Brits In Calgary > 2011 > November

Brits calling Canada Home

November 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

© Copyright 2010, Nolan Matthias

Purchasing a first home is an enormous financial step, and often marks the beginning of a different phase in our personal and financial lives. Imagine, then, what it’s like for new Canadians – arriving in a new country, and looking for a place they can call their own, in a country they’ve just begun to call home.

A growing number of Brits are choosing to call Canada “home”. According to Statistics Canada, more than a million new Canadians arrived between 2001 and 2006 – and that trend is expected to grow. For many of these new Canadians, purchasing a home is a top priority. If you are new to Canada, there can be some unexpected challenges, but the good news is that it is possible to find a place to call home, and there are plenty of professionals with vast experience in dealing with new Canadians.

The biggest hurdle of course is credit history. An international credit report is the first step to getting a mortgage in Canada. You can get one directly from the UK divisions of Experian (www.experian.co.uk) or Equifax (www.equifax.co.uk). You may also be able to obtain a reference letter from a recognized financial institution in your country of origin. Even though it is not required, it is a good idea to start establishing credit in Canada as soon as you can, this can be as simple as applying for a credit card or a car loan.

There are alternative ways to demonstrate creditworthiness that several lenders will recognize. For example, a year of timely payment history of your rent (to a non-family member) confirmed by a letter from the landlord and supported by bank statements.

Additionally, 12 months of payment statements for utilities, telephone, cable, or insurance premiums, or documented savings for 12 months.

Typically, with as little as three months of employment history, you can often secure a mortgage. And if you have arrived as part of a corporate relocation, you are exempt from this requirement.

A down payment of five percent is the minimum required and, in some cases, must come from your own resources, for example, your own bank account or investments. If you are not employed, a larger down payment will be required. In addition to income and down payment confirmation, the lender will also require a valid work permit or verification of landed immigrant status.

Getting independent mortgage advice is definitely recommended. The mortgage planners at Mortgage Architects are trained to help new Canadians navigate the challenges of homeownership, and have excellent relationships with a broad range of lenders. Many of these lenders have mortgage programs that are specially designed to help new Canadians into their first homes – and to minimize the usual hurdles they face. Mortgage planners have insight into this broad range of options, and when a lender introduces or modifies a program that will benefit new Canadians, they’ll hear about it. They are well-equipped to help you with your homeownership goals.

It can be a daunting experience for a new Canadian. The system is often unfamiliar, and they often can’t count on their financial history and reputation. But Mortgage Architects has helped many new Canadians, designing a mortgage that is part of a total financial plan for them. This kind of attention and expertise can make for a great start – and a lasting difference.

Courtesy of Nolan Matthias at :http://mortgage360.ca

Filed Under: Featured, Financial, Latest News, Real Estate

Foods we love and miss- the Jaffa Cake Challenge

November 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Jaffa Cakes! Living in Canada is really great- but invariably there are always some foods

Jaffa Cake carefully cut in half. Photo taken ...

Image via Wikipedia

from the UK (or around the world!!) that we all miss. So I will be doing series of articles based on foods and what Brit foods you can get here and also some suggested substitutes.One of those, that I hear from tons of people are Jaffa cakes! There are a number of Brit ‘speciality’ stores in Calgary , that typically sell Jaffa Cakes, but of course as you would expect that come at a premium (but am sure most of us would say they are  worth it). The Brit ‘speciality stores that I know of are currently in Mckenzie Towne, called ‘Jolly Goods’ , one in North West the British pantry and then one in Eau Claire Mall and Market Mall, called Good taste of Britain, (but if anyone know of any other/where else that sellls Jaffa cakes- PLEASE let me know!)

HOWEVER, for those willing to try something a little different, and more ‘readily accessible’ when you do your general food shopping, there is another brand we have found VERY similar to Jaffa Cakes- with that lovely ‘orangey’ bit in the middle- but the chocolate is darker. These are LU- (brand) called Pims (not related to the drink!!) and you can find them in the biscuit section of The Real Canadian Superstore (and probably the Co-Op and Safeway).
These are REALLY lovely, very similar to Jaffa Cakes,  and in fact  our family actually prefer these now- so I encourage you, to take the Jaffa Cake /Pim’s challenge !!

 

While you are there- check out the Penguins and a few other of the President Choice  brand biscuits- all made in England !!!
Filed Under: Featured, Foodie Stuff, Latest News

Canadian Finance 101 – Taxation – Types and Rates

November 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Despite being one country, federally regulated to some extent, Canada is divided into Provinces or Territories each of which operates at times as a separate entity, especially with regards to Taxation, and all Government Documents and Banking.

Alberta for example differs from other provinces in the way it charges tax. Whereas the UK has VAT, in Canada these taxes are often split into a GST (General Sales Tax) and a PST (Provincial Sales Tax). GST is set by the federal government and charged across all provinces and territories. As of Oct 2011 the current GST is 5%.

Alberta does not charge PST, so residents of Alberta benefit from the lowest rates of tax. Other provinces charge PST of varying rates, and some have even created HST (a Harmonised Sales Tax in which GST and PST are combined and charged on everything including food items usually exempt from PST). British Columbia for example had a PST of 7% so when they harmonised the Taxes, goods in BC had 12% added to them for Tax (5% GST and 7% PST).

Unlike in the UK where VAT is always included in the price, taxes are always added on afterwards at the till, so be sure to allow for this when making purchases.

Additionally wage structures in North America assume that a gratuity or tip will be added to most service roles, so when paying in a restaurant assume the menu will first have tax added, and then a tip will be expected on top of this total (15% being a typical standard, with 20% representing good service).

If you have further questions feel free to email me at simonpeterjackson@gmail.com

 

Thank you- Courtesy of fellow Brit Simon Jackson at Edward Jones

Filed Under: Featured, Financial, Latest News

finding schools in Calgary

November 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

If you have school age (or near) kids, then sometimes the biggest decision when moving anywhere,  is finding a school. The first decision you have to make when moving to Calgary and surrounding areas, is what type of school.

So at a general level there are 3 types of schools:

1) Public – which are ‘state’ run (CBE-Calgary Board of Education)

2) Separate- which are actually Catholic (CSSD- Calgary Catholic School District)

3) Private

But within these categories, there are a whole range of ‘specialised’ schools too, such as Art, French, Spanish, special needs, sports etc . It comes down to preferences and often the community in which you live (but if you are interested in a particular school that is not designated for your area,  and if you are  prepared to drive , then if the school has allocated space for out of area students- you may be able to register- but you should check with each school on an individual basis).

Also, once a year there is a report that comes out in the Herald  newspaper, and there is also find an online version- and go to these link which show the best schools in Alberta, which cover Private, Public (state), Catholic and Alternate (e.g. Sports schools/special needs) etc….

If you are keen on a particular school- then it would be worth considering find a home within that community, or catchment area (as not all communities have all types of schools and so will designate a school in another community to service that area). However, the first thing you have to do, if your children are not Canadian citizens , and if you want to go to a ‘free’ school (i.e. public or seperate) is to register , at the Registration centre for public this is 403 777-7373 and for Catholic call 403 500-2575). NOTE to register your child with these school systems, you must have an address within Calgary or surrounding areas to give. If you are going with private education, then registration is completed at each individual school

These centres will make an appointment for you to come in and register, and make sure you ask what documents they require for the appointment. From that point they will assess your child, and then inform you of your designated school, and the next steps to follow.

School class in Hannover (secondary class).

Image via Wikipedia

Filed Under: Calgary Life, Featured, Latest News

Day trips from Calgary

November 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Well, for anyone who has been to Calgary, even for a short trip, most will have heard about the lovely town of Banff, so I will start with this one, but plan to build up a portfolio of other ‘day trips’ or weekends away. There are SO many places to go and see, it’s hard to know where to start, so I think the most obvious , is the best place!
Depending on where you are staying in Calgary (and time of day due to traffic) the drive to Banff can be just an hour to an hour and a half, so is definitely can be done as a day trip from Calgary, or makes for a good weekend.
The High street is a good place to start, with many shops to wander in and out of, and one the ‘must do’, is visit to the Banff Springs Hotel. This is still such an impressive building, with the stunning Rocky Mountain back drop, the views from every direction are simply stunning.
Note, just as I have stated that Banff is one of the most popular day trips,  visiting The Banff Springs hotel, is one of most visitors top priorities, so note it can get busy!
Sometimes they offer ‘special’ deals , so if you fancy a nice weekend away, it is worth checking out their website for ‘deals’ at   http://www.fairmont.com/banffSprings

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Canada

Image via Wikipedia

The hotel has a quaint shopping arcade/boutique shops in the basement- worth a look around. If you have a time/if you are staying at hotel- the Willow Stream spa, is quite a treat- and even if you only go for one treatment, you have the opportunity to lounge around and relax in their numerous pools/sauna’s…or alternatively if you stay and not go to the spa- make sure you go to the hotel swimming pool, which features a large,  indoor pool and connects to a heated out door pool. This is especially lovely when it is cold/snowing outside…….soak in the scenery, it really is quite amazing.

But for those on more of a budget, there is plenty of affordable accommodation in Banff, and if you are still after the heated pool/outdoor experience- head to the Upper Banff Hot Springs- which is equally as stunning.

If you don’t fancy getting wet, but want to ‘see some water’ , walk/ drive down to  Bow falls, as Bow Falls Trail  enable you get up close to the rapids/water falls, or  just a  walk along the Bow River Pathway…… it is all truely stunning.

 

Filed Under: Calgary Life, Featured, Latest News