Questions about Canada (Montreal) vs. USA?

Question

These questions will all probably sound stupid, but:

Minimum wage here in the US is 7.25/hr. i think. What is it there? And is the exchange too subtle to make a difference now?

Is it much cheaper to live in downtown Montreal than say...Los Angeles California, US?

Also, how would i get a workers permit in Canada? Do i have to live there for some amount of time first?

Answer 1

the minimum wage in mtl is areound 8.75

yes, its cheaper than LA

and you have to be a canadian citizen.

(Ed P, I'm appalled that a 68+ year old is so uneducated)

Answer 2

To start the process of becoming a Landed Immigrant (a "workers permit"), go to your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.  Immigration regulations do not permit one to apply from within Canada. Having previously visited Canada is pretty much irrelevant. Significant factors affecting your desirability as an immigrant are:

Your level of education and/or training.  Do you have useful skills?

Whether you speak either, or preferably both, of Canada's official languages.  

Whether you have sufficient capital to start your own business?

It's hard to compare the standard of living by comparing minimum wages.  

The most obvious difference is that Canadians earning minimum wages can afford to see a doctor, get sick, or even go to the hospital without also suffering financial catastrophe.

It has not been necessary to equip Montreal's public schools with metal detectors.

Walking alone at night, you're more likely to get invited to a party, than to get mugged.

I have no idea of how much money you'd have left after either of the two tax systems took their cut.

It's certainly possible to spend a lot of money on downtown Montreal accommodation, but I can't understand why anyone would want to.  There are other neighbourhoods (previously, the Plateau, for example) which are less expensive, and far more interesting.

Answer 3

FIRST.....

You have to apply to the Canadian Government, to be considered as a potential immigrant. Here is the link to the main information website of the Immigration Ministry.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

Read about the "temporary work permit "

This will not be a overnight adventure. It will take months to complete.

As to wages here. The dollar exchange rate goes up and down, daily, but for the last year of so it has been just about even.

Cost to live in Montreal, compared to LA, less, by about 15 or 20 percent, depending on how cheap you want to live, and how much you  eat out.

Don't expect the same level of air pollution nor the heat.  Also on  the plus side, you will get to see a culture that ISN'T American, and is much more casual and liberal, even compared to La La land.

Do your home work.

Jim B. Toronto.

Answer 4

B aside what the others are saying  remember Quebec is largely French speaking You may be better of in BC  The minimum wage is higher All so people are not as rude Climate is better  The Olympics  are coming in 2010  Lots of work  Go to hellobc  For free travel guides   And start packing