family and children

Do you want to move the whole family to Canada?

If you’re thinking of moving to Canada with your family, it’s important to understand the different aspects of family life in the country, such as family allowances, childcare, the school system and other assistance that may be available. The organization of these services varies from province to province, so it’s advisable to check with local authorities or your employer for specific information about where you live. Here’s an overview of the main information you need to know:

Entitlement to Canada Child Benefits (CCB)

In Canada, family allowances are administered by the federal government and certain provinces. One of the main programs is the Canadian Consumption Tax Program (CCTB), which includes the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB), designed to help low- and middle-income families. This program provides monthly assistance for each dependent child.

Amounts vary according to family income, number of children and province of residence. Some provinces offer additional benefits, such as Quebec, which has a specific provincial family allowance.

Source: Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)

To find out more, visit the Family Allowances (ACE) page.

Child care

Childcare in Canada can vary considerably depending on the province and city in which you live. In general, there are several childcare options, including public, private and in-home daycare.

• Public daycare centers: Public daycare centers are subsidized by the government, but access to these spaces can be limited, and fees vary from province to province. Parents must often register their child in advance to guarantee a place.
• Private daycare : Private services can be more flexible, but can be more expensive. Prices vary, and the quality of service can also be highly variable.
• In-home childcare: It’s also possible to use in-home nannies or family daycares. These options may be more affordable, but they depend on local availability.

As a general rule, childcare costs in Canada can be high, especially in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where childcare fees can reach up to CAD 1,000 per month per child.

• Source: Child Care Services in Canada

The schools

Canada’s education system falls under provincial jurisdiction, but is generally divided into three levels:

• Elementary school: Kindergarten to grade 6 (approx. 11-12 years).
• Secondary school: Grades 7 to 12 (approx. ages 13-18).
• Post-secondary education: Universities, colleges and professional institutions.

Education is generally free and compulsory up to the end of secondary school, although fees for certain school materials and extra-curricular activities may apply. There are also private schools that charge tuition fees.

Canada also boasts a large network of bilingual or immersion schools in French and English, particularly in bilingual provinces such as Quebec and New Brunswick.

Source: Ministry of Education, Canada

Useful links :

• Association des parents et familles au Canada : This site offers resources on family allowances, childcare and education in Canada, and helps families integrate into the Canadian community.

• Canada’s official immigration portal: for detailed information on immigration procedures and assistance available to families.

Conclusion

Moving to Canada with your family requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to childcare and education. Family benefits and childcare services are available, but accessibility and costs vary from province to province. It’s a good idea to check with local authorities and your employer to understand the specifics of the assistance available in the province where you plan to live.