A unique easternmost province of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador’s area consists of islands and a small population of just over 500, 000 people who primarily take up residence on the Avalon Peninsula. The capital city, St. Johns is located on the north side of the province. Covering a vast area of 405,212 km², the province of Newfoundland and Labrador enjoys a rather varied climate from Sub-Arctic in the south to the Arctic Tundra in the north of Labrador. Newfoundland’s climate is Maritime Continental, and much milder. The terrain is somewhat mountainous with Newfoundland’s Long Range Mountains forming the north end of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s most unified area, linguistically, with over 97% speaking English as their main language.
Health Care
As a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, you will qualify for the Newfoundland Medical Care Plan (MCP). The MCP is a healthcare insurance plan to cover all basic healthcare necessities for yourself and your family residing in Newfoundland and Labrador. Eligibility is based on your status in the province. Temporary foreign workers, landed immigrants and Canadian citizens are eligible for the plan. Official documents indicating status are required. You must register with the MCP as soon as possible after you arrive. To do so, complete the appropriate application (found at your local clinic, doctors office or hospital)
Note: You must reside in Newfoundland and Labrador for a minimum of four months each year in order to qualify as a beneficiary of the plan.
Weather
Most Canadian cities enjoy very warm summers, including cities in Newfoundland and Labrador, where temperatures can go above 25 degrees Celsius. However, it can get very cold in almost all parts of Canada in the winter, when temperatures can go below -20, even -30 degrees Celsius. You must ensure that you are prepared for the cold weather. You should invest in warm winter clothing, including sweaters, winter jackets, boots, hats, scarves and gloves or mittens. If you do not dress warmly in the winter, you can risk becoming ill or getting frostbite, which is severe damage to the skin caused by winter wind exposure. Newfoundland and Labrador, located on the northern Atlantic, receive a lot of snow and ice in the winter.In case of emergency, Canadians keep candles and matches, warm blankets, flash lights, first aid kits, and snow shovels in their cars and homes. In order to legally, and safely, drive in the winter in most parts of Canada your car must have designated winter tires.
Education
There are only two publicly-funded institutes of higher learning and both are situated in Newfoundland.
The Memorial University of Newfoundland, situated in St. Johns, was established in 1925 and has 4 main campuses, as well as 2 satellite campuses in 3 regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. The university offers degrees in Engineering, Geology, Business, and Medicine and is rated as one of the best universities in Canada.
The College of the North Atlantic, in Stephenville, was established in 1997 and consists of several smaller trade-schools. The college offers over 100 study programs at 17 campuses all over Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, there are 25 private trade-schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Career/Jobs
In order to legally work in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must have a Canadian Social Insurance number (SIN). This is an identification number that you are required by law to have in order to work in Canada. Apply for your SIN card as soon as possible after you arrive. Application forms may be given to you upon your arrival at a port of entry in Canada, but if you do not receive one at that time, you can apply at a Service Canada centre near you.
There are multiple popular online search engines for browsing job postings and finding work in Canada. The most popular include Craigslist, Monster, and the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. However, searching local newspaper ads, joining online social networks, and researching local companies are also good options.
Housing
Home ownership remains possible for many, with some of the lowest home prices in North America and Canada. Our road traffic is light and commutes are short compared to many North American cities. Most cities and towns feature modern amenities and we offer public education and healthcare.
Cost of living
Newfoundland and Labrador offer an excellent and affordable quality of life. The cost of living in this province is much lower when compared to many of the larger centers in Canada, such as Toronto or Vancouver.Though the province has a low average income for families in Newfoundland with a mandatory minimum wage of $11.00/hr, housing and heating costs, as well as the cost of living generally, are among the lowest in Canada.
Economy
The main driving force for Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy remains its excellent fisheries. Mining, especially iron ore, produces around 50% of Canada’s iron supplies with offshore oil rigs fueling 20% of the province’s GDP.
Newfoundland and Labrador provide immigrants with many opportunities in the fields of fishery and resources. Considering the richness of the land in the aforementioned resources, there is a constant need for skilled workers.