Canada is a dynamic country with countless business opportunities.

As the 10th world powerful country, Canada gives immigrants a chance to be part of its economic growth.

Canada and Its Economy

Canada is the 10th world’s largest economic power. With its GDP as high as CA $ 195.6 billion (2009), Canada offers one of the best economic freedom in the world. Canada is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and part of the The Group of Eight (G8).

Canada can be proud of its numerous businesses and creators which are worldly renowned for their expertise and innovation. Hydro-Quebec, SunCore Energy, SCN-Lavalin, Cirque du Soleil, McCain Foods, Transcontinental, Bombardier and EnCan are few of the many Canadian businesses that flourish within Canada and abroad.

Although the economy of Canada is dominated by the tertiary sector, or the service industry, it is also very rich in the natural resources.

Canada is a vast country with many resources varying large from one area to another. For example, British-Columbia, the West of the country, is endowed with a rich forest resource. Whereas the central provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan are recognized for their industry of gas. Ontario is known for its mines and the car industry, Quebec for hydroelectricity and the Atlantic provinces for their fishing industry.

Canada is also quite an important player in the production of gold, nickel, uranium and lead, and as well as a large exporter of agricultural products.

Canada and Its Geography

Total surface area of Canada is 9,984,670 square kilometres. In terms of surface, Canada is the second largest country in the world, right after Russia. Canada is surrounded by the Pacific, Atlantic and Antarctica oceans and shares its border with the United States.

Canada consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Canada’s federal structure divides government responsibilities between the federal government and provinces. Some powers are exclusively relevant to the federal government while some others are shared between the two levels such as immigration.

 

Toronto

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is Canada’s business and economic capital as important as New York, Boston and Chicago. Toronto itself is responsible for 11% of the GDP of Canada. Five of the six Canadian largest banks chose Toronto as their head office.

Toronto is multicultural and its 2.6 million inhabitants make 5th largest city in North America.

Vancouver

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia and 3rd biggest city in Canada, the province located at the far west of Canada. In 2010, Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics Games. Its principal economic assets are export, film industry, natural resources, technology and tourism.

Vancouver’s unique nature offers both skiing in the mountains and hot sandy beaches that could be enjoyed in one single day.

Calgary

Located in Alberta, Calgary is renowned for its energy industry. Many international companies working in the field of gas (from production to consultation) are established in Calgary. Technology, transport and production are other flourishing sectors of Calgary.

Located at the foot of the Rockies, Calgary is a modern city which can easily offers you an escape into the wilderness.

Montreal

Cultural metropolis, Montreal is popular for its dynamism, creativity and diversity. Many international businesses of aerospace and telecommunication made this Canadian city their head office. Montreal generates 50% of the GDP of Quebec and 70% of its exports. Companies from 819 different business sectors are based in Montreal creating an incredible synergy while offering their best products and services.

Montreal has a rich industry of tourism full of activities throughout the year. The Jazz festival, the Francofolies and the Just for Laughs Festival attract an international crowd in summer while the winter season offers some pretty good skiing only a few kilometres away from the metropolis.

Canada and Its Demography

Canada is a vast country populated with men and women of all and possible cultures and races. Multicultural, the population of Canada reaches more than 31,6 million people (Statistics Canada, 2006). Canada has one of the weakest population densities of the world. According to the 2006 census, the density of its population amounted with 3.5 people per square kilometre. Ontario is the most populated province, followed by Quebec, then Alberta and British-Columbia.

Canada and Immigration

According to the last census in 2006, more than 6 million people were born outside of Canada, representing nearly 20% of the whole population. Each year, Canada welcomes thousands of immigrants. Many structured efforts are provided in order to integrate the new Canadian residents within their community. Canada is an open and multicultural society.

Canada and Its Services

Canada is a country of service for its citizens.

1. Canadian Charter of rights and freedoms

   Canada is a country which protects its citizens. People on the Canadian land are in the obligation to respect the Canadian Charter of rights and freedoms.

2. Access to healthcare

   All permanent residents and Canadian citizens have access to the public healthcare system. Each province and territory of Canada manages its own public healthcare system in order to meet the basic medical needs of its population.

3. Bilingual country

   Canada is a bilingual country with French and English as its official languages. The great majority of the French-speaking population is concentrated in the province of Quebec, but some significant French-speaking communities exist in Ontario, Manitoba and the Atlantic provinces, particularly in New Brunswick.

4. Access to education

   Public education in Canada is within provincial jurisdiction. Education is compulsory up to the age of 16 in every province, except for Ontario and New Brunswick, where it is mandatory until the age of 18.

5. Access to housing

   In Canada, you can buy or rent a house. As an owner or a tenant, you have rights and responsibilities.