I think it is important to have a strategy before coming to Canada. Those who have set job skills and a definite 'career path' will probably look to SWOntario, as it is the manufacturing and economic base of Canada. However, if you do not fall into this category, Montreal (MTL) may be the place for you.

I lived in MTL for three years and I can tell you, NO ONE seems to work legally in that city. Everyone is on some type of assistance and those who work all seem to work under the table. Unlike Toronto, job hunts are best done on foot, going from place to place and asking questions. Things like CVs, interviews, etc seem to be meaningless. When I found work in MTL, usually they would just throw an apron or tool at me and shout, "Ok, go to the back and start working"(!).

Many Desi seem to begrudge labor jobs, but I suggest that if you have two people doing labor jobs in your household, you can make quite a good salary. Living costs in MTL are almost non-existent. I only paid C$250-C$300/month; granted, I was a student and ready to live in rough conditions, but the fact is that it is MUCH cheaper than Toronto.

And you can make a lot of money fast.

The people in MTL are very friendly, girls often smile at you on the streets, people spend all day in sidewalk cafes; in short, it's a very nice place to live. In Toronto (TO) you can spend a week without speaking to anyone. People don't smile and if you try to strike up a conversation with someone they look at you like you're some kind of psycho.

On the other hand, the French in Quebec can be very insular. Your friends will be immigrants and outsiders (but they make up a good part of the population!). I speak fluent French, have an MA from a French speaking university (U of M), but never felt welcomed by the Quebecois. It is a nice place to live, but i feel that an outsider (non-French) would never advance too far career-wise (some may contradict me on this point). I like the Quebecois... though just don't seem to like me!

Looking for work in MTL, it is best to go to an immigrant community: Greek (Jean-Mince area), Hispanic (Cote des Neiges), etc. St. Laurent is a bustling street for restaurants and small shops.

I speak Polish and Russian and had no problem getting a job in those areas (Frontenac). The jobs were low paying but readily available and because of the low cost of living, you can save a fair bit.

The point is, MTL is rarely discussed on this board, but I think it may be hold interest for certain newcomers who do not have a definite career path.

I personally would like to live in Montreal...I have heard only good things about it.

AlsoI am surprised that the living costs are so less.....thats a defineite +.

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I once made a mistake, but I was wrong about it.

Please give more information about Montreal, like where to live, where to work. Also send your contact details.

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Rabyte

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It is a nice place to live, but i feel that an outsider (non-French) would never advance too far career-wise (some may contradict me on this point). I like the Quebecois... though just don't seem to like me!
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Althogh I am in a good position in my company and drawing a handsome salary but I do agree with above comment .Even u know French as a Non Quebecians it is difficult to go too far career wise
Yes MTL is differnt than GTA ...peaple most of the time will atleast smile and say hello to you
Aprt from the Frenh Language/community barrier I like all other things in MTL(Including severe cold weather

Thanks

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ani

Glad there are some brave souls making a go of it in MTL. I found the Quebecois very closed to outsiders. No matter how well you speak French, you are either one of them or you aren't.... nothing will ever change this. Some may argue that it is fundamentally the same in English Canada... well in French Canada it is even moreso the case.

However, the people are friendlier and the city itself is friendlier than TO; i'm not sure how to explain it, but I think it is undeniable.

Career-wise, I think it is difficult for a non-Quebecois to rise too high. I may be wrong though. Feel free to keep in touch with me if you are going to Quebec. I am curious how things go. If I ever go back to Canada, I would surely live in MTL

for quebec it is important to know french at the best level and then it should not be that dificult to settle and ofcourse cost of living is less thanToronto

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Every one has their own personality so do not comment on others. You will know better with time if you have patience.

I am planning to come to Canada in next few months and yet to deceide on a place to live , please advice me how to get my qualification assessed by Canadian Universities Toronto or Montreal or any other Universities.

Can any body help me in this ? Also I have heard that if you stay in Quebec and take a French class you are paid 500 $ per month , I think that is a good way for any immigrant so far as depliting of his own resources are concerned .

Also please tell me what is the cost of living in Montreal , and average earning of an immigrant.

Thnx