Moving to Canada: Why choose Ontario to settle?
Consider Ontario for your immigration project in Canada
Are you thinking about moving to Canada? It’s a great plan, but one that requires careful planning! Indeed, there are many opportunities, but it’s important to make the right choices.
So, where to begin? One of the first factors to determine is the province where you want to immigrate. Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories, each offering its own opportunities!
Ontario is a great province for family life, combining professional opportunities with a pleasant living environment. Learn more about Canada’s most populous province, which is popular among Francophone immigrants.
Some facts about the province of Ontario
Geographical location and population
Located in eastern Canada between Quebec, Manitoba, and the northern U.S. border, Ontario offers the most diverse landscape in the country. It is home to no fewer than 250,000 lakes, yet it is also the most urbanized province in Canada.
With a population of over 13 million according to the 2016 census, it is now estimated at 14.5 million, including 2.7 million in Toronto, the provincial capital. As the most populous city in Canada, Toronto plays a key role in the province’s economy and offers many job opportunities.
Southern Ontario is also a highly urbanized area with many cities of varying sizes and levels of dynamism, such as Hamilton, London, and Windsor.
While about 86% of Ontario’s population lives in urban areas, nature is never far away for those who enjoy wide open spaces.
“I enjoy the wide open spaces outside the city, the many outdoor activities available, and of course, the Great Lakes, which are beautiful.”
Marine, expatriate in the Greater Toronto Area for 3 years
It’s also worth noting that the province is home to Canada’s federal capital: Ottawa. Its geographic proximity to Quebec gives Ottawa access to a large Francophone population.
What about the climate?
You’re probably wondering about the climate.
Ontario has a continental climate, with humid conditions in the south where winters are cold and summers are hot, while the north experiences subarctic temperatures. Due to the province’s vast size (over one million square kilometers), temperatures vary greatly from one region to another.
However, in the southern part of the province, snowfall is generally less abundant than in Quebec during winter. If you’re concerned about harsh Canadian winters, Ontario might be worth considering!
Francophonie in Ontario
Key figures
While Ontario is known for its English-speaking majority, it is also home to the largest Francophone community outside of Quebec.
In 2016, Francophones made up an estimated 4.1% of the population, about 550,595 people, compared to 69.5% who reported English as their mother tongue.
Among those who speak French, 58% were born in Ontario, 25% in another Canadian province, and 17% abroad.
Franco-Ontarian Day is celebrated each year on September 25.
Francophone education
As an integral part of your immigration project, Ontario offers many opportunities for French-language education for your children.
If you wish to continue their education in French, note that there are currently 351 elementary schools and 104 secondary schools offering instruction in French. These institutions are spread across the province and cater to various educational levels.
For higher education, note that in 2020, the University of Toronto ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, a global reference in the field.
Approximately 21,300 students are enrolled in post-secondary programs in French.
Support and services
To help newcomers integrate, the province has established settlement support services.
Dedicated organizations provide information and assistance to immigrants on many essential topics, including housing, education, school enrollment for children, employment, and healthcare.
A list of centers and services is available directly on the Government of Ontario’s website.
The job sectors hiring in Ontario
If you’re planning to move to Canada for work, it’s essential to research the growing job sectors in your chosen province or region.
Ontario is an economic engine for the country, offering numerous job opportunities! The Greater Toronto Area is even considered a high-tech hub.
The list of industries hiring in Ontario is extensive!
For more information on job searching in Canada, be sure to check out our dedicated article.
Which immigration program should you choose?
Depending on your profile, age, education, and your Canadian project, several options may be available to you.
One of the most popular among prospective Francophone immigrants remains the Express Entry program.
“Express Entry may be the most overlooked pathway to permanent residence by the French. Yet, this selection system strongly favors Francophones wishing to settle in Canada.”
Me Natacha Mignon, CEO, Immetis
Aimed at obtaining permanent resident status, this program is an excellent option for Francophones wishing to settle in an English-speaking province.
For reference, in 2019, 41,749 permanent residence applications were received through this program.
Other options are available! If you would like more information or a full legal opinion, contact our professionals.
Fun Facts
We couldn’t conclude this brief overview of Ontario without sharing a few unique facts that might just win your heart over.
Did you know that the official stone of the province is the amethyst? Large deposits can be found in northwestern Ontario. The official bird is the common loon, which also appears on Canadian coins.
And finally, under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, it is illegal to drive a horse-drawn sleigh on public roads without at least two bells attached!
If Ontario appeals to you, we’re happy to offer a free pre-assessment of your options.
This article was last updated on January 19, 2021.