5 Little-Known Benefits of Working in Canada

Want to work in Canada? Canada is known as a country of opportunity for international workers, as it welcomes those who can help strengthen its economy.But it’s not all fun and games.

Here are 5 little-known benefits of working in Canada that would make you want to pack your bags and move to the Great White North tomorrow.

5 Benefits of Working in Canada

1. Free provincial health care

Canada has a world-class public healthcare system that is efficient and effective, but most importantly – it’s free for all Canadian citizens and residents. But wait, that’s not all. Temporary foreign workers with work permits in Canada can access free health care in Canada if they meet the eligibility requirements of the province in which they work. In addition, family members on your work permit may also be eligible for health care.

If you work in Canada for 6 months or more, you may be eligible for free health care, which may be available immediately or with a short waiting period – it all depends on the province’s requirements.

So what is covered by Canadian provincial health care?

Hospitalization (all medical care, including medications administered in a health care facility).;

• Medical services that are medically necessary (e.g., a visit to a doctor for an illness);
• Laboratory and diagnostic services that are medically necessary;
• Certain drug coverage if age 65 or older (county specific);
• Certain vision insurance coverage if you are 65 or older (county specific); and
• Accidental dental expenses resulting from a fall.

2. Earn Top Dollar

Canada is ahead of the United States in terms of the highest salaries. In fact, Canada has the 10th highest minimum wage in the world at $9.52 per hour, or $20,643 per year.

In addition to this, Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled and unskilled labor in various sectors and regions due to a rapidly retiring population and young professionals moving to urban centers such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. As a direct result of the skills shortage, salaries are even more competitive. Blue-collar workers, such as skilled workers, are paid more in Canada than in other first-world countries.

3. Working in Canada for permanent residency

Chances are you’ll fall in love with Canada’s beautiful landscapes, high quality of life, and welcoming people – you may never want to leave.

Well, the good news is that you’ll have one foot in the door. Canadian work experience and adaptability are important factors when applying for permanent residency in Canada. So much so that Canada has created a separate immigration stream for foreign nationals with Canadian work experience. This program is called the Candian Experience Class (CEC) and allows you to receive priority consideration when applying for PR status.

4. Enjoy incredible paternity benefits

There are few countries that place as much importance on work-life balance as Canada, especially for family workers.

Expectant parents in Canada receive 18 months of paid leave, subsidized by the government. Mothers can take all of their leave days or share them with the other parent. Temporary residents with a valid work permit may be eligible for parental benefits if they have a Social Security number.

The Canadian government encourages its citizens and permanent residents to start families to combat the aging population. To help alleviate the cost of starting a family, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides eligible families with a monthly tax-free benefit of CAD 6,496 for children under six years of age and CAD 5,481 for children between the ages of six and seventeen.

5. Endless opportunities for young professionals

Young professionals want to learn and grow in companies that are evolving with current labor market trends; flexibility (work hours, roles), full experience (social impact) and benefits (college debt repayment).

There are many forward-thinking Canadian companies that have all the right things going for them:

Company: Absorb Software Inc
Location: Calgary
Benefit: Unlimited tuition subsidies to employees for courses related to their current position.

Company: A Thinking Ape Entertainment Ltd.
Location: Vancouver
Benefit: Weekly onsite yoga classes led by a certified instructor.

Company: AGNORA Inc.
Location: Ontario
Benefit: AGNORA offers employees a $500 health spending account that can be used to cover additional health-related expenses.

Company: Abilis Solutions
Location: Montreal
Benefit: Helps employees save for the longer term with matching RRSP contributions.

There is a shortage of some of the most sought-after jobs for millennials in Canada, especially in skilled occupations. This makes Canada one of the best destinations for those looking to kick-start their careers while having fun.