Canada Immigration: Government and Political System

| Canada is what is known as a "Democratic Federation" with both Federal and Provincial levels of Government. The responsibilities and powers are divided between the Federal branch and its Provincial executives. Citizenship and Immigration Canada - CIC - is a department of the government of Canada.

The government of Canada and the Canadian political system are quite elaborate and is based loosely on British rule. The system we follow today was initially drafted by the "Fathers of Confederation" in 1864, and became law in 1867 when the constitution act was passed. The Act consigned the executive authority over to the Queen of England (UK), which made Canada a sovereign democracy.

The Federal Government has the power to create laws for the peace, order, and responsible government of Canada. This includes federal jurisdictions such as International policies, Defense, Immigration, Criminal Law, Customs, and Border control. The Provincial Government is responsible for health care, education, driver licensing and registrations and controls the Provincial budget among other things.

The Canadian political complex is centered in Ottawa, Canada's capital, in a building called "The House of Commons". Government officials called "Members of Parliament" (MP's) are elected by the People to represent their interests and deliberate on various national issues affecting Canadians.

The Canadian government is divided into constituencies; the candidate with the most votes in the region they represent (riding) wins the authority to act in the best interest of the constituency by taking their "seat" in the Parliament.

The Provincial political systems are based on the same doctrine as its Federal counterpart. The Provincial Government is referred to as the "Legislative Assembly" and the Queen's representative in the Assembly is the called the "Lieutenant Governor". Normally, every 4 to 5 years an election is called by the reigning Premier. Pending the results of the election, the Lieutenant Governor will ask the leader of the party with the most "seats" to become the Premier of the Province and form the Government.

Canadian Geography

Geography

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Canada is the most northerly country of the Americas and the second largest country in the world. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the United States of America (USA) on the South. It spans a total area that covers almost ten million square kilometers (9,984,670 sq km). To put it into clear perspective, Canada could contain 18 countries the size of France or 40 United Kingdoms (UK), and has six time zones. Canada also has the longest coastline of any country.

Canada is a mosaic of regions from the rugged mountains of the West, to the farm communities of the prairies, to the Industrial and political powerhouse of Ontario, to the modern French culture of Québec, to the quaint fishing communities of the east coast, and everything in between. The beauty and diversity of Canada are proud icons of what Canada has become.

Most of the country is made up of plains, with mountains in the west and prairies in the southeast. Approximately 90 per cent of the over 31 million people living in Canada are located within 160 km of the US border and about 75% of the total population lives in major cities or towns. There are more lakes and inland waters in Canada than in any other country. There are over 2 million lakes in Canada which translates into 7.6% (755,180 sq km) of fresh water.

Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories. The north most part of Canada extends into the frigid Arctic Circle, while the furthermost southern parts stretch below the US border. Canada and the United States share many geographic characteristics in common such as the Rocky Mountains, four of the Great Lakes, the Appalachian Highlands, and various rivers.

Canada has a boreal climate. Winters are cold with average temperatures ranging between -2.5^oC and -10^oC and summers are relatively warm by comparison, with temperatures ranging between 16^oC and 28^oC in the southern regions. Canadian temperature has climbed up to a scorching 35 degrees Celsius in the summer and has descended to a glacial -25 degrees Celsius during winter.

British Columbia receives the most temperate climate in all of Canada. It rarely snows in the low-lying areas, and the Coastal Range and the Rocky Mountains prevent the Pacific air from traveling to the Prairies.

The Canadian Prairies traverse east from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Great Lakes. Farming is a major industry in this part of the Country. Cold winters and muggy, hot, summers are common. Ample spring rainfalls and clement autumns make the Prairies one of the top grain-growing areas of the world.

More than half of Canada's population lives near the Great Lakes or along the St. Lawrence River. Winter is very snowy and wind-chilled, while summers are humid and longer than anywhere else in Canada. There's enough rainfall to sufficiently sustain the region's sizable farm industry.

This territory is quite inclement and has one of the most capricious weather systems anywhere in the country. In winter, temperatures can vary tempestuously as the Arctic's breath is replaced by maritime air from cursory storms. Snowfall is relatively strong, and fog is frequently present in spring and at the beginning of the short summer season. July is the warmest month of the year and averages temperatures between 16 to 21 degrees Celsius.

North of the Prairies and the St. Lawrence is an expansive hyperborean forest. This area is snow-capped most of the year, and summer lingers for approximately two months. Above the tree-line lies the Arctic. Temperatures there rise above freezing only for a few weeks a year, and the ground is permanently frozen.

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Banking in Canada

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You can open an account with HSBC Bank Canada when you are in another country in which HSBC operates. Choose which Canadian branch you want your account to reside with and which type of account you would like to open and your local HSBC office will work with HSBC Bank Canada to set up the requested account. Once HSBC Bank Canada has received the appropriate documentation we will advise your local HSBC of the status of the application.

Apply online for a HSBC Bank Canada account before you arrive in Canada.
Apply Now

HSBC Passport

HSBC Passport is designed to help you with your banking in Canada.  You will get a chequing account to facilitate all your financial transactions, a credit card with no annual fee, Discounted International Wire Transfers and much more.

Learn more at hsbc.ca & Apply online for a HSBC Bank Canada account before you arrive in Canada.

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HSBC Premier

International Recognition
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Learn how we can quickly set up your account and credit internationally while offering property and mortgage advice, online banking and the individual support of an HSBC Premier Relationship Manager.

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Discover how your HSBC Premier credit card comes complete with a leading rewards program, exclusive offers on life's little luxuries, and the security of our emergency support.

Learn More at hsbc.ca & Apply online for a HSBC Bank Canada account before you arrive in Canada.

After Landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident FAQ

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1. Must I stay in Canada after landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident?

Permanent Residents are not obliged to remain in Canada, and are in no way restricted from departure at any time. However, as a Canadian Permanent Resident, you must accumulate two years of "residency days" in each five-year period in order to meet your Canadian residency obligations.

2. What is the Canadian Permanent Resident Card?

The Canadian Permanent Resident Card is a small, secure plastic card containing personal information on the cardholder and that confirms the cardholder's status as a Permanent Resident of Canada.

3. When can Canadian Citizenship be obtained?

Canadian Citizenship can generally be obtained after three years of Permanent Residence in Canada.

4. Does Permanent Resident status in Canada permit me to enter/work in the US?

Permanent Resident status in Canada does not affect US immigration requirements for eligibility to legal employment. The North American Free Trade Agreement, which applies to citizens of Canada, does facilitate US employment in certain cases.

Settlement in Canada FAQ

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1. When I arrive in Canada, are there any services to help me?

Every province and city is equipped with multiple services and organizations meant to help newcomers to Canada. Refer to the landing guide for the province where you plan to arrive in Canada for complete listings.

2. How do I obtain Health Care?

All provinces and territories in Canada have a public health insurance plan to cover basic medical needs.  However, you may have to wait up to three months after you arrive before the health insurance begins in some provinces. Make it a priority to apply for health care for yourself and your family as soon as you arrive. In addition, purchase some form of private health insurance from an insurance company for security in case of emergencies until your provincial health care plan begins. Refer to the Health section of the provincial landing guide where you will be living in Canada for province-specific instructions on how to obtain your health insurance.

3. What do I need to do to start working in Canada?

In order to work anywhere in Canada, you will require a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply for your SIN card immediately after you arrive in Canada. For instructions, visit the Service Canada website:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/how.shtml
Ensure that your CV or resume is written in English or French. It may also be necessary to have your credentials confirmed. There are many agencies throughout Canada that provide the service of accreditation equivalency. Refer to the landing guide for the province where you will be living for more information.

4. How do I become a Canadian Citizen?

Before applying to become a Canadian citizen, you must have resided in Canada for 1,095 days, or three years. Please refer to the Canadian Citizenship page for complete details on requirements, your eligibility and the application procedure.

5. I do not know where to live in Canada. Where do I start?

Canada is a huge country, with diverse cultures, communities, climates and employment opportunities. Begin researching these details by reading the About Canada pages.  It is important that you move to an area where you can obtain employment.  You should also do some research on the internet the average cost of living in different regions of Canada. Ensure that you move to a region that is affordable, close to places of employment and schools.

6. What do I need to have prepared when I arrive in Canada?

When you arrive in Canada make sure that you have all necessary immigration and identity documents on your person and not in your checked luggage, so that you may present all documents to the Customs and Immigration officer at the airport or border without complication. It is also important to have arranged in advance for a place for you and your family to stay during your first days in Canada as you will be tired from the long trip. Homes of friends and family are ideal, as are short term apartments or hotels.

7. Can I bring my family pet with me to Canada?

There are strict rules about bringing animals, food, and plants into Canada. Before you arrive, contact:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency,
Animal Health
Agriculture Canada
59 Camelot Drive
Nepean, Ontario
K1A 0Y9

8. Can I bring my car into Canada?

Transport Canada has pollution and safety control standards which does not allow some cars into Canada. It is also necessary to have a valid driver’s license, car registration and accident record from your insurance company. Contact Transport Canada for complete instructions:
Transport Canada
Place de Ville, Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
(613) 990-2309
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safevehicles/importation/index.htm

9. I have school aged children, how do I send them to school?

All children between the ages of 4 and 16 to 18 years, depending on province, are required by law to attend school. The school year runs from September through June. Registration can be held as early as February previous to the September academic year. Every region of Canada has its own school boards. You will have to contact the local school board where you intend to live for complete details.

Landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident FAQ

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1. Do I become a Permanent Resident of Canada as soon as my Canada Immigration Visa is issued?

No. You will only become a Permanent Resident of Canada when you cross a Canadian port of entry with your valid passport and your valid Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa. This is referred to as 'landing in Canada'.

2. How long can I wait to land in Canada after my Canada Immigration Visa is issued?

You must land in Canada before the expiry date, which appears on your Canada Immigration Visa. Usually, the expiry date is one year from the time medical examinations were completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as you receive your Canada Immigration Visa.

3. Can the expiry date on my Canada Immigration Visa be extended?

As a general rule, the expiry date on your Canada Immigration Visa will not be extended. Failure to land in Canada before the expiry date may result in the necessity of re-application.

4. Must I first enter Canada at the destination I indicated on my application form?

Generally, the holder of a Canada Immigration Visa may enter Canada at any port of entry without difficulty.

However, if you first enter Canada at a port of entry in the Province of Quebec, you must have been accepted by Quebec and have a valid Quebec Certificate of Selection or be prepared to document your clear intention to reside in a province other than Quebec.

5. What documents do I need with me when I first land in Canada?

When you first land in Canada, you will need your valid passport containing your unexpired Canada Immigration Visa and a document entitled Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Your accompanying dependents, if applicable, will need the same.

It is a good idea to also have evidence of your settlement funds and an inventory of all personal belongings in your possession and other items that you now own but intend to bring to Canada at a later date.

6. When must my accompanying dependents land Canada?

Accompanying dependents cannot land in Canada before the Principal Applicant has done so. The accompanying dependents may first land in Canada with the Principal Applicant or after the Principal Applicant, but in either case prior to the expiry date indicated on their Canada Immigration Visas.