Introduction to the forum - Tell us about yourselves

[dgjamison]

Originally Posted by louiseg

Welcome to all the new posters!! As we have so many new posters to the Canadian forum, I though it would be great to find out a little more about every one. Please introduce yourselves so we get to know each other

Here's my brief bio.
Hi I am Louise, orginally emigrated to Canada from the UK in 2003, I was the primary applicant under the skilled worker category. Came with my husband and son (Oliver 18 months at the time)
Six weeks after arriving had a major family tragedy which threw me into complete turmoil, homesickness, dilemma, etc etc. Really took the edge off of our exciting move, and I just felt unsettled after that.
Anyway was offered a really good job back in UK in 2005 so returned there for a couple of years. Got bored with life there, and came back to Canada, (Canmore AB) in 2007. Now settled and very happy
I am glad I had the spell back in UK because it helped me to quantify what I really wanted and how I was going to get it. I would be quite happy living in UK or Canada I love them both.
I really look forward to sharing your journeys !!

Hi My name is Denise, we immigrated to Canada in 1976, we were turned down originally but really wanted to get to canada, so my husband went over on his own and knocked on doors until he got an offer of a job. I had a 2 1/2 year old and a 10 week old baby, we were sent to collingwood with my husbands job, It was really hard for me I was so lonely, my husband worked in catering and was away 15 hours a day, to cut along story short we moved to Toronto and it was a lot better. The first winter was a shock but you learn as you go on, when my kids went to school I started work and met new friends and started to settle down, like you my dad died and I returned to Ireland, but stayed home with my mother, my husband was'nt happy giving his job up as he loved it, anyway here we are 26 years later and going back in august, to start all over again, I know people think we're nuts but i love canada, have been back a few times on holidays so have seen all the changes, some good some not so good, but I still think its a beautiful country and the people lovely. Will keep you informed on how we get on I'm thinking of writing a journal about our experiences.

[BunskiBoo]

Hi Louise.....I think I saw your story on the 'Emigrate' magazine CD. Do you own a B&B? Is that you because if it is that's spooky as I only watched it two days ago and felt so sad for your situation then.

I have only just registered with this forum and I'm new to blogging so if it is you, then it is good to put a face to a name.

[mobey]

Hi everyone,

I'm Michelle. I've just joined the forum to try to get some answers to my many questions. My husband has been offered a 2 year position in london ontario from feb 2010. We have 2 kids (3.5 and 9mths). We are pretty excited but also daunted by the move. For me I'm especially concerned about the move from a hot Australian summer to ridiculously cold canadian winter - how do you get around and do stuff when its that cold and there's so much snow??? Also have lots of questions about schools, kids, finding a place to live etc.

bye,

Michelle

[Jaxnegg]

HI Everyone,
I joined the forum a couple of months ago but have only just got around to introducing myself and start to use the forum.

My partner and I are planning to move to Ottawa next year (2010) on a study visa where she will be the student and I shall be going out to find work. Because I am now in my 50s and she is in her 40s she will be a mature student. We both have different careers behind us but we intend to make this a fresh start. We will be visiting Ottawa in October this year for an exploratory trip. We will be investigating where we might want to live when we move out next year, and intend to travel around the greater Ottawa area to get a fell for the place. Some advice about where NOT to go will be useful, as would advice about good areas. I am sure that this sort of advice has been sought/answered before so I will be off to explore other threads and find some answers to this, the first of many questions.

Regards to all (who read this),

Egg.

[AMN]

Hi All,

Just discovered this site, after two years of re-qualifying to become a pharmacist in Canada my fiance Paul and I can finally make the move. Paul currently teaches 3D Studio Max and primarily does 3D modelling. We have been told we will be placed in West Bank Kelowna, BC - and have just seen the news reports about the fires! Looking for any advice regarding making the move - I am told work permits could be ready in 12 weeks and we have just begun to plan. Luckily we only rent in the UK so no house to sell.

Amy
Manchester,UK

[limey65]

Congrats. on getting things moving!

You're doing things in the right order - some folk come over here then start to go through the process of getting their U.K. qualifications recognised putting too much strain on resources.

I have found Kelowna a really friendly place when we went for visits - it's a great place to setle down.

Best of luck on the move over!
Carole

[AMN]

Thanks for the reply Carole,

The re-qualifying has been difficult, had to learn the WHOLE DAMN DEGREE AGAIN! How does organic chemistry and physics help in everyday situations in a community pharmacy?! But mayber that is why only people who really want to move make it and says volumes about the level of training in Canada- only a 12 week internship to go I can not believe anyone would make the move first!

Where in the UK are you from and anything you really miss?
I am a little worried about moving without rented accomodation sorted but that seems to be the way things are done. It is beggining to sink in that after all the hard work and waiting we are eventually on our way - a little sad too - so many places in Europe I have never been to and they will be difficult to visit now! And you really appreciate the friends and family who live 'just round the corner' that you never find time to see.....

[limey65]

[QUOTE=AMN;165380]Thanks for the reply Carole,

Well funny that you have mentioned the two main thigs that we miss about the UK - friends and the abillity to hop over to Spain or Greece easily. Having said that we are older and have had many holidays there so we can't grumble. The vacation opportunities are different here and just if not more interesting - Hawaii, Mexico, the States to name a few. Best of all are the amazing places to visit in BC itself!

AS far as making new friends, again its the age thing and area. More difficullt when you're older and living in the Vancouver area as Canadian folk are very private and keep themselves to themselves for the most part. The friendly ones seem to hail from out of town!

Kelowna is wonderful - keep going!

[eckbain]

Hi everyone, just a wee intro here. Just filling the immigration forms just now, looking forward (hopefully) to a new life in Canada, where my partner has relatives. Have been there a couple of times now and am impressed with the standard of living and also the kindness of some of the people (took the wee one out in his pram for a walk and was always greeted with a good morning by strangers-took some getting used to!).
Anyway gonna go through the skilled worker app, doing a bit of job hunting the now to see if there are any positions there as I am kind of in a niche market, subsea oil and gas, may have to deviate slightly and go into another trade, but hey i can adapt.
Along with my other half 28, we have a bonny daughter, 8 and baby boy 8 months. Just about the right time to move before secondary school starts methink.

[jenprice]

Hi Louise,

I was wondering if you can help me. Ive just found this website and i saw your post about the exercise about working out what you want:-

I think the best way for you to start is to get very clear in your motivations for emigrating. Think about what kind of life you want for you and your family. What is important to you all, and why having it will make life better. Don't think in terms of Canada at all just what you really want.... (I have a great little exercise you can use to help with this if you PM I'll email it to you)

Is there any chance you could send this to me? We're looking at the possibilty of moving to Alberta/British Columbia, but everythingsa bit vague at the mo, so thought it might help me and hubby really clarify what we're after.

thanks in advance
Jen