Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada

Canada remains a popular expat destination thanks to its thriving economy, strong public service, and safe, multicultural society. While there may be some drawbacks, the vast majority will agree that the advantages of living in Canada far outweigh the disadvantages.  

Below are some of the pros and cons that expats may experience living in Canada.

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Culture in Canada

+ PRO: Multicultural society that is welcoming to immigrants

Canada has long been a welcoming country for expats wanting to forge a new life abroad. The government’s comparatively open immigration policy is widely publicised. Skills shortages in many industries continue to drive the need for foreign workers.  

Expats relocating to Canada can expect to find multicultural communities accustomed to interacting and integrating with those from abroad; a point that can make a big difference when settling in.

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Working in Canada

+ PRO: A strong employment market

While many Western nations have suffered record unemployment rates and taken a firmer stance against immigration, Canada remains largely unaffected and continues to welcome new arrivals. Expats who have the right skills and experience may find the Canadian economic climate even more welcoming.

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Climate in Canada

- CON: Harsh weather conditions

Because of the sprawling nature of Canada’s landscapes, the climate is incredibly varied. Despite the country's awe-inspiring natural beauty, some expats may be put off by the freezing winters. Depending on where they reside, expats may spend a few good months tramping through heavy snows, shovelling driveways and driving on dangerously icy roads. Nevertheless, Canadians don't let the weather stop them from enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle, and many sports from ice hockey to skiing are popular winter pursuits.

+ PRO: Excellent healthcare

Canada offers an affordable and high-quality universal healthcare system known as Medicare. All citizens and permanent residents are entitled to free health insurance. Each province offers different coverage options, with dentistry and optometry usually excluded, so most Canadians also have private health insurance to supplement these costs. Individuals are free to choose their own health-service provider, but wait times for certain procedures can be frustratingly long.

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Cost of living in Canada

The high cost of living in Canada may come as an initial shock to new arrivals. Canadian cities regularly rank among the world's most expensive for expats. Vancouver and Toronto are the most expensive, with Calgary trailing not too far behind.  

Taxes in Canada are high, and expats may see a large percentage of their salary going towards provincial and federal taxes. Nevertheless, the reward for this is excellent public-service delivery, including world-class universal healthcare.

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Accommodation in Canada

+ PRO: Great standard of accommodation

Accommodation in Canada is in the form of apartments, condos and standalone houses, all of which are generally of high quality. The apartments in the country are usually larger than those found in European cities.

- CON: Housing is extremely expensive

Due to a disparity in the demand and supply for homes in Canada, the country has one of the most expensive property markets in the world. That said, homes in smaller cities and those outside of city centres tend to be more affordable.

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Safety in Canada

+ PRO: Safety

Canada has a reputation as an incredibly safe destination, and expats won’t need to be overly concerned about their safety while living here. Crime rates are generally low, even in major cities. The Canadian police are professional and well-respected and carry out their duties timeously and efficiently.