Canada a conglomerate of rich diverse cultures and races is spread over some 9.9 million square kilometers and was rated by the U.N as the foremost country in the world to live in for five consecutive years Their surveys are based on quality of life, educational opportunities, unemployment and crime rates, and life expectancy. Canada is a multicultural, multilingual country with rich economic ties with the United States, Europe & Asia. Canada has a strong economy and is a member of the G-7 (Group-of-seven) and the OECD and is a constituent of one of the largest trade areas in the world by virtue of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada is a country composed of immigrants from practically every country in the world. Canada's success is largely due to the contributions made by these immigrants. Each year, Canada welcomes more than 200,000 new immigrants. The diversified backgrounds and cultures are what makes Canada unique. Multiculturalism is promoted to help maintain this unique "melting pot".

As per the 2002 estimates, the total population of Canada is 31,902,268 with an annual growth rate of 0.96%. The country is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory.

As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic integration with the US. Because of the close cross-border relationship, the economic downturn in the United States in 2001 had a negative impact on the Canadian economy. Real growth averaged nearly 3% during 1993-2000, but declined in 2001. Unemployment is up, with contraction in the manufacturing and natural resource sectors. Nevertheless, with its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic prospects. Two shadows loom, the first being the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas, which has been raising the possibility of a split in the federation. Another long-term concern is the flow south to the US of professionals lured by higher pay, lower taxes, and the immense high-tech infrastructure.

Social Security
Canada provides a most enviable social security system ………….. A system second to none in the world.

• Health Care System: -This is fully funded by the government and every citizen and Immigrant has access to free medical assistance in Canada
• Unemployment Allowance: -Every citizen and immigrant is entitled to an unemployment allowance if he is rendered unemployed in Canada. This can be upto 60% of the last drawn salary.
• Education & Training: -Education is fully funded by the government and therefore upto high school is free. University education is world class and highly Subsidized.
• Old Age Benefits: - All citizens and immigrants who attain an age of 65 are entitled to a pension and other benefits like subsidized public transport and senior citizens benefits.if you are unable to get a job in Canada the welfare department of the Government gives a special welfare allowance for your support.

Governments at the federal, provincial and municipal level help people who are unable to provide for themselves and their families. Special programs help people in different circumstances, such as:

• raising children (Child Tax Benefits),
• retirement (Canada Pension/Quebec Pension, Old Age Security and guaranteed Income Supplement),
• job-related injuries (Workers' Compensation),
• the loss of a job (Employment Insurance),
• longer-term unemployment (Social Assistance)

Education
Education in Canada is under the complete jurisdiction of the provinces and territories and as such, there is no federal education system in Canada. In keeping with the national commitment to education, public education in Canada is free upto and including secondary school in all the provinces. However, each provincial system, while similar to the others, reflects its specific regional concerns, and historical and cultural heritage. At the post-secondary level, institutions are divided into community colleges and universities.

There are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces of Canada. Secondary schooling in Canada could go up to Grade 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province unlike in India, where Grade 12 is standard all over the country. Post secondary education is offered by four types of educational institutions:

• Universities
  Canadian universities are largely public funded, and, as a result, offer consistently high quality education at lower tuition rates for international students than their counterparts in competing countries. They offer a broad range of courses and degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and also certificate and professional degrees.
• University Colleges
  As a component of the Canadian university system, university colleges offer students a choice of either academic oriented university degree programmes or the more practical-oriented college diplomas and certificates. As a part of the Canadian college system, university colleges are distinguished by their strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environments. They also offer combined degree/diploma programmes and university transfer programmes.
• Community colleges and technical institutes
  They typically have a more vocational- related curricula, with small classes, off-campus course offerings, a greater ratio of laboratory space to class room space, and an interactive teaching style.
• Technical/ Career College
  This is a privately owned and operated school with the main objective of preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction.

The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May, and is normally divided into two semesters. Some institutes operate on a semester or trimester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September. Many institutes offer a limited number of courses and special programmes during the summer session.

Housing
Once a landed immigrant first arrives in Canada, he generally takes a temporary accommodation and then starts looking for a permanent place to live. The cost of setting up the first home may be more expensive than one expected. Finding a place to live in Canada can take several weeks.

Apartments cost
The price/ rent of the apartment depends on a number of factors like the location, age and condition of the apartment or house, and the local housing market. Some cities and provinces control how much landlords can charge for rent. The main source of information are the classified advertisements in local newspapers and what you hear from other people. Some agencies which advertise apartments may charge a fee. This does not mean they will find a home for you, but they may show you more of what is available. Apartments generally have

• its own door, which can be locked, to a common hallway or to the street;
• a kitchen with a sink and hot and cold water, countertop, shelves or cupboards and appliances such as a stove and a refrigerator;
• closets and storage space;
• a private bathroom with a sink, toilet and both or shower.
  • The apartment will be equipped with several essential utilities, including:
    • a heating system;
    • light and electricity;
    • hot and cold water;
    • telephone lines; and
    • sewage pipes

Types of accommodation
In addition to furnished and unfurnished apartments, furnished bedrooms to rent, and houses for rent or for sale, there are also Bi-Level Bungalow, Condominiums, Duplex High rise Condominium Link or Carriage, Mobile or Manufactured Home, Row or Townhouse, Semi-Bungalow, Semi Detached, Single Family Detached, Split LevelsTwo Storey, Two and One-Half Storey.

What is a condominium?
Condominiums are apartments or townhouses that are individually owned, while the common areas (gardens, playground, walkways) are owned together. As well as the mortgage payment and taxes, generally a monthly payment is made , the condominium fee, to the manager of the condominium for common maintenance and repairs.

Rights as a Canadian
All Canadians enjoy certain rights based on Canada's tradition of democracy and respect for human dignity and freedom. These rights are found in Canada's human rights codes and in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Canadians enjoy the following rights:

• Equality rights
• Democratic rights
• Legal rights
• Mobility rights
• Language rights
• Minority language education rights

Responsibilities as a Canadian
With rights there are responsibilities and every person in Canada has certain responsibilities like :

• understand and obey Canadian laws
• participate in Canada's democratic political system
• vote in elections
• allow other Canadians to enjoy their rights and freedoms
• appreciate and help to preserve Canada's multicultural heritage