Nova Scotia Relocation Guide by Mike Wilson

NOVA SCOTIA THE

RELOCATION

Guide

f you’ve started reading this brochure the chances are that you are considering moving to Nova Scotia, or are in the process of moving. For those who are not here yet, the question is, will it be worth it? Resoundingly, for the vast majority of newcomers the answer is YES. Canadians work hard and play hard, are very open to newcomers and will treat you as you treat them. If there is one truism it’s that, what you give, you will get back in return. For the vast majority of families looking to move to the Province, the attraction is the people, the lifestyle and increasingly, the opportunities that Halifax presents and will continue to on an increasing basis with large capital projects including the Irving Shipbuilding contract.

From Real Estate and Rentals to Banking and Mobile (Cell) phones, we can help with all aspects of your relocation, and what’s more, our service is completely free to you. UK 2 Nova Scotia have helped hundreds of families achieve their dream to settle successfully in Nova Scotia. We hope you enjoy the information provided here and look forward to working with you. Remember, we’re never more than an email or phone call away.

WELCOME

Mike and Orla Wilson 001 902 860 0845 UK2novascotia@eastlink.ca

Your journey to Nova Scotia will of course have its ups and downs along the way; everyone’s move is unique and this brochure is designed to give you, in this age of Facebook and Google, practical information and advice that is not always easy to find on the internet. It’s often the small things that make a difference: Can I bring my TV and will it work in Canada? Do I have to take a driving test? Will my Claims free driving record be recognized in Nova Scotia? There are factors that will lead to successful relocation; visas, finances and employment usually being the most important. These factors will affect everything from where you live through to education, healthcare and which car you buy. Planning and decision making from an informed perspective is therefore crucial, and we’re here to help.

Contents

Designed by: Tri Technology www.tritechnology.ca Inquiries to uk2novascotia@eastlink.ca No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the owners. All information is correct at time of print to the best of our knowledge; All opinions are ours alone and for information only, and do not in any way constitute definitive advice or facts

Our publication is crammed full of useful information for you. Here’s some of our top features: EMIGRATION

PAGE 8

BUILDING YOUR HOME

PAGE 10

DRIVING

PAGE 12

EMPLOYMENT

Refer to our easy to use checklist to ensure you have covered everything

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA Get the lowdown on TV, Games Consoles, mobile phones and more…

BANKING AND MORTGAGES Know how your credit rating counts (and how to build it), the basics about mortgages and banking options.

PAGE 24

Fancied building your dream home? Then turn to page 24 to learn more…

PAGE 42

Understand the basic differences between driving in the UK and in Canada

PAGE 46

Get the facts on employment options and how to construct a great resume

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 2

Halifax Peninsula

t eS lop

Ahern Ave

Be s t St

St Mott

Barringt on St

Queen St Ivanhoe St

Church St

Dresden Row Birmingham St

Martello St South Park St

Wellington St

Bridges St

Marginal Rd

Tro l

Carlton St

Robie St

Marlborough Ave Robie St

Hollis St

Kenny S t

Vernon St

Henry St Edward St Greenwood Ave

Lemarchant St

Seymour St

Cartaret St

Ritchie Dr

Bellevue Ave

Brenton St

be S

Harvard St

Larch St

Oxford St

Dalhousie St

Fairfield Rd

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Stanford St

Ave Royal Pine

Heinish Ave

Berts Dr

Bromley Rd

Marginal Rd

South Bland St

Circle Dr

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Bakers Dr

Lower Water St

Kent St Green St Smith St

Mitchell St

Old Sambro R d

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Harvey St

South St Tobin St

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Grant St

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Southwood Dr

Salter St

Dalhousie Bishop St Univ. Sexton

Blue Willow Cr t

Mclean St

Hill Dr Pine

Atlantic St

Brussels St

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Bland St

Gorsebr

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Fenwick St

Young Ave

St. Mary’s University

Spring Garden Rd

Morris St

Victoria Rd Rhuland St

Sackville St

Blowers St

Clyde St

Lucknow St

d ll R Be

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Inglis St

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Duke St Halifax Citadel Carmichael St Nat’l Historic Site

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South End

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Fraser St

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College St Dalhousie Univ. - Carleton University Ave IWK Health /QEII Centre

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HALIFAX

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Dalhousie University

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Parker Clifton St St Hunter St r St dso Win St ias atth e St M Chebucto Lan

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South St

Acorn Rd

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Norwood St

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0.25 0.5

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1 Mile 1.5 Km

H A L I FA X A N D N O VA S C O T I A What makes a city a great place to live and work in? It’s size, population and industry or its people, charm, future prosperity? That intangible feeling you get walking around, perhaps the blend of old and new that has you wondering what’s around the next corner? If the latter, then Halifax is the place for you. Nova Scotia, situated on the eastern seaboard of the Canadian Atlantic provinces, has a population of just under a million, almost half of whom live and work in the Halifax (HRM) and surrounding areas. Halifax, the Capital was founded in 1749 by the British, initially as a military base. The town itself was situated beneath (what was to become) Citadel Hill. Nova Scotia is all about the sea; nowhere is more than 42 miles from the ocean and this has played a fundamental part in the traditions and outlook of its people. Nova Scotia is a peninsula, connected through the province of New Brunswick to the rest of Canada and the U.S.A. Halifax boasts an award winning international airport that is the closest Mainland International Airport in North America, to Europe. Small ﬁshing villages and bays along the coastline, evergreen forests inland; no wonder they call Nova Scotia, Canada’s Ocean Playground. Steeped in British history and traditions (and especially Scottish inﬂuence), Nova Scotia often seems more British than the UK. If anyone could bottle what makes Nova Scotia so special, you would have to say it’s the people. Where in the world can you go, where a visit to the supermarket is really a chance to stop and chat with friends (even though you may not have met them before); community and people looking out for each other is plentiful in Nova Scotia. Halifax itself is a vibrant city, combining the old and the new. Citadels and Batteries dating back hundreds of years live in harmony with more cafes, and restaurants per head of population than anywhere in North America.

Recreation is part of the Canadian Lifestyle. Halifax and Nova Scotia offer extensive facilities for almost all pursuits; from Skiing, fishing and water sports to Ice Hockey, Football (Soccer) and Rugby. Enjoy unspoilt vistas when hiking, boating or just meandering around. Space is everywhere (OK they’re not making any more of it, but there’s plenty here); no more crowded beaches, queues or drive time nightmare commutes. Come live the dream. Halifax, or to use its correct title, HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) is an amalgamation of Halifax, Dartmouth and smaller towns and districts. Located on both sides of the Bedford Basin, Halifax Harbour is the second largest natural Harbour in the world. Halifax though is growing; a new, world class conference centre, proposed sports stadium and the largest retail park, east of Montreal. The future for Halifax looks bright. This is in no small part due to the Irving Halifax Shipyard and the securing of the Federal Naval Combat contract. Further out from downtown, good highways connect suburban and rural areas that are always in demand and offer an enviable lifestyle; areas such as Bedford, Fall River, Tantallon and Porter’s Lake are always popular places to live, with commute times to Halifax of around 30-40 minutes. Nova Scotia has Canada’s warmest weather overall; warmer summers and milder winters than inland Canada. Halifax also offers world class education and medical facilities, including 5 Universities, as well as two general hospitals and a dedicated Children’s and Women’s Health hospital (IWK). A thriving theatre and musical culture pervades the entertainment downtown. Try to find a bar or pub or restaurant that doesn’t have regular live music. To complement the downtown scene, Halifax also is home to the Metro Centre (sports and concerts) and the Halifax Casino. Halifax and Nova Scotia welcomes you.

ome families, when they first land in Nova Scotia, will look to rent in the short to medium term rather than buy a property prior to their move or within the first few weeks (remember that Immigration authorities will require a permanent address). The best way to find a rental property in Nova Scotia is to seek out the services of an established rental agency/property manager. Rather than browsing through all of the ads listed on internet sites and trying to deal with individual property owners, a rental agency will have access to many properties and local information to help find the best property for your needs. There are many laws and regulations that a visitor may not be familiar with and an agency will look out for your best interests. Some points to consider: - Location. Looking at a map and comparing your place of work to where you live does not give the full picture. Knowing what the traffic conditions are like at peak times is important when calculating commute times. - Is there adequate shopping and services available in this area? - If you have children, are the schools in the area easily accessible. Are they good schools? - How safe is the area? - Are there amenities such as parks, churches, playgrounds and

walking trails? - Utilities. If utilities such as electricity, water, oil, cable, phone and internet are not included in your rent, it is your responsibility to have these services established in your name. Connection times can be as long as 2 weeks so plan ahead and schedule hookups to be in place on or before you arrive. Some utilities will require a refundable deposit for new accounts .

cheques to cover the whole lease. Also very important to note is that tenants are responsible for tenant insurance. In the event of fire or water damage, the landlord's insurance will not cover the tenant's property.

RENTING

Looking to rent a home in Nova Scotia?

- Prices. Know your budget and stick to it. Prices can vary considerably depending on location, unit condition, type of property, furnished or unfurnished. Expect to pay more for downtown areas as well as oceanfront units as compared to regular subdivisions outside of the city. - The lease. The lease is a legal binding document between you and the landlord. It is important to know the rules and terms of the lease regarding rental amounts, when and how it is paid, security deposits, important notice dates as well as requirements of you and the landlord. It is advisable to have an agency help you with this and to help you through the negotiation stages.

Most rental properties will have a minimum lease of a year, some with lesser lease periods may charge a premium for the privilege. Although rental properties can be found on internet sites, correspondence internationally with advertisers (or posting your own ad, looking for rental properties) is often not accommodated within the system.

In NS, half of the first months rent will usually be collected as a deposit. Damage deposit will be collected when the lease is signed. On move in date, the first month is due and often 11 post dated

Parking Meters in Downtown Halifax have colour coded caps to indicate Max Time: Red-30mins, Silver-90Mins, Green- 2 Hrs, Yellow- 3.5Hrs

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 6

children.

unblocked UK mobile phone

• UK or home country driving licence

• Inform your UK bank and credit cards of your move

Essential things to bring and arrange before landing

• Ensure you have a credit card upon landing (you can’t hire a car without one)

• Inform utilities

• Summary of medical records from your doctor

• Goods to follow list for customs • Proof of ﬁnances

• Travel insurance (although you are covered by MSI from day1)

• Passport/ Visas/ permits

• Small step up voltage converter

• Divert post/ mail to new address (or our oﬃce)

• Job oﬀer conﬁrmation (if applicable); also company contact details.

• UK Credit history conﬁrmation if required

• Bring tax forms (p60s etc). Contact Inland Revenue.

• Proof of Canadian address (permanent/ temporary)

• Bring conﬁrmation of YEARS claim free driving from your previous insurer

• Money exchange account

CHECKLIST • Children’s immunisation records • School records for children

• Original Certiﬁcates: Birth/ marriage etc. Carry 2-3 copies of important documents. Note Bring FULL birth certiﬁcates for

• Shipping contact details both in UK and Canada • A bank account set up previously is advisable • A Canadian cell phone/

• Inform Pension authorities/ companies

• GPS/ map The area code for Nova Scotia is 902. International calls from NS will need 011 and the country code. Calls to NS internationally require 001 (+1 from the US).

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 8

EMIGRATION

AND MEDIA TV TV in North America runs on the NTSC system; this does not mean that you have to throw your UK TV out as most European TVs are NTSC and the PAL compatible. You will probably have to convert the voltage supplied from 110 to 240 volts by using a step up converter. For example if your UK TV is 300w you will need a 500-750w step up converter (as the wattage ‘spikes’ when turned on). Note: Scart connections unavailable in Canada.

are

DVDs in Canada are region 1 (UK DVDs are region 2) so in order to play both on a player it will need to be ‘multi region’ (called region free in North America). Codes for most DVD players can be obtained from the internet or a cheap multi region/ multi format player can be bought in Canada for around $70. TV is usually watched via either cable or satellite. Major TV service providers include Eastlink and Bell Aliant. Films, sports and on demand content are readily available. Many Expat families also view UK programmes via custom websites that cater for UK tastes (www.thebox.bz). BBC iPlayer (Global) is also available for iPad and can be played via your TV, this is a subscription service.

Game Consoles North American Games for Xbox and Playstation are region coded 1 and will not play on a UK console. UK games will also be incompatible with Canadian consoles. UK Consoles only need a small step up converter to work and this provides a medium term solution for most families for existing games.

The introduction of Fibre op and Cable Internet, provide high speed internet, to virtually all households, generally in excess of UK speeds.

Mobile/ Cell Phones The main difference between Canada and the UK is that generally incoming calls are charged for. Like the UK, there are a myriad of plans and service providers such as Eastlink, Rogers and Bell Mobility. Family packages are available. It is recommended that before committing to a long term package, that your new home area is checked for signal strength.

extra rate (long distance charges will also apply out of your immediate local area as well as between different Provinces).

Phoning the UK The Internet now provides access to free international phone calls with providers such as Skype. International phone cards are available both online and at many retail outlets. Charges are varied and care should be taken to obtain a No Fee card that charges for the minutes/ seconds used.

COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATIONS

Internet The introduction of Fibre op and Cable Internet, provide high speed internet , to virtually all households, generally in excess of UK speeds. The nature of Canadian houses (wood frame) also means that wifi works very well around the home. Different companies have different download/ upload speeds and sometimes a cap on data transfer per month. Generally, a dedicated Fibre optic cable to your house will have better upload speeds. Main providers include Eastlink, Bell Aliant and Rogers. Download speeds ranging from 20-200mbs are available.

Home Phone A home phone service is usually installed as part of a package with a TV/ Internet service provider. First year agreements will normally come at a discounted rate. Local calls will be included free within standard packages but long distance will be charged at an

A Dollar Coin is called a Loonie and a Two Dollar Coin is called a Toonie; One cent is often called a Penny, 5 Cents a Nickel, 10 Cents a Dime and 25 Cents a Quarter

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 10

ne of the most important factors in relocating to Nova Scotia/ Canada, from abroad is setting up financial services. This will usually include Bank Accounts, Mortgages and Credit Cards. Certainly, if moving from outside North America, Credit rating is also a factor, especially with services such as cell/ mobile phone contracts. Bank Accounts, Mortgages and Credit cards can be set up as a non resident; in fact you don’t even have to live in Canada to initially open up a Bank Account.

Bank account Most families looking to move to Nova Scotia will initially open a Savings account with a Bank. A bank account will usually have to be set up in person, in Canada. There are some exceptions and the market is moving towards greater flexibility for International clients. A Chequing account (Current Account) is fairly easy to open when you first arrive. Accounts in Nova Scotia usually attract a monthly fee. Internet banking is common and offered by all banks. Automated Teller Machines are plentiful and can be found at many store and Mall locations. Most ATMs will allow UK debit card/ credit cards. To open a bank account you will need two pieces of identification (Passport/ Driving licence) along with a Utility bill to show your

present address.

Credit Rating Moving To Canada from outside North America means that you start without a credit rating. A good credit rating is achieved through a Credit line with your bank, Credit Cards and Loans. Recently, some mortgages will also aid your credit rating. Generally it is a good idea to have secured a bank account and a preapproved Credit card prior to moving to Nova Scotia in order to kick start your rating, ready for your landing. It is always a good idea (although not mandatory) to bring your UK credit rating with you to Canada. These can be obtained at www.experian.co.uk or www.equifax.co.uk Bank Accounts, Mortgages and Credit cards can be set up as a non-resident; in fact you don’t even have to live in Canada to initially open up a Bank Account.

Credit Cards Living in Canada without a credit card is a challenge; for example, you can only rent a car with a credit card presented to the rental company. Ideally, once you have set up your Chequing/ Savings account, enquire about opening a ‘secured’ credit card facility. This will stand you in good stead for when you arrive and also aid your credit rating. Utilities can take Credit Card payments over the phone

(they will not take Debit Card payments this way).

Mortgages Even if you are not living in Nova Scotia, you can still be pre-approved and obtain a mortgage. For a home purchase banks can loan up to 95% over 25 years but sometimes may require a 35% deposit from new immigrants. Any mortgage over 80% will be subject to an indemnity charge on the amount borrowed; this is usually paid to CMHC (Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation). There are several different types of mortgage available to a Non Resident and newly arrived Canadian residents such as Equity Mortgages, Work Visa and Permanent Resident mortgages. Deposits usually vary between 10%-35% dependent on circumstances. Income such as pension earnings etc. can often be used on a mortgage application however foreign rental income cannot be used but may aid a case for a mortgage application.

BANKING

BANKING AND MORTGAGES

For a Non Resident mortgage (35% down) UK employment/pension income is used. Most mortgages will be either fixed or variable rate. Interest only mortgages are not available however Home Equity Credit Lines offer interest only. The full length of a mortgage (Max 25 years) is called the amortization period. The mortgage term is the period of the rate guarantee e.g. 3 year fixed.

Like the UK, measurements are a mix of Imperial or Metric. For example, Oven temperatures are usually referred to in °F but road distances are referred to in Km. . THE RELOCATION GUIDE 12

Relocation and Settlement Services from UK 2 Nova Scotia UK 2 Nova Scotia provide full relocation and settlement services for you; this includes unlimited advice and information via email and phone, along with individual consultations on all aspects of your move. Moving Countries or Provinces is not something that happens every day so we’re here to help.

Which services to use? How much will it cost? Lifestyle choices including areas to live in, which schools are best, what is the cost of living? We’re here to help with everything and to make your move informed and as seamless as possible. Our service to you is personal and suited to your individual needs. 24/7 email and phone advice and information www.uk2novascotia.com The best relocation website and facilities available anywhere Extensive brochures/ fact sheets and schedules to help you plan your move In depth consultations with you and your family Discounted services from Shipping to Car Insurance and Shops Full Real Estate and Rental provision Continuing care at any stage, to aid your settlement.

Our services to you includes Relocation Shipping and Pet relocation

Shipping Insurance

Banking – Accounts/ Mortgages/ Credit cards

Pensions

Money Exchange Car hire

Living House Purchase – House Build

Rental accommodation

Communications - Phone/ TV (UK)/ Media

Car Purchase/ Lease

Car (Auto)/ Home Insurance

Nova Scotia – Education/ Medical/ Cost of living

Additional Services Immigration Consultancy phone service Continuing care and support (spousal employment/ business etc) Social Networking and events Information seminars Service contacts: Lawyers/ accountants/ Trades etc

Where is the best hairdresser? How does Tax work? Can I bring my TV to Canada? Contact us at anytime on: 001 902 860 0845 or uk2novascotia@eastlink.ca

is a Canadian Province situated on the Eastern Seaboard of North America. The general region is sometimes referred to as either the ‘Maritimes’ or ‘Atlantic Canada’. This area is generally considered to incorporate Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Being the most populous Province in the region, the Capital, Halifax is considered to be the economic heart of Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia (New Scotland) is in fact the warmest Province in Canada overall, benefiting from the moderating effects of the surrounding ocean. With a land area of just over 21,000 sq miles (just under half the size of England) and a population of just under a million, most areas are sparsely populated. Apart from the Halifax

region itself (pop: 400,000) other

Over 90% of the population derive their heritage or language from the British Isles; Scottish and Irish traditions being particularly strong. Canada’s Ocean playground has a coastline of nearly 7500km and nowhere in the Province are you further than 56Km from the sea. Falling under the Atlantic Time Zone, Nova Scotia is mostly 4 hours behind the UK and an hour ahead of Eastern Standard time (New York). Communications are good and a trip of around 5 hours from Halifax will bring you to the US border. Halifax Stanfield International airport provides the region with excellent air access to Canadian cities, the USA and Europe. In fact, the airport is the closest mainland

International Airport to the UK, in

North America. Flight times are in the region of 5-6 hours. Three layers of Government, Federal, Provincial and Municipal are represented throughout the Province, with the Queen’s Representative, the Lieutenant Governor residing in Halifax. Halifax itself is a blend of the old and new, conservative heritage and progressive thinking. A city of diverse interests and vibrant entertainments; an often quoted maxim that ‘there are more bars, pubs and restaurants per capita, than anywhere in North America’…you decide!

NOVA SCOTIA

Nova Scotia

main centres include the Annapolis Valley, South Shore, New Glasgow, Truro and Sydney in Cape Breton.

A few minutes outside the Capital, areas become visibly more rural, housing more spacious and the lakes plentiful. Popular areas for new immigrants from the UK and US include Bedford, Fall River, Hammonds Plains and Tantallon. People

are

friendly and a c c om moda t ing, the pace of life a bit more leisurely than most new residents anticipate. Life is about socialising, the outdoors, community, friends, with a big emphasis on talking about the weather!….

Welcome. Halifax and Nova Scotia is on Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT) which is -4GMT and +1EST.

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 14

HIRING A LAWYER 15

Some things you need to know about hiring a lawyer in Nova Scotia... Provided courtesy of David G. Barrett Law Incorporated

Unlike their counterparts in the UK, lawyers in Nova Scotia are both barristers and solicitors, and will personally meet with you to discuss with you your legal needs, review documentation, and provide advice.

If you plan to start a new business upon your arrival in Nova Scotia, the lawyer will be able to provide you with advice regarding the benefits of a sole proprietorship or forming a limited company under the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia. Canada, unlike the UK, is a federation of provinces, so there are both provincial and federal laws which must be adhered to.

In the case of real estate transactions, the lawyer will review the initial contract of purchase and sale, prepare all the real estate documentation to convey title to the property into your name, deal with the mortgage company, prepare and record the mortgage, and advise you of the costs involved so there will be no surprises on closing day.

It is important that your Last Will and Testament complies with the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, so it is advisable that you meet with your Nova Scotia lawyer to discuss preparation of a new Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and Personal Directive in the event you are incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions.

In moving from the UK to Nova Scotia, you will initially require the services of a lawyer in your purchase of a residence, whether it be a house, condominium, or new construction.

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE

Any legal matter, from the purchase of a house to a criminal matter, can be stressful, so hiring the right lawyer for you is important. Size matters. Bigger is not always better when it comes to choosing a law firm to handle your legal matters. Law firms in Nova Scotia range in size from one lawyer to hundreds of lawyers. Being the client of a small law firm has its advantages, as you can be assured the lawyer you hire will be handling your file personally. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me, a lawyer is basically the person that knows the rules of the country. We're all throwing the dice, playing the game, moving our pieces around the board, but if there is a problem the lawyer is the only person who has read the inside of the top of the box.â&#x20AC;? (Jerry Seinfeld)

system

in Nova Scotia is known as Medicare and the coverage for this system is known as MSI (Medical Services Insurance). You are eligible for MSI from the day you land, either as a Permanent Resident or on a Temporary Work Permit. Nova Scotia's Health Insurance Programs are designed to provide eligible residents with coverage for medically required hospital, medical and optometric services, with some restrictions. The Medical Services Insurance Programs are administered by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of the Nova Scotia government. The Department of Health and Wellness provides policy direction for the programs. The Hospital Insurance Program is administered directly by the Department of Health and Wellness. The cost of providing these services to Nova Scotians is met through the general revenues of the province. You pay no premiums. MSI covers all necessary medical and surgical services, GP services and a certain quota of tertiary services, such as physiotherapy. GP’s offer a primary care service, similar to the U.K. and referrals to physicians/consultants are done on a ‘needs’ basis.

Health cards It is advisable to get health cards as soon after landing as possible. This will allow you to register for a GP as most surgeries will not take registration without a valid card. To obtain your Health Card visit the MSI centre without prior appointment, at: 230 Brownlow Ave, Dartmouth NS (902) 496-7008 or toll free 1-800-563-8880 in Nova Scotia If you have any enquiries, email: msienquiry@medavie.bluecross.ca A Health card is usually valid for 5 years for Residents although will usually be valid for one year on a work permit and will need to be renewed periodically.

GP’s A GP finder that will help you assess which GP’s are taking new patients in your area. https://www.gov.ns.ca/dhw/ MSI will not cover the cost of medications, dental or eye care or extended tertiary care, such as physiotherapy etc. Dental Care is operated totally in the private sector although children under the age of 10 years are offered free dental check-ups and cleaning under MSI. Dentistry services are not restricted by area.

Health Plans/Insurance Plans Most employers will offer a ‘top up plan’/health insurance to cover

most of the cost of those services not covered by MSI this will usually range between coverage of 70-100% reimbursement on Drug and Dental and other medical charges (some conditions may apply). Health Plans are paid for by the employee within a supplemented corporate scheme e.g. a family cover may cost around $50-100 per month. You can also opt for your own insurance plan; this is not private healthcare, it just supplements the amount you have to pay for those areas not covered by MSI.

HEALTHCARE

The Healthcare

Where are the clinics and hospitals? Nova Scotia prides itself on having many state of the art healthcare institutions; centres of excellence such as the IWK Children’s and The Woman’s Health Hospital. There are many drop-in centres available, especially handy if your GP is unavailable. Many of the emergency/out of hours GP services will be based at Atlantic Superstores dotted around Halifax. Outlying Accident and Emergency Centres (ER) available can be found at the Capital Health website, www.cdha.nshealth.ca It is advisable to get health cards as soon after landing as possible. This will allow you to register for a GP as most surgeries will not take registration without a valid card.

The Bedford Basin is the second largest, natural, Ice free harbour in the world (after Sydney, Australia). . THE RELOCATION GUIDE 16

INSURANCE

Car and

Home Insurance I

nsurance in Nova Scotia is regulated by the Superintendent of Insurance and all agents and brokers must be licensed. Home policies are available to insure your primary residence your home, apartment or condominium, as well as, your cottage or other residence. The type of coverage required (building and/or contents) depends if you own or rent a property. Rates are based on a number of factors, including the location of the home, fire protection, type of heat, amount and type of coverage required, etc. Premium discounts are available to qualified homeowners, condo owners and tenants. Policies will normally have a deductible. Some companies offer the benefit of a reduced deductible over time should no claim be made. Car (Auto) insurance is mandatory in Nova Scotia for vehicles driving on public roads and highways. Minimum benefits are set by the regulatory body and coverage must include $500,000 Third Party Liability, Accident Benefits,

Uninsured and Unidentified Automobile Insurance. Optional coverage includes loss of or damage to your own vehicle, as well as, other options which can tailor the policy to your needs. Optional coverage will have various deductible available. Rates are based on driver experience, type of vehicle, use of vehicle, coverage required, etc. Premium discounts are available to those who qualify. It should be noted that age or marital status cannot be used by providers to establish rates. Each household car will have a ‘primary’ driver, and additional drivers in the household must be listed.

Rates for new immigrants from the UK will be largely affected by proof of ‘Claims Free’ driving in the UK. It is very advantageous to bring proof of this claims history from the UK as this will be recognised in varying degrees by different providers up to a maximum of 6 years. This information should include previous insurance company name, policy number, the number of years insured, listed drivers and claims history details. It should be noted that Insurance companies from source countries are often loath to provide driving insurance history to other providers in Canada. As such histories should be secured before moving to Canada as proof of claims free history status.

Natal Day (usually 1st Monday in August although this varies in Halifax) is Nova Scotia’s birthday.

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 18

DISCOVERY DISCOVERY

alifax, as a centre of learning in Atlantic Canada, can look forward to a unique and exciting project for those interested in all aspects of science. The Discovery Centre, Nova Scotia’s only hands-on science centre and a fixture in Halifax for over 26 years, is embarking on a new era in its evolution. A new, state of the art Discovery Centre is poised to open in late 2014. The seed has been planted with a tremendous gift from Nova Scotia Power – 49,000 square feet of space along Halifax’s pristine waterfront. The new Discovery Centre will be built on a foundation of

emotion, wonder, amazement and intrigue. It will take learning well beyond books and classrooms not only providing a vital enrichment to science curriculums for all grades but also enriching the lives of all those who walk through the doors. The Discovery Centre’s education specialists, designers and visionaries are collaborating with local experts to develop exhibits for the new facility. Based on the three pillars of: changing behaviour, creativity and inspiring awe, the new Centre and its exhibits will challenge the public to see science and life through a whole new lens.

Unless otherwise notified, speed limits on Urban Roads are 50Km/h and on Highways 100Km/h.

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE

Nova Scotia Here Are a Few Top Tips to Help You • Most goods attract Harmonised Sales Tax charge on top of the sale price, exceptions where tax is included in the price are Alcohol and Gas/ Petrol. • Deed transfer tax on a house purchase is usually 1.5% • Canada is region 1 for DVDs and games • You are covered by MSI from day one, under a work permit or residency, from outside Canada, when entering Nova Scotia • House sales usually complete within 4-6 weeks • Debit cards are not usually taken over the Phone/ internet in Nova Scotia • Power bills are every two months • Paper size in North America is letter or legal size (Not A4): change printer default. • Dates usually written MM/DD/YY in Canada (but not always) • Steak: Fillet is Tenderloin, Sirloin is Strip loin, and Rump is Sirloin! • Kilometers are often referred to as clicks • All electrical equipment will come with moulded 'plugs' , interchangeable plugs are not widely available • North American PC keyboards will not have a £ sign and the @ will be in a diﬀerent place

• Crisps are chips and chips are fries (unless they come with fish!) • Don't park against the traffic on a road, you could be ticketed • You can usually turn right on a red light (if the way is clear) • There are few roundabouts in NS, but plenty of 3 or 4 way junctions. When traffic lights are not present, manoeuvres are made in turn • Unless specified, Coffee will always come with cream, not milk. • UK bedding sizes differ from North American sizes (except for Double) • Children can drive from the age of 16 • You must be 19 to buy, drink or sell alcohol in NS • You need a credit card to hire/ rent a car in Nova Scotia • You can claim medical and childrens' recreational expenses against your tax return • Tax return should be submitted by April 30th each year • Normally, child allowances can be claimed from the date you entered Canada, once you have submitted your tax return (usually child allowances start from July each year) • Phone the UK = +01144, phone Canada from the UK= 001, from The USA = +1 • If you have a basement, use a dehumidifier in summer • Sharp are usually the only major brand TV that accommodates

• • •

•

• •

•

both NTSC and PAL Children start school, the year they are 5 Graduation is normally a 3 year course (up to 24 credits, min 18) Orange Pekoe tea is a grade of tea (not orange flavour); try English Breakfast tea or imported tea from the UK at Pete's frootique Most Nova Scotians will normally take off their shoes when entering someone's home Nova Scotia is Atlantic Standard time (-4GMT, +1 EST) Bags are packed for you at supermarkets, unless you use the express tills There are 11 bank holidays in Nova Scotia (although Easter Monday is not a full Bank holiday for many people). Boxing Day is celebrated. Remembrance day (11/11) is a full holiday Spring/ March break usually falls around the second week of March School holidays are usually from around the end of June to the first week of September (no half terms)

TOP TIPS

Emigrating to

Residents of Halifax are known as Haligonians; the city was founded in 1749 and is known as the ‘City of Trees’

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 20

eal Estate and the house buying process differs considerably from the system in the UK, especially in terms of representation of a client in a transaction. Most properties for sale, unless listed privately, will be represented, as in Britain, by a Real Estate Brokerage, through an agent. Real Estate agents are licenced in Nova Scotia and called Realtors®. The difference occurs in that Realtors® can also represent buyers and can show ANY property on the open market, not just the listings they or their Brokerage’s represent. ALL Real Estate fees are paid by the vendor so in essence, representation through a Realtor®, for a buyer, is free. Normally a new immigrant to Canada is classed as a first time buyer and uses a Realtor® of choice to view properties in different areas.

Viewing properties Properties are normally listed on a Canada wide listing system called the Multiple Listing Service (www.realtor.ca). During a visit to Nova Scotia, or once you have landed, you may wish to view properties. Your Realtor® will arrange an itinerary

and accompany you throughout these viewings. In most cases the vendor will not be present. At each property you will be supplied with detailed information on the properties.

You’ve found the right house…what now? Once the buyer has chosen their ideal property, the offer process begins. This process is very strategic and is managed by usually quite tight timelines. This allows the buyer to plan and manage their expectations throughout. The buyer’s realtor® will help draw up the offer document and this will be presented to the seller agent who will, in turn, present to the seller. The offer can either be; accepted, declined or in most circumstances, a counter offer made. If agreement is reached, a contractual basis is reached, dependent on inspections and other criteria such as finance approval. These other criterion are called ‘conditions’. This means, in effect that a contract exists at the start of the house buying process, unlike the UK where ‘exchange of contracts’ tends to be at a far later stage. In most cases, the whole buying process takes between 2-6 weeks.

Other considerations Considerations (that are often not paramount in the UK) are water

supply and water condition, if supplied by a well; Also the use of septic tanks and oil tanks. Of course, house construction is different than the UK; most houses have a wood frame, siding (brick/ vinyl or wood), different roof coverings and utility systems. Quite a lot to take in when you first arrive and something that a good Realtor® will lead you through. The Real Estate system in Nova Scotia is robust and your interests are protected by an active Real Estate Commission (NSREC), the ruling body.

BUYING A HOUSE

The System in Nova Scotia

Different types of housing House types in Nova Scotia range from Single family 2 story houses (detached) through to Split entry (part above and part below grade (foundations) and bungalows. Many houses have a basement (either finished or unfinished). All in all, the house buying process is carefully managed and planned to suit both parties whilst ensuring that representation on all sides is confidential and fair.

Booster seats are required for Children up to the age of 9 (or 145cm); Safety seats for Children are required up to 40lb.

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 22

BUILDING A HOUSE

A new start,

in a new country; what could be more fulfilling than building your own custom home? Rooms how and where you want; kitchen design, windows and bathrooms exactly how you have always dreamt of. Is this achievable……absolutely YES.

include allowances for kitchen cabinetry and flooring etc; of course you can customize anything depending on your budget. If building a detached family home, the house may be priced to have the main and upper floor finished, or in some cases the basement as well (think media room, extra bedroom, gym etc).

Is financing any different? How Long does it take? In general, a house build takes around 5-6 months; builders have stock plans but can adapt these, or even build from your own existing plan. You will have your choice of heating and water systems, communications, size and distribution of rooms (maybe even a bonus room above the Garage for the kids!).

How to choose Within the Halifax region, most available lots are owned by specific builders who have ‘turnkey’ packages which usually

The turnkey package will include the price of the land and the total build; basically the full price is set, subject to any customizations or alterations you may make. Deposits tend to be larger than a regular house buy (perhaps around $10k) but staged payments usually only come into play if the build is totally custom (Mortgages for full custom builds, for new immigrants are often hard to obtain). Of course there are extrinsic costs to consider, for example, landscaping may not be included

in the price but conversely, first time buyer and efficiency rebates may be applicable. Yes, building your own home will usually entail a rental period, may often go over your original budget and require a bit more work on your part. However the process is easier than you may think.

The importance of representation Your builder will usually have a Project Manager to lead you through all the different stages and offer options, your Realtor® will represent you from a Real Estate perspective and also assist invaluably with their experience and their expertise. Most new builds are also covered by an Atlantic 7 year warranty in Nova Scotia. The emergency Phone number is 911; Non emergency Halifax Police number 902 490 5020

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 24

Goods

ost families will transport their goods and personal possessions to Canada either via Road or by sea. UK 2 Nova Scotia recommends that you consider bringing as many of your household and personal items as possible. Generally, replacing these goods as new, in Canada will be cost prohibitive. Even items from the UK that will need voltage converters, such as TVs, can be brought over. As a general rule of thumb, electrical items with a high wattage or that can be easily replaced (White goods and Kitchen electricals) should not be brought over to North America if they are 240v. Shipping prices are based on Volume (whereas land transport is usually based on weight). An average family will normally look to a 20’ container although 40’

containers are also available. Prices vary but full door to door service from the UK to Nova Scotia for a 20’ container should be in the region of £4-5k and £7k+ for a 40’ container. Insurance will be extra and independent insurance quotes should also be considered. It is worth getting quotes 2-3 months before actual departure, if possible. Remember, you are charged for the volume of goods transported, not the volume seen/ assessed on your quotation. General shipping times between the UK and Halifax are around 4-6 weeks door to door, including customs clearance. Goods will need documentation stamped at the Halifax airport when you arrive on a Work Permit or are landing for residency. These goods will then have to be cleared at Customs in Halifax when they arrive. Ideally, you should present both your Shipping Inventory and B4 forms to customs officials. The B4 form is required and any extension

needed (and goods arriving with you personally) should be entered on a B4A. The B4 forms should reflect your inventory but also contain resale values in CAD$ with a total amount. Moving to Canada on a Work Permit (under 3 years) or with Residency will normally allow you to bring most goods in duty free. Be careful not to bring in Firearms, alcohol, plants or food as these will normally require customs officials to search your container and extra duty charges may be applicable.

SHIPPING

Shipping your

Cars can be brought over if they are over 15 years old. Do not attempt to bring a car if it is newer than this. For detailed information visit the CBSA and Canadian Food Inspection agency. All On-Street Metered parking between 6pm and 8am is FREE. There are over 700+ Metered parking spaces in Downtown Halifax

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 28

Process

anding is the process of activating your Residency Visas through a Port of Entry (POE) into Canada. Generally this will be the day, after months or even years through an application process, that you become a Canadian resident. Of course in practice this can take different forms and the terminology suits a myriad of scenarios. For example, some new residents, although they may activate their visas are doing so with the intention of moving permanently at a later date.

Landing process Entering Canada through a POE with Canadian Residency visas in your passports, you will first encounter Canadian Border Service Agency Officials (as you would during a normal visit), after initial questioning, you will usually be directed to Immigration officials who will issue you with relevant residency paperwork. You will need a Canadian address for your Permanent residency card to be sent to you. You will normally be required to present your Goods to follow lists at this point (B4 and B4a forms). Once activated, your visas allow you to retain your residency status subject to certain conditions including a min time of two years spent in Canada within the next

Once you leave the airport/ POE, you are now a Canadian resident and will have IMM documentation to confirm this status. Your IMM 5292 is a confirmation of your PR status and records details that are correct at the time of your landing. This documentation is not a travel document. To Travel and return to Canada you will need your PR card (not a photocopy). Permanent residency Cards usually take between 4-8 weeks to be received. If you need to travel outside of Canada and haven’t received your PR card yet, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).

‘Landing’ but not moving immediately In many cases, families will activate their visas at a POE but will look to move at a later date. This strategy is viable as requirements mean that once activated, a new resident is required to live in Canada for two years out of a period of five years, to keep residency status. Landing in this scenario however will still entail all the requirements of landing as a new resident including a permanent address within Canada to send Permanent residency cards to etc.

Work Permits For many new immigrants, a work permit may be the route that is initially taken to move, live and work in Canada. Usually a

residency application is in process or made from within Canada at a later stage. This would normally entail crossing a POE or visiting a local CIC office, to activate, when obtained. Landing with a work permit, or receiving work permits at a POE, will also entail customs and border criteria (although no proof of funds).

LANDING

The Landing

five years.

Landing Welcome to Nova Scotia; now that you have landed permanently, either on a work visa or as a permanent resident, there are a few essentials in those initial days you will need to do!

At The Airport You will encounter Customs and Immigration Officials at the airport; you will require all your necessary documentation and an address [which can be amended at a later stage]; don’t forget to have your ‘goods to follow’ list with you [B4A] Car Hire; Please note; you are required to be in possession of a credit card; some credit cards will cover Collision Damage Waiver. Within the first couple of days you will need to apply for your SIN cards [Social Insurance Number] and your MSI [health] cards [see contact numbers sheet]. You will need a Canadian Address. You will be given your SIN number straight away and the card will take approximately 4 weeks to arrive. Your MSI card can be applied for in person (see healthcare section).

‘…some new residents, although they may activate their visas are doing so with the intention of moving permanently at a later date.’

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 30

www.novascotiaimmigration.ca

Nova Scotia Nominee Program For centuries, Nova Scotia has been welcoming visitors with open arms, a tradition that has led to our diverse culture. New arrivals often become lifelong residents, contributing to the economic and social development of the province. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration offers the Nova Scotia Nominee Program to assist immigrants who have the sincere intention and ability to work, live and settle in our province. What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program? The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is a recruitment and selection program designed to allow Nova Scotia to increase the benefits of immigration to the province. It enables the Province of Nova Scotia to nominate immigrants who meet the labour market and economic needs of the province. As a result of immigration, our workforce and economy is more diverse. A person who is â&#x20AC;&#x153;nominatedâ&#x20AC;? or recommended by Nova Scotia is eligible to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a permanent resident visa. Nominees approved under this program may become permanent residents of Canada, subject to approval by the federal government after health, criminality and security reviews. The program is made possible through a federal-provincial agreement. What are the benefits of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program? The Nova Scotia Nominee Program is generally a more accelerated application process for immigration. The federal government through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) attempts to process Nova Scotia provincial nominees as quickly as possible. While processing times will vary among federal immigration categories, processing times on average are significantly less for provincial nominees than for applications through the other federal classes of immigrants. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration allow applicants and Nova Scotia employers direct access to our friendly expert staff.

How does the NSNP work? The NSNP is the first step in a two-step application process for a permanent resident visa to Canada. STEP ONE Apply to the Province under the NSNP: If a potential immigrant decides that he/she wants to settle and work in Nova Scotia, then he/she should review the NSNP categories to see if he/she meets the criteria set by the province for nomination. The applicant must complete a NSNP application and attach copies of all supporting documentation, as well as appropriate federal application documents and forward the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. If the applicant is approved by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration as meeting the NSNP selection criteria, a Letter of Nomination is issued, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is advised of the nomination. STEP TWO Apply to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa office: If the applicant receives written notification of his/her nomination, he/she must then submit the NSNP and federal immigration application package directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) within six months of nominee certificate issuance. How to Get Additional Information on the Nominee Program? Please contact the: Nova Scotia Office of Immigration 1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 110A PO Box 1535, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 2Y3 Tel: t Fax: 1-902-424-7936 Email: nsnp@gov.ns.ca www.novascotiaimmigration.ca

EMIGRATION

UK or US citizen can visit Canada usually for up to six months without a visa and possibly extend this stay from within Canada. CBSA border staff will have to be convinced of a ‘visitor’s’ intention to leave Canada within this timeframe (unless possibly in process for residency). For most families moving to Canada though, the move will be in conjunction with either full residency status or through a Work Permit. The Immigration governing body in Canada is Citizenship and Immigration Canada (www.cic,gc.ca) and detailed immigration information including current immigration streams can be found on the CIC website. Each Province will also have some limited Immigration streams and in Nova Scotia for example, this will include Community Identified and Skilled Worker Streams (www.novascotiaimmigration.ca); all applications whether they are Provincial or Federal will always be processed at some point on a Federal level.

Work Permits Work Permits are a temporary permit to allow a recipient to live

and work in Canada; the permits are usually issued in conjunction with a validated job offer (Validated through a Labour Market Opinion through Service Canada). An ‘open’ work permit for a spouse and Study permits for children may also be applicable. In most circumstances, a Work Permit will lead to a residency application either through Federal or Provincial streams, from within Canada. It should be noted that a Work Permit is often dependent on continuing employment with an employer who has arranged a LMO, which will be specific to the employer and the position of employment. Medicals may be needed in certain occupations under a Work Permit.

Residency Applications for full Residency can be made through Provincial or Federal Streams; Federal Streams will normally include Skilled Worker, Family and Trade streams. The Federal Skilled worker stream is a points based system, with points awarded for Age, Education, Canadian Experience and Language, along with other criteria. A Language test (IELTS) has to be completed prior to application. Police checks will also

EMIGRATION

be necessary along with a medical. Proof of Minimum Financial capital will also be required for a successful application. Timelines vary but expect a full application process to take between 1-3 years depending on current wait times. A new ‘Trades’ application stream is proposed and either a validated job offer or equivalency of Trade skills required. In many cases this will be an Inter Provincial ‘Red Seal’ trade qualification (www.red-seal.ca) Once residency is achieved, this can be retained by spending at least 2 years out of 5, physically in Canada.

Citizenship Citizenship can be applied for once an applicant has spent 3 years physically in Canada; the process can take between 1-2 years. A UK citizen can hold both UK and Canadian Citizenship and hold both sets of passports.

Documentation A Social Insurance card is required for an employee to be able to work in Canada. This can be issued to new immigrants with either Work Permit or Full residency status. The legal Drinking age in Nova Scotia is 19

. THE RELOCATION GUIDE 32

CAN I TAKE MY PET WITH ME? If you own a cat or dog the answer in principle is YES. Additionally most other types of domestic animals including pet rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, snakes, tortoises and mice are permitted for importation into Canada. Pet birds and tortoises have to meet specific conditions for entry into Canada including an Import Permit, the full details of which can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website www.inspection.gc.ca Cats and dogs do not require an import permit and under normal circumstances neither are they subject to quarantine restrictions.

into Canada, but if you feel your pet may return to the UK, then you may wish consider obtaining one, although this is no longer a requirement. Due to a change of UK Quarantine Rules effective Jan 2012 your pet will no longer be required to undergo a mandatory six month period in quarantine provided that it has met the UK entry requirements. Whilst not prohibited from importation into Canada, certain breeds of dog are not acceptable for carriage by some airlines. In addition to the above certain breeds of Brachycephalic Animals (snub nosed) are not accepted for travel by certain airlines. These include Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekinese. For more information please check with Transfur at www.transfuranimals.com

Eligibility guidelines vary from country to country and species, but taking the UK as an example your pet will need to have:a) Been resident in UK for a period of six months or since birth b) Not been under quarantine restriction c) to be at least 10 weeks old at the time of export Pets are not required to be micro chipped, although this is advisable. Before leaving the UK it is recommended that your pet’s general vaccinations are up to date, the details of which will need to be recorded by your veterinarian onto your pet’s Export Health Certificate, which will be issued by AVHLA (previously known as Defra). A rabies vaccination is not required but recommended. If your Pet has been vaccinated against rabies it will require to be accompanied by a General Health Certificate sometimes referred to as a “Fit to Fly Certificate” which will be issued by your veterinarian. A Pet Passport is not required for entry

Your pet must travel in an airline approved travel container which has to conform to IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. The travel container must be of a sufficient size so as to allow your pet to stand up, lie down, sit up and turn around inside it. Most airlines require pets to travel as manifested cargo. Nova Scotia is served by many international airlines some of whom will require your pet to undergo a transfer procedure at intermediate points en route. It is recommended where possible that direct flights are utilised thus reducing the effects of any stresses and strains the journey may place upon your pet. It also minimises the risks of your pet missing connecting

flights and remaining in en route airports for extended periods of time. Sedation of pets is not recommended by most veterinarians as their effects at altitude can be unpredictable. It is highly recommended that you consult with your veterinarian before administering any type of sedative or tranquilliser.

PETS

Relocating your Pets to Canada

The cost of transporting your pet very much depends upon it’s size and the size of travel container it will require. Almost certainly you will be paying for the amount of space your pet’s travel container occupies on the aircraft and not it’s weight. Whilst it is possible for you to undertake the many necessary procedures required to arrange the transportation of your pet to Canada, increasingly airlines are not prepared to deal directly with members of the public and therefore you may wish to consider making use of a Pet Relocation Service. Transfuris one of the UK’s leading Pet Relocation companies and a member of IPATA (International Pet and AnimalTransport Association). Transfur is well versed in arranging pet relocation and by putting your pet’s transportation needs into their capable hands not only will you relieve yourself of the stress and strain of the exercise, it will allow you to concentrate upon the other important aspects of your move to Nova Scotia. For further information in transporting your pet to Canada please contact Andy Symons at www.transfuranimals.com or tel. +44 (0) 1403 212900

Municipal elections in Halifax are held every 4 years on the third Saturday in October.

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Established in 1958, Halifax Grammar School is the leading independent, co-educational day school in Atlantic Canada. HALIFAX GRAMMAR SCHOOL 945 TOWER ROAD HALIFAX, NS窶ィ3H 2Y2 TEL 001.902.431.8550 admissions@hgs.ns.ca

www.hgs.ns.ca

From Junior Primary through Grade 12, Halifax Grammar School inspires and supports students to flourish, to learn and to serve through a balanced curriculum of academics, athletics and the arts.

Apply now.

Scotia N

ova Scotia has more than 450 public (state) schools for children. The public system runs from Primary through to Grade 12. There are also some private schools in various areas of the province. Children usually start school (September) in the year they turn 5 years old [cut off December 31st]. All Canadians under the age of 20 are entitled to free education up to the end of secondary school. The Government of Nova Scotia provides free schooling from kindergarten through to Grade 12, available in both English and French. As with other jurisdictions in Canada, all teachers in Nova Scotiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public education system have a university degree as well as advanced teacher training, and follow a provincially regulated curriculum. There are many private pre-school centres for children prior to commencement of school (daycare). Some parents in Nova Scotia may opt for home schooling. The attendance of a particular school is governed by the area in which you live and the local school catchment area. It is mandatory for children to attend school until the age of 16 years.

Most areas in Nova Scotia operate a 3 school stage system 1. Elementary School: 5-11 years 2. Middle School/Junior High: 12-13 years 3. High School: 14-18 years Graduation is a 3 year program (Grades 10-12) dependant on the school. Children are transported to school by the Yellow School Bus; collection points are usually within a short walking distance. It is worthwhile checking to see where you choose to live is on a bus route. The school bus is usually available for children whose home is more than 2.4Km (Elementary) or 3.6Km (Secondary) from the school. There are comprehensive websites on all schools within Nova Scotia. Extensive information is available on the facilities and individual schools in and around Halifax Regional Municipality at: http://www.hrsb.ns.ca

universities and colleges, and 13 professional colleges. Some of the province's degree-granting institutions are highly specialized, others offer a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Fees As a general rule, if you or your child wishes to study at any of the university/post secondary institutions and you do not have permanent residency/ citizenship, the tuition fees, on average, may be double that of a student who has PR/ Citizenship and the student will be known as an International undergraduate/graduate.

EDUCATION

Education in Nova

Children may opt to take the International Baccalaureate which is a two year program. Not all high schools offer this as an option. Most Public schools do not require the wearing of a school uniform.

A very progressive organization is the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). This offers a great alternative to degree-granting institutions. As a new immigrant, it may offer a springboard to achieve a Canadian qualification in your chosen field. http://www.nscc.ca

You can check out, online, the annual reports which are now mandatory for all schools to publish. Nova Scotia has a comprehensive system of post-secondary education consisting of universities, technical colleges and apprenticeship programs. Nova Scotiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post-secondary education facilities offer a full range of programs through its 11

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Tax Information

hinking about moving to Nova Scotia? The following is some basic Canadian tax information that, as a new immigrant to Canada and to Nova Scotia, you will need to know: • Income taxes are assessed in Canada based upon being resident in Canada for tax purposes – which basically means that you have established Canada as your home. If you move your family here, purchase or rent a home or apartment, and begin to establish ties into the community; you have likely become a resident for tax purposes. • Residency for tax purposes is not defined the same as being a Permanent Resident of Canada. • As a Canadian resident, you will be subject to both federal and provincial taxes. These income taxes will be based upon your worldwide income. • Any income earned outside of Canada before you become a resident for tax purposes will not be subject to taxes in Canada. • In Nova Scotia the federal and provincial income taxes are administered on a single tax return by the Canada Revenue Agency and are assessed on a calendar

• Canada has a graduated tax rate system; therefore, the greater the income that is earned the higher the tax rate will be on that income.

TAX

Canadian

year basis.

• Every individual ﬁles their own individual income tax return that will report all of their income from all sources. As an employee your return and your taxes are generally due by the end of April following the year being reported. However, in certain situations you may qualify for an extension to file your income tax return. • As an employee, you will have income taxes withheld at source by your employer. You will still be required to file a tax return to report this income; however, you may be able to claim certain deductions and tax credits to lower your overall taxable income and potentially get a refund back of these taxes withheld by your employer. Examples of these deductions and tax credits are union dues, medical expenses, charitable donations, certain employment expenses and contributions to private retirement savings plans to name a few. • Canada has a tax treaty with the United Kingdom, therefore, if you are subject to tax in the U.K. on certain income, you will be able to claim the U.K. taxes paid as credits on your Canadian income tax return.

Courtesy of WBLI Chartered Accountants. Personal exemption for travel outside Canada, of more than 48 Hours is $800 (including Alcohol and Tobacco)

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Moving monies across borders will often mean changing any capital at the prevailing exchange rates. Many families use the services of a Money Exchange company as this will provide them with both a specialist company for foreign exchange but also a better exchange rate than is easily available through banks. Most Foreign exchange companies will offer an online account setup and also experienced staff who can lead you through the process of opening a trading agreement. Opening an account will normally not attract any fees.

Money Exchange Tips Currency broker or bank? 1. Currency brokers get you more for your money than high street banks when transferring currency abroad. Because they trade currency in large volumes, currency brokers can offer rates that are up to 4% better than the banks, and they tend to waive commission and cover bank transfer fees. Dedicated contact 2. When you open an account with a currency broker you are allocated a dealer who deals with you personally. Your dealer will not only strive to get the best exchange rate for all your transactions, but they will ensure your converted currency is transferred securely to an overseas bank account. Your dealer will handle your account over the phone or via email.

3. Choose a currency broker early on in the emigration process. It's best to have everything in place early, to save time later on and to take advantage of favourable rate fluctuations.

transactions of more than a certain value; for example on amounts above ÂŁ2,000. However, your personal dealer will discuss the most economical route with you.

Managing payments

8. Currency brokers charge only a nominal fee for electronic onward payment. How much the fee is could depend on the speed of settlement required, as well as the destination.

4. The most straightforward transaction a currency broker offers is a spot contract. These are simple, one-off transactions , usually required with short notice - they are ideal for moving start-up capital to your new country or for deposit payments on a property. 5. One of the most useful facilities offered by currency brokers is the forward contract, a type of 'buy now, pay later' solution. Forward contracts allow you to fix an exchange rate for months in advance. Forward contracts offer peace of mind and allow you to budget safely. Generally, a 10% deposit of the total amount to be transferred is required. 6. Currency brokers also offer regular payment schemes, which allow you to transfer money at regular intervals between the UK and abroad. To help you budget, you will be able to fix your rate of exchange for months in advance. Regular payment schemes are useful for making mortgage payments, paying property maintenance bills, transferring rental income back to the UK or receiving your UK pension abroad. Competitive rates 7. Most currency brokers will offer competitive exchange rates for

Regulation and security 9. From November 2009 the money transfer market has been regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This means currency brokers will have to be registered with the FSA, and operate within the FSA's 'conduct of business' rules. More importantly for consumers, currency brokers will be answerable to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This should reassure consumers that currency brokers are a safe, efficient alternative to banks for transferring money abroad.

MONEY EXCHANGE

Money Exchange

10. When choosing which currency broker to use, be sure that your money will be held in a transaction account that's separate and identifiable from company funds. If possible, check the company's credit rating and how long it has been trading.

The TV system in Canada is NTSC; region codes for DVD and Console games is Region 1.

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NOVA SCOTIA

nce you move to Nova Scotia on a permanent basis your UK/ US or out of Province licence is valid for 90 days. UK or US licences can be exchanged for a Nova Scotia licence at any time. A standard eye test will be required. This licence lasts for 5 years and can be renewed online. Driving licences are issued by the registry of motor vehicles at Access Nova Scotia locations. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your UK paper licence as this will be the closest comparable to a Canadian ‘Abstract’. The Nova Scotia equivalent of a UK MOT is the Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) which lasts for 3 years on a new vehicle and 2 years thereafter. Vehicle Permits (Car Tax) is renewed every two years and is

4’9’’). A child seat is required for children under 40lb.

A certificate of registration is your proof of ownership of a vehicle (and should be kept safely at home); your car Permit will get you your licence plate. Documentation is required to be kept with your vehicle, this includes Insurance and Permit .

Vehicles are subject to HST. This also applies to second hand cars bought privately. HST is paid upon registration of the vehicle. Finance options are usually available through leases or purchasing agreements at dealerships. Finance options will require a credit check.

You can legally drive a car in Nova Scotia from the age of 16 (with parental permission) under a graduated learning system. A motorbike licence will require a separate exam and cannot be transferred from your UK licence. Approved helmets must be worn. It is illegal to use hand held mobile/ cell phones whilst driving. Child safety booster seats are mandatory until a child is 9 (or over

The speed limit on Urban or residential roads is 50Km/h unless otherwise stated.

Buying a Car

DRIVING

DRIVING IN

usually dependent on the weight of the car, the tax sticker being attached to your rear licence plate. Your NS number plate will be yours to transfer when you change vehicle. Insurance is mandatory in Nova Scotia (Min third party).

Most cars bought from a dealership will have a limited warranty and you will be offered extended Warranty options.

Toll Bridges The two bridges separating Halifax from Dartmouth, across the Bedford Basin are toll bridges (Toll at time of print is 75c one way). A good idea is to apply for a Macpass (www.macpass.com)

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WEATHER

THE WEATHER

“It’s always cold out there”. Nova Scotia, it even sounds cold… It may surprise you to know that in fact Nova Scotia is the warmest Canadian Province overall and is on the same latitude as Northern Italy. One word would describe the climate: Seasonal. Warm summers, snowy winters and beautiful mild autumns.

Average Temperatures in Halifax Spring (April-June): 10°to 16°C Summer (July-September): 20°to 25°C Autumn/ Fall (October-November): 12°to 15° Winter (December-March): -2°to 1°C Annual Rainfall is around 115cm.

Basic Household Expenses for Homeowners

HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES

Property Tax – Assessed provincially and the rate set municipally, property tax is based on the assessed value of your property. This can be paid monthly in advance or every six months. Expect $3-5k per year. Cable Services – Various providers offering TV/ Internet/ Home phone services, often as a bundle. Expect $120-200 per month (inc free local calls) Electric/ Power – Nova Scotia Power is the only provider. Power usage billed every second month. Expect $150-200+ per month (depending on heating system) Heating – Most houses will be heated by oil or electric radiators (Baseboards) but increasingly Air Source Heat Pumps and/ or Electric Thermal Storage are popular. Natural gas is rare although many houses will have propane gas service. Expect $200-400 per month Insurance – Home Insurance based on various factors including cost of replacing or repairing home and contents. Expect around $800-1200 per year.

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Halifax is in fact called HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) and incorporates both Halifax and Dartmouth.

Shopping!

SHOPPING

wo main supermarket chains dominate the Halifax and Nova Scotia grocery sector

Sobeys Founded over 100 years ago in Nova Scotia, Sobeys has over 300 stores in Canada. Stock based around grocery products, Sobeys is good for their bakery selection along with mainstream foods including Fresh Meat counters, deli and take outs.

Atlantic Superstore A Canadian superstore chain (Parent chain Loblaws) with 54 stores in the Atlantic region. Seen by many as more progressive than other major chains, their President’s Choice foods and expanding home ware and clothing sections make this the preferred choice for many new immigrants.

Costco Two large bulk buy superstores dominate this sector, one in Bayer’s Lake and the other at Dartmouth crossing. Costco Canada is not restricted to businesses. Meat especially is of the highest quality. A huge range of goods and services make Costco’s an essential element in balancing the family grocery expenses.

Pete’s Frootique A Unique fresh food and imported food store, of unparalleled quality. Imported foods from the UK attract a premium price but the range is exceptional. Fresh fruit and vegetables are of a superb quality as is the meat counter (including British Back Bacon!)

Pete’s also offer a discount card which competitive. gives 10% off every 10th transaction. Stores located in Halifax, Bedford and Future Shop/ Best Buy Wolfville (along with a thriving vineyard). Both part of the same chain, these stores carry all things electrical from TVs to computers, Fridges to IPods. Future shop NSLC The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation has a staff are non commission based. Future near monopoly on any liquor sales in shop is slightly higher end than Best Buy. Nova Scotia; usually based around a large (UK 2 NS discount 5-7%). supermarket (alcohol is not available in the supermarket itself ). Prices are DIY stores regulated and high but diversity is The three main stores for Do it Yourself are improving. NSLC also runs agency stores Home Depot, Rona and Kents. in areas unable to support larger NSLC stores. Furniture shops Prices displayed include tax. The legal age These range from high end to standard to consume or buy alcohol is 19 in Nova and include Ashley Furnishings, The Brick, Scotia. Gallery One (usually highest quality). Only 4 privately owned (and non Other stores to consider include regulated priced) stores exist in Nova Wheatons, La-Z-Boy and Nothing Fancy. Scotia.

Farmer’s market

Tim’s

There are over 20 Farmer’s markets in Nova Scotia, the largest being in Halifax in the Waterfront district in a custom built arena. This market is open 4 days a week and offers a large choice of meats, cheeses and other delicacies.

Uniquely Canadian Coffee shop with a ‘speak’ all to itself (Double/single, double/double etc). Good and fast service. Based around Coffee/ tea/ muffins etc. You’re never too far from a Tim’s to start the day. Always, always a queue due to its popularity.

Other Main Stores

Chapters

Canadian Tire A very popular Canadian store combining goods from household, DIY, Sporting and camping along with its core car/ auto based services.

Large book store with an interesting and cosy feel. Usually incorporates a Starbucks to enhance browsing. Stock and diversity of publications is extremely good.

Major Shopping Areas

Bayers Lake Dartmouth Crossing Unlike the US stores, Wal-Mart’s in Nova Halifax Shopping Centre Scotia do not carry a large range of fresh goods; apart from this, they are very Mic Mac Mall similar to US Wal-Mart’s. Prices are usually Sunnyside Mall

Wal-Mart

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Contact: 001 902 860 0845

Info@reduk.ca

RESUME EMPLOYMENT DATABASE UK

www.reduk.ca Online conversion to change your CV to a Canadian Resume automatically

Your new Resume hosted online for employers in Atlantic Canada to view.

Digital resume to print, edit and download

Unique URL for your resume to send employers and use on Social Media

One Price. One Effective Solution

A basic understanding of the work permit and Labour Market Opinion process is also advisable.

IN CANADA

Networking This cannot be overemphasised as a means of gaining employment in Nova Scotia and an open attitude will often elicit contacts very quickly when you first arrive; remember, many positions are not advertised!

ost families moving to Canada will look to employment as their main income source and securing a job(s) quickly or even prior to moving to Nova Scotia will be an utmost priority. There are certain things that will aid your employment search.

Canadian Résumé A Canadian Résumé will differ in format, content and terminology to a British CV. A Canadian Résumé is fairly short, usually 2 pages maximum (you can always have a back up detailed longer Résumé if required). A CV in Canada is more frequently used by Lawyers, physicians etc. A Canadian Résumé in essence is a promotional and work history document, that is more fluid than a CV so can change for different job applications. Content should include, as a starting point, a summary of your professional skills followed by a work history and also a section on your special skills and qualifications.

EMPLOYMENT

REDuk™ (www.reduk.ca) provides an easy, automated, online service to convert your own information into a Canadian Format.

Recruiters Recruiters may often have limited positions available to non-residents. This will change when an applicant has residency status and is physically in Canada. Many recruiters specialise in certain sectors such as Finance, engineering and IT.

Direct Contact With an Employer Many employers will be open to direct contact through email and certainly meet skilled workers whilst on a trip to the province, with the right approach and the skills required. Often larger companies will have online application processes. It is important to be clear as to your timelines for moving, international contact details are correct and residency (or non residency) status are clearly identifiable.

Business needs talent. Talent needs opportunity. Both need the Connector Program. The Greater Halifax Partnership’s Connector Program is a simple yet highly effective networking program that connects local businesses and organizations with immigrants, international students and young and emerging talent. Through one-on-one meetings, Connectors meet with local talent to share knowledge of current labour market demands and promote their organization and industry, helping participants to build a professional network and improve their local job search. For more information visit www.greaterhalifax.com/connector.

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HOW SOCIAL MEDIA CAN HELP YOUR RELOCATION How Social Media Can Help Your Relocation The way we communicate and source information today has evolved from how we did in the past. The internet, email and Social networking has transformed the emigration market and the availability to connect with like minded people as well as accessing both information and shared experiences.

Blogs

Anyone who has ever kept a journal will know how much it can help to catalogue your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Emigrating can be extremely stressful and is without doubt an emotional move. Why not turn your journal into a blog. There are so many ways you can share your blog, the most obvious of course being social media sites. You can create a following and connect to others expats as well. Alternatively, join a Blog to comment and interact on various subjects through an online conversation.

The place to be for professional networking. Promote your proﬁle, your online resume and more. If applicable, populate your proﬁle with links to your twitter and Facebook pages (for business) and of course a link to your website. Use to connect with other professionals, interact with businesses and seek out potential employment.

Other social media

There are of course many other social media sites that can be used. Pinterest, Google+,and MySpace, to name but a few.

Facebook

By far the largest and most popular of the social networks. Facebook is one of the best ways to keep in touch with people. Send direct messages, share news, photographs etc. It’s a fantastic source of information when you find yourself in a new country. Find places to go, where to eat, shop, find a plumber! Whatever your need, you are likely to find it here.

Forums

Anyone considering emigration has likely already found one or more of these online whilst searching their intended destination. There are many available and if you want to get involved in a community of like minded individuals or get answers to some of your burning questions then this could be the place for you to be. There are thousands of people within these forums who are happy to help. If you deﬁne your area, it’s also a great way to make new friends who may already live locally.

Twitter

Hugely popular. A less intimate way to connect with others and whilst you can share pictures and links to videos etc, it’s largely used for short sharp bursts of conversation similar to the way we send text messages. Tweets are limited to 140 characters. It’s like the SMS for the internet. Connect with local services and people from your intended destination and keep up to date with what’s happening.

Internet:

Searching websites will probably be your main source of information. Don’t forget to use search engines that are speciﬁc to Canada such as Google.ca as this will help you ﬁnd the sites you need easier, especially in terms of employers in Canada. UK 2 Nova Scotia have an extensive social media presence, from Facebook and Twitter to a regular interactive blog on our website.

PENSIONS UK Pension Your UK state pension is based on the number of years you have paid National Insurance contributions up to full pension allowance of 30 years. So, for example, contributions of 15 years will give you half a full state pension. It should be noted that the amount received when first claimed is not index linked (unless you spend over 6 months in the UK).

The amount you pay is based on your salary. Half is paid by your employer and half by yourself. If you are self employed you pay both portions. Contributions are payable until the age of 70, until you receive your retirement pension or upon death. You are

ages of 18 – 65.

Work Pensions/Personal Saving Plans There are various types of work pensions that are used in Canada. The most common forms of pensions are: Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution. Many employers provide a Group Retirement Savings Plan. This is

PENSIONS

ALL ABOUT

the death benefit, the survivor's pension and the children's benefit).

You can still contribute to your UK State Pension even once you have moved to Canada by buying class 3 contributions.

Canadian Government Pension’s The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program. It ensures a measure of protection to a contributor and their family against the loss of income due to retirement, disability and death. There are three kinds of Canada Pension Plan benefits: • disability beneﬁts (which include benefits for disabled contributors and benefits for their dependent children); • retirement pension; and • survivor beneﬁts (which include

eligible to receive the retirement pension payment from CPP as early as age 60. An Old Age Security (OAS) pension may also be applicable if you are a resident or citizen and have lived in Canada for a minimum of 10 Years after the age of 18. OAS is paid from the age of 65 onwards. In order to receive full OAS you will have to have attained 40 years of residency in Canada between the

typically a voluntary plan with the opportunity for the employer to match your contributions to a percentage of your salary. There are various types of personal savings plans in Canada. Each plan has its unique features. The primary plans to consider are: • Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) • Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) • Non Registered

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NOVA SCOTIA TOURISM REGION LOCATOR MAP