About Canada // History

About Canada // <= span style=3D'font-size:21.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:#FF9900'>History

The first inhabitants of Canada were aboriginal pe= oples, believed to have arrived from Asia thousands of years ago by way of a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska.

Explorers from France and Great Britain, including John Cabot (hired by King Henry VII), Jacques Cartier, Samuel= de Champlain and Henry Hudson began to land in Canada in 1497. Per= manent settlement by these two nations began in the early 1600s.

Canada became a nation on July 1, 1867 as four provinces= - Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick - came together to form = the Dominion of Canada. Sir John A. MacDonald became the country's first Pr= ime Minister. The remaining provinces and territories would join Canada in the coming years.

In 1885, the last spike was hammered in the Canadian Pac= ific Railway. The completion of the national railroad, winding through Canada's diverse landscape, fulfilled a dream of linking the young country from = west coast to east.

Up until World War II, most immigrants came from the British Isles or eastern Europe. Since 1945, ho= wever, Canada's cultural make-up has been enhanced by increasing numbers of southern Europeans, Asians, South Americans and people from the Caribbean Islan= ds, with the greatest numbers of immigrants arriving from countries in the = Asia Pacific region.

Today, the country is made up of 10 provinces and three territories, most of which are populated by Canadians who can trace the= ir ancestry from virtually everywhere in the world. A recent census showed that over 11 million Canadians, or 42 per cent of the population, repor= ted having an ethnic origin other than British or French.=

Climate

Canada is often associated with cold weather and snow, but in reality, its climate is a= s diverse as its landscape. Generally, Canadians enjoy four very distinct seasons, particularly in the more populated regions along the US = border. Daytime summer temperatures can rise to 35°C and higher, while lows= of -25°C are not uncommon in winter. More moderate temperatures are the norm in spring and fall.

Summers can be hot and dry on the prairies, humid in cen= tral Canada, and milder on the coasts. Spring is generally pleasant across the count= ry. Autumns are often crisp and cool, but brightened by rich orange and red leaves on trees.

Winters are generally cold with periods of snow, although southern Alberta enjoys the occasional "Chinook", a warm dry wind from the Rocky Mountains that gusts through and melts the snow. Winters are mild and wet on the west coast, in cities such as Vancouver and Victoria.

When the temperature does drop, Canadian stay warm thank= s to an infrastructure of heated houses, cars and public transportation syst= ems. Some cities have also installed walkways to and from buildings in schoo= ls.

Average Daily Temperature (Celciu= s)

City <= /span>	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Toronto <= /p>	-4.5	-3.8	1.0	7.5	13.8	18.9	22.1	21.1	16.9	10.7	4.9	-1.5

National Emblem: Maple Leaf

Population: In 2002, the population of Canada = was estimated to have exceeded 31.4 million. However, Canadians are spread over= a large geographic land mass, giving Canada one of the smallest population density ratios in the world at 3.1 persons per square kilometre.

Canada<= /st1:place> is a vast count= ry with a variety of tourist destinations. Wherever you choose to study in Canada,= you will discover a multitude of cultural, leisure, and other activities year-round. You can enjoy the many museums, seasonal festivals, and exciting nightlife that each province and territory has to offer. Canada = also has a beautiful countryside which means that most outdoor recreational activiti= es are very popular here, whether it be skiing, cycling, hiking, camping, sightseeing, or even ice sailing.

Take the opportunity to fully explore Canadian life while yo= u're studying in Canada. When you're not in the classroom, discover many unique destinations - wheth= er for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or longer.

Here are some typical costs for living in = Canada:=
= 226; Bus Fare One Way (local) $2.50
= 226; Local Telephone= Call $0.25
= 226; Average Restaur= ant Meal $10.00 - 25.00 per person
= 226; Movie $8.50
= 226; Letter within <= st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Canada = $0.49
= 226; International P= ostage (letter) $1.40

= Taxes
Some provinces apply a provincial tax levy to goods and services. All provi= nces must apply the federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) of seven per cent to = most purchases. As a visitor, a portion of the GST may be refunded to you upon y= our departure from Canad= a. There are restrictions that apply and you must provide original receipts. Contact Revenue Cana= da or your school for further information. GST refund forms can be obtained at= the information counters at airports and at most shopping malls.

= Currency and Banking

Money and Measurements
Canada<= /st1:place> uses the metric system of measurement. The unit of currency is the Canadian dollar, which equals 100 cents. The most common paper currency in Canada comes in $5, $10, $20,= $50 and $100 denominations. Coins appear in 1 cent (pennies), 5 cents (nickels)= , 10 cents (dimes), 25 cents (quarters), $1 (loonies) and $2 (twoonies) denominations. The $1 and $2 coins have been introduced over the last 10 ye= ars, and there are still Canadian $1 and $2 bills in circulation that are considered legal tender (they have also become collector's items). Canadian bills are clearly marked and each denomination has a distinctive colour.

Banks & Currency Exchange
Although banks often offer the best currency exchange rate, some do charge a small f= ee to change money or traveller's cheques, and prices listed often do not include taxes. It is best to change a small amount of currency into Canadian money before coming to Canada, as banks are usually open only Monday to Friday, daytime hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Other means of exchanging your currency can be somewhat more costly. Exchange ser= vices offered by hotels, shops, and exchange booths almost always offer the highe= st rates or charge large commission fees. Wherever you go, always ask about hi= dden charges before changing money.

All shops and businesses will accept Canadian currency, and some will accept United States currency in tourist areas. All other currency must be converted.

Banks and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
Students can easily access the many banks and affiliated ATMs in Canada.= They are especially easy to find in large cities, and are more convenient than credit cards and traveller's cheques. You can usually use a regular bank card or a major credit card at ATMs to withdraw cash. It might also be possible to open a local account which would come with an ATM card. ATM cards can also be used at many stores in Canada = to pay for items such as groceries and clothing.

Banks offer a variety of services to their customers including currency exchange, safety deposit boxes for storage of passports, and savings accounts. Many C= anadians use personal cheques issued by banks as an effi= cient means to pay for services.

Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards
Traveller's cheques are a recommended form of currency when travelling (f= or safety reasons) and can be purchased at major Canadian banks. They are easi= ly replaced if stolen or lost. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and attractions accept traveller's cheques= as well as major credit cards.

The rate of exchange in effect on the day of a credit card transaction will be automatically updated on your credit card bill<= /st1:PersonName>. Students can also apply for credit cards when they arrive in Canada; however, the expenses are due at the end of every month with interest charg= ed on unpaid expenses.

Accommodation - Long Term
1. School Provided Accommodation

Homestays
Many Canadian families welcome international students. This may be an effec= tive way for you to improve your English or French, learn about daily life in Canada,= and meet new, friendly people. Homestays also offer= a more stable and secure environment for younger people coming to study in Canada. Typically, a homestay consists of a Canadian fa= mily hosting a student in their home while the student attends classes in Canada.= Meals aNd a private, furnished room are provided in the hom= e, and the host family welcomes and encourages participation in family and communi= ty activities.

Homestays are arranged by the school and students are matched with families who share similar interests. Amenities a= nd location vary from home to home, but preferences can and should be indicate= d to the school so that a suitable match may be found. Many schools can arrange = for a school representative or homestay family to m= eet you at the airport when you arrive.

Prices will vary according to location, and some homestay services will charge an initial placement fe= e of up to $200 CDN.

For more information, contact the school you will be attending.

Average cost of homestay accommodation: $400 - $800 CDN per month.

Average cost of shared accommodations in Canada: $250 - $700 CDN month= ly.

Average cost of a suite or apartment: $400 - $1,500 CDN monthly.

Things to remember when choosing accommoda= tion in Canada:
= 226; Try to make arrangements ahead of time but be especially sure to do so if you require accommodation during the summer months, and during holidays and festivals. =
= 226; If you are stay= ing in a hotel or hostel, always inspect the room on arrival before making a payme= nt. If you are unsure about the location, ask the local tourism association.

Prices can vary greatly according to location and time of year, so try to investig= ate before you leave. Ca= nada is a friendly and wonderful place, and having made the proper arrangements,= you will undoubtedly enjoy your stay regardless of where you choose to live in = Canada.=

Working while Studying
Who is allowed to work?
Full-time students registered in a degree or diploma-granting course are allowed to work on the campus of the institution at which they are register= ed without the need for an employment authorization. This includes on-campus e= mployment for graduate, teaching or research assistants.

Spouses of full-time students are eligible for open or open/restricted employment authorizations, depending on medical requirements having been met.
Students whose intended employment forms an integral part of their course of study such as undergraduate co-op programs, some programs offered by career colleges or language schools and some high school programs.

Depending on your country of origin and the type and length = of study, you may require:
= 226; A temporary resident visa
= 226; A study permit =

The type of documentation required depends on your country of origin, the program you are taking, and the length of your study:
= 226; Any study progra= m of up to six months: no study permit is required
= 226; Programs longer= than six months require a study permit

WHAT'S NEW (as of June 28th, 2002)

<= b>No permit required for short-term programs that are six months or less. Under the new Act,= a person can now study without a permit if the course or study program l= asts for six months for less.
Tougher consequences for violations: unde= r the new Act, immigration officers abroad can refuse to issue a study permi= t to someone who has previously studied or worked in Canada without authoriza= tion.