CANADA

Toronto

259 Mcnicoll Ave E,
Toronto On. M2H 2C6

Email: 
toronto@ibng.com

Contact person: Xu Bing

General Information

Principal Trading Partners 

Export Destinations
US 84.2%, Japan 2.1%, UK 1.8% (2005)

Import Destinations
US 56.7%, China 7.8%, Mexico 3.8% (2005)

Canadian Overview

Geography & Population
Canada is multicultural society with a population of just over 33 million. The capital of Canada is Ottawa, and has a population of around one million. It is located on the northern of North America, bordering North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean, north of the conterminous US.

The ethnic groups in Canada consist of:

British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%

Language
The official languages are English (official) 59.3%, French (official) 23.2%, other 17.5%

Government and Law
Canada is a confederation with parliamentary democracy.  Federal elections are held every four years.

The legal system is based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations.

Climate
Canada's climate is varied and changeable:

• the regions near the coast or the Great Lakes have milder winters and cooler summers than the interior
• July and August are mostly warm throughout the country, even including the north
• November to March is sub-zero temperatures almost in all of Canada (except the west coast)
• all large Canadian towns are geared to the conditions of cold weather

Religion
The main religions are Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)

Canadian Calendar

Business travellers to Canada should note that Canada enjoys a wide range of public holidays due to religious, national and other festive events. 

IBN clients are recommended to consult with their regional Business Centres to obtain more specific regional travel advice in relation to public holidays as they may impact upon visit schedules.

Exhibitions and Conferences

Canada hosts a range of international exhibitions and conferences each year. IBN clients should consult their regional IBN Business Centre for more detailed information on each exhibition and conference such as exhibiting, booking requirements etc.

For a useful link on exhibition and conference details, please visit the Fair Guide - www.fairguide.com. 

To contact us, click here.

Travel Information

All airports in Canada are much the same in transport structure. There are always taxis or limousines available, with a typical taxi ride to the CBD costing about Can$30-40. Shuttle buses to various locations are also available.

Other forms are connecting buses to subways systems in which times and routes are listed at the departing terminals. Greyhound Canada also has bus stops at the larger airports.

The following information is provided to assist travellers when planning to visit Canada:

IDD:                                                      +1
Time:                                                    GMT -5 - -8
Voltage:                                                 110V
Cell Phone System:                                 Dual Band system (GSM and CDMA)
Dress:                                                    Business Suit
Taxi Fare to city from airport (average):     Various
Departure tax:                                        Yes

Foreign Visa Requirements

Many foreign citizens do not need an entry visa travelling to Canada, but they need a valid passport.   All visitors to Canada have to complete a waiver form, which will be given out on the plane or at the US-Canada border.  On the form you’ll have to give details of where you intend to stay during your trip.  If you don’t know, write ‘touring’, but be prepared to give an idea of your schedule and destinations to the immigration officer.

At the point of entry, the Canadian Immigration officer decides the length of stay permitted. This can be up to six months, but is usually not more than three. The officers rarely refuse entry, however, they may ask how much money you have.   They may also ask to see a return or onward ticket.

As visa requirements vary for visitors from country to country travellers should consult their respective Canadian Embassies or Consulates for specific advice. IBN clients are able to obtain specific information including supporting Letters of Invitation for business travel (if required) from their respective Business Centres.

Health Considerations

Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs.  For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic.

Local Currency

The Canadian currency is the dollar made up of 100 cents. Coins are made up of 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter) and $1 (known as the ‘loonie’ after the bird on the face) and $2. Notes come in $5, $10, $50, $100, $500 and $1000 denominations.

To use our Real-Time Converter, click here. 

Useful Links

DFAT - Canada - www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/menu-e.asp
Canadian Tourism Commission - http://www.canadatourism.com/en/ctc/ctc_index.cfm
The National Post - http://www.nationalpost.com

Disclaimer

Whilst IBN Group Pty Ltd (IBN) has taken due care to obtain and provide the country information detailed on this site, it cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the same information and data. As this country information and data has been received from various sources, accepted by IBN as being reliable, IBN itself makes no representation concerning its completeness, truth or accuracy or its suitability for any particular purposes.