Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,200* in value in the first year.
The cost of accommodation in Canada varies by city and vacancy rates are a key driver of costs. Housing costs are usually the largest portion of a monthly budget, and if you’re a newcomer to Canada, it’s helpful to understand what determines accommodation costs. With this knowledge, you can decide where you want to live and how much you can afford. Other factors that affect the accommodation costs include location, type of housing, and size.
In Canada, the vacancy rate refers to the housing supply and the occupancy rate refers to the housing demand. Though the answer is subjective, a healthy vacancy is considered to be around 3% in general.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) conducts the Rental Market Survey (RMS) every October in urban areas with populations of 10,000 and more. The RMS estimates the strength of the rental market. The survey targets privately rented structures with at least three rental units, that have been on the market for at least three months.
The CMHC also conducts the Condominium Apartment Survey (CAS) every year in September to estimate the strength of the condo apartment rental market. The cities covered in this survey are Calgary, Edmonton, Gatineau, Halifax, Hamilton, Kelowna, Kitchener, London, Montréal, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg.
A vacancy rate of two percent or lower means there is greater competition among prospective tenants as they vie for fewer vacant rental properties.
| VACANCY RATE | WHAT IT MEANS |
|---|---|
| Less than 2% | – High demand with a limited housing supply – Drives rental cost higher |
| 3% | – Healthy balance between housing supply and demand |
| Greater than 3% | – High supply with low demand – Lower housing costs – “Renter’s Market |
The vacancy rate is also a key factor determining the accommodation cost in cities across Canada. With this in mind, you can research vacancy rates to understand rental costs, determine how much you can afford, and budget for rent. Here are the 2023 vacancy rates and average rental rates for a 2-bedroom apartment in several Canadian cities:
| CITY VACANCY RATE | AVERAGE RENT FOR A 2-BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM APARTMENT |
|---|---|
| CANADA 0.9% | $2,049 |
| OTTAWA, Ontario 0.4% | $2,085 |
| VANCOUVER, British Columbia 0.9% | $2,580 |
| HALIFAX, Nova Scotia 1.0% | $1,628 |
| TORONTO, Ontario 0.7% | $2,862 |
| KITCHENER-CAMBRIDGE-WATERLOO, Ontario 0.1% | $** |
| CALGARY, Alberta 1.0% | $1,819 |
| REGINA, Saskatchewan 1.8% | $1,421 |
| LONDON, Ontario 0.1% | $2,050 |
| SUDBURY, Ontario 1.2% | $1,361 |
| WINNIPEG, Manitoba 1.8% | $1,333 |
| WINDSOR, Ontario 2.0% | $1,253 |
| SASKATOON, Saskatchewan 2.0% | $1,449 |
| EDMONTON, Alberta 2.5% | $1,359 |
| HAMILTON, Ontario 2.6% | $2,373 |
| ST. CATHARINES-NIAGARA, Ontario 2.8% | $1,388 |
Finding affordable housing continues to be challenging, especially in Toronto and Vancouver where vacancy rates are below two percent. That’s why we encourage newcomers to consider other cities that often offer hidden advantages to newcomers, including lower accommodation costs.
Housing affordability and supply are essential factors when evaluating your landing city options. In Canada, spending less than 30% of your pre-tax income on housing is considered affordable. Spending more than 30% on housing will mean cutting into your budget for things like food, transportation, and other necessities. And, until you establish stable finances, it’s wise to manage your budget and expenses accordingly.
Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive when it comes to accommodation. However, you’ll likely find housing prices that are more in line with your budget in other Canadian cities. Carefully researching small and mid-sized cities across Canada before you choose your landing city is the key to your success.
It’s important to research housing and job markets across Canada. Canada is a vast country with regional, economic, and cultural differences. And, the cost of housing (both in the rental and homebuying markets) can vary widely. At the same time, you want to research your profession in different cities to ensure job opportunities match your skills, knowledge, and experience.
This initial research is critical. While you can always relocate to other cities, making a secondary move is expensive. Carefully evaluating your landing city options, housing costs, and career options will help you make smart decisions and achieve financial stability and success! You can easily check out rental costs in cities across Canada at Rentals for Newcomers.
The cost of living can vary across Canada. Groceries, transportation, rent, or home-buying costs can be expensive. Also, consider your lifestyle and the cost of entertainment and dining out.
Considering all of these factors will help you to budget for the cost of accommodation in Canada. And for newcomers, this information can help you to make smart and affordable landing city decisions!
Celebrating Pride Season in Canada (June to September) is a time to recognize and support the contributions and achievements of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities and their allies. While Pride 2024 celebrations and events occur in cities across Canada, Toronto hosts the largest Pride event in North America each year in June. Pride events also happen throughout the year in many communities. Learn more about the history, relevance, and Pride 2024 events and celebrations.
2SLGBTQI+ stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities.
Two-Spirit (or 2 Spirit or 2S) is an Indigenous term that means a person has both a feminine and masculine spirit living in the same body.
Pride allies show their solidarity by actively:
While celebrating Pride events is a key focus of the season, it’s also a time to focus on Canada’s commitment to human rights. A fundamental human right is the right to live free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Canada is one of the most friendly 2SLGBTQI+ nations in the world. Section 5 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms outlines how each individual has equal protection under the law. The Charter states that people are free from discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, ethnic origin, and sexual orientation. Among other things, this means that:
Canada’s promise of equality makes it a nation of choice for individuals fleeing countries that criminalize sexual orientation.
According to the Human Dignity Trust, “66 countries have jurisdictions that still criminalize LGBT people” because of who they are and who they love. With sentences that range from fines to prison, or even to the death penalty, criminal punishments have profound negative effects.
Recognizing the need for greater support, more settlement agencies now offer services to the LGBTQ community. In addition, more LGBTQ agencies provide services to multicultural communities, especially in large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Support services include one-to-one support to identify settlement needs, housing, legal issues, financial insecurity, employment, and questions about refugee claims.
On June 6, 2024, Scotiabank and The 519, Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ service provider and community centre announced a $750,000, three-year partnership to equip newcomers, refugees, and asylum seekers with integration and employment support. Learn more about Scotiabank commitment and support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
With funding from ScotiaRISE, The 519 will launch:
With this program, LGBTQIA+ newcomers can receive individualized programs and financial aid to get certification for in-demand careers. Participants will also receive mentoring and coaching, and job search support.
The program supports Latin American newcomers with gatherings, workshops, and language support to enter the workforce successfully.
Here are other settlement agencies that offer LGBTQ+ newcomer support.
Access Alliance (Toronto, Ontario)
Centre for Newcomers LGBTQ+ Newcomer Services (Alberta)
DIVERSEcity | LGBTQ+ Newcomer Services (Surrey, British Columbia)
MOSAIC Services for Newcomer LGBTQIA+ Refugees (Vancouver, British Columbia)
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While many of the Pride festivals in Canada began as a protest and demand for equal rights, today’s festivals are more of a celebration with a party atmosphere. Today, Pride events celebrate and recognize the progress that the 2SLGVTQI+ community has made over the years. And, while there is more work to be done, the 2SLGVTQI+ community continues to demonstrate resilience and strength.
Pride 2024 Month: June
Parade: Sunday, June 30
Toronto’s first pride parade was in June 1981. At that time, Pride events took place during a seven-to-10-day festival. Since 2016, Toronto has declared June as Pride Month. Today, Pride Toronto is among the largest organized gay pride festivals in the world.
Pride 2024 Festival: July 26 – August 4
Parade: August 4
Vancouver’s first pride parade occurred in 1978. The Pride parade run by the Vancouver Pride Society, is the largest in Western Canada.
Pride 2024 Festival: August 1 – 11
Parade: August 11
Montreal Gay Pride, or Fierté Montreal was founded in 2007. Formerly, the city’s Pride festival was part of a general arts and music festival that began in 1993. Today, the Montreal Pride Festival is the largest francophone LGBTQ gathering.
Pride 2024 Week: August 26 – September 1
Parade & Festival: August 31 & September 1
In 2022, Calgary’s parade focus was the complex intersection of immigration and the 2SLGVTQI+ community. Working with the End of the Rainbow Foundation and the Centre for Newcomers, pride parade marshalls represented countries including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Iran.
To the 2SLGBTQI+ community, newcomers, and allies, we wish you happy pride celebrations! It’s time to celebrate and continue building safe and welcoming communities across Canada!
Here are the 10 most livable cities in Ontario, showcasing a diverse range of communities that offer unique benefits and amenities. They include: 1. Burlington, 2. Ottawa, 3. Pickering, 4. Oakville, 5. Vaughan, 6. Hamilton, 7. Guelph, 8. Tecumseh, and more. Each city has its own charm and appeal.
Settling in an Ontario city can be expensive for newcomers and international students. However, cities in Ontario remain by far the most popular with immigrants to Canada, so let’s look at the 10 best Ontario cities to live in.
First, rent prices in Ontario cities, particularly those in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), are among the highest in the country, except for Vancouver.
The unemployment rate in Ontario in June was 6.8 percent, up from 0.3 percent from May. Nationally, it is 6.4 percent.
However, city life in Ontario, Canada’s largest and most populated province, is about more than rent prices. Quality of life and job opportunities are also crucial to newcomers when choosing the best city in Ontario to live in.
Settlement services, vital for newcomers, are also different in each Ontario city, as are job market opportunities and the cost of living (inflation).
Many settlement experts regard selecting the correct city as the best job strategy for newcomers.
Recently, The Globe and Mail published research* listing the most livable cities in Canada for immigrants.
The Globe, one of Canada’s premier news outlets, collected data from 439 Canadian cities with a population of at least 10,000 in partnership with Environics Analytics Group Ltd.
Housing was rated as one of THE most important concerns of newcomers to Canada. As the Globe pointed out:
“As housing costs have marched steadily upward in Canada, discussing real estate prices has become as common as chatting about the weather. And so often, the conversation about where to live focuses on one number: The cost of buying a home.”
Time Zone: Ontario spans two time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Central Standard Time (CST). Most of Ontario, including major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, follows EST.
Climate: Ontario experiences a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Average Temperatures:
Summer (June to August): Highs range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
Winter (December to February): Lows can drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).
Precipitation: Ontario receives a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and October.
Sunshine: July is the sunniest month, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity: Relative humidity varies, with May being the driest month and December having the highest humidity
Unsurprisingly, Globe research determined that Burlington, at the western end of the GTA, is Ontario’s most livable city (it was also ranked as the fifth most livable in Canada).
Burlington’s geographic location makes it the perfect commuter city. For work or play, people can travel by road or rail to Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the Niagara region.
While Burlington rent prices are not cheap, a one-bedroom apartment there is over $300 cheaper per month than in Toronto. Also, Burlington scored extremely high regarding amenities.
In a recent Point2 research study**, Burlington was rated as the top Ontario city among the country’s 10 best for juggling professional and personal life. According to the Point2 study, “Burlington enjoys a balanced mix of positive health perceptions, with 93 percent of its residents reporting high levels of life satisfaction.”
Rent: $2,196 *** (for a one-bedroom)
(Average) House Price: $1.16 million ***
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent
Read more about living in Burlington, Ontario
Rent: $1,967
House Price: $686, 535
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 6 percent
Read more about living in Ottawa, Ontario
Rent: $1,885
House Price: $941,000
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 5.9 percent
Rent: $2,305
House Price: $1.48 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8
Rent: $1,991
House Price: $1.1 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.9 percent
Rent: $1,806
House Price: $831,190
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent
Read more about living in Hamilton, Ontario
Rent: $2,046
House Price: $850, 226
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 3.7 percent
Rent: $1,534
House Price: $795, 276
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 9.1 percent
Rent: $1,476
House Price: $643,111
Unemployment rate (as of March 2024): 8.4 percent
Rent: $2, 062
House Price: $1.1 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8 percent
Read more about living in Markham, Ontario
CITATIONS:
**Point2
*** Prices as of June 2024, subject to fluctuations monthly
SOURCES:
Rentals for Newcomers, CREA, Rentals.ca, Statistics Canada, Zoocasa, Zumper, WOWA, Zolo, Environics Analytics Group Ltd., Point2
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
If you plan to move to Canada you have to pay several immigration fees to process your application to become a permanent resident. As of April 30, 2024, here are some of the current permanent residency fees increases:
| Fee: Economic Immigration (Including Express Entry)* | As of April 30, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Your application (includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee) | $1,525.00 |
| Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | $950.00 |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575.00 |
| Include your spouse or partner (includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee) | $1,525.00 |
| Include a dependent child (without right of permanent residence fee) | $260.00/child |
| Permanent Resident Card | $50 (no increase) |
| Permanent Resident Travel Document | $50 (no increase) |
| Citizenship – application fees Adult (18 and over) Minor (under 18) | $630 $100 |
| Biometrics: Per person Per family (2 or more people) | $85.00 $170.00 |
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the fee increases account for inflation since the last increase in 2022. Permanent resident fees increase every two years and consider the rising cost of delivering programs and services. The next fee increase will be in 2026.
At this time, the fees will not increase for the following:
When calculating how much money you’ll need to move to Canada, remember to add these immigration fees to your budget. Canada’s immigration fees are less expensive than countries such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, but these fees still add up.
The Right of Permanent Resident Fee is a separate fee all permanent resident applicants must pay when their application is approved. But to avoid processing delays, you can submit this fee while you pay your application fees. And if your application is not approved, the IRCC will give you a full refund.
You can pay your Canada immigration fees online. Use the online form to indicate your country and the forms that you are submitting. IRCC will calculate the total fees that you owe.
The much-anticipated Men’s ICC T20 World Cup of Cricket kicks off June 1 in the West Indies and the USA, with Canada making its tournament debut.
The excitement is intense for Canadian cricket fans, particularly those in the large Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and West Indian diasporas.
England is the defending champion in a powerhouse field that has grown to 20 teams, including Canada.
The ICC T20 is the shorter version of a regular cricket match.
India, always a favourite, is in Group A, with rivals Pakistan, the USA, Canada, and Ireland.
India opens the tournament against Ireland on 5 June in New York. Four days later, they will play against Pakistan in New York.
Televised coverage starts with the tourney opener between the USA and Canada in Grand Prairie, Texas, on Sunday, June 2.
The ICC T20 final occurs in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, June 29.
As hosts of the ICC T20, the West Indies and the USA gained automatic entry.
Like Canada, the USA plays in the tournament for the first time.
LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL ICC T20 ANTHEM
England, Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Australia, South Africa, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka earned their 2024 spots by placing in the top eight of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan and Bangladesh qualified as the two highest teams in the T20I rankings.
Regional qualifiers determined all the other spots in this year’s tournament:
Group A – India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, USA
Group B – England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
Group C – New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
Group D – South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal
The top two teams in each group advance to the Super 8s stage.
Then, the top two in each Super 8s pool advance to the semi-finals.
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1. India – India, led by Rohit Sharma, is a perennial favourite. Their powerhouse lineup includes Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. Their youth, experience and skill may be unmatched in this tournament. They’ll definitely be determined to regain the title from England.
2. England: The 2022 winners will be all in to defend their title. With a lineup that features Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone, they are formidable opponents. They play an aggressive style and can adapt to their opponent and circumstances. A repeat is definitely possible.
3. Australia: Another serious contender that could win it with power hitters and superb bowlers. The Aussies, led by Mitchell Marsh, field a strong lineup that includes David Warner, Pat Cummins, and the superb Glenn Maxwell. The team from Down Under will be in it to win it to the end.
4. New Zealand: Led by captain Kane Williamson and with a lineup that includes Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Jimmy Neesham, Finn Allen, and Devon Conway, the Kiwis have experience and young talent galore. This balanced and tough team could prove a surprise at this T20.
5. South Africa: Aiden Markram leads this squad that includes Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, and David Miller. Like New Zealand, this South African team has a unique blend of experience and youth that can cause trouble for any opponent.
Canada failed to qualify for the eight previous ICC T20 World Cup tournaments.
Amjad Bajwa, the president of Cricket Canada, told CBC News that he credits the Canadian team’s recent successes to the rapid growth in international students and immigrants from South Asia and other cricket-loving regions of the world.
“It’s still a game of immigrants because a lot of these students are coming,” he said.
In Canada, fans can watch all the matches via the Willow TV app. For viewers hoping to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Canada for FREE, streaming is available via the Disney+ Hotstar app. Gaining access to the app may require a VPN to overcome regional limitations.
| Date | Teams | Time (Eastern Standard Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, June 1 | USA vs Canada -Grand Prairie, Texas | 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 2 | West Indies vs Papua New Guinea, Providence Namibia vs Oman, Bridgetown Barbados | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Mon, June 3 | Sri Lanka vs South Africa- Long Island, New York Afghanistan vs Uganda – Providence, Guyana | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Tues, June 4 | England vs Scotland – Bridgetown, Barbados Netherlands vs Nepal – Grand Prairie, Texas | 10:30 am 11:30 am |
| Wed, June 5 | India vs Ireland – Long Island, New York Papua New Guinea vs Uganda – Providence, Guyana Australia vs Oman – Bridgetown, Barbados | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 6 | USA vs Pakistan – Grand Prairie, Texas Namibia vs Scotland – Bridgetown, Barbados | 11:30 am 3:00 pm |
| Fri, June 7 | Canada vs Ireland – Long Island, New York New Zealand vs Afghanistan – Providence, Guyana Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Grand Prairie, Texas (8.30 pm) | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sat, June 8 | Netherlands vs South Africa – Long Island, New York Australia vs England – Bridgetown, Barbados West Indies vs Uganda – Providence, Guyana | 10:30 am 1:00 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 9 | India vs Pakistan – Long Island, New York Oman vs Scotland – North Sound, Antigua | 10:30 am 1:00 pm |
| Mon, June 10 | South Africa vs Bangladesh – Long Island, New York | 10:30 am |
| Tues, June 11 | South Africa vs Bangladesh – Long Island, New York Sri Lanka vs Nepal – Lauderhill, Florida Australia vs Namibia – North Sound, Antigua | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Wed, June 12 | USA vs India – Long Island, New York West Indies vs New Zealand – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 13 | Bangladesh vs Netherlands – Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines England vs Oman – North Sound, Antigua Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago | 10:30 am 3:00 pm 8:30 pm |
| Fri, June 14 | USA vs Ireland – Lauderhill, Florida South Africa vs Nepal – Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines New Zealand vs Uganda – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sat, June 15 | India vs Canada – Lauderhill, Florida Namibia vs England – North Sound, Antigua Australia vs Scotland – Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | 10:30 am 1:00 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 16 | Pakistan vs Ireland – Lauderhill, Florida Bangladesh vs Nepal – Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sri Lanka vs Netherlands – Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Mon, June 17 | New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago West Indies vs Afghanistan – Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Wed, June 19 | T20 World Cup – full Super 8s fixtures Group 1 – Group A winners (A1), Group B runners-up (B2), Group C winners (C1), Group D runners-up (D2) Group 2 – Group A runners-up (A2), Group B winners (B1), Group C runners-up (C2), Group D winners (D1) | |
| Wed, June 19 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 20 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Fri, June 21 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Sat, June 22 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 23 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Mon, June 24 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Wed, June 26 | TBD | 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 27 | TBD | 10:30 am |
| Sat, June 29 | ICC T20 FINAL, Bridgetown, Barbados | 10:30 am |
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
Finding the perfect summer job as a newcomer high school student in Canada can be both exciting and daunting. As the school year winds down and the summer approaches, many high school students are eager to gain valuable work experience. These summer jobs offer students a chance to acquire new skills, build friendships, and save for future plans. If you know where to look, Canada has many wonderful opportunities for summer employment that students take advantage of. Let’s dive into some summer job search tips to help you find the perfect summer job.
The minimum age for employment in Canada is 14 years old. This means that you can legally be employed the moment you turn 14. However, many businesses set the minimum age to 15 or 16 so it could be tough looking for a traditional summer job at 14. Don’t be discouraged though, because it is common for youth under 15 years to find jobs such as babysitting, dog walking, yard work, and tutoring.
As a student, your first job will likely be in the summer. Summer jobs are great because they allow students to earn money while also having time to enjoy their summer break. Here are some of the advantages of getting a summer job:
Summer jobs are a great way for students to develop a wide range of professional skills. They provide students with hands-on experience, helping them build practical skills essential for success in the workplace.
Having experience is key in today’s competitive job market. Once you finish school and start looking for a full-time job, a good resume can go a long way in advancing your career. Working a summer job as a student will help you add depth to your resume and show future employers that you can thrive in the work environment.
Building good relationships with colleagues and supervisors during your summer job can open doors to future employment opportunities.
Summer jobs often present challenges that encourage personal growth. Whether it’s overcoming obstacles, adapting to new environments, or learning to collaborate as a team, these experiences will contribute to your overall growth and resilience.
Summer employment can help you earn income whether you want extra spending money or to save for college or university. The income you earn from your summer job can help you save for your post-secondary education.
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While there are many summer employment opportunities for students, the market can be quite competitive. To be successful in your job search, it is important to be equipped with the best tips and strategies before entering the job market. Here are some tips to help you enter the market head first and land the perfect summer job for you.
Starting your job search early is an essential tip. Many employers start hiring high school students for the summer as early as February or March. When you start early, you have more time to check out different job options, fill out applications, and even schedule interviews before all the positions are filled.
Do not underestimate the power of networking when searching for a summer job. Talk to your family members, friends, teachers, and neighbours to inquire about potential job openings. Networking can often lead to hidden job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.
The internet is a valuable tool to find job opportunities. You can use online job boards, social media platforms, and company websites to search for job openings and submit applications. Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn can help you browse jobs near you.
Canada’s Youth Job Bank is particularly beneficial for students seeking a summer job.
When you apply for jobs, it’s important to customize your resume. Likely, you won’t have any work experience, so make sure to mention any volunteer work, clubs, or extracurricular activities you have participated in. These activities demonstrate that you are capable and have a work ethic.
Some industries see a surge in demand for workers during the summer months. It is a good idea to apply to places like amusement parks, recreation centres, summer camps, ice cream shops, and restaurants. They often need extra help because more people visit them during the summer.
When looking for a summer job, it is a good idea to remain flexible. Be open to different kinds of jobs as well as your flexibility when it comes to working hours. Even if you have a certain job or field in mind, being flexible and considering other options can increase your chances of finding a job.
Remember to check back with the employer after you apply for a job or attend an interview. Send a thank-you email or call them to show that you’re still interested in the job and to remind them about your skills. Following up like this demonstrates your professionalism and enthusiasm for the job. Moreover, it can leave a positive impression on employers.
Securing summer employment as a newcomer high school student in Canada requires proactive effort and thoughtful planning. Starting your search early, networking, remaining flexible, and following up with employers are all key factors to maximize your chances of finding the ideal summer job. So roll up your sleeves, follow these tips, and embark on your summer job hunt with full energy and confidence!
Getting a credit card when you arrive in Canada is a great way to build a credit history, but you must avoid making common mistakes. From spending more than your credit limit, to only paying the minimum monthly payment, these mistakes can damage your credit score and make it difficult to achieve your financial goals. Learn how to avoid these financial mistakes and what you can do to stay in good standing.
Credit card issuers make it easy for you to repay your balance by allowing you to make minimum monthly payments. Sometimes you can only afford to make the minimum monthly payment, but avoid making this a habit.
When you only pay the minimum payment each month it increases the amount of time it takes to pay off your balance and you’ll pay much more interest. It also means that you will likely never pay off the full amount of your card. A better approach is to pay the full balance. If that’s not possible, pay more than the minimum monthly payment to accrue less credit card interest and pay your debt faster.
Missing payments means you will have to pay a late payment fee and it can add up quickly. To avoid late payment fees, you can set up an automatic payment to your debit card. Remember, you should pay off the full balance each month. Falling behind in your payments can lead to higher credit card interest charges and your credit score will suffer. Meeting your monthly payments shows creditors that you manage your money well.
Join us for an eye-opening session on how to build your financial future in Canada with confidence. This free webinar is hosted in partnership with Scotiabank, a trusted leader in newcomer banking. Together, we’ll guide you through how the Canadian banking system works and share free tools and strategies to help you plan, save, and invest wisely as a newcomer.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you don’t open your credit card billing statement, you risk missing your payment due date or paying less than you should be. Ignoring your statement could cause you to miss important announcements about changes to your credit card terms.
Review the monthly transactions to ensure that there are no purchases that you did not make or approve. If there are any errors, contact the credit card company immediately to discuss the transaction.
Missing payments will also lower your credit score. Missed payments can remain on your credit report for up to six years.
If you lose your card, the first thing that you should do is report it to your financial institution. The longer it takes you to report a lost or stolen card, the greater the chance of fraudulent activities. Reporting a lost credit card quickly shows the bank that you are responsible.
This credit card mistake is important to avoid. As a newcomer, you may have unexpected expenses you didn’t budget for. A credit card can be a short-term solution but you should never max out a card to its limit.
When you max out your credit limit, it indicates to creditors that you are living beyond your means.
It’s better to spend less than 30% of your credit limit. This is known as the credit utilization ratio which assesses how much credit you have versus how much you use. This ratio is also about 30% of your credit score calculation. Getting close to your credit limit puts you at risk for over-the-limit fees and penalty interest rates you’ll have to pay when you exceed your credit limit. Maintain a low balance on your card for a healthy credit score and manageable payment amount.
Avoiding these credit card mistakes will help you reduce financial stress, increase your credit score, and build credit history.
For prospective newcomers researching landing cities in Canada, it’s vital to assess what city will best meet your needs. Knowing what a city offers can help you pick the one that is right for you, so let’s discover 10 of the most livable cities for immigrants.
Looking only at rent prices, cities like Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan have the cheapest rents among Canada’s large and mid-sized cities. In Alberta, Edmonton and Lethbridge have the cheapest rents, as do Winnipeg in Manitoba and Windsor, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines in Ontario.
Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are popular but not cheap. They are by far, the most expensive cities in Canada to rent.
But livability for newcomers to Canada is about much more than rent. For example, it’s important to consider job market opportunities and the cost of living. Another thing to consider is the availability of settlement services for newcomers. Free settlement services can help newcomers adapt to life in Canada.
Many experts consider picking the right Canadian city to live in as the best job strategy for immigrants.
Research gathered data to rank the most livable cities in Canada for immigrants who landed within the last five years. The research looked at 439 cities with a population greater than 10,000.
The following categories and criteria were used to judge the most liveable cities in Canada for newcomers. Housing was rated as one of the top concerns.
| CATEGORY | CRITERIA |
|---|---|
| HOUSING | Affordability, ease of finding a home, property taxes, percentage of income spent on housing |
| ECONOMY | Jobs, earnings, taxes, and economic stability |
| DEMOGRAPHICS | Population, stability, diversity, languages spoken |
| HEALTHCARE | Ease of access and satisfaction with care |
| SAFETY | Crime rates and feeling of safety |
| EDUCATION | Residents’ academic qualifications and availability of schools and universities |
| COMMUNITY | Social spaces, events, volunteering opportunities, and the sense of connection residents feel |
| AMENITIES | Number of recreational places, shopping options, and other facilities, plus cannabis stores, gyms, movie theatres, and essential services such as childcare, grocery stores, libraries, and parks |
| TRANSPORTATION | Public transit, ease of getting around, and proximity to airports and public transportation |
| WEATHER | Extreme conditions, overall climate, humidity, and coldness. |
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 WEBINARAmong the top 10 cities in Canada for newcomers, rent prices and home prices** vary.
1. Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,205/month
Average House Price: $962,362
2. Victoria, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,111/month
Average House Price: $1,286,600
3. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,365/month
Average House Price: $375,390
Read more about Living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
4. North Vancouver, British Columbia
Rent: 1-bedroom $2,704/month
Average House Price: $1,318,687
Read more about living in Vancouver, British Columbia.
5. Saanich, British Columbia
Rent: 1-bedroom $2,023
Average House Price: $1,259,309
6. Wellesley, Ontario
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,900/month
Average House Price: $1,637,450
7. Burlington, Ontario
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,145/month
Average House Price: $826,462
Read more about Living in Burlington, Ontario.
8. Regina, Saskatchewan
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,267/month
Average House Price: $304,464
Read more about living in Regina, Saskatchewan.
9. Delta, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,074/month
Average House Price: $1,357,323
10. Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,830/month
Average House Price: $1,001,518
CITATIONS:
** Prices as of April 2024, subject to slight changes monthly
SOURCES:
Rentals for Newcomers, CREA, Rentals.ca, Zoocasa, Zumper, WOWA; Zolo
© Prepare for Canada 2024
For many across Canada, the spring/summer season means one thing – the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are here!
And Canada’s Edmonton Oilers are in the finals. They fought back from a 3-0 deficit against the Florida Panthers to make it a 3-2 best-of-seven series.
They can even the series with a win in Game 6 tonight in Edmonton.
For newcomers to Canada and international students, the Stanley Cup playoffs between 16 National Hockey League (NHL) teams provide an insight into the sport of ice hockey and perhaps Canada’s national culture and identity.
On Saturday, June 8, Canada’s Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers began their 7-game Stanley Cup final series to decide the 2023-24 season champion.
Meanwhile, Professional Women’s Hockey teams, including Toronto and Montreal, competed for the Walter Cup for the first time. Minnesota won the Cup on May 29, defeating Boston in five games.
So, what’s behind all this hockey fever, and why should newcomers care?
Lloyd L. Wong and Martine Dennie are the authors of a 2021 report entitled “I feel more Canadian with hockey.” Identity and Belonging via Ice Hockey in a Diverse Canada.
In their paper, published in Canadian Ethnic Studies, Wong and Dennie argue that their “findings show that for most immigrants and racialized minorities engaged in organized ice hockey, there is more likely a sense of Canadian national identity and a sense of belonging to Canada compared to the Canadian-born and to whites.”
They also state that the game and sport of ice hockey are embedded in Canada’s national culture and identity mythically and literally and that hockey has its most significant presence in Canada regarding people, places, and social spaces.
According to their report, about 1.8 million people globally are registered hockey players, of which over one-third, or 631,295, live in Canada.
Per capita, the number of registered hockey players in Canada is well above all other countries by a wide margin, with 17,277 registered hockey players per one million people.
Further, hockey’s popularity in Canada extends beyond players and referees to include coaches, managers, workers in the hockey industry, parents, and fans.
As Wong and Dennie point out, Canada “is also an ‘immigration society’ where immigrants are considered as society-building assets and as central to national identity,” just like hockey.
So, here are some Stanley Cup facts for newcomers and international students who want to find out what all the fuss is about:
The Oilers, after eliminating the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, then eliminated the Vancouver Canucks in a 7-game series. Edmonton advanced to the Western Conference Final on June 2, defeating the Dallas Stars in six games. They now face the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup finals.
Meanwhile, another hockey playoff championship series is taking place this spring.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a new-team league in North America holding its first-ever playoff series.
There are six franchises (three from Canada and three from the United States). The three Canadian teams are PWHL Montreal, PWHL Ottawa, and PWHL Toronto.
Each franchise played a 32-game regular season to earn one of four places in a postseason tournament. The winner claims the “Walter Cup.”
On Feb. 17, The PWHL’s first game at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena set a league and women’s hockey attendance record with a crowd of 19,285.
CBC and TSN, their French-language affiliates Radio-Canada and RDS, and Sportsnet broadcast PWHL games nationally in Canada. YouTube has global streaming.
Recently, Scotiabank announced that it had become the official bank of the PWHL.
The PWHL playoffs began May 8. The best four teams qualified for a postseason tournament that determines the champion. The playoffs comprise two semi-finals and a final played as a best-of-five series.
Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and Minnesota all made the playoffs. Ottawa was eliminated in the final game of the regular season.
Toronto, which finished first in the regular season, chose to play Minnesota and was eliminated in five games. Montreal played Boston and was eliminated in three straight games.
Minnesota defeated Boston in five games on May 29 to make history by winning the first-ever Walter Cup.
Obviously, between the Stanley Cup and the Walter Cup, there is plenty of hockey for newcomers and international students to embrace this spring.
As Wong and Dennie wrote in their report:
“Engagement in the game, either as players or fans or in some other capacity, provides a multicultural common space potentially enabling interactive pluralism amongst diverse communities.
These findings further support the value of making hockey more inclusive through equity, diversity, and inclusion policies and initiatives.
Go, hockey! Go, Canada!
This story was updated on May 21/2024.
CITATIONS:
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
In the excitement of getting your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), it’s vital to consider the first things to do after landing in Canada. It’s now time for the next step along your immigration journey. Your Canadian journey begins when you complete all the paperwork, pack your belongings, and say your goodbyes. The first steps you take upon your arrival in Canada will set the course for a smooth settlement process. Discover the vital steps to building your life your life in Canada!
Knowing what to expect when you land will contribute to a smooth experience and reduce stress.
One of the first people you will meet at your arrival point in Canada will be a friendly Canada customs agent. This is when the customs agent will ask you about the goods you carry with you, goods to follow, and landing certificates such as your COPR.
You’ll also meet other officials from Immigration Services. They will ask you to show your passport and visa papers. Immigration agents will give you application forms to apply for documents such as your:
Applying for these documents within the first couple of weeks after you land in Canada is important. You will need a SIN card to work in Canada, and a health care card to get provincial healthcare coverage.
Your PR card is proof of your Canadian permanent resident status. You will need this card whenever you leave Canada and want to re-enter. The processing time for your PR application can vary and it can take up to two months to receive your PR card. You can check processing times here.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will mail you a wallet-sized plastic PR Card. If you change your mailing address before receiving your PR Card, notify IRCC of your change of address. You can also check the status of your application.
Once you decide to immigrate, it’s time to look ahead confidently. You’ve done so much to prepare for Canada, so trust yourself, enjoy the journey, and take these steps when you land in Canada.
It’s important to secure short-term accommodation (a stay of less than 28 days) before you arrive in Canada. While residing in temporary housing, a vital first step is to find accommodation in Canada that will suit your long-term rental needs.
Ideally, you want to find a place that meets your needs and is relatively close to your employer. If you’re moving to a large city like Toronto, pay attention to how dispersed it is. Travel time within the Greater Toronto Area can take up to 90 minutes by car or public transit. So, factor in travel time when deciding where to live.
Rentals for Newcomers is a great place to search for the perfect rental in cities across Canada. While it’s good to research the housing market in Canada before you arrive, the best time to search for housing is after you arrive in Canada. This will allow you to visit properties, meet the landlord, and avoid rental scams.
Apply for your SIN within the first week after you arrive in Canada. Without this nine-digit number, you cannot get a job, apply for government programs and benefits, or access credit. In fact, without it, you are virtually a person without an identity in Canada. There is no cost for you to get your SIN.
Within the first week of your arrival in Canada, apply for a healthcare card to receive free medical coverage in the province or territory where you plan to live. Some provinces, such as British Columbia, have a three-month waiting period before your healthcare coverage takes effect. It’s important to apply for provincial healthcare within your first week to minimize delays in coverage.
If you land in a province with a waiting period, you can buy private insurance to cover you and your family from unexpected healthcare costs. A waiting period applies for permanent residents in British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
There are many immigrant service agencies across Canada. Settlement agencies provide information and many free services to help you adjust to life in Canada. Some settlement agencies even offer pre-arrival services before you land in Canada. There is a huge advantage to using settlement services before and after your arrival in Canada.
If you have already arrived in Canada, you can search here for free post-arrival services.
Here are some services that you can take advantage of:
Improving or enhancing your English or French language skills is a great idea because it’s critical to newcomer success. Language training may focus on basic English skills only, and may not be enough to help you succeed in the work environment. However, many colleges and industry associations offer higher-level English training and job-specific or occupation-specific language training.
Some organizations may offer a host program. This volunteer-based program matches immigrants with a host who can guide them through their first few months in Canada. Your “host” can help you with questions about the best places to shop locally, find housing, or enroll your children in school.
Immigrating to a new country can be an emotional time. You may feel frustration, regret, and homesickness. Immigrant settlement agencies are there to support you with counselling for you and your family.
Immigrant settlement agencies are also a great first step to help you with your job search. For example, they can help you to:
You can also ask the settlement agency if they offer a mentorship program. Mentoring programs connect you with someone who works in your occupation and can provide information and tips about the profession in Canada. Mentoring can be a great way to help you succeed in the workplace.
Another priority in your first few weeks in Canada is to open a bank account near your home. To open an account, you will need your landed immigrant papers and any other identification you have to prove your place of residence. You can even open a bank account before you arrive in Canada.
Banks provide different types of bank accounts including basic savings and chequing accounts. You may need a chequing account in particular because most employers will make a direct deposit to your bank account to pay you.
Over time, you will build a good relationship with your bank, and start building your credit history. One way to build credit is to apply for a secured credit card and then a traditional credit card. With a secured credit card, you provide a cash deposit in case to pay your bills. Paying your bills and loans promptly is important to build a strong Canadian credit history. Your credit history will help you when you want to get a mortgage buy a home, make a major purchase such as a car, or get a loan to start a business.
Among the main reasons people immigrate to Canada is to give their children a better future. That starts with education. Canada guarantees an education to every child between the ages of five and 18. You must enroll your child in school as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada.
The progressive levels in the Canadian education system for children include:
Kindergarten: Children enter the school system in Kindergarten at age five.
Primary or Elementary School: After they complete Kindergarten, they attend primary or elementary school for grades 1 to 7 or 8, depending on the school district.
Secondary or High School: From grade 8 or 9 through to 12, children attend secondary school (high school). Some districts have a junior high level between elementary and high school.
You’ll be off to a great start when you take these vital steps upon your arrival in Canada!