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Small businesses are a vital part of Canada’s economy. In fact, small businesses (with less than 100 employees) make up close to 98% of employer businesses in Canada. And, for many newcomers starting a small business in Canada can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to understand what’s required to ensure your success. Check out these eight steps to know and do if you’re interested in starting a business! From understanding your market to small business financing, you’ll discover helpful information and resources to move you in the right direction.
A small business usually starts with a simple idea. Maybe you have a new product idea or invention. Or maybe you want to distribute products from your homeland to the Canadian market (or vice-versa). You may want to purchase an existing running business or franchise. Or maybe you have a specialty service to market as a self-employed person or a small boutique firm (i.e. web designer).
But, before you venture further, you need to better understand the market or need for your product or services, particularly in the Canadian context. Ask yourself if there is a need in your community. What is your target market? Is there a demand for the product or service? While there are many reasons why small businesses fail in Canada, a common reason is a failure to conduct market research.
You have to do plenty of market research (see Industry Canada, a great resource for this), plus look at your local market and competitors. For example, if you’re planning to open a sushi restaurant in a specific city or neighbourhood, find out who your competitors will be, including sushi and other restaurants.
Starting a small business is one thing, but how will you structure it? There are many things to consider related to how you form your business and its legal structure. There are pros and cons with different types of legal entities, which include:
You must also decide on and register a business name. You will require proof of registration to open a bank account, for example, for the company.
Once you have a clear understanding of the market, and feel your business meets a need, the second step is to write a business plan. A business plan is an essential document for launching a small business in Canada. Do you understand Canadian business plan standards? Find help in writing a plan with a professional consultant or these online resources:
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Most small businesses take time to start earning a profit. Do you have financing in place to not only start your business but keep it afloat?
Financing is one of the biggest challenges for start-up businesses, particularly if you are a newcomer with a limited amount of credit history in Canada. Various options for financing your business include:
Do you know how to effectively market your business in today’s social media-savvy climate? Do you have a social media strategy?
For many small businesses, especially for mom & pop stores, small restaurants, and boutiques, profit margins can be pretty tight. Your next goal is to grow your business by increasing your efficiencies and maximizing your profits.
Increasing your sales is critical to growing your profit. The first part of increasing your sales is having a product or service that meets a consumer’s need at an appropriate price point. The second part is to create a sales and marketing strategy to get the word out!
Are the costs of running your business too high? Look at ways of cutting your overhead. Assess your suppliers and look for competitive pricing.
Labour, of course, is one of the biggest expenses you’ll have, so it’s important to hire well and retain quality staff by creating a positive workplace environment that keeps your employees in your corner.
A socially responsible business is all about combining economic and financial goals with social, environmental, and/or humanitarian goals. It’s about companies who know that “doing good” is good for business.
Here are some examples of how small businesses can be socially responsible:
Hiring and retaining staff can be one of the most costly, frustrating parts of owning a small business. But hiring your first employee or adding new members to the team can help to transform your business. When recruiting and hiring new employees in Canada, a key priority will be to hire the right person with the right skills and experience for the job.
From accounting to paying taxes, a successful business is organized and maintains its records. Keeping track of your finances with proper accounting and bookkeeping is critical for successful small businesses.
Proper bookkeeping can help you keep track of expenses and cash flow, and measure your bottom line.
Not all owners have the skill, expertise, or time to manage all these financial details on their own, however. Hiring a financial professional – be it as an employee or a freelance consultant can ease this burden for many owners. And while you may worry about the expense of such services, a professional can actually save you money by showing you how to better manage your money, save on taxes, and more.
There are different types of professionals you can hire such as:
If you’re starting your business out on a small scale, you can at least rely on popular software like Quickbooks to help you manage your finances.
The Canadian economy is driven by the small business sector. Even though many small businesses have just one owner and a handful of employees, there are many taxes and regulations the business must still contend with.
There are basic tax requirements such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST or provincial sales tax) that you must comply with.
Then there are numerous permits, licences, and regulations related to your employees such as minimum wage, maximum work shifts, vacation pay, and more.
If you’re new to the country, it is worth the investment to have a qualified tax professional and/or lawyer in your corner to help you navigate the rules and regulations when starting a small business.
Using the right technology, from back-end software to a great web presence, will help you succeed in your business.
No business today can operate without the proper technology, so it’s important to invest in this aspect of your business, to keep both the back end (i.e. accounting software, servers) and front end (i.e. cash registers) working smoothly.
In addition to your basic computer hardware and software needs, here are several additional technologies to consider:
Do you have the professional and leadership skills to keep your business running? It’s a question few business owners ask themselves. Finding a mentor can help. Learn more about mentoring in Canada.
With small business as a key driver of the economy in Canada, newcomers often find starting a small business is a rewarding opportunity. With support and a strong understanding of these eight steps you can be well on your way to achieving your small business dream.
For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
For newcomers, learning to drive a car can be an important first step. If you have never had a driver’s license before, we’ll explore learning to drive and how to get your driver’s license in Canada.
A driver’s license will help you do many practical activities such as:
Learning to drive can also allow you to do personal activities like going on exciting road trips, discovering charming small towns, and enjoying scenic drives.
A driving license can also be used as an official piece of Canadian identification. Just one more benefit of having a driving license.
Obtaining your driving license is also helpful if you plan to live in a suburb where communities are more spread out. That distance can make it challenging to get around without a car.
You may already have your driving license from your home country. If you currently have a driver’s license you may be able to take advantage of the foreign license exchange agreement or get credits for your foreign driving experience. This will allow you to obtain your Canadian driver’s license more quickly.
Getting your driver’s license in Canada may vary depending on the province where you reside. However, all provinces will require you to pass driving tests:
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARWhen you successfully pass the driving theory exam and the vision test, you will get your G1 driving license. With a G1 driving license, you are only allowed to drive when there is a fully licensed driver in the car with a minimum of four years of driving experience. As well, there are other restrictions that you have to follow.
To graduate from your G1 to a G2 driving license, you have to pass a road test of your basic driving skills. You can take this driving test after you have been a G1 driver for 12 months.
To get your full G license, you must pass a test that covers advanced driving skills such as parallel parking and driving on a highway. You can take this driving test:
If your G2 driving license expires, you must redo all the tests. So it’s important to complete your G license driving test before your G2 expires.
When you pass your G driving test, you will successfully get your full G license and can drive any car, van, or small truck!
If you do not have a driver’s license from your home country and have never driven before, you may want to learn to drive in Canada. A beneficial way to learn to drive is to take driving lessons before you get your license.
When you take driving lessons you can gain several benefits. For example, you can:
2. Develop good driving habits and skills: You’ll get the practice you need to drive with confidence and the skill to pass your driving test in Canada.
3. Learn with professional driving instructors: With an experienced and professional driving instructor, you’ll learn the proper driving techniques and common mistakes to avoid. Activities like speeding or following too closely can amount to expensive tickets, collisions, and serious injury to yourself or others.
4. Get your driving license faster: When you complete your driving lessons and receive your certificate, you can take your driving test eight months after you complete your written test. Without a driving certificate from a qualified driving school, drivers must wait 12 months before they can take the G2 driving test. Learn more about Canada’s graduated licensing system.
5. Reduce your insurance rates: With a certificate from a driving school, you may be rewarded for your time and effort with lower car insurance rates. However, the driving school you attend must be approved by the provincial Ministry of Transportation. Click here for approved driving schools in Ontario.
2. While the process to get your driver’s license may vary slightly across Canada, all provinces use a graduated licensing system. This system allows you to progress from a G1 license to a G2 license, and finally to a full G license.
3. To learn to drive in Canada with confidence and skill, you can consider taking driving lessons from a government-approved driving school. Driving lessons provide many benefits, including lower car insurance rates in Canada which will save you money.
The first 90 days in a new job in Canada is an important time to demonstrate to your manager that you have what it takes to achieve success in the role. In addition, some employers may state that you must complete a 90-day probationary period. With these tips for success in your first 90 days, you can be proactive and ensure that you meet and exceed their expectations. This information is vital, especially if this is your first job in Canada and you want to understand the Canadian workplace.
During your first three months on the job, your new employer will assess your performance, skills, and abilities and determine if you are a good “fit” for the role and the organization. Your direct manager will also assess if you fit the organizational culture. However, it’s also a critical time for you to evaluate if you are happy with your job and employer. If you meet performance expectations within the first 90 days in your new job, and you are satisfied with the job, you can achieve long-term success with these tips.
The workplace culture in Canada will vary for each company and industry. Do your best to make a great first impression and be open and friendly with your colleagues. Your workplace relationships in Canada are important and help to build trust among coworkers and other teams. A high-trust work environment contributes to workplace efficiency, productivity, and a positive work environment.
As a newcomer, you may think that you need to change your behaviour to fit into the Canadian workplace. And while you may find some workplace etiquette different, you’ll pick up the behaviours when you start working. Canadian employers value diversity in the workplace and recognize how it contributes to improved business outcomes.
You likely researched the company during the interview process. Now it’s time to expand on that knowledge from the inside of the company. This shows your Canadian employer that you are committed to not only your own success but also that of the organization. Sometimes new employees focus too much on their individual roles and responsibilities and lose sight of what the company is trying to achieve.
Many companies will host a new employee orientation. This orientation can vary in length from a half-day to a day-long session and usually takes place during your first week with the company. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the company’s culture, values, products and services, and key policies and processes. Examples of core policies include:
A new employee orientation also serves to define the specific behaviours that will contribute to your success in your new job, for example:
Writing an effective Canadian-style resume can be challenging. That’s why we are here to help. Our free Canadian-style resume template will give you all the information you need to create a resume tailored to the Canadian job market. This template takes all the guess work out of creating your resume, so you can focus on what matters the most- getting the job.
GET FREE GUIDEFinding a mentor to show you how things get done in the Canadian workplace is invaluable. Some companies may even assign someone on the team to help you succeed in your first 90 days in a new job. This can provide short and long-term benefits for your career success. With a mentor, you will have someone to go to with any questions who can help you quickly achieve results.
You are new and as such, you get to ask all of the questions you want without judgment. This is the time to focus on learning every aspect of your job and aim to contribute as quickly as you can. The sooner that you can shed the appearance of being the new kid in class and graduate to a confident member of the team the better. Your manager and colleagues want to share their knowledge with you to help you succeed in your first 90 days in your new job.
Canadian employers place a high value on teamwork and collaboration to help them achieve their goals. This means fostering positive relationships and building networks. While you may want to complete your work with a minimal amount of socializing, it’s vital to build connections with your team to achieve results.
It’s important to introduce yourself to other colleagues within the first 90 days. Often called, “meet and greets”, these short 20 – 30 minute meetings allow you to meet others, learn about their roles, and how you can expect to work with them. This will give you an understanding of what others do so you’ll know who to speak to when you have a question. Initiating a “meet and greet” with the key people in your workplace will quickly help you to build relationships.
While it can feel awkward to introduce yourself and ask for help, stepping outside of your comfort zone will be vital to your success in your new job.
The lunch break is a great time to get to know your coworkers within your first 90 days. If everyone brings a lunch and hangs out together then follow suit. Or, join your team occasionally if they go out to eat lunch. You’ll get to explore the area around your office as you get to know your coworkers.
You need to be on top of your game in your new job so you should allow yourself some time to adapt to the new position and work environment. The important thing is to stay positive while you navigate your first 90 days in your new job.
As a new employee, you bring a fresh set of eyes and you may be able to see something that could improve how the team or company operates. Your input can generate ideas and innovation. However, you also want to avoid being critical. So be sure to convey a compelling message and rationale for providing your ideas.
If there is a dress code then you need to make sure that you adhere to it and that you are presentable. The dress code is something that you can learn more about in the employee orientation. However, you can also observe what others wear in your office. It is possible that the official dress code does not align exactly with what you are expected to wear. For example, your manager may dress more formally every day, especially if they are meeting with senior leaders or external clients. However, they may not expect you to dress formally. But, it’s important to find out how you are expected to dress to get it right.
In Canada, many companies have a business casual dress code. This means that men don’t have to wear a suit and tie, and women are not required to wear a structured blazer with a matching skirt or slacks. In some cases, the organization may allow you to wear denim. However, be sure to look presentable and avoid wearing distressed denim.
You would be amazed at how far a little extra effort can take you, especially in your first few weeks and months. Once you have established yourself as someone who gets things done you can look forward to a promising career beyond your first 90 days!
It’s an exciting time when you land your first job in Canada. But it can also be overwhelming when you want to exceed expectations. Recognizing the importance of your first three months in your new job, these tips will help you navigate the road to career success in Canada!
When searching for your first home, here are five tips to ensure you get the best mortgage rates in Canada. And, to get the best rates will require you to research so you know how to select a mortgage that’s right for you. Many newcomers arrive with savings to own a home and establish roots in Canada. And getting the best mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage.
Buying your first home in Canada is an exciting time to make your dream of homeownership a reality. But at the same time, it can create stress and confusion. You may have questions about the real estate process in Canada, the lending process, or other important questions. And, buying a home is likely the largest and most important decision that you will make. So, it’s important to understand what’s involved, and how you can save thousands of dollars with the best mortgage rate.
A home purchase is a major investment. So, research the housing market in Canada and the lending and real estate process. Do your research so that you’re confident with the decisions you’ll have to make every step of the way. And, this includes understanding the different types of mortgages:
Your down payment is money you pay towards your home purchase. It is deducted from the purchase price of your home. And, the remaining amount will be covered by your mortgage loan.
A 2019 survey conducted by Royal LePage revealed that 75% of newcomers arrive in Canada with savings to purchase a home. And the great news is that those savings can help you to get the best mortgage rate.
You can get a conventional mortgage loan if you can pay 20% or more of the property value. But, with less than 20% of your down payment, you’ll get a high-ratio mortgage. And, high-ratio mortgages require home buyers to purchase mortgage default insurance.
This mortgage insurance allows homebuyers to buy a home with less than a 20% down payment of the purchase price. However, mortgage insurance only protects your lender. Therefore, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of mortgage insurance if you’re unable to pay your mortgage.
Homebuyers require a minimum down payment of 5% of the home purchase price. So, if you have less than 5%, keep saving!
When you have a bigger down payment it can save you money over the lifetime of your mortgage. But, if you have less than 20% of the purchase price, your lender will require you to pay for mortgage insurance.
There’s nothing like a poor credit score to stand in the way of getting the best mortgage rates in Canada. The minimum required credit score to get a mortgage in Canada is between 620 – 679. But, with a good credit score (usually between 680 – 724 points), you may get better borrowing rates.
Although, even with a good credit score, it’s smart to practice good financial habits to increase your ability to borrow money. For example:
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, working with a mortgage broker can help you navigate the complexity of mortgage products, options, and features. A mortgage broker can access a broad range of financing options.
Buying your first home in Canada can come with uncertainty about unexpected costs, affordability, or paying too much for your home. And, you’ll likely have questions that a mortgage broker can answer.
A professional mortgage broker can inform you about mortgage options and features. Because different mortgage options may be more suitable for you based on your needs and plans. For example, you will need this information to help you make decisions related to:
In addition to knowledge and experience, mortgage brokers can:
Lenders may have important restrictions related to each mortgage option which can cost you more money. Working with a mortgage broker can save you thousands of dollars in costs.
When searching for your new home, it’s difficult to predict if mortgage rates will increase or decrease. So, a pre-approved mortgage can protect you against interest rate hikes while you search. With a pre-approved mortgage, you can lock in a mortgage rate for up to 120 days. In addition, getting pre-approved will help you understand how much you can afford to buy your first house in Canada.
You can get a mortgage from your bank or a mortgage broker. However, working with a broker who is a subject matter expert with specialized mortgage knowledge can offer several advantages. For example, you can:
A broker works with several lenders including top banks, credit unions, and other lenders to get you a more flexible deal. And with one single mortgage application, they get several lenders to “bid” for your business to get you the best possible rate.
In addition, a mortgage broker acts as a single point of contact who can manage everything from applying for the mortgage to negotiating your rate and disbursing the funds. All of this can create a stress-free experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
Establishing roots in Canada through home ownership is exciting! Achieve your dream with the best mortgage rate to save you thousands of dollars for your mortgage.
Bullying can happen to anyone. For me, it happened at school when I first moved to Canada. It was verbal bullying – name-calling, sarcastic remarks, and taunting, mostly. I never told anyone because I didn’t know what it was or how to recognize it. According to Bullying Canada, bullying is when someone hurts or scares someone else on purpose. It is one-sided and pointed; it can be verbal, social, or physical; it can happen face-to-face, in cyberspace, or both; and it can be a one-time incident or recurring.
Verbal: includes name-calling, negative cultural or racial references, threats, taunting, and inappropriate sexual comments.
Social: includes leaving someone out on purpose, telling people not to be friends with someone, humiliating them in public, and telling rumours about them.
Physical: includes hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, shoving, chasing, poking, and stealing someone’s belongings.
Cyber Bullying: includes using various online platforms (text, email, social media, the Internet) to tease someone, spread rumours about them, intimidate them, or put them down.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARYour child:
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Bullying can happen to children as young as five years old and should be taken seriously. It is a major power issue that can escalate. So, children and parents must stop it before it begins. For more information, visit www.bullyingcanada.ca.
Help your children identify bullying and communicate openly. Encourage your child to speak up if they are being bullied or if they know someone who is. Anyone can be a target.
Ontario currently has a population of 14.8 million and the Government of Ontario is projecting the province to grow to over 20.4 million by 2046. It could even surpass 21 million in a high growth scenario. And, most of this growth will be driven by immigration. The greatest population growth has mainly been in southern Ontario within the area known as the “Golden Horseshoe” This includes the area along the shores of Lake Ontario from Oshawa to St. Catharines and includes the Greater Toronto Area and the City of Hamilton.
Ontario’s growth is a good news story reflecting that newcomers are choosing Ontario cities to start their new life in Canada. Immigration has long played an important role in Ontario’s social, cultural and economic fabric. And, today Ontario continues to welcome people from more than 150 countries. A sign of its diversity is the number of languages that you can hear people speaking on our streets.
Ontario is a land of opportunity! And its prosperity has been built by the hard work of generations of immigrants. If you’re considering living in Ontario, learn more about its population, location and regions, cities, economy, and culture.
Located in central Canada, Ontario has the country’s largest population. While it has the largest population, approximately 85% of people live in large cities located on the shores of the Great Lakes. But, the land area of the province is enormous. It’s the second-largest province after Quebec and covers an area of more than 1 million square km.
There are vast distances between its largest cities. For example, the distance between Toronto in southern Ontario and Ottawa in the eastern part of the province is 452 km. That’s about a five-hour drive. The distance between Toronto and Windsor is 362 km or about a four-hour drive.
Ontario shares a border with Manitoba to the west, Quebec to the east, James Bay and Hudson Bay to the north, and the Great Lakes and the United States border to the south. The five Great Lakes (Lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior) hold one-fifth of the world’s freshwater surface.
Most of Ontario Canada is in the Eastern Time Zone. However, officially some communities in Ontario’s Northwest region fall in the Central Time Zone. The province follows Daylight Saving Time (DST). At the beginning of DST in the Spring, people move their clock forward by one hour. In the Fall, people move their clock back one hour when DST ends.
For newcomers to Ontario, learning about the history of indigenous peoples in Canada can help to build a better future. Celebrating the unique heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is a vital way to recognize the Indigenous Peoples who were here before any newcomers arrived in Canada.
There are 133 First Nations communities located across Ontario that represent major cultural and linguistic groups. This makes Ontario home to 23% of all Indigenous peoples in Canada. First Nations communities are located from Windsor in the south to the Northern shores of Hudson Bay. There are over 30 remote First Nations in Ontario that are only accessible by air year-round or ice road access for most of the year. However, many indigenous peoples live off-reserve in urban cities including Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Ottawa, and Toronto.
Ontario is a hub for economic opportunities. It offers a unique combination of resources, manufacturing, exports, and a focus on innovation. The province is home to almost 50% of all employees in high tech, financial services and knowledge industries. Other sectors that drive the highly diverse economy include:
With a number of major infrastructure projects, combined with new housing and renovation activity, the construction industry is a large employer for Ontarians. And, faced with labour shortages, the industry continues to focus on building a more diverse labour force and recruiting newcomers to Canada.
Ontario is Canada’s manufacturing powerhouse. Key manufacturing industries include auto, information and communications technologies, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Innovation is always at the forefront whether it’s creating the next generation of autonomous vehicles or streamlining aerospace, food processing, and cleantech processes.
Ontario is one of the top producers of vehicles in North America with assembly plants in Windsor, Brampton, Cambridge, and other cities in the province.
Much of Ontario’s south is covered by high-quality farmland that produces fruit crops, vegetables, cash crops such as soybeans, corn, wheat and barley, commercial dairy, beef, poultry, and hog farms.
Forestry plays a major role in the province’s economy and supports many direct and indirect jobs across Ontario communities. Ontario wood supports the livelihoods of about 147,000 people. The province is one of Canada’s most forested regions that support a range of in-demand products such as lumber, furniture, flooring, and plywood. Ontario wood supports
Ontario’s mining industry is a global leader in productivity and is among the world’s top 10 producers of nickel and platinum group metals. According to the Ontario Mining Association, the average weekly wage for direct mining jobs is over 60% higher than the average industrial wage in the province.
The services sector is a large part of Ontario’s economy and includes business and financial services, professional and scientific-technical services, and arts and culture.
With four distinct seasons, year-round activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing make the province of Ontario a premier tourism destination.
Statistics Canada identifies five economic regions in Ontario: Greater Toronto Area, Central Region, Eastern Region, Northern Region, and Southwest Region. Each region also has unique geographic, and cultural differences. While all regions are forecasting employment and population growth, that growth may vary by region. So, it’s vital to research your profession so that you can create a solid career pathway.
The Greater Toronto Area, commonly known as the GTA includes the City of Toronto, and the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York. It’s a commercial, distribution, financial, and economic centre with the second largest financial centre in North America. It has one of the highest concentrations of financial services company headquarters in the Americas.
Toronto is a destination city that people from around the globe recognize. But there are other cities located within the GTA that are close to Toronto such as:
With many jobs currently in demand in the GTA, some of the most in-demand include:
Click here to browse jobs in Ontario.
The central region includes the economic regions of Muskoka-Kawartha, Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie, and Hamilton-Niagara Peninsula. This region includes the cities of:
Much of the Central Region is covered by farms, lakes (with freshwater beaches), and rivers. The region also has a large tourism sector because of the many recreational activities it offers.
This economic region includes Ottawa and Kingston-Pembroke. Ottawa is the nation’s capital and home to Parliament Hill and Buildings. With Canada’s Federal Government located in Ottawa, the city offers great career options in government and the tech sector. Learn more about living in Ottawa.
The northern part of the province is experiencing strong growth in key sectors of the economy including construction, forestry, mining and manufacturing. The Northern Region also continues to develop as an important natural resource, service, and transportation centre.
Two economic regions are within the Northern Region: the Northeast and the Northwest. Notable cities in the Northeast Region include Sudbury and Thunder Bay in the Northwest Region. The Sudbury Basin is a geological phenomenon that runs 100 km wide and 15 km deep. At the edge of this basin are nickel, copper, and other minerals that make Sudbury one of Canada’s largest mining centres.
Another growing sector is health sciences due to innovations in medical research and science facilities in the region.
The Southwest Region is shaped by nature and is also Canada’s most southern region. It has deep agricultural roots due to its milder climate and longer growing and harvest seasons.
Key cities in this region include:
Although it’s the province in Canada with the most opportunities for newcomers, it can be an expensive place to live. In part, this is due to having some of the highest housing costs in Canada, especially in Toronto and the GTA. Housing costs comprise the largest living expense, but other costs include:
If you plan to live in Ontario, it’s wise to take financial steps before you move to Canada and prepare to manage your costs. The cost of living can vary by city as well. When researching cities to live in, it’s helpful to research both the average wages for your profession by region as well as housing and living costs.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAROntario has regional climate differences. For example, Northern Ontario has longer and colder winters than Southern Ontario. You’ll find the weather is warmest in Windsor, Ontario’s most southern city.
Areas that receive westerly winds off the Great Lakes are often called the “snow belt” and can receive excessive snow. In contrast, the areas around Toronto and Hamilton are in the partial rain shadow of the Niagara Escarpment and receive less than 150 cm of snow annually.
In the summer, temperatures can rise above 30°C (86°F), while in the winter they can drop below -40°C (-40°F).
In addition to driving Ontario’s population growth, immigration fuels economic growth, reunites families and promotes culture and diversity in communities. In fact, the City of Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. You can explore international neighbourhoods such as Little India, Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown, and more!
The province is highly diverse with over 250 ethnic origins. Cities across Ontario welcome newcomers to contribute to their social, economic, and cultural vitality. Settlement services throughout the province help newcomers adapt and thrive in their new communities.
Its excellent higher education system is among the many reasons international students choose to study in the province. Ontario is home to 23 public universities, 24 colleges, and more than 400 registered private colleges. While Canada leads other Western countries with the rise of international students, Ontario hosts the largest number of students in its post-secondary schools.
Economic immigrants with at least one year of Canadian study experience had higher earnings 10 to 11 years after immigration than those without such experience, regardless of whether they had pre-admission Canadian work experience. These findings suggest that, for economic immigrants who are new graduates and new entrants to the labour market, Canadian credentials translate into stronger economic outcomes in the longer term.
International students as a source of labour supply: A summary of recent trenDs
Statistics Canada: March 2022
Among many of the popular attractions that contribute to Ontario’s booming tourism industry are the world-famous Niagara Falls, Science North in Sudbury, and Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Ontario is also home to six national parks and over 300 provincial parks and beaches.
(NC) Summer vacation is here. However, rising fuel prices are influencing plans, and have us looking for ways to make our trips more efficient.
Here are a few tips from Toyota Canada to help you get the most out of your summer trips:
[cjtoolbox name=’Renting Webinar’]
These simple tips should help you save on gas, and reduce your emissions while you enjoy the pleasures of the open road this summer.
While many new immigrants choose to move to Toronto when they come to Canada, there are many other great cities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Markham. The city you choose is an important decision that will play a big role in your life now and in the future. Before making a final decision, it’s important to consider the local job market, housing costs, transportation, and entertainment options. All of these and other factors will shape your lifestyle.
Are you thinking about moving to Markham? Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Markham.
Markham, Ontario is a diverse city. Similar to other cities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), it’s home to people from all over the world. It’s located in York Region about 30 minutes from downtown Toronto. Because of this, it is a popular location for commuters.
The city is home to hundreds of corporate head offices, providing residents with the opportunity to work in many different industries. Importantly, Markham is at the center of the second-largest tech cluster in Canada and a key player in Ontario’s innovation corridor.
As one of the most diverse cities in Canada, diversity and inclusion are a strategic priority for the city. It’s a community that welcomes people from all races and religions.
The city was first settled in 1794 as Thornhill and Unionville. It was later incorporated as a village in 1872, a town in 1971, and a city in 2012.
The city of Markham has a population of 338,503, as of the 2021 Census. This is an increase of 2.9% since 2016. It’s the 7th largest city in Ontario and the 4th largest in the Greater Toronto Area.
Regarded as Canada’s high-tech capital, the city is home to hundreds of corporate offices and over one thousand high-tech and life science companies. There are more than 10,000 companies in the city, with 240 being foreign, employing more than 179,000 people.
The top industries in Markham are:
Markham offers job opportunities with an extensive list of international companies. The city attracts many top high-tech companies in Canada including:
You can explore opportunities on the Government of Canada Job Bank website, company websites, or by using local recruitment agencies such as Randstad Canada, Robert Half, Aerotek, and Modern Technical Staffing Inc.
Rent and real estate costs are expensive in Markham. It is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. One way to keep costs down is to choose a more affordable neighbourhood or even consider a smaller community close by. Higher living costs are a result of urbanization and the tendency of people to move out of the city of Toronto into suburban areas. This created a greater demand for housing in the region.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARRenting an apartment in Markham is significantly more expensive than in other cities in the province. The average cost to rent in Markham is $2025 for a 1 Bedroom, and $3200 for a 2 Bedroom. This is much higher than the provincial average rent of $1,395.
If you are looking to rent, try our Rentals for Newcomers site for a practical and easy-to-use way to find housing! And you can even determine the average cost of rentals in each city. This is helpful since rental prices change often.
When renting a home or apartment, it’s also important to buy renter’s insurance. While it’s optional, many landlords require it as part of your tenant application.
Get more information about renting a home: Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know.
Purchasing a home in Markham is expensive. According to Zolo, the average cost of a 3-bedroom home in Markham is $1.4 million (as of May 2022). This is a 14% increase from the previous year. The average price for a 2-bedroom townhouse is $1 million (a year-over-year increase of 40%). The average cost of a condo is $810,000.
Find out more about buying a home in Canada, First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
A big part of life for Markham residents involves driving. Many people commute to work in the city and across the GTA. The city has a grid layout with major streets extending to Toronto. They include Yonge Street, Bayview Avenue, and Leslie Street. There are also several major highways passing through the city – Highway 404, Highway 407 ETS toll road, and Regional Road 7 (formerly Highway 7).
All drivers are required to have a valid driver’s licence and insurance to drive in Ontario. Learn more about driving in Canada with these 10 essential facts.
York Region Transit (YRT) connects Markham with other surrounding cities, including Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Vaughan, and Toronto. Residents can travel downtown by connecting to the TTC subway system or GO Transit.
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Getting Your Ontario Drivers License
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety
Within York Region, newcomers can access five service hub Welcome Centres. They help immigrants to settle and integrate into their new life. There are two centres in Markham, one in the North and another in the South end of the city. These centres offer settlement and employment services in many languages.
Newcomers can receive language support services from the Welcome Centres. You can also find assistance through Settlement.org, and other community groups and educational institutions.
Having a strong financial plan is important to be successful. So it’s vital to open a bank account as soon as possible. All local banks and credit unions offer programs for new immigrants to help them open an account and get a credit card. You can also get help qualifying for a mortgage and other financial advice.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
Markham has a modern education system with many education options. There are two main school boards in the area. Even though Markham has minimal post-secondary options, you can access top colleges and universities throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
There are many pre-school and daycare options for parents, as well as before and after school programs, and private, public, and community childcare programs across the city.
The two main school boards in the city are The York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. The Conseil scolaire Viamonde operates secular French schools. The Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir operates Catholic French schools. Overall, there are 190 public schools and over 100 Catholic schools.
Currently, there are no post-secondary institutions in the city. However, Seneca College has a campus in the business district. York University plans to open a new campus in the city in 2023.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
The Markham Stouffville Hospital is the city’s main healthcare facility. Residents also have access to care at Shouldice Hospital and at the close by Scarborough Hospital Birchmount Campus. In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides residents with health care coverage. Learn how to apply for an OHIP card. You also have the option to buy private health insurance.
Having a family doctor is important to take care of your health. Newcomers can look for a doctor by using Health Care Connect or The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada.
The city of Markham has a little bit of everything. It’s close enough to Toronto and all the amenities it offers and it has a variety of outdoors and nature to explore. It is close to many of the top attractions in Ontario, in addition to great things to do within the city itself.
Arts culture and diversity are a big part of the community. The city has several performing arts groups including Kindred Spirits Orchestra, Markham Little Theatre, Markham Youth Theatre, Unionville Theatre Company, and the Markham Concert Band.
There are still a variety of small farms in the area. Check out Reesor Farm Market, Galten Farms, Forsythe Family Farms, and Adventure Valley
Other top attractions in the city include Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery, Markham Museum, Markham Village, and Cathedral of the Transfiguration. Shopping is big in Markham. There is a large number of Chinese and East-Asian malls and shops.
Chinese and Asian cuisine dominate the restaurant industry in the city, but the city does have restaurants featuring food from around the world. The city holds many festivals throughout the year. Some to check out include the Night It Up! Night Market, Taste of Asia Festival, Unionville Festival, Markham Village Music Festival, Markham Jazz Festival, Markham Ribfest & Music Festival, Doors Open Markham, Thornhill Village Festival, Markham Fair, Olde Tyme Christmas Unionville, and Markham Festival of Lights.
Markham has over 22 km of scenic pathways. Some of the natural landscapes to experience are Milne Dam Conservation Park, Bob Hunter Memorial Park, and Pomona Mills Park.
Even though the city doesn’t have a professional sports team, it’s only a short drive to Toronto to see the Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays. To see live music, check out the local listings for MFG Complex, and other venues throughout the GTA.
Markham is very diverse. About 78% of the population identifies as a visible minority, with 6% being recent immigrants. There is a significant Chinese population in the city. Close to half of the residents are of Chinese descent. The biggest minority groups are Chinese (46.5%), Indian (10.1%), Sri Lankan (4.4%), Irish (4.2%), Italian (3.7%), Filipino (3.1%) and Iranian (2.5%). One-third of the population’s mother tongue is Cantonese or Mandarin.
Markham is culturally diverse and this is reflected in the number of religions that are practiced in the area. 44% of the population identify as Christian. Others identify as Hindu (9.8%), Muslim (7.5%), Buddhist (4.4%), Jewish (2.4%), and Sikh (1.4%). About 30% of the population has no religious affiliation.
Markham has a continental climate that is like the rest of Southern Ontario. The city experiences all four seasons of weather (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The temperature will vary greatly by season. The average temperature in January is about -6o C and the average high temperature in July is 26o C.
As one of the most diverse cities in all of Canada, Markham is a popular landing spot for new immigrants, especially people of Asian heritage. The city offers great job opportunities and is only a short drive to Toronto, the biggest city in Canada.
One of the main disadvantages of living in Markham is the cost of living. Everything from real estate to restaurants and transit are more expensive than other smaller cities in Canada. However, you also have a better chance of getting a higher-paying job.
Markham is a high-tech hub. So, if you work in the technology field, the city is a desirable destination for you to find work. There are many great outdoor trails, public transit, and you are close to other cities in Ontario.
Deciding to move to Canada is life-changing. A new country brings about new opportunities and a new way of life. Richmond Hill, Ontario is one of the many cities in the Greater Toronto Area to consider.
But before you choose a new city to call home, it’s important to carefully research your options. There are many cities in Canada and they are all unique. So smart things to consider include career options, the regional location, the housing market, and the overall lifestyle a city can offer. Where you live will affect both your financial success and overall quality of life in Canada.
Is Richmond Hill at the top of your list of cities you are considering? Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information.
Richmond Hill is a diverse city that is located in York Region. The region includes nine municipalities: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and the City of Richmond Hill. York Region is also part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is about 36 km from Toronto. The village of Richmond Hill was incorporated in 1872. It received town status in 1957 and city status in 2019.
Richmond Hill has seen significant growth since the 1990s. Thanks to its strong economy, job opportunities, and the quality of life it provides, it attracts thousands of young and skilled immigrants each year.
202,000 people live in Richmond Hill, according to the 2021 Census. This is an increase of 3.6% since 2016. The city is the third-largest in York Region and the 27th largest in Canada. Over 60% of the population are visible minorities. This is well over 100,000 residents.
The city has a diverse economy that is made up of small businesses and corporate headquarters. It is becoming known for IT and high technology with over one thousand businesses in this industry.
Other leading industries you’ll find here are:
The city has a wide range of employers in many industries. Some of its top employers include:
You can search for jobs on the City of Richmond Hill website. Working with a recruitment agency is also a common way to search for employment. Top recruitment agencies include Randstad Canada, AppleOne Employment Services, and Robert Half.
Richmond Hill continues to grow, much like other parts of the York Region. It offers newcomers a variety of housing options. You can choose to rent or buy when you move to the city. Main neighbourhoods include:
Housing in the city is expensive. It is one of the most expensive cities in Ontario to rent or buy. It is a highly desirable place to live, which can make finding affordable options more challenging.
Compared to other cities in the GTA, Richmond Hill is an affordable place to rent. But it is still expensive overall. According to Zumper, the median cost to rent a one-bedroom is $2,173 for a one-bedroom. It is $2,700 for a two-bedroom and $3,190 for a three-bedroom unit. Housing availability can be an issue, and with low vacancy rates, come rising rental costs.
Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in Richmond Hill. Here, you can also find current rental prices in Richmond Hill.
When renting a home or apartment, it’s also important to buy renter’s insurance to protect your family, belongings, and finances.
Get more information about renting a home:
Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know
It is expensive to purchase a home in Richmond Hill. Prices have increased by once 12% in the past year and they continue to climb. The average price to buy a home is $1.5 million as of April 2022 according to real estate website Zolo.
The average price for a 3-bedroom townhouse is $1.3 million and the average price for a condo is $734,000. Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Highway driving is part of daily life in Richmond Hill. It’s common for residents to commute to work in other parts of the GTA. There are several major highways in the area. They are Highway 404/ Don Valley Parkway, Highway 7, Highway 407 toll expressway, and Highway 401. Heavy traffic is common in these areas.
All residents are required to have a valid Ontario driver’s licence. The province uses a graduated licencing system. Learn more about licencing requirements on the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) website.
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Getting Your Ontario Drivers License
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety
York Region Transit (YRT)/Viva has 120 routes across the nine municipalities of the York Region and offers easy access to the transit systems in the neighbouring City of Toronto, Peel Region, and Durham Region. To plan your trip with YRT/Viva, visit their website.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has routes that operate in the York Region and bring passengers to some of the Toronto subway stations. GO Transit offers trains and bus services from Union Station in Toronto to York Region. For fare information when using the TTC and GO Transit connecting services click here.
As a city with a diverse population, it offers a wide selection of support for newcomers. All new immigrants have access to programs that help to settle in the city. Among many of the services, you can get help to look for work, find housing, and improve your language skills.
York Region’s Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) offers support to newcomers. Welcome Centre Immigration Services has seven locations in York Region, including in Richmond Hill. You can get general information in fifteen languages.
You can take language classes through Settlement.org, Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, Immigration Settlement Services, and many other community groups.
Setting up a bank account and getting your finances in order upon moving to Richmond Hill is an important step in getting settled. All local banks and credit unions offer services specifically for new immigrants. They can help you open a bank account, get a credit card, apply for loans, and get a mortgage.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
Richmond Hill has many education options for children and adults. There are two main school boards – York Regional District School Board and York Catholic District School Board.
While the city does not have a post-secondary institution, you can get access to top colleges and universities throughout the GTA. Parents have access to many preschool and daycare options. There are before and after school programs, and private, public, and community childcare programs across the city.
Residents have access to public, Catholic, and private school education. The York Regional District School Board has twenty-seven elementary and five high schools. The York Catholic District School Board has thirteen catholic elementary and two high schools. There are also four private primary schools and five private high schools.
There are no colleges or universities in Richmond Hill. But there are satellite campuses of York University, University of Toronto, and Seneca College located in York Region.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Most basic health care services in Ontario are publicly funded. Richmond Hill residents are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Prescription medications and some other medical services are not covered by OHIP, but you can buy private health insurance.
Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital offers a full-service emergency department, and core and specialized services to provide the health care you need. In case of a medical emergency (when there is a life-threatening condition) call 9-1-1.
York Region Emergency Medical Services works 24 hours per day and uses up to thirty-three ambulances, nine rapid response vehicles and four special response vehicles.
When you arrive, finding a family doctor will be important so that you can receive primary medical care. Family doctors can prescribe medication and refer their patients to specialists and hospitals. Not all family doctors accept new patients, so if you have difficulty finding a healthcare provider, you can enroll in the Ministry of Health Health Care Connect Program.
If you need medical care, but still don’t have a doctor, you can go to a walk-in clinic. Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
Richmond Hill’s location within the GTA offers newcomers many different things to do. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, culture, the arts, or sports, there is something for everyone.
The city offers residents a variety of attractions to explore. Some of the most popular are the David Dunlop Observatory, Hillcrest Mall, Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, and the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market.
Richmond Hill has a variety of neighbourhoods that offer cuisine from many cultures. Yonge Street is the best spot to discover many unique restaurants, pubs, and bars.
There are many outdoor spaces for nature lovers. You can go for a hike at Oak Ridges Trail or Rouge River Headwaters Walk, check out Wilcox Lake, Saigeon Trail walkways above wetlands and Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve.
Even though the city doesn’t have any professional sports teams, it’s only a short drive away to Toronto to see the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, and Argos. You can check out live performances at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Again, there are countless world-class concert venues only a short drive away.
Richmond Hill is a culturally diverse city. Over 60% of the population identifies as a visible minority. This is about 120,000 residents. Residents speak 126 languages.
The largest minority population is Chinese, which make up 30% of residents. Other large immigrant communities include Iranian (11%), Italian (10%), East Indian (5.8%), and Russian (5.4%).
Each year, the city celebrates its cultural diversity through the annual Culture Days events. The event raises cultural awareness through visual arts, music, dance, film, food, and media.
As a diverse city, residents practice different religions. About 50% of the population identifies as Christian. This is followed by Islam (11.5%), Judaism (5.5%), Buddhism (2.8%), and Hinduism (2.4%). About one-quarter of the population has no religious affiliation.
Place of Worship in York Region:
Richmond Hill has a humid continental climate with four seasons. Winters are cold with the daily average temperature in January of -7°C. Temperatures often feel colder than they are because of the wind chill. Snow can fall anytime between November and April. Snowstorms are not unusual.
Summers are hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 31°C. However, the high humidity makes temperatures feel warmer than they are. Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant, sometimes with large differences between day and night temperatures.
Yes. It’s regarded as one of the best places to live and work in Canada. Its truly diverse population makes it an attractive destination for new immigrants.
While it is a great place to live, Richmond Hill is one of the most expensive cities in Ontario. If you don’t enjoy commuting, you won’t like the traffic. Your location could limit your job opportunities.
Richmond Hill gives you the calm and quietness of a small town while still located close to Toronto, a major city. There are many outdoor activities and it is a great location for commuters. Most of the residents are families with children.
Salary negotiation is a touchy subject. Most job seekers are still unclear about the best practices for negotiating their salary. As a newcomer to Canada, the subject can be even more intimidating. You’re new to the country and you may be unfamiliar with common job search practices. Many people fear that asking for more money means they will miss out on the job offer. Others may immediately accept a job without knowing you have the option to negotiate salary and other benefits.
Negotiating your salary in Canada is common. It’s part of the hiring process. So, you shouldn’t shy away from the topic. As with other aspects of the job search process, there is a time and place for everything. There will be some jobs where there is no room for negotiation. There are also certain times when it is better to discuss money with your potential employer.
Here are specific actions, tips, and advice for when and how to negotiate your salary in Canada.
Yes, you can negotiate your salary when applying for jobs in Canada. A job offer is just that – an offer. You can negotiate all aspects of it, including your salary.
Remember that as a job candidate, you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. You need to be sure the company is somewhere you want to work. And you need to make sure you will be compensated fairly for the work you will do.
This applies to entry-level positions as well. Most people incorrectly assume entry-level salaries are non-negotiable. But this is not always true. Companies will make exceptions for candidates they feel are the right person for the job. However, you usually have less wiggle room for these entry-level positions because they are easier to fill.
There are a few common situations where you will find yourself in a position to negotiate your salary.
Salary negotiation is a normal part of the job search process. While it can be an intimidating process, it’s completely normal. Here are some reasons you should negotiate your salary before accepting a job offer:
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you are going to negotiate your salary, you need to approach it the right way with the following actions:
You need to understand the salary trends for your industry and your specific position. Consider your skills, education, and level of experience. All these factors play a role in determining how high of a salary you can command. This will take some research.
The more information you have, the stronger case you will be able to make to justify your salary request. You can’t ask for more money “because you think you should make more.”
Learn how much other companies pay for a similar position. Research the employer’s compensation structure. Find out how much people are paid for similar job titles.
Use websites such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and job boards such as Indeed to get this information.
You can ask others about the employer’s hiring practices to determine if they are receptive to negotiating salary.
If you plan to ask for a higher salary, expect the employer to ask you to justify why you should get more money. You can expect employers to push back and need to understand your positions.
Have several well-thought-out reasons why you should have a higher salary. For example, fluency in another language is a great asset for a global company. Or, you may have specialized training the employer requires.
If the employer is willing to negotiate, have a clear salary in mind. You should also expect them to counter your offer.
They may offer you more but not as much as you are asking. So, choose a number you know is higher than you expect. For example, a job has a salary of $40,000 per year. You believe you should make a little more. You ask for $50,000. The employer counters with an offer of $45,000. You meet in the middle, and everyone is happy.
Remember you can also negotiate more than money. If an employer won’t budge on the salary you can ask for other benefits such as more vacation time.
This is important and often overlooked by employees. Get all agreed-upon salary terms and conditions in writing. This will ensure everything you have spoken about is documented.
Here are some important pointers to keep in mind. Avoid doing the following as part of the negotiation process:
The timing of your negotiations is important. Ideally, you should wait until you have received a formal offer in writing. Feel free to ask for time to consider the offer and formulate your salary request.
It can be very easy to get yourself into a mindset where you are only thinking about salary. Salary is important but it is not the only thing. Consider the possibility of a signing bonus, commission, and other forms of compensation as part of your job offer package. Other things to negotiate on top of or in addition to base salary include:
Don’t reveal your bottom-line number or you will lose your leverage in the negotiation. Know your worth and do not be afraid to ask for it. Employers will respect this. Your offer will not disappear because you want to negotiate. In most cases, the worst thing that will happen is they will say no to your request for a higher salary.
Salary negotiations can be intimidating, but they are necessary if you want to be paid what you are worth. It’s also a common practice in the hiring process in Canada. So if you don’t negotiate salary, you could leave money on the table.