Why immigrate to Canada?
One of the Best Countries in the World to Live
As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic integration with the US. As a result of the close cross-border relationship, the economic sluggishness in the United States in 2001-02 had a negative impact on the Canadian economy. Real growth averaged nearly 3% during 1993-2000, but declined in 2001, with moderate recovery in 2002-03.
Unemployment is up, with contraction in the manufacturing and natural resource sectors. Nevertheless, given its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic prospects. Two shadows loom, the first being the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas, which has been raising the specter of a split in the federation. Another long-term concern is the flow south to the US of professionals lured by higher pay, lower taxes, and the immense high-tech infrastructure. A key strength in the economy is the substantial trade surplus. Roughly 90% of the population lives within 160 kilometers of the US border.
Throughout the world, Canada is known as a prosperous and strong nation valued for its stability, respect for diversity and democratic institutions. With a huge landmass, a relatively small population and abundant natural resources, it has prospered to the point where a recent United Nations study lists it as one of the best place in the world to live. This is why Canada has recently become the destination of choice for many of the world's immigrants.
Canadians enjoy one of the highest qualities of life in the world. The clean environment makes for clean living.
Unlimited Opportunities for Development
Unlimited opportunities for development exist in the natural resources, manufacturing,
construction, import/export, commerce, high-tech and service industries.
For nine consecutive years (1994-2002), a United Nations survey found Canada
to be among the top three places in the world to live. Conducted every year,
the survey evaluates quality of life in 174 countries, using over 200 performance
indicators. Canada earned particularly high marks for its access to education,
high life expectancy (due to universal free health care system); and low crime
and violence rates. In addition, Canada's largest cities Vancouver, Toronto
and Montreal have been recognized as world class cities in which to live and
work, for their cleanliness and safety and for their cultural activities and
attractive lifestyles.
Canada is well-known as a safe, just and peaceful society. Canadian crime rates
have been falling steadily since the 1990s. In 1997, Canada's police-reported
crime rate decreased for the sixth year in a row, falling by five per cent.
Violent crimes declined for the fifth year in a row in 1997 and Canada's homicide
rate now accounts for less than one percent of all reported violent incidents.
Unlike its US neighbours to the south, firearms are strictly controlled and
generally are not permitted in Canada.
At 7.8%, Canada's unemployment rate is at its lowest since 1976, with hundreds
of thousands of new jobs created each year. Canadians earn an average annual
income of approximately $40,000.
Free School Education and Health care
Canada offers free elementary and secondary education in addition to subsidized post-secondary and university education for all of its immigrants. This year Canada will admit approximately 235,000 immigrants according to the new immigration policy. On a per capita basis, this level of immigration ranks among the highest in the world. Unlike the United States and other countries, there is no quota based on either nationality or occupation.
Canada has one of the world's healthiest populations. This is a direct result of its universal and comprehensive health care system. There are more than 55,000 licensed physicians in Canada. That's one for every 520 of Canada's men, women and children. Each year, the government spends $52 billion on health care, about $1800 per year for each of Canadian. Visiting the doctor in Canada is free, and no Canadian is forced to pay for hospital bills.
The average Canadian lives 79.96 years, only nine months behind the highest in the world. That's more than one year longer than the average Briton, two years longer than the average American, and SEVEN years longer than the average Chinese. Canadian citizens also enjoy a thick blanket of social services.
