Why choose Montreal?
Montréal offers an enviable quality of life and is recognized for its openness, artistic dynamism, economic strength and cultural vitality. The cost of living is affordable compared to other metropolitan regions of the same size. Renowned around the world for its international flair and joie de vivre, Montreal has long been considered an exciting place to visit. But with top-notch schools, an efficient health care system, and a diverse economy, Montreal is also an excellent place to live and raise a family. It is no coincidence that the United Nations consistently rates Canada among the top countries in the world in which to live. Also see the following Links http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/choose-quebec/index.html
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/informations/learning-quebec.html
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/informations/learning-quebec.html
1. A First-class Education System
The province of Quebec’s education system features a modern curriculum and an advanced pedagogical method, making it one of the best educational networks in the industrialized world. Quebec is one of the only jurisdictions in North America which offers heavily subsidized day-care and early-childhood centers, where children under the age of five benefit from top quality pre-school programs, with an emphasis on developing reading and writing skills. At the post-secondary level, the Montreal region boasts several junior colleges (known as CEGEPs), as well as four world-class universities. University tuitions are the lowest in North America and are among the lowest in the industrialized world. Graduates of the Quebec school system are also equipped to travel around the world in search of specialized educational programs. 2. Affordable Housing and Cost of Living In spite of its status as a world-class city, Montreal features one of the lowest costs of living among major industrialized countries. Housing, food and clothing cost considerably less than in many similar-sized cities in North America and Europe. 3. Healthcare Quebec’s healthcare and hospital system is regarded as one of the most advanced and efficient in the world. Health care is universal and free of charge and the Quebec government subsidizes the cost of prescription medication for seniors and lower-income Quebecers. Essential medical care, hospitalization and prevention services are offered through a network of nearly 600 public and private establishments and several hundred medical clinics. |
4. Employment
As Canada’s second-largest metropolitan area, Montreal is one of North America’s important economic hubs. It is a leader in the high-tech industry in North America. The information technology sector employs more than 110,000 people. More than 40 percent of Canada’s pharmaceutical industry is centered in the Montreal region, including a burgeoning biotechnology sector. And with anchors such as Bombardier and CAE Electronics, Montreal is North America’s leading aviation and aerospace centre. Many multinational companies do business in Montreal where they benefit from a highly-skilled, highly-educated workforce that is able to function fluently in two of the world’s major languages. 5. Tourism, Sports & Recreation Montreal is often described as one of North America’s leading cultural centres, and the city that most resembles Europe for its international flair and joie de vivre. Home to more than 100 ethnic and cultural communities, the city features a fascinating array of international cuisine to meet all budgets. The city has abundant parks and playgrounds, and a wealth of sporting and recreational activities to choose from. In winter, it's only an hour’s drive to some of North America’s top ski resorts. The city is a leading tourist attraction, featuring 400 years of history, an international convention centre, casino and exceptional shopping and nightlife. Courtesy of Ometz http://www.ometz.ca/immigration/why+montreal/ About Quebec : http://www.canadavisa.com/about-quebec.html See also Things to do in Montréal http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=5977%2C41725561&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |
Speaking French
French is the language of public institutions and the normal and usual language of work, instruction, communications, trade and business.
To integrate in their new living environment, immigrants who are not fluent in French are urged to learn it. To help them do so, the Québec government provides French courses. The children of immigrants who settle permanently in Québec normally attend French school .
However it must be noted that on the island of Montreal, specifically the west island, there is a substantial english speaking population.
But learning French is recommended not only to intergrate into this great city but to find employment and succed in your new life here.
One avenue is to learn it online, Immigration Quebec offers an online course to immigrants, see Link: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/french-language/learning-online/index.html
https://www.francisationenligne.gouv.qc.ca/visiteguidee/visiteguidee.htm
There are also many Universities / Schools etc where you can learn French, here is one, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5GpVOYyoU0&feature=related
To integrate in their new living environment, immigrants who are not fluent in French are urged to learn it. To help them do so, the Québec government provides French courses. The children of immigrants who settle permanently in Québec normally attend French school .
However it must be noted that on the island of Montreal, specifically the west island, there is a substantial english speaking population.
But learning French is recommended not only to intergrate into this great city but to find employment and succed in your new life here.
One avenue is to learn it online, Immigration Quebec offers an online course to immigrants, see Link: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/french-language/learning-online/index.html
https://www.francisationenligne.gouv.qc.ca/visiteguidee/visiteguidee.htm
There are also many Universities / Schools etc where you can learn French, here is one, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5GpVOYyoU0&feature=related
Flights to Quebec
There are a limited amount of inexpensive airlines which fly directly from Ireland to Montreal yearly. Here are a few, see Links below:
http://www.canadianaffair.ca/flights/montreal-to-ireland/
http://www.airtransat.ie/en/index.aspx
http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Montreal/Northern-Ireland/
With further research, you may find more inexpensive flights direct from Ireland to Montreal.
Air Canada from Heathrow, and British Airways flies there from Heathrow and Aberdeen. Cheap flights to Montreal from Gatwick are available on Air Transat and Thomas Cook, while FlyBMI has low-cost flights departing from Aberdeen, Belfast, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds and Heathrow. http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Provinces/Quebec/CheapFlights
http://www.canadianaffair.ca/flights/montreal-to-ireland/
http://www.airtransat.ie/en/index.aspx
http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Montreal/Northern-Ireland/
With further research, you may find more inexpensive flights direct from Ireland to Montreal.
Air Canada from Heathrow, and British Airways flies there from Heathrow and Aberdeen. Cheap flights to Montreal from Gatwick are available on Air Transat and Thomas Cook, while FlyBMI has low-cost flights departing from Aberdeen, Belfast, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds and Heathrow. http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Provinces/Quebec/CheapFlights
Looking for a Place to stay
Try http://ca.easyroommate.com/ 100's of Roommates & Rooms for rent . Rent a room , find a roommate, or a room for rent with Easy Roommate, the #1 Roommate Search Website in Canada
Dos and Don’ts in coming to a New Country
(Courtesy of Cross Care), see Link below
http://www.migrantproject.ie/emigrating_from_ireland_canada.htm
Moving to Canada is an exciting opportunity but also a great challenge. You need to know what documents to bring, what to expect in the first few days and weeks, how to find a place to live and much more.
See following Link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before.asp
Moving to Canada is an exciting opportunity but also a great challenge. You need to know what documents to bring, what to expect in the first few days and weeks, how to find a place to live and much more.
See following Link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before.asp
Do’s
• Ensure that you have the correct documentation:
valid passport, birth certificate, appropriate visa if required, i.e. work/student/residence visa In addition ensure that your Paper work is always up to date. For example if you change your Employer and your work permit was issued for a named previous employer. You will have to apply for an amendment to your work permit. Failure to comply with immigration regulations can prevent you from extending your stay here. Therefore it is recommended to be aware of such regulations. • Do as much preparation as possible before you go • Buy a return ticket so you can come home if things do not work out. Remember, if you are visiting Canada you may not be admitted without a return ticket • Check out Immigrant Serving organisations in your chosen destination - they will have information for newly arrived immigrants, which include lists of employment agencies and companies • If possible check the Internet for possible vacancies and obtain copies of Candian newspapers. Bring relevant qualifications • Bring evidence of your qualifications - degrees/trade qualifications/ drivers licence. Bring sufficient funds • Make sure you can use your Irish bankcards in Canada. Ask you’re nearest bank branch before you go • Ensure that you are financially stable and have enough money for rent/deposits, living expenses and for unplanned developments • Bring sufficient funds to support yourself until you find a job. Invest in travel and medical insurance • It is advisable to have travel and medical insurance. As the saying goes, “better safe then sorry!”. Have contacts • Ensure you bring the contact details for family and friends • Ensure you have the contact details of your nearest Immigrant Organisation in Canada in order to link in with them if necessary • Bring any contacts you have on accommodation and prospective employers. Useful ResourcesCommunity services for newcomers include free services such as:
• language training • help with everyday tasks • finding a job • helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada Government services include: • driver's licence • passport • health care • government benefits |
Don’ts
Don’t carry a lot of cash
• Try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash • Try to use credit cards, ATM cards and travellers’ cheques, which are much safer. Don’t travel without • The appropriate documents or severe penalties may apply. These penalties may include a possible jail sentence and deportation • A visa and do not work without a valid visa as deportation could result. Don’t forget • To give yourself time - it takes time to adjust. Be patient with yourself • To try to learn the system and study the culture. That things are different in Quebec than in Ireland and adapting to a new system is an essential part of living in a new environment • To be confident in your own skills and education |