From 1994 to 2000 the United Nations has ranked Canada as THE BEST country in the world (based on the Human Development Index), and ever since 2001 Canada has ranked among the world’s five top countries.
The International Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) consistently lists Canada in the top three countries in terms of the overall quality of life of its residents (OECD Economic Surveys: Canada 2014).
Strong and stable economy and affordable living
- Strong and stable economy – Canada has led all G-7 countries in economic growth from 2003-2012 and has the second highest standard of living in the G-20, as measured by GDP per capita.
- Job opportunities – The Canadian national average unemployment rate has been 6.6%, as of November 2014, and in some provinces the unemployment rate as low as 3.4%!
- A great place to do business – KPMG reports constantly place Canada as one of the best and most affordable countries to start a business of any size. Combined with it’s access, (as signatory of the NAFTA agreement), to the North American potential consumer base of 565,000,000 inhabitants and a collective annual GDP of over 20 trillion dollars, there are few other countries who can boast such economic opportunities.
High quality of life
According to OECD Canadians are more satisfied with their lives than the OECD average, with 80% of people saying they have more positive experiences in an average day (feelings of rest, pride in accomplishment, enjoyment, etc.) than negative ones (pain, worry, sadness, boredom, etc.). This figure is higher than the OECD average of 76%.
A government that cares and helps
The Government of Canada invests millions of dollars every year to help newcomers settle into their new lives in Canada.
There are many government and organizations that provide free immigrant settlement assistant services to newly arrived residents, which include – free language / professional upgrade services, as well as assistance to look for work. The Canadian federal government provides incentives, training, support, and resources for the recruitment, internship programs, retention and promotion of skilled immigrants by Canadian employers. It also has a Foreign Credential Recognition Program whose purpose is to help internationally trained workers get jobs in their field in Canada faster.
The Program provides funding to and works with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders—including regulatory bodies, post‑secondary institutions and employers—to implement projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of qualifications acquired in other countries.
World-class education
Canadians enjoy one of the best of education systems in the world. The OECD ranks Canada as one of the top performers in reading literacy, math and science.
World-class medical care
Canada has one of the best free care medical system in the world and life expectancy at birth in Canada is 81 years for women and 79 for men; among the highest in the world.
Clean environment
Canada has a significant share of the earth’s natural ecosystems—25 per cent of wetland ecosystems, 15 per cent of forests and 16 percent of Arctic ecosystems. The World Health Organization has ranked Canada’s air quality among the top three in the world.
Safety and security
Canadians enjoy safe and secure communities. The annual crime rates are so low that the OECD Better Life Index 2014 ranked Canada 9.7 out of 10 for safety. During everyday life in Canada, one can feel safe and secure in their home and community!
Freedom and Canadian values
Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world and the OECD lists Canada as the number one world leader when it comes to acceptance and tolerance of minorities. As a society, it is open to and respectful of different cultures and ideas.
Everyone, no matter their religious belief, cultural background or sexual orientation has the right to participate in the Canadian society and economy without fear or oppression. In Canada, men and women are equal under the law.
To be able to remain one of the best countries in the world, Canada needs more and more qualified people who will supports its economic growth!
- Demographic factors: the population is aging, the birth rate is falling and the labor force is becoming scarce.
- Those of the “Baby Boom” generation will require social, medical and old-age care – there is a need to be able to finance the numerous social programs.
- By year 2021, only two Canadians will be working in Canada per pensioner (2:1), compared to the current proportion of 6:1.
- Statics show that Canada’s rapidly aging population, added to the scarcity of young workers, is starting to result in a considerable lack of potential workers, meaning that the new immigrants will eventually represent the entire growth of the workforce within a decade!
- The changing global economic trends demand that Canada maintain a dynamic and competitive society.
