Chapter 10 of 15

Language & Culture

English + French (Quebec), IELTS/CELPIP for immigration, culture

Summary

Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), though in practice most areas are predominantly English-speaking. Quebec is the exception: French is the official and dominant language there. For immigration via Express Entry, a language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French) is mandatory. Canadian English differs subtly from American and British English. Canadian culture is a mix of influences: British, French, American, and the many immigrant communities.

What you need to know

Bilingualism in practice

Outside Quebec: 90%+ speak English as primary language. French is rarely needed
Quebec: French is the working language (Bill 96). Without French, working in Quebec is limited

🔒

Read the full chapter

This is a preview. Buy the complete guide to receive all 15 chapters as PDF.

Buy — €29.95

Previous chapter

9. Driver's License

Next chapter

11. Working & Entrepreneurship

Buy the full guide

Complete Emigration Guide Canada

Buy — €29.95

Knowledge Base

Emigrating to Canada
Complete guide for emigrating to Canada.
Cost of living in Canada
Overview of cost of living in Canada.
Express Entry Canada
Everything about Express Entry for Canada.
Healthcare in Canada
Everything about healthcare in Canada.
Taxes in Canada
Explanation of the Canadian tax system.

Glossary

SIN (Social Insurance Number)
The Canadian social insurance number. Required for working, filing taxes and government services. Apply at Service Canada as soon as you are in Canada.
Express Entry (Immigration System)
The Canadian points-based system for skilled immigrants. Your profile is assessed on age, education, work experience, language level (IELTS/TEF). High CRS score = invitation for PR.
PR Card (Permanent Resident Card)
The Canadian permanent residence card. You must reside in Canada for at least 730 days in 5 years to maintain your PR. After 3 years you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
The Canadian tax authority. Tax year = calendar year, returns due by April 30. Canada has federal + provincial tax (total 20-54% depending on province and income).
Provincial Health Insurance
Each Canadian province has its own health insurance: OHIP (Ontario), MSP (BC), RAMQ (Quebec), etc. 3-month waiting period before coverage starts — get bridging insurance.
RRSP (Retirement Savings Plan)
The Canadian pension savings plan with tax benefits. Contributions are deductible, growth is tax-free. You pay tax only upon withdrawal. Comparable to an annuity.
TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account)
A tax-free savings account in Canada. Growth and withdrawals are completely tax-free. Annual contribution limit of ~$7,000. Ideal for saving and investing.
GST/HST (Sales Tax)
The Canadian sales tax: GST (5% federal) + PST (provincial, 0-10%), or combined as HST (13-15%). Store prices exclude tax — always calculate extra.
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
An assessment a Canadian employer must obtain to hire a foreign worker. Proves that no suitable Canadian candidate is available.
Service Canada (Government Services)
The counter for federal government services: SIN application, unemployment insurance (EI), passport, pension. Comparable to a Dutch municipal office but federal.