Good afternoon: My English OH and I ( Canadian/Ontarian) are planning a move to Canada. He is a self employed plumbing/ gas heating engineer. I've investigated the Red Seal process and visited various job websites.My question is...is it difficult for the homeowner to find a competent (and available) plumber in Vancouver and Calgary? Our long term goal would be to set up as an independent in either city. I'm a secondary school teacher but haven't decided if I will return to teaching after working with the OH for the last 4 years (have also checked out certification/employment for teachers in Alberta and BC).

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Canucklehead

As a property manager I had to recently phone for a plumber. 7 phone calls and only one answered...... he was able to assist me that night at 5pm. He has since done quite a bit of work for me and recently did some major work in my house. The other 6 I assume did not answer as they had enough work and did not need my little job.

I also know in Okotoks a friend of mine had a plumbing problem and couldn't get a plumber for ages. So I definitley think the work is there.

The one I use is not expensive either....... he charged us about $80 per hour which I thought was very reasonable.

Yes.

I might add "impossible". I can get a plumber- in as fast as a week (aren't I lucky) but competency is the issue. My two year old has a better grasp of why my bath tub empties more slowly than a student's pint.

Good morning: Thanks all. Competence and availability is a problem over here too...sounds promising for the OH across the pond.

Canucklehead