Moving to Montreal
 

My husband and I are seriously considering moving to Montreal from the U.S. We are quite ignorant about laws re taxes, medical, driving licenses, and other such issues. We do not work so employment will not be an issue. Any advice will be appreciated.

First of all, no foreigner can just up and move to Canada, so you'll need to check with a Candian consulate or the Canadian Embassy in Washington to find out what the immigration rules are.<BR><BR>If they say it's OK, you'll find living in Montreal is very much like living in any big northern US city, except colder in the winter than most. And almost everything you see and hear will be in French.<BR><BR>You can survive quite well in English, especially if you pick the right part of town to live in.<BR><BR>I can't provide the specific details on licenses, medicine, etc., except to say that driving rules are very similar to the USA, and the hospitals and doctors are fine, although often overcrowded and sometimes badly managed. <BR><BR>Not a lot of Americans move to Montreal unless they have to, though.<BR><BR>You'll be able to see US television easily, read US publications, etc.<BR><BR>But I'm curious. Why would you make this move? Care to share?<BR><BR>BAK

The laws are pretty much the same, except the language law in Quebec is unique. Serious crime is governed by the Canadian Crimminal Code (Federal) and Provincial laws such as traffic, education, health and language are Provincial.<BR>Instead of District Attorneys, Canada has Crown Procecutors.<BR>Firearms are severely restricted. Long guns (shotguns and rifles) must be registered. Handguns are restricted and a special permit must be obtained to own one and another conveyance permit is required to carry a pistol. You have to have a very good reason to get a permit, and protection is not an acceptable reason. To own any firearm, you must have a possession permit.<BR>Drivers licences are Provincial jurisdiction. Traffic laws are the same as in most states. Speed, distance and all other measurements are in metric.<BR>The medical system is not that bad. There are waiting periods, yes, but the system is run buy the Provincial Government (the health system in the rest of Canada is operated Provincially but under the Canadian Health Act in co-operation with the Federal Gov't) and is somewhat more efficient and less expensive than in the United States. Most of your medical bills are covered by Medicare and some provinces don't even require premiums, although I think Quebec does.<BR>If you are open-minded and willing to learn French, you should have a wonderful life in Montreal.

Hi Sharon.<BR><BR>I'm an American who picked McGill University in Montreal for graduate school in large part because it WAS in Montreal. So, Brian, not all of us move to Montreal because we "have to". I loved the energy of the city from the moment I set foot there and even after having lived there for 5 years and moved away, I still always look forward to being back. I've met a number of other American who have similar affection for the city.<BR><BR>Depending on where you live in the US, Montreal may or may not be a big change. Taxes are considerably higher for the middle class than in the USA, but I don't know how that will work given you won't be working there...As a graduate student in science, my taxes were never bad as I wasn't earning a whole heck of a lot. You can drive in Quebec with a US driver's license, however you may need to get a QC license after some time. I had a Carte de Soleil which took care of my health care needs while there, but I had a Student and Employment Visa and was eligible. I don't know if that would be the case for you.<BR><BR>Good luck whatever you decide. DAN<BR><BR>

Brian-<BR>The food, the people, the style, culture, architecture, the vibrancy--- need I say more!! That's why we love Montreal. After living in NYC for years, the 16 years in the country, we're ready to relocate to a city where we can walk out the door and find museums, restaurants, shops, etc. Montreal is a walking city. During the past 12 years, we've headed to Montreal several times yearly. Aside from being one of the liveliest cities on the North American Continent, it has an international flair. It's a 4-5 hour drive from our home and, once there, we feel like we're in Europe-without getting on a plane. We'd like to buy an apartment and spend a minimum of 6-8 months yearly. We'd learn the language and would like to make Montreal our home. In the coldest months, we'd travel to visit our children in NY, Washington and Sydney...or wherever. Do you think this is possible? Because we're in our sixties, our major concern is healthcare.<BR><BR>And thanks, Daniel, we agree with you!!!<BR><BR><BR>

Many retired or semi retired Canadians spend 5 to 6 months a year in the US without any tax or citizenship ramifications so I'm sure the reverse is true. So long as you can prove, (through airline tickets e.g.), that you didn't spend a continuous 6 months in Canada you won't be treated as a 'residant' which would open up major tax ramifications. The problem is that even if you spend more than a continuous 6 month period in Canada the US will not stop considering you a resident even if you don't spend anytime there and will tax your income while Canada will also consider you a residant and could possibly, (but not probably) tax your income. Small as the chances are why take the risk. <BR><BR>For Canadians, especially wealthy ones,<BR> the scenario can be really bad and I know of many 'snowbirds' who go to great pains to make sure to always have proof that they do not spend 6 months, continuous or otherwise, in the states.

Hello Sharon,<BR> Because you mentioned health care as one of your main concerns you should be reminded that you have no gaurantee that you will be spoken to in English while in the hospital. Health care is good in Quebec only while you are healthy. I know this from experience. Maintain your ability to get hospital care in the States. I know this will ruffle the feathers of my fellow Canadians. It is the truth of my unfortunate experience both as a nurse and as a family member of patients in Quebec hospitals.<BR>A.M.

Sharon, my husband and I also have spoken about living in Montreal..for the same reasons mostly..What a lovely city, the people are friendly,it is young,great food,lots of energy,museums- great if you like music and art..we do!<BR>I like the idea of feeling like I am in a foreign environment (French) but still in a familiar environment.We go to Montreal at least twice a year and while my daughter lives in Florida, I cannot imagine stagnating there for the rest of our lives..but Canada is great!<BR>PS&gt;The New York Times has an article in the Travel section about Montreal this weekend...and it mentions my favorite hotel, the Le Germain on Mansfield.

Thanks everyone for your input regarding our desire to move to Montreal. <BR><BR>C-Obviously you and your husband feel the same affection for the people and the city that we do. I did read the 01-20-02 Sunday Times travel section on Montreal. Isn't it amazing that Montreal is festive with concerts, festivals and events throughout the year, even during the coldest months. We live in the Berkshires in Massachusetts and, although the summer is filled with cultural activities, everyone hibernates throughout the winter. Please keep me informed if you obtain any information regarding settling in Montreal.<BR><BR>Thanks all.