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Emigrating to Canada
Canada’s landscapes are world-famous, but the friendliness of the people makes an equally strong impression on British migrants – as Hanna Lindon discovers
Thriving cities, sandy beaches, towering mountain ranges and verdant plains – is there anything that Canada doesn't have? Within its 3,854,085 square miles, the country accommodates pretty much every type of scenic and social diversity, from the sunny western coast to the central prairies and the northern mountains; and from the small-town rural Albertan communities to the cosmopolitan liveliness of French-speaking Quebec.
With this vast array of environments to choose from, almost every British migrant – no matter what their beliefs, preferences or temperament – can find a place to call home in Canada. It's a country where lifestyle comes first, where diversity is applauded and appreciated, and where the concept of a community is still important.
As Claire Bolgil, a British migrant living with her husband Müfit near Kamloops in BC, says: "Where we live, everyone we meet seems so genuine. Neighbours honestly want to help you out with things, and people are genuinely interested in who you are, where you've come from and what you're doing. Canadians are just plain nice!" Most emigrants find that the renowned Canadian friendliness helps with the settling-in process. British children report less bullying at school and employees notice less antagonism in the workplace, while making friends seems to be easy for all ages.
"At first I was a bit freaked out about moving here and making friends," says Laura Hardie, who was in her mid-teens when her parents relocated to Victoria in BC. "But it's such a nice area, so laid-back, and everyone is so friendly. Socialising is a lot safer, too."
In general, Canadians benefit from more socialising time due to a better work-life balance. In most professions, overtime is an exception rather than a rule, while spending time with family takes priority over business. Many British expats say that they notice an increase in the hours spent with their family after moving to Canada – not least because there's so much to do and explore.
"Where we live offers so many choices in terms of lifestyle, from the multicultural big city life of Toronto to smaller cities, wonderful stretches of wilderness in the north and the lake regions on the Canadian Shield and farm land," says Ontario resident Lois Chouinard. "We live on a small horse farm just ten minutes from the city of Barrie and enjoy the best of rural life whilst having easy access to urban shopping, theatre and dining."
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, British expat Melissa Rutherfurd is also enjoying the leisure opportunities that Canada has to offer.
"I love the fact that there are so many places to explore," she says. "There's all this wild scenery, which feels like it has never been discovered by anybody else before, and then there are some really lively cities, too. I think that people should know that Canada isn't all about the outdoors – the city living out here is also great fun. You can do all the things that you can do in a British city, but you feel a lot safer doing them."
The prospect of a safer environment for themselves and their family is a big motivation for Brits moving to Canada. Many quote the prevalence of yob culture in the UK, the rising incidents of knife crime, and the fear of youth violence.2 In Canada, as 911 operative Steve Pocock points out, these issues are not so much of a problem. "If you come across some hooded males, they are more likely to say 'hi' and move over for you than produce a knife and demand your wallet," he says.
Paul Looker, a British policeman living and working in Edmonton, agrees. "I find that there is less youth-on-youth violence here than in the UK, and in general youths are better behaved," he observes, continuing: "Where we live I have no issues walking, running and being there on my own. I feel completely safe here."
But the appeal of Canada is not simply down to lifestyle, scenery and safety; for many British migrants, the country is a land of opportunity. While both the UK and the US are struggling with the effects of the credit crunch, falling property prices and rising oil costs, it suddenly appears as though Canada is holding all the cards.
With a vast supply of natural resources, a steadily increasing employment base, a booming construction industry and a currency which is going from strength to strength, the Canadian economy is exhibiting clear signs of future growth.
In consequence, Canada offers immigrants an abundance of leisure opportunities, millions of miles of stunning scenery, a safe, family-focussed environment, and a chance to make their fortune.
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