Living in Canada

[my2cherubs]

My dh is an hgv driver and has an interview next week for a job in Canada. We have two dds, 4 and 2 and will be looking on this as hopefully a permanent move. The job's based near Edmonton in Alberta. As we've never been to Canada I'm really wondering if anyone has any advice for us. He'll probably find out loads at the interview but we're wondering about taxes, education, health service, usual stuff! It looks great from everything we've seen so far but haven't spoken to anyone with any first hand experience!

[hana]

What a great opportunity, the province of Alberta is going thorugh a real 'boom' time at the moment, they are the only province with no sales tax! I would move back to Canada tomorrow......(that is another thread, I am from the Maritimes....)
but taxes are fairly high, health service is similar to the NHS and most people also have private health care to cover for prescriptions, don't know much about education in Alberta as it's a provincial domain but standards overall in Canada are v good.
good luck, you'll love it

[1dilemma]

Fab chance
you're bound to love it! Cold in WInter though.
(hana are the Maritimes still very economically down?)

[hana]

Halifax seems to be ok, isn't fully dependent on the fisheries but it's always going to be the 'have not' region of Canada I think
would love to move 'back'

[my2cherubs]

thanks for the replies I am really excited already. I just hope he gets the job!

[1dilemma]

umm
I've loved the bits I've been to but never been to the Maritimes

[skerriesmum]

I'm in Halifax (Dartmouth) and the job scene etc. is the best it's ever been.
We moved from Ireland two years ago and my dh got a job in software no bother...
(Having graduated in the dark 90s, I was dubious!)
Alberta is definitely the land of plenty, but be prepared for very cold winters!

[christie2]

I am also a maritimer and lived for years in halifax. I am envious skerriesmum, I wish I was back on the ocean (in ottawa for a few years) just got back from the UK 6 weeks ago and missing all things british, and in absence of that, my maritimes.

I have never been to alberta but if is booming and has consistently ranked as the best school system in canada. It is cold but you will get used to it. Learn to ski and skate and embrace it. Check out the housing situation though, because of the boom, it is more pricey than usual for canada. Health service is good, pretty similar to UK (except you pay for prescriptions). Education is good as I said already. Taxes, can be high but not so different either from the UK.

[Callisto]

My2cherubs - if you haven't already I would check out British Expats canada forum: britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=56. I have heard a few horror stories about HGV employers so be careful and ask lots of questions. There are a number of truck drivers on Expats who will happily answer any questions and may know the company your husband has an interview with. Good luck (I am madly jealous).