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Toronto is the most culturally diverse city in the world reflected in some of its unique neighbourhoods. With more than half of its population born outside of Canada, there are not many ethnicities you won’t find in Toronto. Unsurprisingly, there are cultural enclaves around the city where Canadians of a certain descent more commonly reside. Many of these neighbourhoods have rich histories, and over time earned nicknames. Toronto has it all, from familiar cultural districts like Chinatown and Little Italy to the more unique neighbourhoods of Little Jamaica and Greektown. For newcomers here are some of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Chinatowns are not an unfamiliar concept in North America. Almost every large city in Canada and the United States has a neighbourhood they can call Chinatown. However, no city does it as well as Toronto. Toronto has not one, but three Chinatowns, with many other neighbourhoods that people commonly refer to as Chinatowns.
The main Chinatown and the one Toronto is known for is located around the Dundas St West and Spadina Avenue intersection. This Toronto neighbourhood is the largest Chinatown in North America and one of the oldest in Canada, dating back to the 1870s.
Toronto’s Chinatown is famous for its bustling streets and mouth-watering food. For decades, restaurants like Mother’s Dumpling, Dim Sum King, and Mongolian Hotpot have attracted customers. Chinatown Center, a shopping mall with hundreds of shops lies in the heart of the bustling neighbourhood.
Even though the biggest Chinatown get most of the attention, there are smaller Toronto neighbourhoods that many classify as Chinatowns. The East Chinatown neighbourhood is located at Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue. The Greater Toronto Area also has sizeable Chinatowns in Scarborough, Markham, Mississauga, North York, and Richmond Hill.
Little Italy is another cliche ethnic neighbourhood present in many North American cities. Of course, that means Toronto has one as well. The Toronto neighbourhood of Little Italy, which many refer to as College Street West is famous for its overwhelmingly Italian atmosphere. This Toronto neighbourhood has a significant Portugese-Canadian population as well.
Little Italy is centred on College Street, between Harbord Street to the North and Dundas Street to the south. The most iconic part of Toronto’s Little Italy lies on the strip of shops and restaurants along College Street. You’ll find everything from modern game board cafes to traditional Italian dine-in restaurants and Italian shops. Whether you are looking for a bar or a typical Italian cafe, Little Italy will not disappoint.
Little India is a newer Toronto neighbourhood with a unique origin story behind it. Toronto’s Little India origins began in 1972 when Gian Naaz purchased a theatre on Gerrard Street and began to screen Indian and Pakistani films.
The area lacked a significant South Asian population. However, South Asian shops and restaurants quickly began appearing near Gerrard Street. This, in turn, drew the community to the Toronto neighbourhood, resulting in a big South Asian presence.
Today, Little India, also known as Gerrard India Bazaar, is situated between Greenwood and Coxwell, on Gerrard Street East. Since its humble beginnings 50 years ago, the neighbourhood has turned into a vibrant center of South Asian culture. From Indian restaurants to South Asian superstores, this Toronto neighbourhood can make anyone feel like they are in India.
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The Danforth and Greektown have become two synonymous words to describe the same Toronto neighbourhood. Toronto is home to one of the largest Greek populations outside Greece, and a majority of that population resides in this Toronto neighbourhood. Located on Danforth Avenue in East Toronto, Greektown on the Danforth is known for featuring traditional Greek cuisine through its many restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.
Toronto’s Greektown is famous for having one of the largest street food festivals in Toronto. In August, the Toronto neighbourhood hosts The Taste of Danforth. This food festival has become an icon of Greek-Canadian culture and gives Canadians a chance to try out some of the best Greek flavours. Of course, you don’t have to wait until August! The Danforth is lined with Greek restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Greek restaurants to modern vegan cafes.
Another ethnic neighbourhood in Toronto is Little Jamaica. Located on Eglinton Avenue West, Little Jamaica is a center of Jamaican and Caribbean culture in the Greater Toronto Area. The ethnic enclave is bustling with Jamaican and Caribbean-owned businesses. From Jamaican hair salons to restaurants serving a range of Caribbean foods, Little Jamaica is definitely worth the visit.
If you live in Toronto, there is a good chance you have been to the Caribana Festival, which is the largest street festival in North America. Caribana, the annual festival of all things Caribbean, now takes place at Lakeshore Boulevard. Many people don’t know that the festival began in Little Jamaica.
Caribana took place on Eglinton Avenue West before it got too big and relocated. At the heart of this Toronto neighbourhood lies Reggae Lane. Reggae Lane has become a symbol of Jamaica in Toronto and presents a mural featuring Jamaican musicians from the neighbourhood.
Located not far from Little Italy, Portugal Village recreates many aspects of Portuguese and Brazillian culture right here in Toronto. To many, Little Italy and Portugal Village are the same neighbourhood due to their proximity and undefined boundaries. As a result, Portugal Village, also known as Little Portugal, has a significant Italian population.
Portugal Village is always vibrant and busy, having something for everyone. Whether you want to indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine or enjoy the unique atmosphere of Portugal Village, this Toronto neighbourhood will not let you down. Portugal Village is brimming with many eating options, Portuguese art in every corner, and loads of Portuguese items.
There are countless cultural enclaves, that make for some of the best neighbourhoods to live in Toronto. These are just a few of the exciting and dynamic neighbourhoods. Toronto prides itself on being a home to people from over 250 ethnicities. No matter where you are from as a newcomer, you will never feel out of place in the most culturally diverse city in the world.
To most of us, Boxing Day in Canada is the holiday that comes right after Christmas. Many Canadians don’t know the history of the holiday or what its true purpose was. Today, it’s a shopping holiday where you can get great deals on everyday items. It was not always this way, however. Let’s explore the history of Boxing Day and what it has transformed into today.
Boxing Day is an international holiday that many countries around the world celebrate. The holiday is celebrated on December 26, which is the day after Christmas Day. If the day falls on a weekend, the holiday shifts to the following Monday.
Boxing Day originated as a day to give gifts to the poor. After giving each other gifts the day before, the wealthy would box up gifts and give them to the poor. Most people serving the upper class had to work on Christmas and did not get the day off. As a result, the following day would almost serve as their Christmas. Boxing Day also became a time for the wealthy to donate to the poor.
While the idea of boxing day has been around since the 1600s, its official origin was never confirmed. Most people believe that the day was officially established in Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Today, many countries linked to Britain, such as some of the Commonwealth Countries, celebrate Boxing Day. Since Canada used to be a British colony, it too celebrates the holiday.
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Boxing Day is a statutory holiday for all federally regulated employees. However, not all provinces made it a statutory holiday. The only province that observes Boxing Day in Canada as a statutory holiday is Ontario. This means that if you live outside Ontario and do not work in a federally regulated industry, Boxing Day will not be a statutory holiday for you. If you live in Ontario, however, it is a statutory holiday.
While Boxing Day was originally a day for giving gifts to the poor, it has undoubtedly transformed into a shopping holiday. In recent years, the term, “Boxing Week”, has started to become popular. This is because of the sales that take place during the week after Christmas. For some families, December 26th can also serve as a way to extend Christmas celebrations. As mentioned above, some Canadians have Boxing Day as a statutory holiday, so they can take the day off.
Boxing Day in Canada has become a great way to save on household items you are planning to buy. If you know you need a new TV, and Boxing Day is a month away, it is usually worth waiting. Boxing Day sales can save you hundreds of dollars if you plan and time your big purchases correctly. Things like electronics, furniture, clothes, and home renovation items usually face tremendous discounts during Boxing Week.
From large corporations to local businesses, almost every store in Canada offers Boxing Day sales. In this section, we will look at some of the most common stores across Canada and what items you will find on discount.
Walmart is one of the biggest corporations in the world. It also offers some of the biggest discounts during Boxing Day in Canada. Most items sold by Walmart receive sales during Boxing Week, with the exception of food items. The items that receive the biggest sales are electronics, appliances, and furniture. You might also be able to find discounts on various other items such as toys and clothing.
Both Best Buy and Staples are some of the best brick-and-mortar stores to buy electronics. They are famous for holding massive sales during certain times of the year, including Boxing Day. Best Buy and Staples also have Back-to-School Sales and Black Friday sales so it is a good idea to be on the lookout for both.
Canadian Tire is another big retail store that offers great deals on Boxing Day. You will find a wide variety of items on sale if you do your research. Some common products that are usually on sale include small kitchen appliances, kitchenware, garden tools, and much more. To get a better idea of what items in Canadian Tire are on sale, click here.
These are just some examples of stores that offer Boxing Day deals. Almost all big retailers, and even some small businesses, extend the sale for a week. Make sure to be on the lookout for such sales if you are planning to make a big purchase in the near future.
While the holiday began as a way to give gifts to the poor and allow people to enjoy a day off, it has taken on a completely different role today. Commonly referred to as a shopping holiday, Boxing Day in Canada has become a great way to save money. Today, the holiday mainly serves as a shopping holiday and an extra day to enjoy the Christmas holidays.
Canada is home to some of the best research-based engineering universities in the world. And, no matter which public university you attend, you will get some of the best education in the world. You’ll also receive a widely recognized degree that many countries accept. Some Canadian universities, however, are known for giving students more in-depth access to their field of study. Below, are some of the top universities in Canada for engineering students.
The University of Waterloo (UWaterloo), located in Kitchener-Waterloo, is considered the top university in Canada for engineering. It is internationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind engineering faculty. While it might not be the first university that comes to mind when talking about Canada’s top university, UWaterloo has many reasons that make it the best university for engineering students.
UWaterloo has the best co-op program in North America and give students the upper hand when they enter the workplace. That is because Waterloo’s co-op program allows students to get work experience while still in university. As a bonus, they also earn money during their co-op, which can help to pay off their tuition fees.
While no university guarantees students a co-op placement, UWaterloo students generally have no trouble finding placements in the workplace. This is a great achievement, considering that UWaterloo has the largest engineering department in Canada. UWaterloo also has one of the highest employment rates for its graduates, falling just behind the University of Toronto.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is internationally known for being the center of teaching, learning, and research. It has also been recognized as North America’s most international university. As a result, UBC students receive an education that revolves around research and technology from a top university in Canada for engineering. The university is only a 30-minute bus ride to the heart of downtown Vancouver,
Combined with a great co-op program, UBC graduates generally find jobs quickly after graduating. Co-op students from UBC, especially, have an easy time finding jobs. This is because employers know they have work experience while also receiving an education based on innovation.
At the end of the day, if someone is going to hire you as an engineer, you should have your original ideas in addition to what you are taught in university. UBC is a great university for that because it encourages students to innovate and develop problem-solving skills.
The University of Toronto (UofT) is commonly referred to as Canada’s most prestigious university. It is also one of the top Canadian universities for engineering. The university is often called the Oxford of Canada. No matter which program you enter at UofT, you will find yourself among some of the best professors in Canada. Additionally, your degree will come with rightfully earned respect and recognition of a UofT graduate. The engineering program at UofT is no exception.
Like UBC, UofT’s engineering program revolves heavily around research-based education, combined with traditional lecture-styled classes.
UofT has three campuses, all of which are located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While the main campus, St. George, is located in downtown Toronto, the university also has campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARThe University of Alberta (UofA) is one of the leading institutes when it comes to top Canadian universities for engineering. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the city also has a low cost of living. As a result, if you decide to go to UofA, you will obtain a well-respected degree while managing affordable living expenses.
The University of Western Ontario (Western), located in London, Ontario, has one of Canada’s largest and most scenic campuses. It also has a great engineering faculty. Western is specifically known for exceptional programs in civil and mechanical engineering. This combined with a scenic, accessible, and bustling campus makes Western one of the top picks for international students.
Western is known for having a great student life. The university has many resources that help students balance their studies and social life. These resources help students manage their studies and not get overwhelmed. The university places importance on extracurriculars such as student clubs and intramurals. These factors, combined with a remarkable engineering program make Western one of the top universities in Canada for engineering students.
The Ivey Business School is also located on the Western University campus. It is one of the best business schools in Canada. 96% of Ivey graduates get job offers right away. Additionally, many of them reach high positions in their companies.
A common approach to make yourself more desirable to employers is to complement your engineering education with a business degree. This dual degree combination shows employers you possess technical know-how and broader business skills to enhance big-picture thinking. In addition, it can open up unique career options when you apply engineering school technical skills and business leadership, strategy, and communication skills.
A dual degree on your resume can differentiate you from other job candidates. It shows your commitment to achieving educational and career goals. Pursuing a dual degree can also help you grow your professional network by connecting you to other engineers and business professionals. This can help you find exciting opportunities and graduate with many professional contacts and references.
No matter which university you attend, you will receive a good education. Canadian universities also provide many opportunities to transition into the workplace upon graduation. At the end of the day, which university you decide to go to depends on your preferences.
Academics is not the only factor to consider when choosing an engineering school in Canada. You will spend four or more years of your life at university. Consider factors such as student life, extracurriculars, and support for international students at your university of choice.
With some of the best universities in Canada for engineering, international students can receive a degree recognized around the world. Graduating from these top universities can offer stellar job prospects and exciting career opportunities.
Your Alberta health card is a government-funded service that will cover many basic costs related to your medical needs. Canada has a great healthcare system that strives to provide free, universal healthcare for all its residents. Your Alberta health card will cover many medical costs for you in Alberta, as well as the rest of Canada. In this guide, we’ll look at how to apply for your Alberta health card.
Alberta is known throughout Canada for its breathtaking scenery and low taxes. It also has a great health care system in place. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides Alberta residents access to free medical services. AHCIP covers the cost of many medical services you would have had to pay for otherwise. Generally speaking, any medical service that is considered necessary is covered by AHCIP.
Your Alberta health card will cover many basic health care services. From annual eye exams to ambulance transportation costs, your Alberta health card has got you covered. Below are some of the services that AHCIP covers:
Some services are only partially covered by your health card. These services include:
To access a bigger list of what is and isn’t covered by AHCIP, click here.
While you’re for coverage from the Alberta health insurance program, you may want to purchase travel medical health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.
Applying to AHCIP involves a few simple steps. The government has made it easy to apply for an Alberta health card. As long as you follow each step, you will have your Alberta health card in no time.
You will need certain documents when you apply. These documents will prove that you are who you say you are. They will also prove that you are eligible for AHCIP.
When you apply for your Alberta health card, you will have to provide documents to show:
Proof of residency can be anything that proves you live in Alberta. To prove you live in Alberta, you can provide any of the following documents:
Any documents with your name and signature will count as proof of identity. However, to be safe, check the health ministry website to confirm acceptable documents. Some examples of proof of identity include:
It is important not to confuse this requirement with proof of residency. This document requires you to prove you legally live in Canada. On the other hand, proof of residency requires you to prove you live in Alberta. Documents that prove your legal entitlement to be in Canada include:
Without a document from each of these categories, you will not be able to file your application for AHCIP. Because of this, it is important to bring all the documents you need to apply for an Alberta health card. Click here to access the full list of documents that are accepted.
You will also need to fill out an application form to apply for an Alberta health card. The application form is accessible online. You can access the application form by clicking here. If you need help, many settlement agencies can help you apply.
After obtaining your three documents for proof and filling out the application form, you are ready to apply. In Alberta, you have the option to apply in person or by mail. In both cases, the application process is very similar.
To apply in person, you can visit a participating Alberta registry office. To file your application, you must bring your three original documents and the completed application form. Photocopies will not be accepted when you apply in person. To find the nearest participating Alberta registry office near you, click here.
Applying by mail is slightly different than applying in person. You will still need your application form and your three documents. However, you are not required to send in the original version of your documents. Therefore, you will have to get photocopies of your three original documents to mail to the AHCIP office.
Keep in mind that it might take longer to process your application if you send it in by mail. If you can, it is better to apply in person. That way, there is less room for error and you can start using AHCIP right away.
If you have recently arrived in Ontario, an important first step is to apply for your Ontario Health Card. Canada is known throughout the world for its easy-to-access universal health care. Free health care is a source of pride for Canadians. Since health care is a provincial responsibility, each province has a slightly different approach to providing free, universal health care. In this article, we look at Ontario’s health care system and the Ontario health card application process.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides free basic health care services to Ontario residents. To access free health care in Ontario, you must apply for an OHIP health card. OHIP will cover appointments with your family doctor, visits to walk-in clinics, and regular eye check-ups, to name some of the services.
Before you submit your Ontario health card application, make sure that you meet the three basic eligibility requirements AND at least one of the additional requirements.
To meet basic requirements, you must:
Additional requirements:
You must also meet at least one of these additional requirements. For example, you are:
If you meet all the requirements you are eligible to apply for OHIP. Now comes the question, how exactly do you apply for OHIP to get your Ontario health card? Let’s go through the Ontario health card application process, starting with what you need to apply.
You can apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive in Ontario.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARTo apply for an Ontario health card, you can visit the nearest ServiceOntario location. You must present the following three documents:
Note: All documents that you bring with you must be original documents. Service Ontario Centers usually don’t accept photocopies. To be safe, click here to find what documents will be accepted as your three proofs.
Once you have your three documents, what is the next step? You have to apply for OHIP in person. To apply for OHIP, you will have to visit a ServiceOntario Center. Almost every municipality in Ontario has a ServiceOntario. Click here to find the nearest ServiceOntario location.
At a ServiceOntario center, you will complete some forms before you can submit your health card application. After that is out of the way, you will meet with a ServiceOntario employee and present your three documents along with any forms. The employee will go through your documents and take a photo of you to go on your health card.
Once you have cleared everything, you will get a receipt that tells you when your OHIP coverage begins. Since Ontario has a waiting time on health cards, your coverage won’t begin right away. Once your OHIP coverage begins, your Ontario health card will be mailed out to you. It’s as simple as that!
The biggest question newcomers have about Ontario’s health card is what exactly can you use it for? OHIP covers a wide range of medical services but not everything is included. In this section, you will get a clearer sense of what your Ontario health card will cover.
It is a common practice to get a family doctor in Ontario. OHIP covers visits to a family doctor. A family doctor is the first doctor you make an appointment with when you have a health concern that isn’t an emergency. To search for a family doctor, click here.
If you need to stay at the hospital, OHIP covers doctor and nursing services, medical tests, medications while you’re in the hospital, accommodation, and meals. However, if you want a private or semi-private room, you pay some or all of the fees or through private travel medical health insurance.
OHIP covers dental surgeries that take place in a hospital. Dental surgeries can be complicated and often cannot be performed at your dentist’s office. OHIP covers you if you go to the hospital for dental surgery.
OHIP covers annual eye check-ups for residents aged 19 years and younger or 65 years and older. If you are between 20 and 64, you will only get OHIP coverage if you have a medical condition affecting your eyes. You will also get OHIP coverage if your family doctor refers you for an eye check-up.
If you live in Northern Ontario, OHIP might cover travel costs to a health facility. Since the northern areas of Ontario are farther from medical services, the government helps residents pay for healthcare-related transportation. If you live near the following areas, you might get OHIP coverage for transportation:
These are just some of the basic services that OHIP covers. To get a more in-depth understanding of what your Ontario health card will cover for you, click here.
As a newcomer, it is natural to have questions about OHIP and health cards. Let’s look into some common questions newcomers have about their Ontario health cards.
The short answer is yes, OHIP will cover you outside of Ontario. The level of coverage depends on where you are though. If you travel to another province in Canada, you will get almost the same coverage you would get in Ontario. Quebec is a little different so you might have to pay some extra fees even with OHIP.
If you are travelling outside of Canada, OHIP doesn’t become completely useless. You might still get some coverage from OHIP, especially if you travel to the United States. However, the coverage will be minimal and you will have to pay mostly by yourself. In this case, it’s wise to purchase private travel insurance. With a Canada travel health insurance plan, you avoid situations that could result in significant medical expenses if an illness or accident occurs.
If you lose your Ontario health card, the first thing to do is call ServiceOntario to report it lost. By doing this, your lost card will immediately be disabled and you will be sent a new card right away. However, If there are any information changes on your card, such as address change, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario center.
When you think of Canada, snow, ice hockey and maple syrup probably come to mind. While those things are Canadian to the core, one part of Canada that most people overlook is the TV shows. Canada has some of the best TV shows out there. Fans from across the world enjoy watching Canadian TV shows. No matter what type of show want to find, Canada has got something for you. From older western shows to newer sitcoms, here are a few of them that capture life in Canada.
L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is one of the most iconic Canadian books of all time. It is no surprise that since the book was published in 1908, multiple film adaptations have popped up. Many of these adaptations have captured the heart-warming tale in an entertaining manner while still staying true to the novel.
However, there is one adaptation that stands out. The 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables has captured the hearts of millions of Canadians and is cherished by fans across the world. It manages to perfectly capture life in Prince Edward Island during the early 1900s. The TV show is about the life of a 12-year-old orphan named Anne who is adopted by two elderly siblings, Mathew and Marilla. The ageing siblings wanted a young boy to help out on their farm but instead received a girl, Anne. Marill and Mathew did not welcome Anne at first because she wasn’t a boy. However, she manages to win the hearts of her adoptive guardians and eventually the people of her town, Avonlea.
The whole series is available on a streaming service called GazeboTV. Another option is checking out your local public library. Since it is such a popular show, you will likely find the title in your local library.
Let’s face it. History is not the most exciting subject out there. Students learn about the North American fur trade but most children don’t even give the topic a second thought. The Canadian TV show, “Frontier”, is trying to change that. The show brings attention to a part of Canadian history that is usually overlooked.
This TV show takes the audience back in time to the North American fur trade and the powerful Hudson’s Bay Company. It follows the thrilling adventures of the rebellious Declan Harp. Declan Harp was an employee at the Hudon’s Bay Company before he became an outlaw. Join Declan as he undertakes his quest for revenge against the very company he used to work for. All three seasons of Frontier are available on Netflix. Keep in mind that the show has some violence in it, so it is aged 16+. Click here to access the trailer for the show
Heartland is another show that is based on a book. This Canadian TV show takes place near the rocky mountains of Alberta in Heartland Ranch. It follows the teenage protagonist, Amy Fleming, and her family who run the ranch. After Amy’s mother passes away, it is up to Amy and her sister to revive the bankrupt family ranch.
This show gives a good insight into life in the Albertan countryside. The show is full of scenic shots that cover the wide expanse of the Rocky Mountain Foothills. Heartland offers a good view of country life as well as an interesting storyline that is easy to follow.
Heartland is available to watch on Netflix. If you do not have a Netflix subscription, you can also watch all 15 episodes on CBC Gem for free. Click here to access the complete series for free. If you would like to check out the trailer first, click here.
Kim’s Convenience is a great sitcom that touches upon some of the amazing things about Canada. This Canadian TV show is about a Korean family that immigrated to Toronto, Ontario and opened a convenience store. Kim’s convenience combines comedy with real-life elements that make the show fun, engaging and overall, entertaining.
What makes this show so great is that it gives Canadians a look into different cultures. It shows how different and at the same time, how similar Canadian families can be. Fans from different backgrounds have been able to relate to the family dynamics of a family that just happened to be Korean-Canadian.
You can watch Kim’s Convenience for free on CBC Gem by clicking here. If you have a Netflix or Prime Video subscription, you can also watch the show there. If you want to get an idea of what the show is about first, check out this video.
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Another great Canadian TV show that happens to be a sitcom is Schitt’s Creek. The show follows a once-wealthy family that went completely broke. The only asset that the Roses could keep was a small town by the name of Schitt’s Creek. The Roses had bought the town as a joke but now they had no choice but to move into it, leaving behind life as they know it. Join the Roses as they struggle to adapt to their new modest lives with their two spoiled children.
CBC Gem also offers Schitt’s Creek to watch for free. You can access the show for free by clicking here. You can also watch the show on Netflix and Prime Video if you have a subscription to those streaming services. If you would like to watch the trailer first, you can also do that by clicking here.
Whether you want to get a glimpse of life in Canada, learn a bit about cultural and historical aspects, or just be entertained, these Canadian TV shows cover it all.
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It is always a good idea to be careful when shopping online. Scammers can be waiting to trick you out of your money in even the most unexpected of places. This is especially true for the holiday season. November and December see some of the biggest sales volumes every year. While you might find some great deals online this time of year, scammers are also busy trying to cheat you out of your money. Newcomers unfamiliar with these scams can easily fall prey. Here are some common online holiday season scams and how to avoid them.
While shopping online, you might come across a great product. The product looks attractive in the pictures and the price is way below what you expect the price should be. If this is the case, the product is probably a scam. Scammers will buy cheap, illegitimate products that imitate recognized brands from a supplier. These products pose a threat to your health and safety and are produced with no care for regular consumers. They are then sold online as authentic products to turn a bigger profit.
It is easy to fall for this scam because of the way it is set up. These fake goods will be priced in a way that makes them stand out. However, they usually aren’t cheap enough to make them look suspicious. Many people make the mistake of trusting the product just because the price is reasonable. With the right information and a cautious approach, it is possible to spot and avoid buying counterfeit goods online.
Before you hit the checkout button, it is a good idea to research the seller. The best way to avoid buying counterfeit products is to buy from the company that produces them. For example, if you are buying an iPhone charger online on Amazon, there is a good chance that the charger is counterfeit. To make sure you get an authentic iPhone charger, your best bet is to buy from the Apple online store.
Of course, not all third-party sellers online sell counterfeit goods. Some independent third-party sellers do sell authentic products online. The best way to find the difference between counterfeit and authentic items is to look at the price. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
If you find a product online that looks suspicious and you think it might be a fake, you can report it. To learn how to report a counterfeit product, visit this Canadian Anti-Fraud Center page.
The internet is filled with fake websites that claim to sell authentic products. Shopping from these sites results in receiving low-quality products or sometimes, not even receiving anything at all.
A good way to identify a fake website is by looking at the URL of the page you are on. The domain name of the website will almost always be the same as the brand name. If you are looking to buy an iPhone charger from Apple, the domain name should be apple.com. If it is not, you are most likely browsing on a fake website that sells counterfeit apple products.
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One of the best parts of the Canadian holiday season is the exchange of gifts. Canadians like to send gifts to their friends and family during this time of year. Sadly, scammers have found a way to cheat you out of your money here as well.
In recent years, the practice of buying gift cards online during the holiday season has become common. Gift cards are fast and convenient but also allow you to show a thoughtful gesture to your loved ones. While gift cards are great, it is a good idea to be careful when shopping for gift cards online. Many online gift card vendors are fakes. This means that the gift cards you buy from them will be drained of value and will have no money left in them.
The best and easiest way to avoid this scam is to buy gift cards directly from the company. For example, if you want to buy an online gift card from Best Buy, the best place to do that would be through the Best Buy website. While some outside sources might sell valid gift cards for Best Buy, it is best to play it safe.
Another scam that revolves around holiday gifts is fake online cards. Since the pandemic, many aspects of our lives shifted online. Things like online learning and shopping were common before the pandemic. During the pandemic, we had to find new ways to celebrate the holiday season. So many people will send online cards. However, the card you receive can be from a scammer.
The purpose of these fake cards is to introduce harmful malware such as spyware and ransomware into your device. Scammers can then steal your personal information or lock down your computer to make you pay a ransom. Either way, this is something you want to avoid. The best and simplest way to do that is to be careful when you open any cards. If you do not recognize the person who sent the card, you should think twice before opening it.
You also need to look out for prices that are too high for the product you want to buy. Scammers will target people that do not know the market price of a product to turn a bigger profit. Even though many people wouldn’t consider this a scam, it’s a very real way for scammers to cheat you out of your money.
This is probably the easiest scam to avoid as you just have to know the market price for that product. If you want to buy an iPhone charger, do some research on how much they sell for. That way, you will know whether or not the seller is pricing the charger too high. Knowing the market price will also tell you if the charger is too cheap, which could suggest that the charger is a counterfeit product.
This overview of online shopping scams gives you an idea of what techniques scammers use against you. There are countless other scams you will find during the holiday season and they cannot all be covered in a single article. The best way to avoid any scam online is to be cautious of what you are about to click. As long as you know what you are doing on the internet, online holiday season scams will become easy to spot and avoid.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
The PR process in Canada is designed to help immigrants come to the country as easily as possible. Immigrating to Canada is not hard if you understand the Permanent Residence, or PR process in Canada and how to apply. How your Canadian journey will unfold depends greatly on how you decide to pursue your PR in Canada. In this article, you’ll learn about the PR process and how to apply for Canada’s PR status.
The Canadian government can give Permanent Residence status to someone who is not a Canadian citizen. As a PR, it means that you have the right to live and work in Canada for as long as you wish. And, once you have your PR, it cannot be taken away from you unless you commit a serious crime. As long as you follow all the laws, you will be eligible to renew your PR when it expires.
There are many benefits when you obtain PR status. For instance, you’ll have access to Canada’s healthcare system and Canadian government benefits for immigrants and residents. Some of these services include access to free healthcare, and permission to live, work, or visit any part of Canada.
The Canadian government currently has over 80 ways to immigrate to Canada! Each of these pathways is designed for specific groups of people. Below is an overview of the most common ways to apply for Canada PR and follow the PR process in Canada.
Express Entry is an online immigration system used to manage any applications under the:
You can apply for PR through Express Entry if you meet the criteria for any of these programs.
In simple words, Express Entry is a system used to get skilled workers to Canada. These workers could already be living in Canada on a work permit or they could be skilled workers from another country. Each of the programs under Express Entry has its own criteria. You can learn more about the minimum requirements for each Express Entry program by clicking here.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry, you will be put into a pool with thousands of other candidates from around the world. At this point, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your CRS score considers factors such as:
Your CRS score can be anywhere between 0 and 1200. A minimum CRS score will vary from time to time but anywhere above 500 is usually a good score.
The minimum CRS scores fluctuate because you are ranked against other candidates in the Express Entry Pool. You will be invited to apply for PR only if you score higher than most other candidates. So, some people don’t like the Express Entry system because it is highly competitive.
You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you rank about the cut-off. Once you get your ITA, you are eligible to apply for a PR in Canada. If you rank below the cut-off, you need to improve your CRS score. Some ways to increase your score include:
Another way to boost your CRS score is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
If you fall below the CRS score cut-off in the Express Entry Pool and don’t receive an ITA, you could apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada.
The PNP allows provinces to nominate certain people in the express entry pool to immigrate to their province. The nominees will get their PR but once they immigrate to Canada, they can only land in the province that nominated them. Furthermore, they must live in that province for a period, usually two years.
If you get nominated by a province through PNP, you get an additional 600 points added to your Express Entry Profile. This guarantees that you will receive an ITA for permanent residency in Canada. Using this PR process in Canada is a great way to boost your CRS score.
Each province has its PNP. For example, Alberta’s PNP program is called the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). However, Quebec does not have a PNP. Quebec has its own requirements for immigrants who want to settle in Quebec.
When you look to immigrate through PNP, you have to stay alert. PNPs are not always open for every province. Rather, they open periodically. You will have to stay on the lookout with your application prepared so that once the PNP for your preferred province opens, you can apply right away.
Canada’s family sponsorship program is a program to unite family members. If you have a spouse, children, parents, or grandparents living outside of Canada, you can bring them to Canada through the Family Sponsorship program.
You are eligible to sponsor a family member if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident above the age of 18. If you sponsor a family member, you agree to pay for all their expenses for a certain period. If you follow this PR process in Canada, you’ll have to show proof of funds before you can sponsor a family member.
Once you sponsor your family, they will earn PR status and are free to live and work in Canada.
The Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Program (AIPP) addresses labour shortages and attract workers to the four maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. So far, the program has done just that, and it has been a huge success.
There are three programs that fall under the AIPP including the Atlantic:
Eligibility for each of these programs revolves mostly around education, work experience, and language ability. For the AHSP and AISP programs, you will also need a Confirmation of Designation letter from your employer. This letter indicates that the employer meets the requirements to hire you. This is different from a work permit because the employer doesn’t need to pay any fees and you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
To learn more about these programs and whether or not you are eligible for each one, click here.
The AIPP is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada. There are few requirements and there is no competitive pool where candidates are ranked against each other. All you need is a job offer from an employer in one of the four provinces and meet the minimum program requirements. If you meet the requirements, you are eligible to follow this PR process and immigrate through AIPP.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada, it’s important to understand the PR process in Canada and how to apply. With this knowledge, you can choose the best option and start your promising Canadian immigration journey.
For newcomers, it’s not uncommon to face an uncertain financial situation in your first few years. An emergency fund can help you meet unexpected costs, manage expenses while searching for employment, or stay afloat if you face a job loss. Unexpected expenses can arise at any time, anywhere to anyone. Those who are prepared will walk out without bearing too much harm to their financial health. A good way to make sure you can survive a financial crisis is to save money for an emergency fund. This article covers the different types of emergency funds and how you can save money for each fund.
An emergency fund is a pool of cash that is set aside to be used in the case of an emergency. It should be stored completely away from your checking/saving accounts to ensure that you are not tempted to use it for daily expenses.
The purpose of an emergency fund is to keep you financially secure. When an unexpected expense arrives or you lose your job, this fund will help you cover expenses. Your fund could be used for emergencies such as:
That is why it is important to have at least three to six months of living expenses in your emergency fund. This type of fund is called a traditional emergency fund. However, it is not the only type of emergency fund that will help you.
Emergency funds are a very important asset to have because they can help you get through a financial crisis without bringing much harm to your financial health. Even so, a traditional emergency fund can take years of saving money to build. Fortunately, there are many types of emergency funds, some of which are easier to save money for. Let’s take a look at three different types of funds:
1. A traditional emergency fund
2. Stash of Cash (having cash on hand)
3. Passive income.
A traditional emergency fund is the biggest fund on this list. Because of this, it can take years to save up money to build a traditional emergency fund. Generally, a traditional emergency fund should cover three to six months of your income. This means that if you lose your job, you will have enough money in your emergency fund to pay all the bills for several months.
A traditional emergency fund can also be used for things such as health emergencies, auto and home repairs, and any essential need that requires a large amount of money immediately.
A stash of cash isn’t a big emergency fund and it is easy to save up money for one. This type of emergency fund can come in handy during a natural disaster or a power outage. Basically, you need cash in any situation when you can’t withdraw money from an ATM. Your stash of cash could be anywhere between $500 to $1500. It should be enough to pay your expenses for a week when an ATM is inaccessible.
The biggest concern about keeping money at home is safety. Some argue that it is unsafe to have that much money in your home. This challenge can be overcome by hiding that money in a place that is easily accessible, but hard to find. Just make sure it is nothing too obvious like a money pouch or a wallet.
Most burglaries happen very quickly so hiding your stash of cash in a good place is enough to keep your money hidden. If you are still concerned about safety, you can buy a money safe or locker to hide your money.
This third type of emergency fund isn’t even a fund at all. However, during a financial crisis, passive income can prove to be very beneficial. This strategy is also used by countries to avoid a nationwide financial crisis. The main idea here is to diversify your income. Here is how it works:
Most of us have one job that we rely on to pay all of our expenses. But what if you lost that job? How will you pay the bills? To avoid this, you can diversify your income. Simply put, you should find other ways to make money so that you will still have a flow of income that you can rely on to pay the bills if you lose your main job.
You can make passive income in many ways. Some common ways to make passive income are:
These are just a few ways to make passive income. There are countless other ways you can make extra money. You can also be a little creative and think of your own way to make money on the side. Overall, your objective should be to diversify your income source so that you can rely on other sources of income during a financial crisis.
Even when there is no emergency, passive income will help you save for your emergency fund and overall, have a higher household income. This will not only help you be financially secure but it will also help you grow financially.
When you first move to Canada, it is very likely that you will have a rental house or apartment before you buy a home. Renting a house has many benefits over owning one, especially for newcomers. Not only is renting a home cheaper but it also gives you the flexibility to move to another area. Renting your first home in Canada will also allow you to find the best locations in the city before buying a house.
Even if you don’t own the home, treat a rental like it’s your home to create a happy and pleasant oasis. These maintenance tips will help you keep your rental in top condition. And your landlord plays a key role. A great landlord will ensure that you get any repair or maintenance jobs done quickly. Understanding who is responsible for specific maintenance activities can help you to work together and avoid conflict.
While you are renting, it’s important to keep your home in a liveable condition. While you may not own the rental, you want to make it a pleasant environment. So it’s important to work together with your landlord to keep your rental house in a safe, clean, and liveable condition. Remember, the landlord cares about your rental home as much as you do. So it’s in the best interest of both you and the landlord to maintain it well. This will also serve to build a good relationship with your landlord! And a glowing reference from a landlord about how well you take care of their property can be helpful if you move to another rental house in the future.
Keeping your rental house or apartment in good shape requires the full involvement of both you and your landlord. Your landlord is responsible for keeping your rental home in good shape but they cannot do that without your help. For example, if you notice a leak in the ceiling or the washing machine stops working, it is a good idea to contact the landlord right away. Your landlord will come within a few days at an agreed time to fix the issue. Small repairs can become very expensive problems if not resolved quickly. So your landlord will appreciate you reporting issues early!
There is a good chance your landlord knows the rental home better than you do. They might have renovated it or even lived in it in the past. Because of this, it is a good idea to allow the landlord to come for regular home inspections. Your landlord might see a major fault that you missed such as poor drainage that could cause your walls to rot. These faults can easily be avoided ahead of time if spotted and there is a high chance your landlord will spot one of these faults during an inspection.
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It is also important to know the responsibilities of your landlord. Knowing this will make sure that the relationship between you and your landlord remains equal and cannot be exploited. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining your rental home and making sure it remains in a good, liveable condition. This includes making sure that the rental meets municipal standards and has no faults such as plumbing leaks or appliance breakdowns. Your landlord is responsible for completing maintenance jobs as soon as they arise.
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Another responsibility your landlord has is repairing or replacing any appliances that came with the rental home. However, you may have to pay for the cost of repairing any appliances if you or your guests caused the damage. Or if you rent a furnished home or apartment you are responsible for any damage to the contents. For example, if you break a table that came with the rental home, you will be responsible for fixing or replacing it. However, if the repairs are due to normal wear and tear, the landlord will cover them.
The landlord is also responsible for any heating, plumbing or electricity repairs in your rental home. Utilities, such as water, electricity, and internet may or may not be covered by your landlord. This is something that you will discuss with your landlord before you move into your rental home. These details will also be outlined in your rental house lease agreement.
Keep in mind that most municipalities have by-laws that set minimum standards that landlords must meet related to utilities. So be sure to visit your municipality’s website to learn more.
Your landlord may ask you to enter your rental home or apartment from time to time to inspect its condition or do repair jobs. And as long as they inform you ahead of time, you must legally allow your landlord to enter. However, they must tell you ahead of time, when and why they will be coming. If the timing doesn’t work for you, you can ask to arrange another time.
If you experience an emergency, for example, water starts leaking through your ceiling or roof, or your furnace breaks down in the winter, contact your landlord immediately. Leave a message and note the date and time of your call if you’re unable to reach your landlord. However, if repairs must be performed immediately to protect your health and safety or to prevent property damage, you may be able to authorize the repair work yourself. In this case, be sure to keep all documentation related to the repair and ask the repair company to bill your landlord directly. Or, if you pay any bills, keep track of your expenses so that your landlord can reimburse you.
There are laws concerning tenant rights and giving tenants the freedom to enjoy their rental house without the landlord interfering. However, your landlord does have the right to enter your rental to inspect or do repairs. Each province has its own slightly different laws but the idea is the same. As long as your landlord gives you a 24-hour notice before coming, they can enter your rental.
And really, even if the law didn’t support it, there is no reason to deny entry to your landlord as long as they have a valid reason. Your landlord wouldn’t want to harm your home. After all, even if your landlord isn’t living in your rental home, they still legally own it.
Learn more about your rights as a new renter. For more helpful information about rental housing, be sure to check out Rentals for Newcomers.
There are times when your landlord may need to access your rental house. Here are two common reasons and what it means for you, the renter.
A conscientious landlord will conduct home inspections once or twice a year. There could be major faults in your rental house that you do not identify. There is a good chance that your landlord will find one of these faults and arrange a time with you to come fix it.
The most common reason your landlord will want to enter your rental home is for general repairs and maintenance. This could be anything from replacing an outdated appliance to fixing a clogged drain. As mentioned above, the landlord will complete most maintenance jobs. However, some maintenance responsibilities may fall to you as the tenant. To learn more about how maintenance responsibilities are shared in Ontario, click here. Keep in mind that each province has its own rules and regulations regarding laws on maintenance responsibilities. However, most provinces have many common tenant/ landlord laws.
There are laws concerning tenant rights and giving tenants the freedom to enjoy their rental house without the landlord interfering. However, your landlord does have the right to enter your rental to inspect or do repairs. Each province has its own slightly different laws but the idea is the same. As long as your landlord gives you a 24-hour notice before coming, they can enter your rental.
And really, even if the law didn’t support it, there is no reason to deny entry to your landlord as long as they have a valid reason. Your landlord wouldn’t want to harm your home. After all, even if your landlord isn’t living in your rental home, they still legally own it.
Learn more about your rights as a new renter.
Keeping your rental in top living condition will ensure that you are safe, secure, and comfortable. And working with your landlord to achieve this goal will provide benefits for both you and your landlord!
For more information, tools, and free webinars about rental housing in Canada, be sure to visit Rentals for Newcomers.