Many thanks to all who have responded, the reason for choosing Bethany is that we where going to stop with relatives until we found our feet, we have visited both Peterborough & Lindsay, and personally prefer Lindsay, we have looked at some new houses being built just outside Lindsay & could probably just about afford a small one. The biggest problem is the wife does not drive.
Also this area does not seem to have a lot of employment prospects for me as I am a Fabricator / Welder.
We are really confused about it all at the moment, perhaps our return to the U.K. will make us realise why we wanted to go in the first place.

One other concern is the standard of education, can anyone shed any light on this well trodden path????

Canada produces well rounded, well educated, literate, polite kids. Of course like any system you get out what you put in, if you take an interest in your kids studying, help with homework as necessary, keep them on the straight and narrow then they will turn out fine... (just like they would in the UK I suppose)

What did you want to know, other than that the standard of education is fine. Canada is not the third world! Like you said, its a well worn path.

Teach your OH to drive, if you are going to live anywhere outside of a handful of large cities here its a necessity not a luxury I'm afraid.

I received all of my education in Canadian public (state) schools, followed by the University of Toronto. I'm now a biomedical researcher with numerous papers in international journals. The standard of education in Canada is excellent.

If you settle anywhere in Canada other than one of the large cities with good public transit, lack of a driver's license will be a major source of frustration and unhappiness for your wife.

This is likely to be a problem outside of any major urban area with public transport. Rural and Semi-rural Canada relies on the car/truck/suv for personal transport. Your wife being stuck at home, unable to even go to the shops, without transport, is not going to make for a happy situation IMHO

Big fabrication? e.g. oilfield stuff or small? If the former then you should be looking at either Alberta or Newfoundland for the oil biz. You have researched the Canadian qualification requirements, red seal etc?

If the latter, then there are many small fabrication shops in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Most are suffering from the economic downturn so unless you have a particular skill/qualification in short supply you will struggle to find something. (I buy from several small/medium operations in the GTA).

Just another thought, having gained permenent resident status, if we do not move in July as planned, how long does the permanent resident status last. We have travelled to Canada & and are now classed as "Landed", but are not actually living in Canada.
what would be required to re-new permanent resident status if it has a limited life?

As long as you reside in Canada for 2 out of each rolling 5 years, you're fine.

So in theory, you have up to 3 years to finally move to Canada.

Thanks for that reply, it now gives us more breathing space to consider our options, although I think biting the bullet & moving is the best option.

You will regret it if you don't, and keep wondering what if ?

Good luck with your decision, but if you move it is a must for your wife to drive.

Sarah

A point worth stressing.

One of my neighbours was a welder before he came here (from the Lebanon). He discovered that the time it would take him to requalify, and the lousy money he'd get while doing so, would not enable him to support his family.

He drives a taxi.

I am currently recruiting fabricator/welders in the Okanagan Valley. We also work closely with other fab shops who are looking for good quality fabricator/welders. These are jobs that you wouldn't see advertised unless you drive past the plant. Labour rate is approx $28 per hour + benefits + profit share. The wife not driving out here wouldn't be an issue - there are many nice communities within walking distance of the plant.

Would it be possible for you to PM me with some details?
Thanks,
Peter.