Manitoba
 

Can anyone please help. I am thinking about moving to Manitoba but do not know much about it. BC and Alberta were my first options but they are proving to be a bit expensive for me because of the amount of money they want me to pay just to get psychiatric nursing registration. I'm currently living in the UK but my dream is to come to Canada.
I saw on a website that Manitoba rates quite high on violent crimes. Is this true and what areas should i be avoiding. How is it living there and how is the cost of living. How is the education system and the current economic climate. Are they also experiencing the same problems as other provinces with relation to hospital closures and nurses losing their jobs. Thank you so much in advance

Re: Manitoba
 

We have just had a couple of weeks in Manitoba visiting various area, meeting potential employers, checking out schools etc. Winnipeg struck us as having the same problems as most large cities but we just passed through the place, Winnipeg never was on our shortlist of places to live. I would say that the relatively larger urban area's like Brandon which has its own regional health authority would be high on places to check out. We spent 4 days there and found it to be a welcoming community with great schools, good shopping and a good selection of reasonably priced housing. Spent a few days down in Winkler (south of Winnipeg) and although it again was welcoming, schools looked great and great housing options it was very Germanic. Loads of Mennonites (Amish that smoke and drink, speak a dialect of German and go to church a lot). We felt a little out of place.
If I remember rightly, a recent survey put both Winnipeg and Brandon in the top 10 best places to live in Canada.
Check out Brandon town website for more info. Hope all this helps.
Best of luck.
:)

Re: Manitoba
 

Winnipeg is an OK place to live, like most cities is has some issues, for the most part the crime is within certain communities, rather than endemic. There are some parts of the city that I wouldn't recommend, but for the most part its ok. I lived just outside the downtown area for a couple of years, I walked or cycled to work downtown without incident, you need to keep your wits about you of course and you wouldn't choose to go downtown after 6pm or so - its closed - and is then the preserve of the down and outs.

I had my bike stolen from inside my locked garage, and there were numerous other incidents in the neighbourhood at the same time. There is some gun crime, but this is mostly gang related.

The 'peg is served quite well for culture. As in the rest of canada the health system is not as inclusive at the UK, and my opinion is that it does not work so well. Can your qualification be validated?

The manitoban economy has remained reasonable. The education system is ok, its different to the UK, much more nurturing rather than target driven - if your kids need prodding this may not be so good. The cost of living is on balance a little higher than the UK, particularly if you like to travel. Have a look at expedia at the cost of flights to and from winnipeg to get an idea. I priced up flights to vancouver a year or so ago and it was cheaper to get there from gatwick than winnipeg!

Re: Manitoba
 

Hey, sorry for bringing up an old thread but it fits what i need to know so no point starting a new one!

I would also like to know what Manitoba is like, for a person aged 19.
What is it like activities wise? What is there to do? Is the place dull?

Also would like to know other stuff such as what are the people like? Any violence and places to stay away from ?

Cheers

Re: Manitoba
 

Manitoba has an area about three times that of the UK, so hopefully you will understand if people ask you to be a little more specific.

Rural manitoba would be pretty dead, Winnipeg on the other hand is the 8th largest city in Canada and has some life to it. Like most large cities it also has some violence, and specifically there are a lot of hells angel related gang murders. Would that impact the average persons day to day life? Probably not.

What are the people like? Generally 2 arms, 2 legs, eyes either side of the nose, and ears outside those. You know, the regular configuration;). Being North Americans they probably average a bit fatter than the European version:)

Re: Manitoba
 

Didnt realise Manitoba itself was that big haha.
Well, apart from Winnipeg, what other cities are there with 'life' as they say?

And does Winnipeg have a lot to do? What kind of stuff is there, winter and summer.

Re: Manitoba
 

there really arent any other significant cities - there is brandon but I think its only 60-100k population.
Winnipeg is a pretty buzzing place for its size, with a solid live music scene, they have a comedy and folk festival annually in he summer, most big acts touring canada will play the MTS centre.

The climate is pretty harsh, but the locals make the best of it - there is a great winter festival. You can spend a lot of time skating playing hockey in the winter, downhill skiing is limited on account of there being no mountains! most folks head up to lake winnipeg or lake manitoba in the summer - there are some great beaches there.

Re: Manitoba
 

So Winnipeg would be my best bet ? What is it like sports wise? Are there a lot of clubs and such?

What is the cost of living like? Say for me going via bunac? Then possibly staying after that?

Re: Manitoba
 

soccer, rugby, golf, ice hockey, basketball, speedskating, ultimate, cricket, football cross country skiing, yachting all catered for.

cost of living is broadly the same as everywhere else. Winnipeg is the cheapest place in the country for Beer and most expensive for fresh fruit and veg (according to a survey I read a couple of years ago)

property rental is probably cheaper than toronto & vancouver

Re: Manitoba
 

I'm interested in your remark about the costs of Psychiatric Nursing Registration in Alberta and BC. How much cheaper was the cost in Manitoba? Is the difference so much that you can't bite the bullet and go to the part of Canada you truly desire?

Re: Manitoba
 

That's good to hear about the sports.
Also wondering if the people are outgoing and active? Compared to uk where people would rather watch soaps than be outdoor doing something!

Re: Manitoba
 

*protests against the remark that rural MB is dead*...it so totally depend on your interest. If you an outdoor buff, rural is what you want. Hunting, fishing, skating, skiing, oh don't forget the snowmobiling. Hiking, biking horseback riding, canoeing, golfing, fitness..and of course lot of team sports in pretty every community. If you are community minded and want to be involved...trust me, you will be involved. you can always hit the local bar...but clubs and such fancy things are rather seldom. Gotta have a car..but even Winnipeg w/o a car is not that much fun (or so son says).

If the 19year old only want to party and celebrate...better stick to the city (until the money is spent) ;)

Re: Manitoba
 

with respect thats rubbish! I did not own a car for over a year whilst in Winnipeg, it is absolutely no problem assuming you are not stuck out in the 'burbs. Car insurance will be stinging a 19 year old and 2nd hand cars will be expensive compared to the UK.

The people in winnipeg are pretty much like people all around the world - some get out and do things, others sit indoors, watch telly and eat ketchup chips.

Why dont you tell us what you like to do exactly, maybe we will be able to tell whether its there?

eg, watch or play live music, particular sport, theatre, ballet??

Re: Manitoba
 

@manitobain:

Thats good that there is a lot of stuff to do, as here in the Uk I find my self time and time again bored and basically doing nothing. So the range of activities that you mention there excite me.

This list, 'Hunting, fishing, skating, skiing, oh don't forget the snowmobiling. Hiking, biking horseback riding, canoeing, golfing' out of all those i have only ever done golfing! Where i live you dont get the chance to go canoeing or skiing or snowmobiling! Certainly sounds like I would not find myself bored in Manitoba!


Well the only sports i do here are football (soccer) and just work out.
But i would definatly like to at the very least try some of the sports that are available in manitoba.

Re: Manitoba
 

If you are bored in Britain then you simply are not trying hard enough. There is an incredible variety of things you can find to do within a 2 or 3 hour drive in most of the UK. Very few places in Canada can say the same, and Manitioba isnt one of them.

Re: Manitoba
 

This post should go in the Wiki.

Re: Manitoba
 

Once the spelling is fixed anyway:unsure::o

Also I should add that if you add an hour or twos flight to the criteria the possibility to ski, have a beach holiday, visit a different culture etc etc from the UK is much greater than from central Canada.

Re: Manitoba
 

Yeah, but why would i want to visit another country if Canada already has all these things ? Thats whats im getting at, the UK does not have these things. I wouldnt be able to afford flights here and there to do skiing etc, whereas in Canada it is already there!

Re: Manitoba
 

OK, so you land there, maybe find some casual work to help support yourself, and think you'd like to try those activities. Reckon on a couple of hundred dollars per day to rent a snowmobile, or to participate in a guided tour. A horse will likely cost you c$50 an hour to go out supervised on some trails.

Hunting, you're either going to have to take a license test, buy a gun and have transport to get you to the bush, or befriend someone that can help out. Skiing in Manitoba? Mmm, when Stony Mountain declares with enthusiasm that there's 100 vertical feet to ski, and the Ski Central Manitoba web page is covered in ads for Banff, Lake Louise and other resorts, it suggests limited options. Be prepared for flights elsewhere.

It's good to have ambitions and enthusiasm, but much of what you seem to want to do isn't going to come cheap, and there are other places (in Canada) that could offer as much or more.

Re: Manitoba
 

Its not though, thats the point. You tellingme you cant fish or go clay pidgeon shooting, or find an ice rink or riding center or go hiking etc etc etc in the UK?


On the other hand in Manitoba you have either a loooooong drive or expensive internal flight to find downhill skiing, forget about a couple of hours to the med for a holiday, and get used to grinding -20C or worse winters for months and months, and dont get me started on the insect life the rest of the time.

Re: Manitoba
 

All the things I have listed are within an hours drive of winnipeg, As I said you cannot do downhill skiing of any significance for that you need to get on a plane, which unfortunately is going to be much more expensive than a similar flight in europe. Flights are HORRIBLY expensive from WPG.

If you are on a 1 year bunac you will be able to amuse yourself pretty well in the peg. Also when you return to the UK you will appreciate the richness of the UK's culture, history, quaintness (old english pubs etc) and NHS.

Re: Manitoba
 

Yeah, thats great that other places in Canada has these. As once i gain PR what keeping me in Manitoba? Im guessing that I will start in Manitoba and then move on, DREAM of moving to Vancouver one day!,
BUT i was just wondering what Manitoba has to offer.
Dont know who to believe haha, one person says something really positive then the next shines a light on it so to speak.

@snowshoveller:

Im not so sure if i will. I plan on going back to Canada as soon as i can once BUNAC visa runs out.

Re: Manitoba
 

to be accurate, you can do pretty much all the beach stuff you like on Lake Winnipeg (apart from surfing) There are a couple of downhill skiing options within 90 mins of the city, if you dont need to hammer black runs all day then they are pretty ok, and excellent for beginners.

I will admit the winter is probably a month too long, but with sunny dry days in the winter its pretty liveable with. It doesnt even snow that much (too cold!)

Iaink is right though, if you are bored in the UK you may be bored in Canada, it's not always about where you are!

Re: Manitoba
 

Yeah, i may be, but its definatly worth finding out ;)
Ill do my 1 year and then will have a much better feel of life in Canada, or Manitoba to be precise.

Re: Manitoba
 

I'd grab the opportunity if I were you, and the peg has lots of plus points, it's not glamourous, and many folks have a downer on it - some of those folks might have even been there;)

have a blast

Re: Manitoba
 

Maybe, from July to August anyway;)


I agree, its worth trying for a year, but dont expect it to be something its not.

Re: Manitoba
 

I'll try not to haha.
When you say this, do you mean just about Manitoba, or Canada alltogether?
What is Ontario like ?

Re: Manitoba
 

When I was around your age I did the year (or 2) traveling thing, and I think it's a mistake for you to spend a year in one province or place. Take the opportunity to really travel, and visit and experience as much as you can. You don't know what the future holds in terms of opportunity and commitments, so make the most of the freedom you have and plan to visit more than just Manitoba.

Re: Manitoba
 

Ontario? Huge, much bigger than Manitoba. Populated by canadains from all over the world, mostly crushed into the bits closest to the US. More diverse economy, and has probably Canadas only "World Class" city in Toronto (although others may argue about that), which tends to dominate discussion, which tends to ignore the virtues of small town life here.

I agree with Rich, if you are coming on a Bunac visa, use it as intended, travel around and work when you can. Canada is huge and very diverse, so see as much of it as is practical.

Re: Manitoba
 

@ RICH:

The thing with travelling is that i would not be able to afford it. How did you manage to travel if you were working at the same time?
Also, i have done a bit of travelling a couple of years ago. I know from that that i dont like edmonton or prince george.

@iank:

Always wanted to visit Ontario. Could you tell me any more about it ?

Re: Manitoba
 

Nothing you couldnt find on google or in the wiki I suspect.

Live cheap, take whatever work you can find, work hard and scrimp and save, hitch or go by greyhound...

Surely Edmonton and Winnipeg are soulmates, separated at birth?

Re: Manitoba
 

I worked my ass off, saved like fury and then blew it on hookers, drugs and sightseeing (some of that may not be true). I didn't treat a temporary visa as an opportunity to find long term work - I took whatever I could get, whether it was part time, full time, menial or whatever. I picked bananas (not in Manitoba), delivered junk mail, pumped gas <parp>, sanded fiberglass in a boatyard, dug holes, mowed lawns or whatever it took to fund the booze frenzy, or occasionally, cultural experiences.

Re: Manitoba
 

:rofl:

Re: Manitoba
 

I'm not being deliberately horrible, but I think it's a complete waste of a 1 year BUNAC visa to spend it in Winnipeg. Especially as the reason for choosing Winnpeg is because "it's cheap."

You're a student, yes? You're used to being skint? So don't let the cost of things put you off. In every city and decent town in Canada you can almost certainly find cheap, basic accommodation and eating places.

The one thing you will NOT get in a year in Winnipeg is the opportunity to meet a lot of like-minded young people looking for a bit of adventure, and to swap stories and tips about great places to go/see/do on a budget.

Re: Manitoba
 

+1

Not exactly backpacker's nirvana, is it?

Re: Manitoba
 

I think yous are picking me up wrong, im not going to Winnipeg because it is 'cheap' i am going so that i can get PR and THEN i can go other places, do other things.
Kind of a stepping-stone.

Re: Manitoba
 

Whoa, lets back up. How are you intending to get PR?

I know of only one other 19 year old who qualified for PR, and that was under old, more lenient and flexible system, and he had very sought after and unique skills.

If it has to be manitoba is it under the provincial nomination scheme? international student stream perhaps?

Re: Manitoba
 

There's a major flaw in your plan - iirc you're planning on trying to get PR via the Manitoba PNP? So if you up sticks and move to Ontario as soon as you have your PR, it could be revoked as they may think you obtained it fraudulently (you have to sign something to say you intend to settle in MB).

PNP's only really work when you have a genuine wish to live and settle in the province that is nominating you, rather than using it as a stepping stone for elsewhere.

It's a long shot anyway, not much chance of getting PR within the year under the PNP, so is it worth going somewhere you don't actually want to be (forgive me if I'm wrong, but that's the impression I get) just on the off chance somebody wants to sponsor you for a job without any experience?

Re: Manitoba
 

Wait three years and you can have citizenship, at which point the charter of rights gives you watertight legal protection to go wherever you want.

PNP relies on people becoming settled in a place more than waving any big legal stick I suspect.

Re: Manitoba
 

Yeah it is through the provincial nomination scheme. And I never said that as soon as i gain PR i would move. I might end up loving Manitoba and deciding to stay there for a long time!

I dont know where you are getting the impression that I dont want to be in Manitoba? I will have little experience but i do have an uncle that stays there.

How would you lot suggest that I go about getting PR then since yous are slating the way I suggested?