My wife and I are currently resident in the UK. We hold 4 1/2 years permanent residency in Canada after landing briefly in Vancouver last summer. We are considering returning to settle in Canada as it has several advantages over here eg housing is MUCH cheaper and public services better. However we are concerned about work prospects.

I am in the process of creating a small internet business but expect it to be several months before it becomes profitable. What are the prospects of finding temporary Web design work in Vancouver, Toronto or Calgary around, or indeed anything (eg shelf-stacking, cleaning etc) that would pay sufficient to live on in the short term?

Any advice gratefully appreciated

the toronto area has the highest number of hi tech jobs in teh country, there are loads of "menial" type jobs paying 9-12 dollars an hour thru temp agencies, probably enough to live by but by no means in great stysle and probably both of you would have to work.

Ray

It's quite handy that you mentioned 3 areas as http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/ has a section called 'compare occupations' which allows you to select up to 3 areas. You'll get a list of job requirements, prospects and also further down the list an average wage to expect which will give a ball park figure. Of course, you'd need to then take into account things like cost of housing etc. but could be a good starting point. (The NOC code for web designers/developers is 2175)