Canada

The powerful compositions of the most significant Canadian painters of the first half of the twentieth century—whose paintings have become part of Canada’s national heritage—can be seen in some of the most visited art galleries in Canada. Among them are the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario.

“Democracy is just a concept found in textbooks. Do you really think that public opinions affect the decisions of those who rule?” – Voltaire

You’ve just come to Canada and you’d like to buy real estate.

No problem!

Canada: the second biggest country in the world, known for its multiculturalism, many famous figures, and a high standard of living. What makes Canada so special?

Calgary is known for its long and cold winters which Calgarians await and stoically endure, and then reward themselves with a rich, festival-filled summer. From May to September, Calgary glows in multicolour while natives, newcomers, tourists, and accidental visitors exchange their cultures in the greatest way possible: through song and dance and a good bite to eat.

According to a report published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2014, Canada is first in the world for highest number of people between the ages of 25 and 64 with a post-secondary degree, at 52%. The OECD report also states that compared to people with only a high school diploma, those who are university educated in Canada earn about 60% more, and those with a college education, 13% more.

Approximately 30% of Ontarians have higher education, however after a 15-year rising trend, the number of post-secondary students in Ontario is falling. The greatest decreases have been noted in schools for the arts, as well as at universities outside of Toronto.

The first coffee house in Toronto—aptly named Toronto Coffee House, which served alcohol alongside the dark brew—was founded in 1801 near the St. Lawrence Market by British immigrant William Copper.

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, intended for people aged 18-64, suggests 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity per week, and of that, strengthening the major muscle groups should be twice a week. For Torontonians who are bored of the same old running, swimming, or traditional ball games, there are more and more options to be active with the support of a group and instructor. 

If you are not already a homeowner in Toronto, maybe now is the time.

Keeping up with the times, today’s libraries no longer simply provide a service for borrowing books. They are finding new ways to remain a platform for education, the exchange of information, and socialization. A great example is the Toronto Public Library (TPL). The TPL offers free programs in a variety of diverse disciplines.

The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) is the first shareholder company in the world, and one of the oldest trading companies established on English-speaking territory that still operates today. It gets its name from the Hudson Bay which is surrounded by three Canadian provinces, Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba, as well as the territory of Nunavut. The HBC has had a prominent position in the economic and political history of Canada.