WHMIS training is generally provided by employer. Have you visited Calgary or done a recce John? I would advise it especially if you're coming with family. "Canada is different" is much overused statement but very true!

No I haven't done it and I know I should have, but when I put the wheels in motion to emigrate I new my days were numbered in the job but had no finishing date, so decided not to take a break or holiday since Feb09 except for the usual bank holidays "building up rainy day money"
So I lose my job (careless hey) this Saturday morning at 7:30am GMT to a 61yr old incompetent fool who couldn't fault find his way out of a lit room with an arrow pointing at the door and a flashing red light above it saying this way out Pat who was offered in the region of €100,000 in redundancy and refused (there's no pockets in a shroud). And then I had to train him up because he's a Pfizer Colleague and I'm a contractor who's done the job for the last 10yrs.
Sorry for going on it's late here I'm getting tired and grumpy
So getting back to the topic I hope to get over there in September

Hi

Is there any other certs that we should consider, other than the Redseal?

We've already been out several times and stayed with a Canadian family. Have visited areas around Manitoba, Alberta, BC including Van Island. I think it's very important but has left me thinking may not be for me long-term. My husband has the opposite view!! So I'm keeping a very open mind but still would like to consider the move, it's one of them.

Back out to Banff in Jan to do a bit of skiing and hopefully activate Visas if they finally come?????????? Meds done Jan/April '10.

Angela

The IP Red Seal will be enough to get a job as an electrician. Anything else is a bonus.

Hi

Sounds about right, same as here!

One thing I've noticed, the advertising through cic job bank has suddenly decreased. Used to be pages and pages of Electricians required across Canada. Now there's a page or two.

Was hoping new oilsands projects to kick start about now with accomodation, any news on that?

Angela

I'm not sure about the oilsands projects as I have not worked up there. They do seem to be a little slower than previous years. As regards electrician vacancies: there definitely has been a slowdown. Constuction is not as busy in Calgary due to the downturn but they are expecting an improvement towards the end of summer. LMO's are increasingly difficult to get. Either employers dont want the hassle or Service Canada are being more stringent and thorough.

Hi

That's pretty much what we've heard!!

I knew LMO's were difficult, one being hassle and the other due to the downturn.

We're due to get visas anytime soon and then have to make a discission, to go, stay or wait a bit longer. No point going if standard of life isn't either simular or financially viable. I have known people to have gone and have struggled, even with enough money behind them. A good job offer and salary is a MUST!

Like I've said, previously visited Canada a few times and now wonder if it's the right choice for us? I like Canada, still has it's ups/downs like the UK. Nothing seems stable at the moment. The good thing about Canada I think there'll be more opportunities for the kids, and housing is somewhat cheaper. I think your suggestion of visiting before people go is a definite one!!

What's your experience and are you applying for PR now, or just staying on TWP for now?

Angela

You really wont know if it is for you until you have lived here. Is it worth the risk? Well that depends on what you give up and what you and your family have to gain. Our story is a long one and for another thread perhaps but here is the short version: came out in '08. Went back to Ireland 10 months later for a few different reasons. Irish economy in a mess...could not get work etc. Got a job offer back in Calgary. Came back in Feb '08 and got laid off in June.........company decided to downsize. Applied for PR in April. Waiting for LMO to come through for another job which should be in next 2 weeks or so. A bit of a mess really. Definitely more opportunities for the kids......wouldn't necessarily agree that housing is cheaper. The cost of living is more expensive than Ireland. Big things cheaper,(cars, houses, etc.) but small things more expensive, (groceries, clothes etc.).

Hi

SUMMERY:

That's been very much like our story here, company had to downsize, o/h went through applying for own job process and he was one of the lucky guys. Have an opportunity to apply for another job in UK, better money and is a American company with businesses in Canada, may look into this for the time being.

We knew families that went on TWP's and had these problems, we could of joined them at the time but the economy made us to decide to hold-off, don't take a risk and wait for PR. Now that PR is nearing I'm still not convinced it's the right time yet. I think within the next year or two we'll see a change. It's got to be financially right, the rest will flo nicely once this has been established. For us it's not clever to be too hasty.

I agree cheaper big things and smaller things expensive. When we did our research we found overall it wasn't dis-simular to the U.K, give or take this and that. I do think you get more for your money on the housing front, but o.k depends where you live, like the U.K. Overall get more for your money! I guess maybe because you have basements and you can get hold of land easily.

Opportunities, that's something that drives me, more prospects for the O/H and the kids. I'm been very established in what I do here and earn well, but nothing to say I couldn't re-start this in Canada. Just takes time to re-establish.

I like the idea that Canada is not that far away from the U.K, so therefore easier for family or us to travel to and fro. I like the idea there's an open door should things go wrong and it wouldn't be so disruptive if we had to come back. I like that we have a supportive Canadian family to help us through.

Weather, well a little nervous of Mosi bites ( I'm a target) and severe winter conditions. Something I guess we all have to get around i.e spray Muskol and put on extra layers, or hibernate lol.

You quote that you won't know until you live here, is right and I know it can take a year, two or three to settle in. I guess what I'm trying to say is I want to keep an open mind, knowing that we can come back and it may/may not be forever.

My thoughts have clearly changed over this last year and I can't help but open up and say what I feel. I have discussed this with O/H and family and it's conflicting. I'm just going to sit this out and what will be will be. Only time will be my answer.

I'm sure I'm not the only one going through this difficult transition?

Cheers for your advice on certs etc and hope the other guy finds what he's looking for.

Hope your PR will be fast tracked fairly quickly

Angela