General info about Mississauga

[arisbous]

Hi everyone!
I finally joined the forum. Actually it's my first time that i register in a forum. They told me that the expatforum is the best forum to find answers and info about working and living abroad.
I will probably move to Mississauga for working. My income for the first year will be 50,000$. I am looking for any information and advices for the cost of living in Mississauga(rental-transportation-utilities etc), taxes in Canada, medical insurance and etc in order to find out if it will be my best decision to move there.

Thanks everyone in advance!

[EVHB]

Are you alone, or do you have to support a family too?
Do you get benefits from your employer (extr health insurance)?
Where in Mississauga is your job? Mississauga is big. It takes you 30 minutes without trafic to drive from one site to the other.

[arisbous]

Thanks EVHB!
Well I am alone, I don't have family at the moment. My girlfriend will come next year. My work is at Glen Forest pool and Cawthra pool. They told me that they can get emergency medical care insurance for me but that is it. I think it means that if I have to go to the doctors for something that was not an emergency it would cost me quite a lot.

[WestCoastCanadianGirl]

Mandatory provincial health insurance is provided through OHIP - Ontario Health Insurance Plan. Click on that link to get details on the waiting period and monthly premium (all must pay) and what is and isn't covered.

[arisbous]

Thanks a lot for your help!

[EVHB]

As far as I can see:
- you will need a car. Insurance is very expensive for newcomers (couple of thousand/year)
- rent: 1 or 2 bedroom appartment or condo is $ 1,000+ (+ condo fees)
- basic health is covered under OHIP. But things like going to the dentist is expensive and isn't covered. Medication is expensive and isn't covered (allergy medication for 1 season was about $300 + epipen was $250 / checkup at dentist and cleaning of teeth was about $120). You have to wait 3 months before OPHIP covers you.
- cost of living: compared to where we lived in Belgium, it is more expensive. But our quality of life is higer.

What visa do you get?
Will your girlfriend be able to work? (that might be welcome as for the money)

[arisbous]

They said that for the first year I'll be there as a visitor. Why do you say I need a car? My girlfriend will also be available to work in the same team. Do you know any good site to find an apartment for rent?

[EVHB]

Who is "they"?

[arisbous]

i mean the people that offer me the job...

[EVHB]

I don't get it how they can offer you a job without a visa... You are not a Canadian citizen?