Ontario is located in east-central Canada, and is the most populous of all the provinces, with around 14-million people calling this area their home. It is also the 2nd largest province in Canada, covering 1.076 million km². The province of Ontario houses the national capital city Ottawa, and the nation’s most populous city Toronto, which is also Ontario’s provincial capital. Ontario is surrounded by a 2700 km border with the United States to the south (Michigan, Ohio, New York, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania), Manitoba to the west, James Bay and Hudson Bay to the north, and Quebec to the east. Ontario is sometimes divided into two geographic regions, Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario. The south contains the majority of Ontario’s population and fertile land. The northern region of Ontario, on the other hand, is sparsely populated, with chilly winters and dense forestation.
Health Care
All basic medical needs for residents of Ontario are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Be sure to apply for your OHIP card as soon as you arrive in order to be eligible for the benefits of this public health insurance plan, as there is a waiting period of at least three months before you obtain your card after applying.
Note: In order to qualify for OHIP, you must be present in Ontario for at least 153 days in the first six months after you arrive.
Or call ServiceOntario INFOline: 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free) or (416) 314-5518 (in Toronto)
Weather
Southern Ontario enjoys summers where temperatures can go to30 degrees Celsiusand in winter it can go low upto-20 degree celsius. It is very important to ensure that you are prepared for the cold weather. You need to have a wardrobe of winter clothing, including sweaters, winter jackets, boots, hats, scarves and gloves or mittens. If you do not dress warmly in the winter you will risk becoming ill or getting frostbite. Frostbite is severe damage to the skin caused by exposure to cold winter winds.
Ontarians keep candles and matches, warm blankets, flash lights, first aid kits, and a small snow shovel in their cars and homes in case of emergencies in the winter.
Education
Ontario offers quality, government-funded education to its residents from Kindergarten until the end of their secondary school career.
The province has top-rated universities including the University of Toronto which is ranked 18th in the world. Other Notable universities are the University of Ontario, the University of Ottawa, and Queen’s University.
Career/Jobs
In order to begin working in Ontario as quickly as possible, follow these steps:
- Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- It is important to have your foreign credentials assessed for Canadian equivalency. It is best to do this before you apply for a job, so that you are prepared to provide the information to potential employers. Credentials can be assessed with the Canadian Centre for International Credentials. World Education Services is another popular credential equivalency company in Ontario.
- To work in most trades in Ontario, it is required that you have a Certificate of Qualification. You may have enough work experience and sufficient credentials to immediately be granted a Certificate of Qualification. If your experience does not meet Ontario Standards, you will be required to pass a written examination to receive your Certificate of Qualification.
- For trade certification, begin by contacting Red Seal, a nation-wide trade certification organization.
- It is important to ensure that you are fluent in either English or French. Countless institutions across Ontario offer both English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) courses.
The Maytree Foundation is a charitable organization that helps qualified professionals begin working in their field as soon as possible by offering scholarships which aid with the costs of credential assessment, or additional training. The Ontario government also offers services to help newcomers begin working in their profession as quickly as possible.
Global Experience Ontario helps foreign professionals get started working in their new home in Ontario by providing assessment and translation services, referrals and re-training.
Oreign medical practitioners should contact IMG-Ontario for assessment, training and licensing to practice in Ontario.
Employment Ontario is a government employment placement service, helping employers find the experienced individuals they need, and helping individuals obtain work experience.
If you are interested in opening a small business, The Small Business Centres of Ontario are government-funded organizations that will help you get started towards your goal.
Housing
There are multiple housing options across Canada. If you have not visited your new city prior to immigrating, it may be best to rent an apartment on a temporary basis when you first arrive, and/or hire a real estate agent to guide you through the housing process and provide you with knowledgeable advice on the best areas for you and your family.
Many families prefer to live in suburbs where housing is more affordable as housing is generally more expensive in cities. Suburbs often provide all facilities such as safe neighbourhoods, schools, shopping centres and healthcare, all within close proximity to the amenities of the city.
It is important that you take your family, your place of work, neighbourhood and finances into account before deciding on a place to live.
Cost of living
Ontario has a name for its high costs of living, but salaries and the minimum wage of $14 are some of the highest in Canada. Known for cleanliness, safety, and an abundance of quality public services, it is no wonder that more than half of the immigrants in Canada choose Ontario.
Though Ontario has high taxes and living costs, their high salaries ensure that residents enjoy one of the highest quality of life rankings in the world.
Economy
In many ways, Ontario is the center of most activity in Canada it is known as a hub of economic, social, and political opportunities. In fact, the Federal government is the single largest employer of Ontarians.Ontario has a diverse economy, with the main exports being automobile, machinery, and electrical parts.Many of the big brands like honda ,ford and Chrysler have their manufacturing units here.
Mining has been an economic factor for over 130 years, supplying the world with more than 30 kinds of metal and minerals. There are many rivers in the province which have created numerous opportunities in the hydroelectric energy field, with much of the country’s electricity originating here.
Southern Ontario provides fertile ground for the effective production of small grains and fruit farming, especially close to the beautiful Niagara Peninsula.