prepared when it comes to clothing. Candians tend to have two winter coats: a coat for when its cold, and a coat for when its really cold! You may want to invest in one of these, plus a good pair of gloves, a hat and some warm sturdy boots, as being unprepared in freezing temperatures can make life unpleasant. However, most days are sunny and bright and in the westerly regions- very dry.

Banking

ATMS are widely available throughout Canada; at grocery and convenience stores, © Air Energi 2013

airports, bus and train stations. ATMs are linked to International networks.

Household Expenses

Credit Cards

Housing costs amount to about 30% to 50% of your income. Food costs amount to about 1/8 of your income.

Traveler’s Checks

Food and Drink

MasterCard, Visa and America Express are widely accepted. Canadian travellers cheques are treated like cash, but gradually becoming obsolete with the popularity and availability of ATMs. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at a local bank or currency office.

Goods and Service Tax

Canada has a federal goods and service tax (GST) that is not included in prices. Each province/territory has its own provincial sales tax (PST) as well.

Banking Hours

Canada has a variety of banks that are all widely available. Operating hours are generally 9:30-17:00 with extended hours depending on the bank. Some popular banks in Canada are; Royal Bank of Canada www.rbc.com Bank of Montreal www.bmo.com Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Bank) www.tdcanadatrust.com

Accommodation

For short-term stays, Canada offers a wide range of accommodation to meet everyone’s budget. Some popular hotel chains are: Holiday Inn and Suites, Best Western, Fairmont Hotel and Westin Hotels and Resorts. Thanks to the wide availability of land, Canadian property prices are lower than the UK, particularly away from the larger cities and urban areas. Houses and apartments are generally spacious - a typical 250 sqm detached house with a basement, 3 bathrooms and a double garage averages between C$250,000 and C$500,000 dependent on the district or area. The rental accommodation market is also well organized, with a good selection of apartment buildings available in most places. As with house purchases, rents tend to be lower in smaller towns.

Canada is a multicultural nation. It is often difficult to describe its food and drink culture because its range is so wide.

National Specialities

Some typically Canadian dishes include the world-famous Maple syrup, Canadian Pizza (mozerella cheese, tomato sauce, bacon, pepperoni and mushrooms), Ketchup Chips, Poutine (French fries, cheese and gravy) and Canada Dry Ginger ale. Canada has a rich history of brewing beer. Thanks to Labatt, Molson and Sleeman, the Canadian beer industry is notably huge and plays a role in Canadian national identity. Try a typically Canadian cocktail: The Caesar (vodka, clamato juice, worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce and a stalk of celery).

Etiquette

It is customary when meeting someone for the first time to exchange business cards. Generally speaking, most offices dress ‘business casual’. Most often when meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is given. This is commonly used in the workplace. A lot of cities are ‘smoke-free’. Everywhere from restaurants to bars to workplaces are smoke-free. It is customary to never go to someone’s house empty handed. People usually bring wine, dessert or an appetizer as a nice gesture.

Employment

to our end Client. In addition to your initial contract, we would assist with rate increases, any concerns or questions you might have.

Canadian Immigration

Applying for immigration to a new country can be quite daunting at times. We have the experience and ability to help you with the processing of all aspects of your immigration requirements to enable you to come to Canada. This includes but is not limited to, Canadian Labour Market Opinion, Visa application and Work Permit application. We can provide you with detailed information on how, when and when to apply so that the immigration process is streamlined and easy to understand. We will continue to assist you with the renewal of your work permits and visa so that you will be able to continue to work. Once you have been in Canada for 12 months, Air Energi can assist you with obtaining your Permanent Resident Status should you wish to become a Permanent Resident of Canada.

Logistic Support

Prior to your assignment start date, you will meet with a member of the Assignment Support Team who will introduce you our processes and answer any questions you have on Canada and our customs. Our goal is to have your transition to a life in Canada as seamless as possible. We do this by helping you set up everything from bank accounts, housing and local activity groups to taxation.

Healthcare in Canada

You may be required to complete a medical exam before being granted your visa. It is recommended to have a tetanus before arriving. There are many pharmacists throughout Canada, though some medications that can be found over the counter in your own country may require a prescription. Medical Insurance is highly recommended as the costs for medical treatments or medicine can be shockingly expensive.

Cost of Living Pay Deductions

If you are employed in Canada, there will be automatic deductions removed from your paycheck. The percentage deducted will depend on your annual salary. This money will mainly go to Income taxes, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance.

Sales Taxes

In Canada, sales taxes are added to the price of goods and services. Goods and Service Tax (GST) (a government tax of 5%), Provincial Sales Tax (PST)- can range from 7% to 10% depending on the province or territory.

Harmonized Sales Tax

(HST), GST and PST is combined to make HST. This occurs only in some provinces.

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Food and Drink

Canada is a multicultural nation. It is often difficult to describe its food and drink culture because its range is so wide. Some typically Canadian dishes include the world-famous Maple syrup, Canadian Pizza (mozerella cheese, tomato sauce, bacon, pepperoni and mushrooms), Ketchup Chips, Poutine (French fries, cheese and gravy) and Canada Dry Ginger ale

Canadian Beer

Canada has a rich history of brewing beer. Thanks to Labatt, Molson and Sleeman, the Canadian beer industry is notably huge and plays a role in Canadian national identity. Try a typically Canadian cocktail: The Caesar (vodka, clamato juice, worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce and a stalk of celery).

Transport

to 180,000) dependent on the district or area. The rental accommodation market is also well organized, with a good selection of apartment buildings available in most places. As with house purchases, rents tend to be lower in smaller towns

Cost of Living Pay Deductions

Sales Taxes

In Canada, sales taxes are added to the price of goods and services.

Traffic drives on the right. Canada has the largest national highway system in the world, with the national highway being the TransCanada Highway.

Goods and Service Tax

Buses

Harmonized Sales Tax

The cheapest way to travel between cities or provinces is by coach popular companies are Greyhound www.greyhound.ca and Grayline www.grayline.ca

Taxis

Every city has a variety of taxi companies available. Rates depend on the city / town you are in.

Driving

Rental car companies are available all across Canada. Most companies require full license holders over 21 years of age while others require you to be at least 25 years of age.

Rail

Canada has the largest rail networks in the world. VIA Rail Canada operates across Canada www.viarail.ca

Local Municipal and Provincial Transit

Every city has its own local transit system built on bus and/or trains Interprovincial and inter-municipal travel is made possible by train and/ bus.

Accommodation

(GST) (a government tax of 5%), Provincial Sales Tax (PST)- can range from 7% to 10% depending on the province or territory.

(HST), GST and PST is combined to make HST. This occurs only in some provinces.

Household Expenses

Housing costs amount to about 30% to 50% of your income. Food costs amount to about 1/8 of your income.

Wild Animals

In the countryside and even sometimes in towns, bears can cause problems. They are usually looking for an easy meal and can smell food from an stonishing distance. If camping, make sure food and frangranced items are stored (preferably hung from a tree) and away from the camp. Elk can prove to be dangerous especially males during rutting season and females whilst pregnant. They move at quite a speed and can cause people and vehicles serious damage. Moose in some places can cause serious damage to vehicles and their occupants. When driving at night be careful and keep vigilant. Headlights confuse these animals and they often run towards the car. Slow down if you see a moose, collisions are often fatal.

are bitten. In the northern parts of Canada mosquitoes and blackflies can be extremely irritating. Close fitting clothes and cap are recommended to avoid incessant itching. There are no serious hazards from these insects but they can be very irritating.

Employment

Once you receive an offer of assignment the Assignment Support team will generate your contract between yourself and Air Energi. As we are an Agency you will be entering into a business to business relationship with Air Energi and would be providing your services to our end Client. In addition to your initial contract, we would assist with rate increases, any concerns or questions you might have.

Vaccinations

There are no major recommended vaccinations for Canada, but all travellers are advised to ensure that their tetanus and polio vaccinations are kept up to date.

Emergency Numbers

For immediate medical and police assistance in most provinces and territories, call 911. For medical emergencies, it is best to go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For nonemergencies, going to a local physician is usually a cheaper option.

Air Energi Canada - #102, 14505 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2X 3J3 Telephone: +1-403-225-4526 Fax: +1-403-225-4609

Other dangerous animals include cougars, wolves and coyotes. They will generally not hurt people but small children should be kept close, even in city suburbs. Coyotes are not shy.

Dangerous Insects

There are some poisonous spiders in Canada such as the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse Spider. Poisonous rattlesnakes, which can be found anywhere in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, are not often seen but do pose a serious threat if you

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Tra vel Tips Be prepared

Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order.

Copy your documents

In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations

Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.

Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, before you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Please also be aware that certain medicines are forbidden in Dubai, such as Codeine. Please check that any medication you are taking is legal and if you are unsure please contact us and we will check for you. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the© Air Energi 2013

counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Your health on long-haul flights

Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.

Scuba Divers

If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.

Coping with Jetlag

Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up! www.airenergi.com

Lost Luggage

If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.

Personal Safety

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.

Unsafe Water - What to do

If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.

Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Canada? It depends on which country you are from. Please go to the following web link for a list of Countries and Territories whose citizens require a visa to enter Canada. http://www.cic.gc.ca/ english/visit/visas.asp Can I take my family with me? Your spouse or common-law partner and children can come with you to Canada or visit you in Canada, but they must meet all the requirements for temporary residents to Canada: they must satisfy an officer that they will only stay in Canada temporarily, and they may have to prove that they have no criminal record. Do I need a local bank account? Yes, you will require a local bank account. We will assist you in setting this up. Will I need a medical? In some cases you will need a medical examination. If a medical examination is required, you will be informed by an officer who will send you instructions on how to proceed. A medical examination may add over three months to the processing of your application. Will you provide medical insurance? We will provide you with information on they types of insurance available to you and your family. In most Provinces basic medical coverage is provided at no cost to you, all you need to do is enrol.

Contacts Calgary, Alberta Canada Head Office Air Resources Canada Limited 200, 736 – 8th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 1H4 Canada Tel: +1 403 225 4544 Fax: +1 403 225 4609 Email: canada@airenergi.com St John’s, Newfoundland Air Resources Canada Limited 201, 34 Harvey Road, St John’s, Newfoundland, A1C 2G1 Canada Tel: +1 709 738 0500 Fax: +1 709 726 2003