Reasons for Migrating to Canada

With its high quality of life, Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for immigrants. OverseasEmigration.co.uk says that on average, over 200,000 people migrate to Canada every year. This migration has led to an increase in population of 1.2 million from 2001 to 2006.

Despite a growing population, Canada has the lowest population density in the world, with only 3.5 people per square kilometer. The country has plenty of open space and beautiful scenery. Stunning coastlines, rivers and lakes, mountains and glaciers, forests, waterfalls and four definite seasons make this country a natural wonder.

Canada is one of the world’s wealthiest nations with an average income per capita of $35,500. Compared to other Western nations, the country has low unemployment and inflation rates. Easymigrate.com says, “The World Bank has also ranked Canadians as the second wealthiest people in the world in terms of the country's natural, financial, human and social resources. Based on Canada's total wealth, each Canadian is worth nearly $750,000.” Job opportunities are abundant in many different fields, especially for those with a skilled trade. On average, new immigrants make $30,000 to $75,000 a year.

The cost of housing in Canada is inexpensive when compared to other Western nations such as the United States and Great Britain. According to Living-inCanada.com, “Most people from the UK and Europe find the cost of living in Canada is significantly lower than their home country.” Many people who bring the proceeds from selling a house in another country will find their mortgage will be much less in Canada. Of course, as in other countries, housing prices depend on location; it costs more to live in Canadian cities than in rural areas, and places with milder weather are more expensive than locales with extreme temperatures. As for cost of living, food, gas and cars are cheaper. Power is also cheaper, but in a typical Canadian winter, you’ll likely use more power to heat the house.

Ice hockey is the country’s most popular spectator sport. Skiing, snowboarding, soccer, golf, baseball and Canadian football are also enjoyed. And few countries can rival Canada’s fishing, hunting, boating, rock climbing, hiking, cycling and sightseeing. Art, music and theater thrives, and Canada boasts many fine dining establishments.

From peaceful small towns to lively metropolitan cities, Canada is a diverse nation that welcomes people of all cultures. Canadians are known to respect and encourage the preservation of religious, ethnic and cultural heritage. There are numerous foreign-language television and radio stations, newspapers and magazines. Schools have children from a great number of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and ethnic foods are popular. In Toronto and Vancouver, immigrants make up 44 percent and 35 percent of the population, respectively. Canada has a low overall crime rate, and the homicide rate is estimated at less than one quarter of the U.S. rate.

Canada has universal health care that can be used by all Canadian citizens and permanent residents; in most areas, basic health care coverage is free. The education system there is rated as one of the best in the world, and Canada has the highest net enrollment in private and public universities for 18- to 21-year-olds, as compared to Europe, Australia and the United States.