Although Canada enjoys a high standard of living, the cost of living remains quite low; Toronto ranks 103rd in the list of world cities, Vancouver 120th, Montreal 127th and Calgary 131st. Canadian cities are bargains when compared to other industrial countries, Canada is one the best places in the world where the cost of living is the lowest. The G.I.P per person is of $23.500.

Canada has also been blessed with almost endless land area. It is the second largest country in terms of area, but ranks only 31st in terms of population. Canada's population of 31 million shares almost 10 million square kilometers of land.

So why not choose one of the best places in the world to live, a place with millions of kilometers of space and with one of the lowest cost of living anywhere.

EDUCATION

Canadians take pride in having one of the best endowed education systems in the world. Canada spent 7.4% of its GDP on all levels of education combined, thus ranking first among all OECD nations for per capita public spending on education. Canada was also first in post-secondary education spending ( 2.6% of GDP), ahead of the United States (2.4% of GDP). Every year government spending on education in Canada reached around $60 billion, or about 8% of GDP.

HEALTH AND WELFARE

The Canadian Health System

Free, universally accessible health care is seen by most Canadians as being essential part of the "Canadian Way". Canada's health care system is an interlocking network of ten provincial and two territorial systems. Each provincial/territorial system adheres to national standards, and provides hospital and health care services that are universal, publicly funded, comprehensive and accessible to all.

With such an advanced health care system, paired with an elevated standard of living, it is not surprising to see that life expectancy at birth 79 years for males and 81 years for females ranks among the world's longest. Canadians are very satisfied with their health. Every year an estimated $50 billion is spent on health care in Canada an amount that corresponds to almost $2,300 for each Canadian.

Canada's Welfare System

A high level of social security is provided in Canada. The Canada Pension Plan is designed to provide workers with a basic level of income protection in the event of retirement, disability or death.

IMMIGRATION POLICIES

Traditionally, the majority of immigrants came from Europe, especially from England. During the past ten years, however, immigration patterns have greatly changed, and a much greater diversity of in the origins of immigrants has been observed. In particular, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Asian immigrants, coming mostly from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea.

The Canadian cultural mosaic is one of Canada's great resources, and is promoted by the government through programs aimed at promoting, preserving and sharing cultural heritage, mutual appreciation and understanding among all Canadians.

225 000 persons all welcome in Canada as immigrants each year. Canada intend to increase within the next years to 300.000 per years.


Quebec

Since 1978, Quebec is the only province in Canada that is able to select their own immigrants.

Quebec is responsible for selecting immigrants wishing to settle within its territory and who will enter the labor market. Canada is responsible for their admission.

The authority of Quebec over selection is exclusive and is exercised according to criteria that it has adopted in light of its needs from the standpoint of immigration.

In 2001, Quebec has selected 37,500 immigrants. For the next three years (2002-2005) the goals are 39,000 to 43,000 immigrants per year.

The government of Canada admits to Quebec solely those worker candidates that Quebec has selected.

To be admitted, you must successfully undergo a medical examination and the security checks required by the government of Canada. You will then receive an immigrant visa.