Tag: immigration

Canada greets a new year, and (almost) some new citizens, as we pass our tests

Happy new year to all, and a big milestone to share from the snowy shores of Lake Ontario: we’ve passed our citizenship tests! What has become a Star Trek style “five year mission” thanks to pandemic-related delays is now very near its conclusion, and while we’re not across the finish line yet, it feels exciting to be over the final hurdle. Continue reading Canada greets a new year, and (almost) some new citizens, as we pass our tests

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What is dual citizenship, and how does it work between Canada and the USA?

Since we’ve started our Canadian citizenship application process recently, some folks have been curious what this will mean, practically, when all is said and done. How much will things change for us once we’ve passed our exams, taken our oaths, and received citizenship status in Canada? The answer may surprise you. Continue reading What is dual citizenship, and how does it work between Canada and the USA?

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Two-dose summer, two national identities, and the Delta between them

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since the last time I wrote about this special week during which our family recognizes two national holidays, but here we are again…and so is COVID-19. Canada Day and Independence Day each take on a variety of meanings this year, many of which revolve around safety, history, and privilege. Continue reading Two-dose summer, two national identities, and the Delta between them

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Getting up close and personal with southern Ontario’s housing crisis

The “golden horseshoe” which extends from downtown Toronto around Lake Ontario down to Niagara Falls is not only the most densely populated area in Canada, it’s also the most common destination for new immigrants to the country. In recent years, so many people have moved here (including Canadians from other provinces) that for a variety of reasons our housing market has been unable to keep up. Continue reading Getting up close and personal with southern Ontario’s housing crisis

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Cheques and balances: Banking in Canada

If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, you’ll probably be interested in obtaining a chequing account, savings account, or credit card here. With some banks you can start these processes before you arrive, and doing so can end up saving you a lot of time and effort (and possibly even money) later on. If you’re coming from the USA in particular, and haven’t done much international travel, doing a little research ahead of time will help you set expectations and avoid confusion. Continue reading Cheques and balances: Banking in Canada

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Inspiring short film from Pier 21 highlights the experiences of immigrants “In Canada”

Heartfelt and inspirational, this documentary short directed by Michael Morein, and produced by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, weaves together stories of immigrants and refugees who have come to Canada from all over the world. In their own words, they share the experiences which led them here and their impressions as newcomers. Continue reading Inspiring short film from Pier 21 highlights the experiences of immigrants “In Canada”

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Our first New Year’s in an all-new homeland

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to one and all, as this will probably be the last update before the holidays really kick into full swing. Today was the last day of school for our kindergartener before winter break, so starting tomorrow this househusband is probably going to be pretty busy chasing a little toboggan rider around. Continue reading Our first New Year’s in an all-new homeland

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Thirty-six days next to our new favourite lake

The past two months have been quite a whirlwind, and I didn’t intend to take so much time off from this blog but as it turns out when you pack up your computer to move, are a lazy smartphone typist, and have two kids to juggle…this sort of thing happens. On the upside, I now have a ridiculous amount of information to share so this might be the most “interesting” update yet! Continue reading Thirty-six days next to our new favourite lake

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One does not simply walk into Ontario

When you stop to think about it, it’s really pretty weird that this isn’t more commonly known. I mean Canada is right there, along that massive northern border of the continental United States, yet in addition to not learning very much of its history in our classrooms, most Americans also know very little about current events or issues in Canada, and much like here these days, immigration is a pretty hot topic. Continue reading One does not simply walk into Ontario

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