CanadaPinoys

If you are on this website, chances are you have already made a decision to apply for immigration to Canada. However, let us assume for a moment that you are still trying to decide. Or maybe you are new to Canada, and you are now realizing that starting a new life in Canada is not what you had imagined, and you are now starting to question your decision. It seems like a no-brainer for Filipinos to migrate to Canada if given the opportunity. There are a lot of obvious benefits. Canada has a lot of programs to ensure a smooth adjustment for newcomers. However, let us explore both sides of living away from the Philippines so you can review your reasons for moving to Canada.

THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN CANADA

1. Universal Health Care – In the Philippines, you avoid going to the doctor or the hospital because you have to pay for medical attention. A serious disease (if you are not insured) can bankrupt you.  To avoid unplanned expenses, many Filipinos ignore health issues and avoid going to the doctor until they are unable to function.  You do not have this fear in Canada.  Every time you feel a fever coming, or your child complains of discomfort, you can walk into the nearest clinic with your health card and not worry about the cost. Most health services and treatments are free. Even Americans are envious of this benefit! Each province has a ministry of health that runs this program. In most cases, new immigrants have to stay for a minimum of three months before receiving this benefit.
2. Free quality education – The key word is quality.  Free education is available in the Philippine public school system. However there several factors that demonstrate the dismal state of the public shool system. The teacher to student ratio is 1:65 (that is 1 teacher for every 65 students). The student to book ratio is 3:1. What compounds this situation is the cramped classrooms, dirty toilets and underpaid teachers. It is not unusual to find grade 3 students who are unable to read.  In Canada, teacher to student ratios are kept at optimum levels to meet effective instruction and economic balance. Books are widely available, and public libraries provide good access and selection of children's books of all ages. In most cases, school bus service is free and available to students living outside a minimum proximity to their school. As immigrants, your child can avail of free public education from pre-school, to high school immediately.
3. Canada Child Tax Benefit – If you have children, the government actually gives money to help you raise your kids under 18 years of age. The amount of the money depends on your income and the age of the child. You can find more information on the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
4. Social services – Canada has a myriad of social services such as job search assistance and English language training. When you  lose your job you get Employment Insurance as long as you meet the minimum criteria. If you are experiencing difficulty getting employed for an extended period, there are government welfare programs that provide enough money for basics like food and rent.
5. Public libraries, recreational facilities, beautiful parks and pools – You have access to public libraries that are among the best in the world. You get a wide selection of books, music cd’s and dvd movies. Libraries also have websites that allow you to search, reserve and even download electronic copies. Local community centers provide various activities and usually charge a minimal fee. Canadians love their parks, and you will find parks all over the city. These parks usually have playground facilities that are safe and kept in good condition.
6. Even if you are old, you can still get a job – In the Philippines, when you lose your job past the age of 40, it is usually difficult to get another job.  In Canada, laws are put in place against discrimination. Therefore job descriptions specify skills required, and cannot specify certain conditions such as age limit, gender, etc.
7. Your children will have more opportunities – Your children can go farther and achieve greater financial success in a country where the system allows ordinary individuals to pursue their dreams. It does not really matter if you come from a rich family, be well-connected, or compromise your ethics to gain an advantage. Corruption still exists to a smaller degree, and connections can be useful. However, unlike in the Philippines, this is the exception, not the rule.
8. Cleaner environment – It is such a great feeling to live in a city that's clean. If you like living in a home that's clean and well kept, you feel comfortable and take pride in your dwelling place. However, when you step outside and see the amount of pollution and garbage that's strewn carelessly, you have difficulty feeling that same feeling of pride you have of your own dwelling place. Canadians love nature and care for the environment. And this shows in how they keep a general sense of cleanliness of their surroundings, and how they protect the natural environment.

THE DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN CANADA

1. You are separated from your friends and relatives – for most people, being among friends and relatives gives meaning to their lives.  Nothing will replace the warmth of relationships if you are thousands of miles apart - especially during important occasions like Christmas.  Christmas in the Philippines is far happier and warmer because our friends and family are there to celebrate wtih.
2. You are the same as everyone else – Canada promotes diversity and frowns upon discrimination.  This is true for the most part, but you can still find individuals or pockets of communities that do not embrance inclusion, and just keep to their own kind. Toronto is probably one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. In fact more than half of Toronto's population was born outside of Canada. You can choose to feel discriminated and regarded as an outsider, or you can embrace your new home, and create your own unique identity in a country where diversity adds color to our communities.
3. It can be difficult to find the right job at the start – Even if you have the best qualifications (on paper) for a job opening, the paradox is that employers will want to see Canadian experience. But how can you show local experience if you are just starting out? Newcomers to Canada (not just Filipinos) encounter this more often than not. A lot of Filipinos who move to Canada had good jobs in senior positions. When they arrive in Canada, it is now a different ball game. Some are able to go back and find work in their industry. Others have more difficulty so they try to re-invent themselves by taking on training. While some others have to settle for survival jobs just to keep financially afloat.
4. High taxes - Where do you think the money to fund all those marvelous Canadian benefits come from?  Up to 29% of your income goes to your taxes if you are in the upper income bracket.  When you buy goods, the taxes are usually 14%.  On the other hand, you do see where the tax money goes (which is not the case in the Philippines).
5. Cold weather – Depending on where you settle, you will be wearing a winter jacket for 7 months in a year, and your spring jacket 2 months in a year.  Summer weather in Toronto, like what you experience all year long in the Philippines is only 3 months!  In winter, you can reverse the heat to a bone chilling 30 degrees centigrade below freezing point!
6. Communication gap - Being fluent in the English language, both written and oral, is one thing, and for some Filipinos this is a bit of a bit of a challenge. This language barrier could prevent you from getting a better job or from advancing further in your career. However beyond just the words, are the expressions and local experiences that enable you to share in conversations with people who have lived in Canada for a number of years. However, keep in mind that there continues to be an influx of new immigrants who make Canada their new home where English is not their first language. The good thing is that Filipinos are able to communicate in English, and language skills can be enhanced with minimal effort and with proper motivation.