Located in the east-central part of Canada, Ontario is the most populated province, with almost 14 million people. In terms of area, it is the second-largest Canadian province, spreading across 1.076 million km2. Moreover, the province is home to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and the most populous city in the country, Toronto.
Ontario is bound by Manitoba to the west, Hudson Bay to the north, and Quebec to the east, and it shares a 2700 km-long border with the United States (including Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Michigan) to the south.
Living Expenses in Ontario
Ontario is deemed to have a higher cost of living compared to many other provinces; however, the salaries and minimum wage are relatively better, at $14 per hour. The province is famous for its safety, cleanliness, and quality public services, making it the most preferred destination among the majority of newcomers.
Though the province has high living expenses and taxes, it also offers high salaries to the residents and ensures providing the highest quality of life to its population.
Economy of Ontario
Ontario has been the hub of numerous economic, social, and political activities in one way or another. Moreover, the federal government acts as the sole-largest employer of Ontarians.
The province has a dynamic and diverse economy and is involved in export activities, majorly in automobiles, machinery, and electrical parts. Many popular branded cars are manufactured in the province, including Ford, Honda, and Chrysler.
For more than 130 years, the mining industry has played the primary role in driving the economy of the province, with supplies of over 30 metals and minerals across the world. The major rivers in the province generate much of the nation’s electricity and have further created many employment opportunities in the hydroelectric energy field.
Fruit farming and the production of small grains are other economic activities practiced in Southern Ontario due to the abundance of fertile ground, especially near the Niagara Peninsula.
Demographics of Ontario
The Canadian province of Ontario has a multicultural population, belonging to English and European descent. The largest group of immigrants in the province is represented by the Irish, Scottish, and Italian people. This has also resulted in more than 28% of the province’s people being foreign-born, which is more than the nation’s average of 20%.
Though over 70% of the province’s population speaks English, there are more than 100 languages that are spoken in the province.
More than 50% of the province’s population are followers of Protestantism or Catholic faith, and nearly 23% of people adhere to no religious affiliation at all. Due to a population with affiliation to diverse religions, there are numerous places of worship for people of all faiths.
Education in Ontario
The province offers government-funded education to the residents, beginning from Kindergarten to the end of secondary school, insisting on the quality of education as well.
There are many world-class universities in the province, including the University of Toronto, which ranks at the 18th position across the world. The list of other designated universities includes the University of Ontario, Queen’s University, and the University of Ottawa.
Attractions in Ontario
The world-famous Niagara Falls is the most popular attraction in the province, followed by the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, the Lakeside Park Carousel in Catherine’s, and Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
There are many outdoor-fun activities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, and others.
Ontario Provincial Nominee Programs
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invites prospective immigrants with relevant skills and experience to apply for permanent residency with the province. The province is accepting applications under the below immigration categories:
- Human Capital Priorities Stream (Express Entry)
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (Express Entry)
- International Students Category
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
- Express Entry Skilled Trades & French Worker Stream