This article is taken from the
special Figaro "From East to West - Living in Canada why not you?"
.
This number offers you to answer the questions you ask yourself as simply as possible.
This, with the help of practical texts, maps and testimonies from French people living in Canada.
1/ Neglecting the preparation
Did you know that Canada offers many visa possibilities which, depending on your profile (age, sector of activity, appetite for a particular province), could prove to be interesting entry points?
To help you see things clearly (and refine your strategy), the Canadian Embassy in France regularly offers free information sessions on immigration procedures.
Don't miss the annual Destination Canada fair, which highlights the possibilities of living and working in provinces and territories other than Quebec.
Read the fileCanada: Le Figaro
's travel guide
If it is the Belle Province that attracts you, you will find many resources on the Facebook page “
Choose Quebec
”.
Several recruitment events are also organized throughout the year, notably the “
Journées Québec
”.
Also take the time to learn about the country itself, which is not uniform.
“Canada is 6,000 kilometers 'coast to coast' and each province and territory has its own identity and history,
underlines Cécile Lazartigues-Chartier, consultant at Art and manner – intercultural consulting.
It is essential to have a general culture.
Quebec, for example, is very concerned about its specificity within the Canadian federation.
If, in Montreal, you say: 'I'm so happy to be in Canada', you've already lost five points!
»
Read alsoCanada, the new destination of the American dream
If possible, plan an exploratory trip to the city(ies) you are interested in.
Don't hesitate to ask potential employers, school principals or even French people already settled to have a more precise vision of your future environment.
Be careful also, if you are going as a couple, to clearly define the aspirations of each other.
“I often say: 'joint project, but everyone's project', sums up Marilène Garceau
,
associate director of the international mobility consulting firm Kennedy Garceau.
What we observe is that, when expatriation is linked to a professional opportunity for one of the members of the couple, the spouse – who is often the spouse – first concentrates on the installation of the family. .
But, once that's done, she finds herself helpless when it comes to building her own project.
My advice ?
Start thinking about your goal several months before leaving and even make contacts so you can get moving more easily when you're ready.
»
2/ Idealize your host country
Let's be clear: no, Canada is not an El Dorado and settling there is neither a guarantee of absolute success, nor the promise of a constantly peaceful daily life!
Of course, the country has assets and it is possible to shape a fulfilling life there, but that does not mean that everything will turn out to be ideal.
The climatic conditions can be particularly harsh, the health system is not organized in the same way as in France, legal holidays are limited to two weeks per year when you start in a company... Not to mention the family distance , which can weigh on morale.
Going abroad also means showing flexibility.
The key ?
Do not leave to flee, but to build, with all the challenges that implies.
Read alsoQuebec: French will soon be recognized as the only official language by Canada
Also beware of received ideas, such as believing that
“everyone is bilingual in Canada
,” warns Marilène Garceau.
Although the country has two official languages, usage varies widely from province to province – and even from city to city.
Thus, in Montreal, it is not uncommon, in companies with an international dimension, for employers to require a professional command of English.
3/ Arrive in conquered territory
"Canada is not waiting for us,"
recalls Franck Point, president of the Vancouver branch of the UFE (Union of French people living abroad) and creator of the Faubourg bakeries.
For example, I remember being approached by young people coming out of business school and saying to me: 'I would like to do consulting in British Columbia.'
But they didn't know the networks and had no credibility on the market!
You have to prove yourself first – and it's not because you're French that the doors open.
»
On the other side of the Atlantic, the most prestigious French diplomas do not evoke much and, when you arrive, you may be called upon to occupy a position at a lower level than the one you had in France.
Even to take a small job.
“The Canadian likes to work with someone who has a first Canadian experience,
confirms Marilène Garceau.
So don't wait for the perfect job and get started, it will show your commitment.
»
Read alsoHappy like French expatriates in Quebec
Pay attention also to the question of regulated professions: in certain sectors (education, accounting, health, engineering, etc.), you will undoubtedly have to submit to different procedures, which vary according to the provinces, before being able to practice your profession.
If you can't find a position that suits you, consider volunteering, which is highly valued in Canada.
This will allow you to forge links and create your first relational circle, especially since networking is essential across the Atlantic.
4/ Minimize culture shock
Do not be fooled by the (false) feeling of closeness that we French people would naturally have with our Canadian cousins – especially in Quebec, where our common language amplifies the misunderstanding.
Across the Atlantic, the social codes are not at all the same as in France.
Canadian society is thus, above all, one of non-conflict.
“To avoid it, the Canadian will not necessarily express his opinion,
indicates Franck Point.
For the record, one day I was chatting with my son in one of my stores, in French.
The next morning, the employees came to see me, worried that we had argued, when it was an exchange of views!
To them, the tone of voice and body language indicated an altercation.
“The Frenchman is in confrontation, both with his friends – we bicker nicely over a coffee – and at work,
adds Cécile Lazartigues-Chartier.
But in Quebec, if you say in a meeting 'I don't agree, it's not a good idea', you are very frowned upon.
»
In the professional environment, benevolence is privileged and criticism is taboo.
“During your annual meeting with your Quebec chef, his speech will be divided into three parts – it's the sandwich approach,”
continues the consultant.
He'll start by pointing out everything that's going well.
Then, he will quickly indicate what is wrong and, finally, conclude with the positive.
The French will say to himself: 'There is a little thing that is wrong but it does not matter.'
While the Quebecer is waiting for you to dig into the negative part.
»
Read alsoWhat to see and do in Quebec?
Our ten essentials
Interpersonal relationships can also be destabilizing for the French.
If the reputation of open-mindedness and sociability of Canadians is not usurped, creating a lasting friendship is not so simple.
“
People have a bubble, and it is not easy to penetrate into their intimacy
”, describes Franck Point.
In Quebec, the generalized familiarity can also lead to confusion.
“We should not necessarily deduce a relational proximity,
warns Cécile Lazartigues-Chartier.
We can be on familiar terms and be very far from each other…”
5/ Constantly compare France and Canada
You have chosen to immigrate to make a fresh start.
So don't waste it while wrinkling your nose at the changes!
“When I hear French people say: 'In my old club in France, it wasn't like that', I say stop!,
exclaims Cécile Lazartigues-Chartier
.
We must come out of judgment and accept things as they are.
"Comparing all the time is very bad for your own integration and that of your children, who will tend to do the same,"
adds Marilène Garceau.
It is better to take advantage of the astonishment of new experiences and of this curiosity to try to understand why we are different.
»
Advice from Louise Van Winkle, Head of Francophone Promotion at the Immigration Service of the Canadian Embassy in France
Louise Van Winkle
CATY_PARIS-2022
“Certainly, the immigration procedures can be quite complex, but don't let them take over your project.
It is important to ask the right questions: why do I want to go to Canada, what would I like to do there, where do I want to settle, how do I get information? Each province and territory has a site that describes its immigration conditions but also job opportunities, population density, lifestyle, etc.
List what is essential for you – the criteria are not the same if you go alone or with three children – and study the destinations accordingly.
Take the time to find your ideal base (it would be a shame to limit yourself to the only places you have heard of).
Even if you choose a more English-speaking province and you have a good level in English, get closer to French-speaking communities, as they can be an asset in your economic integration.
Don't hesitate to call on the many settlement assistance services offered by the government.
»
Advice from Paul Trottier, international recruitment consultant at the Délégation générale du Québec in Paris
Paul Trottier
PRESS
“Let us remember first that immigration to Quebec is a jurisdiction shared between the two levels of government, provincial and federal: Quebec is responsible for selecting immigrants and Canada for their admission.
To find a job in Quebec from abroad, the most effective way is to register for a recruitment mission such as the Journées Québec because the companies that participate are more familiar with immigration procedures.
Thanks to this first professional experience, you can then consider a permanent installation in Quebec.
To stand out in a job interview with a Quebec employer, don't try to impress them with your diplomas.
Recruiters are mainly interested in what you can bring to the company: they will analyze your know-how, your interpersonal skills and finally your training.
Even if Montreal remains a natural gateway for many French people, I would also advise having the curiosity to see what the other regions of Quebec have to offer in terms of jobs and quality of life - because you you might be surprised!
Finally, do not make the mistake of considering Quebec as a French territory in America.
»
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From East to West - Living in Canada why not you?
Le Figaro
