PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Hi All,

me and my partner are thinking of moving to PEI. I was just wondering if there was anyone who currently lives there and their thoughts.

I am a software consultant (2171) and my partner currently works for local government in transport.

I know there are some jobs there for IT etc, so I am not to worried, my only other worry is winter. I dont mind the cold or the snow, but at the same time, wanted some honest opinions on it.

thanks

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Sorry, you know there's jobs? Where? PEI's unemployment rate is currently around 11%.

http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/pt_lfs.pdf

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Yes, i know there are jobs our there which i could do (not saying i would get them). E.g. a few jobs with companies such as Ceridian, similar company and job that I do now.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

I'm surprised to hear there's a computing job in PEI but I suppose anything's possible. Have you been there?

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

on a flying visit yes, planning on spending more time there before making the decision.

On the job front, example of one below (which would suit me, not everyone)

Application Analyst Job in CAN - PE - Charlottetown for Ceridian | Software Support

anything you think i need heads up on?

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Other than there will be hundreds of other applicants for the position, 99% with Canadian experience, nope.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

There is one BE member that frequently posts on BE Canada threads, maybe she can weigh in on your post.

In the meantime, weather wise

Government of PEI: What's the weather like?

on a visit, to get to see it at its worse, I suggest that you come over in the dead of winter, generally lasts from November - late March, mid April.... lots of snow & cold

On the job front

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tabl...bor07a-eng.htm

Mostly Canadian Federal government jobs which you likely wont qualify for. followed by tourism & retail

There are approx 74,000 people in total employed on PEI, 20,000 work for the Federal Government

Employment numbers by sector

Distribution of employed people, by industry, by province (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick)

Unemployment runs in & around 11%

http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/pt_lfs.pdf

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Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Isolation. If the one job doesn't work out then you have to leave. It'll be like getting a job with Orkney Telecomm.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

If you're not from PEI with generations of family, one is an outsider & retired, then its a great place to be 6 months a year May -October.

However, some folks like the cold, rain, snow & outdoor island living isolation.

Come visit, make the first trip in January or February

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

PEI is gorgeous but I know of quite a few native PEI'ers who now work and live in NS as they cant get the jobs they want to do in PEI. Just factor this in to your decision making.
Plus each time you leave the island you have to pay - either the ferry or the bridge. Last time I went on the bridge it was $44+ and that's cheaper than the ferry (makes the Severn Bridge look cheap)

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

$46 when I was there on Saturday to pay as you leave the island

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

4 months of no snow... That's a lot of snow!

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (NOC 2174-A) - Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island - outlook (local) - Job Bank

However, expect PEI jobs for those currently unemployed, have Canadian qualifications & experience, or who are employed looking to move up

When all else fails....

http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/job_search_...&action=SearchPrince Edward Island - Job Bank

All Computer Jobs in PE | WowJobs

looks as though computing jobs are in other Provinces

http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/job_search_...&action=Search

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Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

thanks all! your info is very much appreciated!

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

All of that in 14 posts in 4 hours since the thread opened.

imagine the time, effort & cost going to a immigration consultant in the UK.

Daleboy, have you looked at other Atlantic provinces (NS or NB), or is your mind set on PEI?

Do you have any related work experience in the computing field'?

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

yes, i have considered and still will consider Nova Scotia.

I have nearly 8 years experience in Software Support and consultancy with a global payroll and Human resource company.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

As follows...

In your case - take you, qualified with an HND (Technologist level Canada - 3 years FT beyond A's or A level) with an added Degree, together with experience, you'd be competing against local qualified/experienced people, some who are job hunting.

Suggestion.... see if you can get into one of the other provinces, that done, on arrival...register with as many job agencies out there, take any contract work, one day, one week to several weeks.

Its the Canadian experience that will get you jobs thereafter, as seen on your updated CV.

In the beginning you may need to step back one or two levels by taking a lower grade or category of job that you are over qualified for. Using your HND instead of the Degree when applying for such

As an example, a job in computer support, something such as working for the 'Geek squad' to get a sense of the type of work.... does it fit your profile?

Geek Squad Careers - Best Buy Canada

Or, other related work, solving software problems for clients, to doing service work fixing computer related issues/software.

Look through the earlier links, look at the job descrptions or requirements, tailor your CV to match a position you are applying for


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Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

You might want to read all the posts made by Tuppence.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Back on jobs, its possible that computing related jobs between Canada & the UK may have different titles or descriptions

I googled 'computer networking jobs' in Nova Scotia, a list of agencies, from - WOW jobs, indeed, monster. The position titles included software, hardware, IT, Management.

Take a look, maybe use 'computer or computing network Technologist' in the 'key words' to see what pops up. Or, be specific to your own profile

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Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

awesome response all! have given me much to ponder and research! looks like its going to be a busy evening.:lol:

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

check out ADP - they have a large base in Dartmouth NS and advertise available roles online. Even if they have nothing right now, perhaps come on over and arrange some networking meetings with the understanding that you are looking to increase your knowledge of how your current experience compares with what is required here. Then keep your contacts, add them on linked in, keep in contact and grow your network for a start.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Funny you say that....i currently work for them in the UK! i have already have conversations with them in canada, but nothing will progress until i actually move and get my status etc.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Then what on earth made you think that PEI is a sane choice? :confused:

dbd33 mentioned Orkney Telecomm, but I think the Orkneys before digital technology would be nearer the mark.

You might consider the Falklands. Better penguins.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Hi
A slight thread drift,
but anyone what the city taxes and household bills, etc , are if living in PEI.
just curious, a few guys in work are a few years from retiring ( those not looking at panama/ecuador) are talking of relocating to PEI due to the high vancouver area cost of living
cheers jerry

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Better idea would be to move to the Halifax area - economy not stellar but pretty good, shouldn't be terribly hard to find something - and rent a vacation home or cottage in PEI for a couple weeks every summer. I've honestly never heard of somebody actually moving to PEI from elsewhere.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

As you may have seen on the real estate listings, property prices on PEI are low compared to other centres in Canada.

Its possible to get a decent 3 bedroom bungalow in the $200k or lower range depending on which part of the island you want to be.

Example

http://www.point2homes.com/CA/Home-F.../30779423.html

http://www.point2homes.com/CA/Home-F.../25356774.html

Property taxes

Tax and Land Information Website: Property Charges Application - PCA

cost of living

Cost of Living in Charlottetown. Prices Updated Jul 2016

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Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

I've never looked at PEI for property but this house is the most expensive of 29 detached houses I found between $50k and $100k in Summerside.

$99,900 detached with garage completely renovated.

This one's cute and looks in good nick

Under $90k and inside completely renovated

Not the nicest in outside appearance, looks fine inside. Under $70k

This one could be a duplex...already been a business. Also under $70k

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Charlottetown is a lovely little city and I would move there yesterday except that I could not earn what I do and have the same standard of living there. It is a very nice place to be in the summer time as is PEI as a whole. The problems are very simple. Lack of opportunities and low wages as a result. The economy is heavily dependant on the tourists. In winter it dies on its arse. It is a bleak snow covered windswept landscape.

Watch this

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Looks about half what we had two winters ago :rofl:

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Out of curiosity... why PEI?

On a side note, I personally know about 10 people here in Calgary from PEI... they all left to find jobs.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Yes, I meet a lot of people here in NB who hail from PEI...they all want to move back there to have kids and live...but there's no work!

I would live in Summerside in a heartbeat, it's utterly beautiful, but I hear that it's desolate and a wasteland in winter...and that's coming from New Brunswickers, who 'know' something about desolate wasteland! Indeed they may have invented the word!

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Hi
Why PEI, no real idea, thats why i thought i would ask, it seems it must be affordability, for those guys talking about it.
cheers
jerry

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Hi
thanks to all who posted replies to my question
cheers jerry

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Hi
I emigrated to PEI 5 years ago just myself and the pets. I am now back in the UK as what I can only say as tried it and hated it, grass is not always greener and it was always a dream of mine to emigrate.

I didn't research taxation as the assumption is it is cheaper in Canada was apparent on vacations how wrong I was. Someone on a forum told me what I am going to tell you but I thought it cant be like that really believe me it can!!

People are lovely on the surface but don't expect them to welcome you in to there social circles (friends since birth they don't need you) and you will get tired of the great great great grandpa was English stories where they claim to be English and they know more about England than yourself. My main friends were the other immigrants and those from away, from other parts of Canada, but you can then have a laugh about the locals without any offense being taken as they are highly proud in there own bubble people. Most islanders you speak to want to move back everyone else is looking to escape :)

Firstly the costs of living are high except for the actual mortgages/cars, if you don't take a huge wad of money with you, you will only just stay afloat with a good job.

Jobs - They prefer their own, it is a place of nepotism and as you will always be classed as from away/not an islander which gets tiring after being there for years it actually becomes insulting and they are extremely xenophobic. Most jobs a low paid minimum wage $10.50, technical jobs about $17 and managers $25-30 and the deducations are as follows, you start paying tax at 9.8%, at $10,300 it goes up to 23.8% (one of the highest in Canada) you pay EI at 1.4% and CPP at 4.5% on the first $52000, health and dental premiums are $100=$200 a month, group benefits provide better coverage, you may be offered a company pension take off at least another 5%. Here is a link to tax Canadian income tax rates for individuals - current and previous years

There labor law is 48hrs a week before overtime is paid, and 2 weeks vacation to start with, this can increase to 3 weeks but if you have a highly needed skill negotiate hard for more time like 4 weeks. They have these things called paid sick days that you accrue if you manage people it is a nightmare as people are not reliable and use them like holidays. I found the locals (trying not to seem rude but hard here) not very bright even those with a university degree, much lower than the UK, lacked self motivation and needing their hands to be held for even minor tasks.

Utilities : wow high costs here, a standard telephone/internet/cable package is $150-$180 and that's if it is available no where out of town does fibre and some places are still on dial up or not reliable it is getting better.
Electric - need a $150 deposit for them to connect you and budget for $100 a month minimum.
Heating/hot water - around $2000-$3000 a year (dependant on oil costs)
Sewer/water - my water was free as I had a well but the sewer was $59 a month
Home insurance - $60 for a $130,000 home.

Food - I did a comparison shop when I returned home I spent £51 here it would have cost $160 on PEI and the quality is not as good, eating out is expensive and you have to go to a government owned building to buy your beer/wine, the cheapest bottle of wine is $14 and a 12 pack of beer $24.

Car insurance is high when you first get there I was paying $1300 a year even with 18 years proof of no claims which reduced to $600 after 5 years. Watch out for those that don't stop at the lights when changing to red and continue to zoom through, even though not much traffic some of the worst drivers I have encountered ( not been to east asia or india tho so maybe i'm being unfair)

Pet insurance - the cost $100 a month for 3 but only £31 here with better benefits.

Travel - a toll to be allowed off $45 and then its miles to anywhere, flying anywhere nice for vacations almost always needs a connection and it costs more to fly within Canada to get there form the UK. so no cheap holidays south unfortunately like you can from montreal or Toronto, they only have packakge holidays in feb/mar and one/two flights a week to either cuba or Dominican republic otherwise its Halifax or Moncton.

Weather - I was there for winter 2014/2015 storm after storm means lots of digging out just to get to work and you are expected in once the roads are cleared, snow can start as early as november and finish in may, you can clear your driveway yourself or pay $400 for someone to do it (I did this as when it is 8 ft high I don't want to be digging the whole driveway). Summer hope you like feeling muggy and lots of mosiquitoes, AC and dehumidifier is a must, spring doesn't really start till end of June but the temp jumps around all over for a few months. Rain and basement flooding is a reality on the island luckily I never had an issue. You are forever cutting grass for 4-5 months due to the climate buy somewhere with not so much land or a ride on ( I bought 1/3 acre big mistake so ended up paying someone as I was working 60+hrs a week)

Overall I was earning equivalent to £40,000 and was worse off by £400 a month just with deducations on wages, medicines are paid for and if you have a major emergency you need to go off island. with the higher costs and low wages quality of life was much lower than UK for a single person. couples seem to do OK but it does seem like a super hard slog and a harder life with all the house upkeep and grass cutting/snow removal.

I wish you all the best whatever your choice is but buyer beware :) it does have great beaches and nowhere is ever crowded ... it depends what you want but I did become home sick at year 3 with the isolation and lack of facilities that I am used to coming form a town in the NE England.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

I missed off property tax, its around $1700 a year on a rateable value of $100,000 this is with a countryside rebate, main towns thin the taxes are close to $3000 a year

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Family Doctor - prepare yourself to be placed on a 10 year waiting list as they cannot retain Doctors for long on the island, also when you do get one be prepared to be called by the nurse, they ask what you are there for, then the doctor sees you, seemed like a strange practice to me wasteful of time. Trick is to call you local practice monthly and ask if they have space for patients if you do not want to wait and use walk centres. Are you eligible for PEI health insurance card if not you have to pay for consults.

Dentists - hmm never again and expensive without group benefits.

Post- not all post gets delivered to your home it depends on location, PO Boxes are used which then stops you from using certain delivery services and hard for credit agencies to recognise you home address.

Banking - Be prepared to pay $10-15 a month for a current account, $40 for cheques. Most places only offer a secured credit card so you will need a deposit. Mortgage was easy if you have a reasonable deposit and job offer, use a mortgage broker I had a better deal than most Canadians as a newcomer.

Car loan - use the newcomer service at certain banks which are linked to different dealerships. Always switch to winter tyres (tires) they are amazing.

Doing most things is longwinded, seems if you can find a difficult way to do something that is the way it is done, paperwork and contracts seem to be the norm, buying a house requires signing with an agent urgh! and selling your home = 5% agents fees (no one with budge to a lower percentage, its a monopoly, I tried) and they cant reduce the price without more paperwork.

Bus service - very little out of Charlottetown, once a day to Halifax (I think they were cancelling the service not sure)

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

We stayed in North Rustico this summer and popped to Summerside one day. Unless we missed a huge chunk of it, Summerside was a desolate wasteland during the summer never mind winter.

But having spent time to and fro between NR and Charlottetown I wouldn't say no to living there, but the question did keep coming into my mind as I drove..... What do all these people do for a living ??

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

North Rustico I loved, one of the few things I will miss between Apr-Jun and Sep-Dec when I could actually walk the pupsters without it being to hot and humid or snow.

People are happy with very little and I have never seen poverty like it, I sometimes wondered if i was in a 2nd world country in some areas and I come from Teesside, UK.

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

Anne of Green Gables royalties?

Re: PEI - Thinking of moving
 

:rofl:

most Islanders are sick of the Anne of green gables association unfortunately, potato farmers or fisherman/fish processing.