WHAT ABOUT CANADACanada is one of the most desirable places to live and is a natural choice for many people when choosing to immigrate. Canada is the world's second-largest country and, according to the 2004 Statistics Canada estimates, its population is only 31.7 million. MULTICULTURALISM ISWOVEN INTO THE VERY FABRIC OF CANADIAN LIFEFor generations, people from all over the world have immigrated to Canada, making it a truly multicultural country.Twenty-five per cent of the population has at least some ethnic origin other than Canadian, British or French; 60% of Canadians speak English, 24% French and 16% another language. Chinese is the second most spoken language in Canada, after English and French. In terms of new arrivals to Canada, the largest groups are from China and India (with Indian settlers the fastest growing segment). EDUCATING YOUR CHILDRENCanadians take pride in one of the best education systems in the world. Every child's primary and secondary schooling is free, and their post-secondary education is subsidised: the government in most provinces pays more than two-thirds of tuition costs. Consequently, Canada's workforce is among the world's most educated and highly skilled.
HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SECURITYAll Canadians have free access to health care, an essential part of the "Canadian Way".Visiting a doctor is free and no Canadian is forced to pay for hospital bills. In 2002-2003, the government spent an estimated $97.6 billion on health care. This means a total of almost $3,174 was spent on each Canadian for that year alone! With such an advanced health care system, paired with an elevated standard of living, the life expectancy of men is 75 years and 81 for women. Canada also has an extensive social security network including old age pension, family allowance, unemployment insurance and welfare.
LIVING IN COMFORTCanada has one of the world's highest standards of living. More than 65% of Canadians own their own home and heating is considered a necessity - so is owning your own car, colour television and radio. Over 88% of the population have cable or satellite TV, 73% have CD players, 51% have cell phones, and 35% have DVD players. By 2002 estimates, 64% of Canadian homes have at least one computer, and 61% are connected to the internet. Telephone service is virtually universal in Canada.
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