Why Canada?
As political turmoil and economic uncertainty escalate in many parts of the world, people are looking to settle and move to another country with more stability and opportunity. Not surprisingly, Canada remains one of the top countries for international migrants, with over 313,580 new immigrants admitted in 2019, one of the highest levels in Canadian history.
Sean Fraser, the current Canadian immigration minister, oversees the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023. Under this plan, Canada will be aiming to welcome 411,000 new immigrants in 2022 and 421,000 immigrants in 2023. Such an ambitious goal can surely be attained as Canada is an attractive option and goal for migrants to move to.
So, why Canada? Besides the stereotypes that Canadians are friendly and say “Sorry!” a lot, there are plenty of reasons why our country is an appealing destination.
Here are some of the top reasons why people want to settle and live here!
Universal Healthcare
With a publicly funded system, free healthcare is accessible to everyone in Canada. This is a pillar that we as Canadians see as a basic right.
Many places worldwide are unfortunately not lucky enough to have access to this benefit. In other countries that lack a universal healthcare system, there are often disparities when it comes to insurance and what can be covered for medical fees. Even just one serious accident or medical procedure can drain your life’s savings, or put you in major debt, depending on the medical institution you find yourself in.
As medical care in Canada is provided based on need, rather than the ability to pay, people do not need to worry about going bankrupt if they need prescriptions or require surgery. Such an accessible healthcare system is a determining factor for immigrants looking for increased quality of life and peace of mind.
“But Canadians pay much higher taxes! Why do I need to pay more for other people I don’t even know?”
Yes, no one indeed likes taxes. While part of people’s salaries and earnings go to taxes, this funds the healthcare system which benefits everyone. Ultimately, the gains outweigh the cons. A healthy, functioning society is more efficient and can help the country grow and prosper.
Accessible Education
Home to some of the top schools in North America and the world, Canada boasts accessible and quality education. Education is free until the end of high school and there are very few, if any fees, that are required to get access to basic education.
After secondary school, options for higher education are accessible for students. With grants, scholarships, and government-assisted programs available, students looking to attend university or college can also apply for zero to low-interest loans. They don’t have to pay these loans back until their schooling is finished. These loans are usually very manageable and, in some cases, forgivable so that you do not have to spend the first part of your life in a mountain of debt that you have very little ability to clear anytime soon.
Lastly, if you are thinking of continuing your education or furthering your career in another country, having a credential from a Canadian educational institution will be recognized and established worldwide.
Multicultural and Diverse Population
With a recent census estimating that more than one in five Canadians are foreign-born, Canada is home to people of different backgrounds and cultures. While the official languages are English and French, there is a multitude of languages being used and spoken in the country.
Many cities even have designated areas for certain ethnicities such as “Chinatown” or “Little Italy” and different cultural and religious holidays are celebrated and recognized throughout the year.
Canada is also very progressive with gay marriage being legal here and worldwide famous pride parades. Non-binary individuals have the option to put their gender as "X" on Canadian identification documents, including passports.
This affords Canada to be a truly inclusive society where very different traditions all come together to form the mosaic that we are proud to call Canada.
Low Crime and High Stability
With low crime rates and little to no civil unrest, Canada is a safe and peaceful place to live which attracts many immigrants, especially those coming from countries run by corrupt governments or in political strife.
Canada was ranked the 6th safest country according to the Global Peace Index with this safety ranking based on internal conflicts, levels of crime, and political stability. This country is based on the rule of law which provides the stability that is required for this country to flourish. People can live a life of less stress so that they can concentrate on what matters and build a future for themselves and their families.
Multiple Options for Foreigners to Stay in Canada
There are many options available, not only if you want to come to Canada to visit but also if you want to stay in the country. Whether you are here as a student or as a worker, immigrants can choose between different pathways to apply for permanent residence, such as through Express Entry. Some immigration programs also allow applicants to declare and bring their family members, so everyone can attain permanent residency and be together.
Permanent residents are eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship once they have met the requirements for Citizenship, which includes proving the amount of time they lived in Canada and their language abilities. The immigration system allows foreign settlers to choose between the different routes that the system has to offer.
Freedom to Travel
Immigrants wanting to be Canadian know that a Canadian passport allows more freedom to travel and access to more opportunities. A Canadian passport was in 6th place on the list of the most powerful passports at the time that this was written and maintains top spots historically. This power ranking is according to the number of destinations the passport holders can access without a Visa.
As a Canadian, you will have access and entry to many other countries, without an eTA or a Visa, and you can also travel freely within Canada. There are also many instances where people who are working in some countries have resumed employment at higher remuneration rates only because they are Canadian Passport holders.
Better and Longer Life
Due to the many factors listed above, living, and settling in a progressive, highly developed country such as Canada leads to an increased quality of life. When you start to look at how you can gain a longer lifespan by living in Canada. Based on statistics, you could add upwards of 14 years of life by moving to Canada from India or the Philippines, for example.
The accessibility to free healthcare, better education, and career opportunities allows for longer, better living than staying in a country that is more dangerous and uncertain. Being a Canadian means having the rights and freedoms not available in other parts of the world.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a move or change from your current situation, then it’s worth looking at Canada as it’s a progressive country with many benefits for residents and citizens. You can access these by exploring and putting together your plan to get your Second Passport here in Canada.
Ready to get started? Here are three ways we can help:
1. Join our Facebook Community to connect with an amazing group of Second Passporters... This is a space where the community can share information, updates, and connect as a group of people with all the same goals!
2. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to help you prepare for your new journey of immigrating and settling in Canada!
3. Ready to begin your journey? Get your Immigration Blueprint! By the end of the program, you will have an Immigration Blueprint™ outlining your pathway to Canada.
