> USEFUL INFO

CANADA

Settling In

Education
Like other Commonwealth countries, Canada's education system facilitates both public and private schools. There is no federal system of education and the provinces and territories provide funding and dictate the curriculum. There are a large number of private schools in the bigger cities and most of them are partially funded by the provinces. Jewish schools are private and therefore high fees are payable. In Quebec province, there are two public school systems, one for French speakers and one for English speakers. Generally, however, English is the language of instruction in schools.

Several language programs cater for adults and children. For children, there are a number of programs within the school system. The federal government program for adult immigrants offers: free language training for adult newcomers who want or need basic English or French, the choice of studying part time, full time, evenings or weekends, depending on your needs and your schedule; and transportation and child-minding.
More information: www.eslincanada.com/linc_programs.html
More than 130,000 foreign students come to study in Canada every year.
More information on studying in Canada: www.studyincanada.com

Health care
All Canadian residents are eligible for health coverage through the federally governed but provincially executed health scheme "Medicare". Health coverage normally becomes effective three months after the date you establish residency. Most of the health benefits are covered across Canada. You will receive a health card from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to show your entitlement to health care services, which pays for a wide range of services that are medically necessary. Supplementary health benefits are received by some members of the community (pensioners, children, welfare recipients) including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, assistive equipment and appliances. There is also a private system that supplements (not duplicates) the public system, which allows for private hospitals and shorter waiting lists.
More information: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html

Housing
Two-thirds of the occupied housing stock in Canada is owner-occupied. 57 per cent of Canadian housing are single-detached homes while the rest of Canada's occupied housing stock is comprised of multiple-unit dwellings. Apartment housing is most common in Canada's large urban centers (Toronto, Vancouver & Montreal), where single-detached homes typically make up less than half of the housing stock. Homeownership rates in Canada's these areas are generally lower than the national average.

If you are considering rental accommodation, there are many options such as apartments, flats, bachelor or studio apartments, duplexes, townhouses, houses or condominiums all of which can come furnished or unfurnished. Check classified ads in community newspapers or rental magazines. If you are considering buying a house, a townhouse or condominium, check local newspapers and new home magazines for listings of homes for sale. A real estate agent can help you find a home. You can also try www.canadarealestatedirectory.com

Residential Mortgages Residential Mortgages are available for the purpose of purchasing residential real estate.
More information: www.rbcroyalbank.com

Leisure
Canada's greatest attribute is its natural environment. This provides for lots of hiking, canoeing, kayaking and white-water rafting in national parks throughout the country. These parks including: Killarney Park, Ontario and Gaspésie Park and Mont Tremblant Park. Quebec. For beach-goers, the East coast affords warmer waters and Canadians flock there during the short summer season. Skiers are spoilt for their choice of alpine and cross-country skiing - with good cross-country skiing found all through Canada. The main alpine ski centers are world class and the famous Whistler ski resort is found north of Vancouver in British Columbia. Niagara Falls in Ontario is a must-see for any Canadian resident. Ecotourism in Canada is also popular, and there are also many trips specializing in the culture of the Native people.

CANADA