I will be bringing over tools that I use for my work(Fabricator / Welder). Can anyone advise me what the tax I would have to pay, is it a percentage of what the value of the tools are (based on the figure I put down on the goods to follow list).

If so does anyone know what the rate would be?

Are good quality tools expensive in Canada?

I certainly found tools much cheaper over here also do a good check to make sure your tools are compatible with the canadian voltage

Not power tools, personal hand tools, hammers, spanner sets marking out equipment.

We weren't taxed on the tools we brought over. I think it's a hit and miss thing. Can you not just put personal tools $x amount?

There are three potential "taxes":

Customs Duty. For tools made in any country other than Canada, USA or Mexico which are tariff free. Most hand tools are around 7%.

GST/HST. Goods and services tax - like VAT in the UK but at 5% in most provinces and 12% in the Maritime Provinces.

PST. Depending on the province there is an additional provincial tax. 7% BC, 8% ON, Zero AB, zero in the Maritime Provinces. (Note that from July 1, 2010 BC and ON will no longer charge PST but increase the GST/HST to 12% and 13% respectively.

Note that "hobby" tools can be imported tax and duty free under tariff 9807.00.00 so you should carefully separate the two to make sure you don't include any hobby tools in with your trade tools.

Tools in Canada range from as cheap as chips to expensive. You get what you pay for. I'm not sure what your trade is, but if it is automotive then bring quality tools like Snap-on or Facom. Most woodworkers look on Stanley as a premium brand. Otherwise Japanese blades and cutting tools are generally thought to be superior.

If you are coming over as a permanent resident, you can bring all your personal possessions all duty/tax free. So when you ship your goods compile a Goods To follow list and get this stamped by Canadian customs official when you first land in Canada. You don't need to mention each item on the list. Simply state something like "Box of tools".

Whilst the bold bit is true, tools that will be used for work do not qualify as personal possessions.