By square miles, the only country larger than Canada is Russia. Although it’s larger than the United States, Canada has a population that’s only 11 percent of the population of America and doesn’t rank within the 10 most populated countries in the world.
Canada’s a safe country with a low crime rate, and the low crime rate is just one of the reasons Statistica reports Canada accepts approximately 300,000 new immigrants each year. Starting over in a new country is an adjustment, and there’s a lot for new residents to learn. Canada’s new residents can ease their transition and make the most of life in their new country by using the three resources explored here.
1. Legal Resources
Settlers first arrived in what’s now known as Canada in the 1500s, and permanent settlements were established in the 1600s. Although both French and English settlers colonized Canada, the French fell to Britain after years of armed conflict. Consequently, many of the social structures in Canada have British roots, including the legal system. Canadian lawyers are highly trained legal experts who provide legal counsel. Like lawyers in the United States, Canadian lawyers are required to earn a law degree and pass the bar exam before practicing law. Canadian lawyers also choose specializations. For example, as an immigrant, you may have an immigration attorney guiding you through the immigration process.
Launching a business in a new country can be daunting, but hiring a labour law expert, such as Malliha Wilson from Nava Wilson LLP, can help you navigate the process. Business owners consult lawyers who specialize in corporate and labour law. Wilson understands labor contracts, employment laws, and business regulations. Hiring Wilson to help you navigate contracts and establish legal protocols ensures your business complies with Canadian laws. Wilson’s experience with complex litigation includes arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Canada and the Ontario Court of Appeal. Wilson also specializes in human rights law and constitutional law, making her an ideal attorney to turn to if you face discrimination as an immigrant.
2. Health Resources
Canada has universal health care. Although citizens and legal residents must pay for some health care services, such as dental and optical care, taxes fund a large percentage of Canada’s health care services. New immigrants can apply for a provincial health care card. Immigrants may wait up to three months to receive the government card providing access to universal health care; however, immigrants may access free health care before receiving their card if they need to go to a public hospital for emergency treatment.
Although Canada’s health care system doesn’t cover the cost of prescription medication, Canada pharmacy services simplify the process of accessing affordable medication. You can use your prescription to order medication online, making it easy to have prescription drugs delivered right to your door. You can access common medications, such as Viagra and Abilify. You can also access generic medications, which can be more affordable than brand-name medications and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Licensed pharmacists fill orders placed through online pharmacies.
3. Relocation Resource Sites
There are many adjustments to make when you move to a new country, but relocation resources make it easier to start building a new life in a new nation. The Canadian Relocation website’s a resource you can access from the comfort of your home or via free internet access at your local public library. The site contains information about Canadian cities, helping you learn about your new community’s history and community resources you can access.
Relocation resource sites provide information about Canada’s education system, ensuring you know how to register children for school and what to expect from the public school system. You can also access information about how to find a job. You can review tips for creating an impressive resume and use job search tools to look for employment opportunities in any province or territory.
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, but there are some excellent resources new residents can use to adjust to life in Canada. Canada’s legal and health care resources can help you navigate employment and medical issues. You can also use relocation resources to learn about your new community.
