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Same-sex Marriage Life in Canada
Canada ranks first on the Asher & Lyrics LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, making it one of the most livable countries for the LGBTQ+ community. Join Phan Immigration to learn about the LGBTQ+ community’s life and same-sex marriage in Canada.
Canada is one of the few countries that always accepts and welcomes same-sex marriage.
Because of its constitutional provisions protecting the LGBTQ+ community from violence and gender discrimination, Canada is currently ranked first among the safest countries for LGBTQ+ travel and living. As a result, same-sex marriage is not a novel concept in Canada. International students or permanent Canadian residents from the LGBTQ+ community are not only not discriminated against but are always welcome.
On the other hand, Ontario was the first state in Canada to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003, paving the way for the movement for equal rights and the legalization of same-sex marriage here. This watershed moment places Canada on the map of countries recognizing same-sex marriage. Based on the passage of Bill C-38: Civil Marriage Act in 2005, Canada officially became the fourth country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage.
Cities in Canada that are worth living in for the LGBTQ+ community
Montreal, Quebec
The Montreal Gay Village is located east of Montreal and is one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ communities in Canada and North America. The Montreal village has become a tourist and entertainment destination with its unique cultural and language distinctions.
Montreal Canada
Fierté Montréal is usually held in August and lasts one week. The festival includes a Pride Parade and a Community Day to promote the advancements of the LGBTQ+ community on a national and international scale and raise public awareness on various equality and diversity rights issues.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is the most popular tourist destination in Canada and is home to most of the LGBTQ+ community. The city is open and welcoming to people of all genders. “The Village” and “The Gayborhood” are the areas in Toronto with the highest concentrations of the LGBTQ+ community, and chains of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment centers have sprung up to cater to the growing community. Also, Toronto has the country’s highest rate of same-sex marriage.
Toronto, Ontario
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a Pacific Northwest treasure and a mecca for the LGBTQ+ community. This city caters to various genders and ethnicities, from outdoor enthusiasts to coffee connoisseurs and artists. The city is also known as Canada’s “San Francisco.”
Summer special events include the Queer Arts Festival in June, the Pride Parade’s 40th anniversary in August, quiz nights, Pride Sports Day, and more.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Regulations and procedures for same-sex marriage for immigrants in Canada
Canada is one of the countries that recognize same-sex marriage, allowing marriage under common law and sponsoring LBGTQ+ immigrants. The following are some regulations and requirements for each case:
Sponsorship for same-sex spouses
You can sponsor your same-sex spouse if you are married in Canada and have a legal marriage certificate from the province or territory where you married.
If you married outside of Canada, you could sponsor your spouse if your same-sex marriage was legally recognized both in the country where you married and in Canada. However, you must generally provide IRCC with proof of your legal marriage.
Sponsorship for same-sex partners Common Law Partner
If you’ve been living with your same-sex partner for at least a year, you can sponsor them as common-law partners for immigration to Canada. Generally, you must show proof of cohabitation, such as joint property ownership and residence, a joint lease, or other proof of joint assets.
Sponsorship for conjugal partners
You can sponsor a same-sex partner as ar conjugal partner “if you” can demonstrate:
- Evidence that you cannot live together due to same-sex discrimination or persecution, inability to marry, or immigration barriers that prevent you from living together.
- You must also show that you are in a committed and interdependent relationship.
Phan Immigration is your LGBT Q+ immigration ally to Canada.
Contact Phan Immigration for advice and a better understanding of the application process if you want to sponsor your same-sex partner in Canada.
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Vietnamese Communities Living in Canada
Author: Yan Desjardins, Founder & Executive Director
Canada and Vietnam: where did it all start?
Canada is a vibrant multicultural country that welcomes newcomers from around the globe. But did you know that Canada and Vietnam share deep bilateral relationships and strong people to people ties? For example, while we are still waiting for the 2021 census results to be released, in 2016, Canada counted more than 240,000 Vietnamese Canadians!
Most of the Vietnamese immigration to Canada started in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Canada resettled more than 60,000 refugees during the post-Vietnam war era. To this day, Vietnamese continue to immigrate to Canada under the skilled category, and others choose to immigrate to Canada for the whole family. Thus, it is no surprise that the ties between Canadians and Vietnamese have grown more substantial and more profound.
Today, many Vietnamese families elect Canada as a prime destination for students, many of which decide to reside in Canada after graduation. Did you know that many institutions offer scholarships to study in Canada? Skilled immigration also counts for a large portion of the Vietnamese movement to Canada.
Where do Vietnamese live in Canada?
Most of the Vietnamese diaspora is located in 4 main provinces: Ontario (107,000+), Québec (43,000+) British-Columbia (41,000+) and Alberta (36,000+). It is no surprise that most Vietnamese Canadians live in Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, and Calgary.
What do Vietnamese do in Canada?
Vietnamese have integrated well into Canadian society. The Vietnamese Canadian community continues to contribute notably to the economic, cultural, and social-political prosperity of Canada. Many Vietnamese Canadians have marked Canada’s history. Here are some examples:
- Thanh Hai Ngo, the first Vietnamese Canadian appointed to the Senate of Canada;
- Eve-Mary Thai Thi Lac, the first Vietnamese Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons;
- UNESCO goodwill ambassador Kim Phúc;
- Carol Huynh was a gold medalist at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing and a bronze medalist at the 2012 Summer Games in London.
Vietnamese in Canada work in sectors such as service, manufacturing, scientific/pharmaceutical, and other technical occupations. But Vietnamese Canadians are also business owners like grocery stores, manufacturing, and restaurants. So you can easily find fantastic Phở and other delicious dishes in all of Canada’s largest cities.
Where do we go from here?
Since the 1986 economic reform of Vietnam, Doi Moi, Canada, and Vietnam have strengthened their relationships. The Canadian Embassy in Hanoi was opened in 1994 and the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City in 1997, while the diplomatic relationships between the two countries were established in 1973. For more than 40 years now, Canada and Vietnam have continued to grow together.
With Canada opening doors to a larger immigration intake that will reach over 420,000 in the years to come, it is inevitable that ties between the two countries will continue to grow, making Canada’s socio-cultural society even richer.
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How Canada Celebrates Tết and Canadian New Year’s
Author: Nolan Clack, Guest Blogger.
From the East to the West, Canada comes together for large amounts of evening celebrations, festivities, and fireworks. A country that embraces diversity and a large mix of cultures and traditions, New Year in Canada is a winter wonderland that is filled with activities that will not want to be missed!
Unlike the Vietnamese Tết holiday, which is typically held during the months of January and February in Vietnam. Canada celebrates New Year on December 31. However, this goes without saying that the Vietnamese Tết holiday is still widely celebrated throughout Canada due to the large number of Vietnamese communities living there.
As Canadian New Years and Vietnamese Tết approaches, let’s jump into what both Canadians and Vietnamese do in Canada during both Lunar New Years’!
Canadian New Years Celebrations
As you might already know, during the winter months Canada has blankets of snow that cover the country. When the snow begins to fall, Canadians flock outside to take in and appreciate what the winter months have to offer.
You can say Canadians definitely love their winters! From outdoor ice skating on the 7.8 km Rideau Canal in the capital of Canada, to snow-shoeing up a mountain with snow as high as your waist, Canadians make the most of the snowy months and ensure to enjoy every minute of it! A little snow, or should we say a large amount of snow, never gets in the way to celebrating Canadian New Year.
No matter where you are in Canada during New Year, there is an abundance of activities to experience that will provide memories of a lifetime.
Toronto
If you love large crowds, live music, and entertainment, Toronto hosts the biggest New Years celebration throughout Canada. New Year in Toronto is Canada’s equivalent to Times Square ball drop in New York City. Toronto’s Light & Sound New Years Celebration hosts millions of people to celebrate the New Year as the largest outdoor New Years’ event Canada has to offer.
The Northern Lights
If large gatherings and parties are not of interest – Canadian outdoors away from the cities are also a fantastic option to celebrate the New Year like no other. With a short trip away, New Year in Canada’s northern provinces can be enjoyed with a group of friends or family by setting up a tent, bringing some sleeping bags, and watching the northern lights around a nice warm and toasty fire while going into the New Year.
The following morning wake up to the fresh, crisp outdoor air to ice skate across frozen lakes or go cross-country skiing – all while absorbing the magical snow-covered landscapes Canada has to offer. Some of the best cities to experience the Northern Lights during Canadian News Years are Yellowknife, Whitehorse, or Muncho Lake Provincial Park.
Québec City
A truly charming and historical city, Québec City offers a culturally rich Canadian French New Years experience. Walking down Québec’s old city cobblestoned streets, while snow gently falls amongst the historic buildings covered in Christmas lights, as carolers sing Christmas carols through the night. Finish off your Canadian New Year by taking a horse sleigh ride as one of many unforgettable winter activities to enjoy in Québec City.
Polar Bear Swim
After counting down into the New Year, Canada has a yearly tradition every January 1st, where thousands of people plunge into the freezing waters to celebrate the arrival of Canada’s New Year. This unusual annual event has thousands of participants across the country attend to help raise money for charitable Canadian organizations. Another great example of how Canadians do not get defeated by winter – rather embrace the Canadian New Year by giving back to communities by swimming like a polar bear.
Vietnamese Tết New Year Celebrations in Canada
As Canadians living in Vietnam, each Tết Lunar New Year we look forward to experiencing the wonderful cultural heritage of Vietnam. The beautiful sounds, colors, and happiness that fills the air is a special time of year for us. We love emerging ourselves in Vietnamese culture, music, and food that have all been passed down over centuries.
With Tet being the most significant festival in the country, Vietnamese communities abroad still keep their tradition no matter how far they are from their family. In Canada, Vietnamese communities every year share Vietnamese Tết holiday traditions throughout major cities. Regardless of Canada’s extremely cold winter during the Tet holiday, people still find their own way to keep the exciting, warm, and spiritual atmosphere within the family and friends.
Vietnamese Canadian New Year’s Family Activities
For Families, Tet Lunar celebration can vary depending on the size of families. Smaller families tend to keep things a bit more simple. For example, Vietnamese gather together and dine at Chinese or Vietnamese restaurants. Bigger families and friends circle would take turns and invite each other over to cook or organize a potluck.
Before eating, people would place a few dishes in front of the Gods & Goddess of Kitchen as the traditional offerings to regale the gods living at their house all over the years on the last month in the lunar calendar. Many families during Lunar New Year in Canada would make homemade Chung cakes to celebrate and to gift each other.
To bring in the magical spirits, Vietnamese communities in Canada decorate their homes with plenty of bright colorful red, yellow, pink, and white flowers or whatever is available in the flower shop in Canada during the winter months. Often for more traditional families, families go to the Buddhist churches, where they can come in and do blessings.
Vietnamese Canadian New Year’s Public Events
As part of Vietnam’s Canada Lunar New Year celebrations, over 180 nationalities residing in Canada have the opportunity to emerge themselves in Vietnamese culture.
Tết celebrations are celebrated in the major cities of Ottawa, the capital of Canada, Montréal, Vancouver, and Toronto. The largest Tết celebration in Canada is held in Toronto, for the Tết Toronto Festival that is hosted by Toronto Vietnamese Association. The event offers traditional Vietnamese dishes, fashion, internationally renowned Vietnamese entertainers, and community groups for visitors to experience Vietnamese culture in the most multicultural city in all of North America. Additionally, Vietnamese embassies in Canada host yearly events to bring the community together so that newcomers could make connections and exchanges with the ones who have been living in Canada for quite some time.
For the younger generation, there is SVC community (Sinh Vien Vietnam Canada), specifically for exchange Vietnamese students living by themself in Canada. SVC is a great platform for everyone to connect and be able to make new friends and support each other to adapt to the living lifestyle in Canada- especially during Vietnamese Canadian New Year! The community also brings in many young talented volunteers to create music performances, food, and other indoor events at venues to raise funds to help Vietnamese families that are facing financial difficulty
Since 1997, every New Year in Canada, Canada’s post office has issued special postage stamps featuring the astrological sign of that year, which can be used to send both domestic and international mail. Although, many nationalities in Canada love to collect these stamps as a form of souvenir.
As it can be seen, Lunar New Year in Canada has a variety of ways to celebrate. Given Canada’s many multicultural influences, Canada is a wonderful place for visitors, international students, and those looking to immigrate to Canada to start a new life.
Let us help you ignite your dreams to make your next steps to Canada! Contact us today.
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Canadian food: 5 must-try dishes.
Author: Yan Desjardins, Founder & Executive Director
Canada may not be most known for its cuisine, but that does not mean the country is flavourless! Our cuisine takes its inspiration from many things: nature, aboriginal traditions, French and British influence. Ever wondered what some of the most popular Canadian dishes are? Let’s take a closer look at 5 iconic Canadian dishes. You’ll want to put them on your bucket list when you travel to Canada.
The Poutine.
Have you ever heard of ‘Poutine’? Not to be confused with a particular country leader! ‘Poutine’ is a popular Québécois dish that is now common to find across Canada and beyond! You can even find this dish in Vietnam in some international restaurants! But don’t compromise; travel to Canada and come taste the real one. You can find the Poutine all across Canada!
‘Poutine’ is a heavy dish but oh! so satisfying. Composed of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds. It can be paired nicely with a cold beer on a summer patio and is very hearty in the winter days. Over the years, there have been many variations of this dish as people are adding ingredients like ‘Montréal Smoked Meat,’ which is one of our favourites.
The Montréal Smoked Meat.
More commonly called ‘smoked meat’ in Québec, it is one of the most popular dishes in Montréal. This dish is made of beef brisket that is salted and cured with spices for an entire week. It is then smoked at a high temperature and cooked to perfection. It is most commonly served on rye bread and accompanied by pickles.
Over the years, an ongoing friendly feud has been taking place between New York and Montréal. Both cities have their version of smoked meat. The New Yorker version is called ‘Pastrami.’ But don’t be fooled, the two recipes are different.
When you travel to Canada don’t be surprised to see long queues of people at Schwartz’s, Montréal’s most famous smoked meat deli. A visit to Montréal with your Canadian tourist visa is not complete without it!
The Butter Tart.
One of Canada’s best sweets, you will find the quintessential Butter Tart. The first-ever documented recipe of the butter tart took place in Ontario in the early 1900s. The butter tart is a small pastry, including a filling made of butter, eggs, sugar, and maple syrup. Serve it warm with a bit of vanilla ice cream, and you will definitely want a second one!
There are many variations of the butter tart, depending on where you are in Canada. So if you plan a cross-country trip when you travel to Canada, you’ll notice that the recipe from English Canada is not the same as the French Canadian one. This is because the dessert adapted to the different regions of Canada and has evolved with them. For example, some will add crunchy nuts, pecans, or raisins to the tart, while others will use bacon, pumpkin, or salted caramel to bring the butter tart to the next level.
The Montréal Bagels.
As you can see, Montréal has a lot to offer in terms of Canadian food culture. Most people are familiar with New York-style bagels, but Montréal has its own version of the bagel. In fact, that is the subject of yet another friendly feud between the 2 cities. For years, both Montréal and New York City have competed to determine which bagels are best! You can probably guess what our favourite is!
So what is the difference between the two? Montréal bagels are sweeter and more doughy than the New York bagels. The New York bagel is baked in a wood-over, while the Montréal bagel is baked in a more traditional oven. If you plan on visiting Montréal when you travel to Canada, make sure to visit St. Viateur Bagels, one of Montréal’s most legendary bagel shops.
The Lobster Roll.
In the Atlantic provinces of Canada, lobster is one of the most predominant food. Fresh off the dock of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland, lobster is a delicacy enjoyed all over Canada. However, the Canadian lobster is not exactly like the ones you might find in Asia. Why? For instance, it has 2 big claws in the front, grows in colder water, and Canadian lobsters are famous for their generous and more delicate meat.
Every family on the east coast of Canada has its own recipe for the Lobster Roll. If you’re visiting the Atlantic when you travel to Canada, make sure to try this dish in different regions. Make sure to speak to the locals; maybe they’ll share their secret recipes with you.
The Nanaimo Bars
Another of Canada’s most famous sweets! Nanaimo Bars take their names from the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It is a very popular dessert amongst Canadians. It is a no-bake dish consisting of layers of chocolate ganache, a wafer with coconut and custard in the middle. Absolutely delicious! No…it seriously is! Just try eating only one! We dare you!
The Nanaimo bar is so typically Canada that current prime minister Justin Trudeau served the dessert at a Canada-US state in 2016 with Michelle and Barack Obama.
Hungry yet? Join the millions of people who visit Canada on a 10-year Canadian visa and come taste all of the wonderful flavours Canada has to offer.
Contact us today to apply for your Canadian tourist visa. Ignite your dreams. Go Further!
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Canada’s Great Outdoors
Author: Nolan Clack, Guest Blogger.
As Canadians, we like to look at Canada like one big enormous, beautiful playground. From the calm and peaceful national parks, our extensive mountainous pine forests, to the great lakes of Ontario, Canada is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
With the abundance of incredible landscapes to explore, the Canadian outdoors offers a range of activities that has something that interests everyone.
If you’re looking to ignite your inner adventurer, applying for a Canadian visa is the first step to unlock the many outdoor wonders that Canada has to offer. But before we get into the great outdoors of Canada, did you know that the country provides a 10-year Canadian visa?
Canada’s 10-year visa program
Canada recognizes the importance of tourism. Therefore, when you apply and are granted, you will likely obtain a 10 year Canada visa. This is by far one of the most generous visa lengths offered from countries around the world.
One visit to Canada will convince you to return year after year. And with a 10 Canada year visa, you’ll be on your way to discover or rediscover all of the beauty and charm that our country has to offer.
When you apply for a Canada visa, you will be asked to provide biometrics. The validity of your result will match your 10 year Canada visa. Therefore, you will not have to redo them if you decide that you want to study in Canada and apply for a study permit, for example.
Canoeing
With the many lakes throughout Canada, canoeing is easily accessible and not far away from any major city. To make the most out of this experience, we suggest canoeing in the early morning when the sun rises. The blissful feeling of taking in Canadian landscapes while breathing in the fresh, crisp air leaves residents and visitors in total serendipity.
Backpacking
Perhaps if you’re more on the adventurous side, a 10-year Canadian visa will provide visitors the opportunity to backpack in the Canadian wilderness anywhere from one to seven days with a group of friends. Pack your backpack, tent, boots, some warm clothes for at night, and plenty of food and water to watch the sunrise and settle as you hike through the many man-made trails available. Enjoy the evening around the campfire by sharing folktale stories, to wake up the following day to make yourself a nice cup of coffee on the fire to get ready for another day of trails.
Cross-Country Skiing
Did we mention Canada snows a lot? With all this snow, there are a bunch of activities available throughout the winter months. Our favorite? Cross-country skiing! Nothing is more enjoyable than exploring the great outdoors right in your backyard with some friends and a fluffy friend to accompany you along the way. One of the many great benefits of a 10-year Canadian visa is the four seasons Canada has to offer. A trip to Canada during the winter months is a great time to escape the humid and hot seasons of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Be sure to pack an extra set of gloves to stay warm!
Fishing
Whether you have never fished before or considered yourself an expert, Canada is a great place to get your feet wet and hone in on your fishing skills. However, don’t think of this activity as easy! It does take some patience, but with practice, it gets easier. If the winter months are not your cup of tea, then a 10-year Canadian visa is a great time to explore the surrounding wooded areas and pristine waters during the summer, spring, and fall months. It’s easy to get lost in nature while waiting for a fish to catch on your line, making this activity truly appreciate the outdoor wonders of Canada.
But perhaps you don’t mind the cold weather, and if that is the case, you’re in luck! During the winter months, fishing enthusiasts throughout the country cut holes through 50 cm thick of ice from the frozen lakes and cast their fishing lines. So bring a thermos with some hot coffee and soak in the stunning snow-covered trees while you wait for a fish to catch your hook.
While the above activities are just a tiny fraction of things to do in Canada, there are many other year-round adventures to discover that are perfect for holders of 10-year Canadian visas.
Let us help you ignite your dreams to experience and see what Canada truly has to offer through your own eyes.
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12 Things You Did Not Know About Canada
Author: Nolan Clack, Guest Blogger.
Most people know Canada as one of the largest countries with cold weather and blankets of snow. Canadians often get told that they are overly polite and friendly. But what about the less known facts about Canada? Here is a list of 12 things you did not know about Canada.
Tap water is of higher quality than bottled water.
Canada holds 9% of the total freshwater resources in the world. So rest assured, when in Canada, you can pour yourself a glass of water from the tap, and it will be cleaner than purchasing a bottle of water.
Most educated country in the world
Canada is amongst the most educated countries in the world. No wonder more than 25,000 students from Vietnam call Canada their home. Given the number of Vietnamese students who study in Canada, there are many Vietnamese communities across the country. The low cost of living and affordable education is a reason why Canada boasts over 642,000 international students.
Almost half of the population in Canada were born in other countries
As of 2020, Canada invites over 400,000 immigrants from around the world to come work and study in Canada. A little over 20% of Canada’s permanent residents are non-Canadian nationals. For this reason, Canada is truly a multicultural country and is eager to have you!
Santa Claus
In the year 2008, Canada’s Immigration Minister had declared Santa Claus, a full Canadian citizen. As a result, residents of Canada can send a letter and wish list to him in any language. Tip: If you leave your name and return address on the envelope, expect to receive a letter back from Santa himself!
National Parks that are larger than some countries
Canada is home to 48 national parks in 30 regions throughout Canada. National parks are so large they account for more landmass than Denmark, Taiwan, Vietnam, Israel, and many more. The amount of nature Canada has to offer is one of the reasons why the country attracts so many tourists from all around the world. Fun fact- the most number of Canadian tourist visas ever issued in one year was a whopping 22.1 million tourist visas!
Canadian folktales
Canada is home to two creatures that are said to live in the Canadian forest and waters. Legend has it; there is a large, hairy, human-like creature that has been roaming around the province of British Columbia for over a century. In the same province, the Ogopogo is also referred to as a mythical creature that lurks the waters of Okanagan Lake. It is reported to be upwards to 120 meters long! Be sure to apply for a Canadian visa and be ready to capture these creatures on camera! Maybe you will be the first?
Polar bears
Canada is home to the most polar bears in the world! So many people in Churchill, Manitoba, leave their car doors unlocked if a polar bear comes up to the car to get out and away on time. Don’t let this scare you, though! Many people still apply for Canadian tourist visas to explore the Viking town of Gimli, which is located not too far from Churchill. The northern part of Manitoba has several wildlife such as whales, seals. At certain times of the year, visitors get to experience and be mesmerized by the beautiful northern light.
Amount of languages spoken.
Canada has two official languages. French and English. Aside from the official languages, Canada also has 70 aboriginal languages that are spoken across the country. Given the large number of languages spoken, there is a lot to discover in Canadian culture.
Canada’s English Vocabulary
Canada has several English words that no other Anglo-speaking country uses. For example, Canadians are known for using the infamous “Eh.” If you’re thinking of immigrating to Canada, you should brush up on some of our unique ways of saying things. Read our guide on the 10 ways to use the word, Eh.
Canada’s Mac and Cheese culture
Mac and Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, is loved by many Canadians. It is loved so much that 1.7 million boxes are sold weekly! That is 88.4 million boxes in one year! But if we compare these numbers to Vietnam and instant noodles consumption, Canada does not even come close to Vietnam’s 7.03 billion packages that are purchased yearly.
Canada Has More Lakes Than the Rest of the World’s Lakes Combined.
Canada has more freshwater lakes than anywhere else in the world! With 563 lakes larger than 100,000,000 square meters, Canadian residents and tourists have plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. From Canada’s record-breaking 22.1 million tourist visas issued in 2019, any of the visitors who researched and applied for a Canadian visa that year knew well beforehand of the many beautiful natural wonders the country would have to offer during their visit.
The Apology Act
The word “sorry” has been overused so much in Canada that the country introduced in the year 2009 that it is unacceptable to use the word “sorry” in Canadian courts. As a result, the term has lost its true meaning and is now recognized as an expression of regret or sympathy.
On that note, we are “sorry” if you haven’t applied for your Canadian visa yet! We look forward to sharing our country with you!
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10 Undeniable Reasons to Love Canada
10 Undeniable Reasons to Love Canada
Author: Yan Desjardins, Founder & Executive Director
Ask any Canadian how they feel about their country, chances are that you will hear them say: ‘We believe Canada to be one of the best countries to live in the world, eh!’, and we believe it too! So keep reading. We compiled 10 reasons why we know you will love Canada.
The People
It is a well-known fact that Canadians are friendly people. Canadians are not confrontational or aggressive by nature. There is so much room to breathe in Canada, places to escape, and nature to soothe your soul that you can say Canadians are ‘pretty chill’! But that doesn’t mean Canadians are pushovers! There are some etiquette rules when you deal with Canadians!
Let me give you an example: Canadians don’t honk when they drive. Honking is for emergencies only. So think of how we drive in Vietnam, definitely not something to do in Canada. You may get a show of hand that doesn’t include all 5 fingers!
World Class Cities, World Class Canadian Universities
Canadian cities have often been ranked as some of the best in the world. There are many to choose from. Here’s a short list: Vancouver, Calgary, Montréal, Ottawa (the capital of Canada), Toronto, and Halifax. All of them are major cities, home to many Canadian universities if you’re looking to study in Canada. We also can’t forget to mention the top-notch healthcare facilities. All Canadian cities offer an excellent quality of life. Each city provides the right vibe for any lifestyle.
The Nature
The Great Canadian Outdoors! There is so much beauty in our landscapes! With over 40 national parks, some that are even bigger than some countries, you’ll have more than 300,000 square kilometers of land to discover and more coastlines views than you can imagine. But, don’t take our word for it, see for yourself: you’ll be amazed!
Hockey
Canada’s national sport! And we excel at it. There are many professional hockey teams in Canada with large crowds of super excited fans. Everyone at some point will get the ‘hockey fever.’ So as you start your new life in Canada, make sure you attend a game: you’ll see how fanatic Canadians can get.
Free & Universal Healthcare
Any Canadians can walk into a hospital or a healthcare facility and get granted world-class service and care – for free! The health system is available to everyone, and the government and taxpayers finance it. The Canadian health system is renowned worldwide and definitely one of the best benefits of living in Canada.
Language
Canada has two official languages: French and English! So if you speak one of them, you can have the chance to learn the other. On top of this, Canada is home to 200 different nationalities. So you can find and connect with people that speak your native language anywhere around the country!
Maple Syrup
Yes, of course! Maple Syrup will make the list. Maple trees are majestic looking in all seasons, and in the spring, they give sap that is extracted from the tree, which is then boiled and turned into syrup! Out of this sticky, gooey syrup, we make taffy candies, maple butter, and even maple whiskey! A must-try on a nice winter day!
Free Education
The Canadian education system is one of the best in the world. No wonder why so many international students come to study in Canada. From kindergarten to university, Canadians enjoy free education at some of the top institutions. Once you have gained permanent residency, families are entitled to the same institutional fees as Canadian-born nationals. This can save families the extra costs that international students would pay on a study abroad program. If you are looking to study in Canada on a study permit, many Canadian universities and colleges offer affordable education that helps reduce your total cost of studying in Canada.
Arts and Culture
Canada is home to some of the best and most significant cultural events and festivals, such as art galleries, theater, fashion shows, film festivals, dance companies; this is just a shortlist of all of the wonderful cultural activities that happen around Canada.
Social Benefits
Canadians enjoy great social programs. For example, women get 1 year of paid maternity leave after giving birth. Every taxpayer in Canada contributes to the Canada Pension Plan, a social security system for retirement. In addition, many employers offer excellent health insurance on top of what the country offers. In Canada, we take care of each other!
Contact Phan Immigration today and let us help you find the easiest way to immigrate to Canada for you and your family.
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8 Frequently Asked Questions We Get About Canada
Author: Nolan Clack, Guest Blogger.
How do Canadians survive a cold winter?
Winters in Canada are, in fact, a well-loved time of the year for Canadians. While it does get cold at times, it is easy to keep yourself warm and entertained throughout the winter months. Activities such as ice skating, ice fishing, tobogganing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and downhill tubing keep us Canadians warm and jolly when spending time with friends and family. After a long day of playing in meters of snow, we like to drink a nice hot cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows to finish off the day. It really isn’t bad as it seems!
You are like Americans, right?
Just because Canada is next door to the United States, it doesn’t mean we are the same! There are many differences between us. For instance, we like to apologize – a lot! More than you can imagine. We have two official languages. Voulez-vous parler Français? Lastly, Canada has strong gun control laws that are one of the reasons why Canada is so safe.
Is it worth learning French?
There are many benefits of learning French while living in Canada! For example, Montréal and Québec City are home to great francophone Canadian universities! Although the majority of French speakers live in Québec, French can be spoken in every province. If you’re considering working in public services, the capital of Canada, Ottawa, has many job opportunities due to the two official languages. French also opens many doors to learn more about French Canadian culture. Not to mention meet and build long-lasting friendships!
Do I need a car while I study in Canada?
No matter if you live in small or major cities, every city has reliable public transit. While there are conveniences of owning your vehicle, we recommend students that are studying in Canada to stick to the affordable option and use the widely available public transit systems. Just like the cost of studying in Canada, public transportation is very reasonable.
What is Canadian food like?
Canadian food is often overlooked and not discussed like other cuisines. However, we have some unique dishes and treats that will keep food lovers coming back for more. Some of our favourites are poutine (fresh cut french fries, covered in gravy and cheese curds), cured elk and bison, and for those with a sweet tooth, be sure to try ‘tire sur la neige’ (fresh Canadian maple syrup poured over snow).
How is Canada’s healthcare system?
Canada offers one of the highest quality healthcare in the world. Not only that – it’s free! Those that immigrate to Canada under the skilled category will be able to take advantage of Canada’s free healthcare.
Why is there a maple leaf on the Canadian flag?
The maple leaf on the Canadian flag was designed on February 15th, 1965, by George Stanley after the first and second world wars. The maple leaf represents a shared symbol of the men and women who gave their lives as a way to express courage, pride, and loyalty to what is Canada today. Every November 11th, Ottawa hosts the Memorial Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in the capital of Canada to remember those who fought for Canada. Throughout November, Canadians wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope for peace.
Is it expensive to live in Canada?
Compared to other developed nations, Canada is much more affordable to live in. However, major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have started to become more expensive than other cities. If you have your heart set on these cities, don’t let this discourage you! Canada has many other cities that offer the same (or better) lifestyles. We believe the low cost of studying in Canada balances out the prices in some of the major cities.
Find out if you qualify for one of the immigration programs. Take our self-assessment test today.
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