2016 Best Destinations In Canada For New Immigrants

MoneySense's annual ranking of the best cities and towns for new immigrants to Canada has been updated for 2016, with various destinations across the country vying to be crowned number one. The ranking system looks at employment rates, rental costs and existing immigrant populations in communities across Canada.

Ultimately, it was the nation's capital, Ottawa, which came in first place.

While the following list is not strictly a top 10 from MoneySense's ranking, these cities have been highlighted by the renowned magazine Macleans as being particularly welcoming for newcomers to Canada who are starting a new life.

These cities were chosen because they offer well-paying jobs, low unemployment rates, a stable property market and cultural diversity.

Guelph, Ontario

The city of Guelph is a vibrant community of over 120,000 people situated in the heart of southern Ontario, just 100 km west of Toronto.

Estimated unemployment rate: 4.8% Immigrants as % of population: 17%

St. Albert, Alberta

St. Albert, known as The Botanical Arts City, is one of Alberta's most beautiful communities. It is located northwest of Edmonton.

Estimated unemployment rate: 5.1% Immigrants as % of population: 9%

Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan, and has a population of around 200,000. Regina is the cultural and commercial centre of southern Saskatchewan.

Estimated unemployment rate: 5.2% Immigrants as % of population: 12%

Burlington, Ontario

Located west of Toronto on the shore of Lake Ontario, Burlington attracts hikers, birders and nature lovers, as well as a large number of newcomers to Canada.

Estimated unemployment rate: 4.9% Immigrants as % of population: 18%

Saanich, British Columbia

Saanich means "emerging land" or "emerging people", a perfect name for a popular immigrant destination. It is located on beautiful Vancouver Island, on Canada's west coast.

Estimated unemployment rate: 5.2% Immigrants as % of population: 17%

Delta, British Columbia

 

Delta forms part of the Greater Vancouver area, but is a delight in its own right. About 23% of Delta's population are visible minorities, of which there are approximately 12,000 South Asians and 5,400 Chinese Canadians.

Estimated unemployment rate: 4.9% Immigrants as % of population: 27%

Brossard, Quebec

Brossard is the commercial hub of Montreal's south shore. It is one of the most ethnically diverse municipalities in Canada. Estimated unemployment rate: 5.3% Immigrants as % of population: 36%

Waterloo, Ontario

Waterloo is known as a centre of technology and innovation, a factor that attracts many technologically savvy newcomers.

Estimated unemployment rate: 5.2% Immigrants as % of population: 25%

Gatineau, Quebec

Located opposite Ottawa on the Quebec side of the Quebec-Ontario border, Gatineau is the main town of the Outaouais region of Quebec.

Estimated unemployment rate: 5.5% Immigrants as % of population: 9%

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, the beating heart of government life in Canada, is an increasingly popular destination for newcomers to Canada. For 2016, it is ranked as the best place to settle in the whole country!

Estimated unemployment rate: 6.6% Immigrants as % of population: 20%

Archive