Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most frequently asked questions that I have been asked in the past thirty years that I have lived in Canada, about life here in Southern Ontario........

Q. Isn't it always really, really cold in Canada?

A. No, it isn't! Sure we do have cold, crisp winters here - most of us would even say that they go on a little too long, but we also enjoy beautiful mild Spring weather, fabulous long, hot Summers and the most breath-taking Autumns I have ever seen! So, no, it is not always cold here - and, Winter here is a time for being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. Christmas in Canada is beautiful as you are almost guaranteed a White Christmas!

Q. If I move to Canada will I find the people here friendly?

A. Yes, Canadians in general are friendly people. In a huge city such as Toronto you may not find it as easy to make new friends unless you already know people there, but in most small towns and cities the folks are friendly and welcoming. Many people here have ancestors who came from other countries, so maybe that is why they are welcoming to newcomers.

Q. Is it hard to get used to driving on the right-hand side of the road? (usually asked by people from England)

A. It takes time to adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road, but it is not difficult. Outside of major cities there is much less traffic on the roads here, so I find that people from the UK quickly adapt. I would suggest that people not drive immediately after a long trans-Atlantic flight which arrives late in the evening, as fatigue combined with driving on the other side of the road can be a tragic combination.

Q. What is Health Care like in Ontario?

A. Residents of the province of Ontario are covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) and visits to Doctors are free, as are Hospital Emergency room visits and treatment. To receive free health care you must hold a valid OHIP identity card. More information can be found at the website of OHIP

Q. Is housing expensive in Ontario?

A. I think the answer to that depends upon where you live now, and this is one of the most frequently asked questions, so if you live in the UK or parts of Europe, then the answer would be "No". In general I would say that if you are buying a home in a city such as Toronto, then housing can be expensive, however, housing in smaller towns and cities can be very affordable to those coming here from overseas. Check out our Real Estate section for information on the Southern Ontario housing market.

Q. If I emigrate to Canada, should I bring all my furniture and household goods?

A. This is a tough question and the answer really lies in knowing if your existing furniture is worth the expense of bringing it to Canada or not. For example, when I came here I sold all my furniture and gave away everything else, except what we carried with us, because most of our things were of no special value. Friends of mine brought absolutely everything because they had expensive items and antiques, so the cost of shipping them here was worth it. From the UK the cost of a full container can be around $8,000, so consider carefully. It is possible to rent half or part of a container which would reduce the cost of shipping your possessions. Some people consider shipping only their valuables and items with great sentimental value. I recently had three pieces of my grandmother's furniture shipped here, which cost me $1,500, but I thought that was worth it, as they are special to me.

Q. How much does gasoline cost in Ontario at the moment? This is a frequently asked question at the moment!

A. Too much! Here we complain about the price of gasoline (petrol), but until recently we paid less than $1.00 per litre. At the moment the price at the pumps is $1.20, or more, in the London area, but this price is fluctuating almost daily, so I will update this if there is any major change.

Q. At what age do children start school in Ontario?

A.Children in Ontario start full-time school in September of the year in which they are six years old. Most school boards have a part-time Kindergarten program for younger children who are turning 5 years old that year, and some schools also have a Junior Kindergarten program for 4 year olds. Kindergarten programs are typically half-days or alternate days each week.

Q. What are the schools like in Ontario, and do we have to pay to send our children to school?

A. The cost of schools is paid by our income taxes and the taxes home owners pay on their homes. In general in Ontario there are two school systems - the Public Schools and the Separate (or Catholic) Schools which are administered by their respective School Boards. Parents have a choice to send their children to the public or Catholic school that is in the area where they live. There are also Private Schools where fees would be paid - some are Religious and some are Secular. The choice to Home-School, to educate your child at home, is also a choice open to parents in Ontario.

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