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Relocating:
5 Questions to Ask Before Making the Move

To move or not to move – that’s the question a lot of workers find themselves asking. What factors should you consider before shipping off to another province?


[ 2009-03-02 ]

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1. Is the new community good for my family? “Consider what [the move] will do in the long term for you and your family,” says Steve Cryne, executive vice president of the Canadian Employee Relocation Council. Will you be able to pursue your favourite recreational and cultural activities, or have access to the medical services you require?

2. Can my spouse find work there? What’s best for the job hunter may not be what’s best for the couple if both spouses work. “The accompanying spouse may have their own very strong career path,” Cryne points out.

3. What about housing? Housing market conditions and prices vary greatly across Canada. “Depending on conditions within your province, buying and selling a home could prove a difficult process,” explains Dave Fennell, director of business development for Weichert Relocation Resources Inc. in Calgary. This is particularly true if you’re moving from Oshawa’s depressed market to a booming economy like Vancouver’s.

4. Is the pay really that much better? Export Development Canada’s chief economist Peter Hall cautions people to look a gift horse in the mouth. “Don’t be wooed by good money,” Hall says. Differences in pay may reflect differences in local costs.


5. Will you get help with your move? Given the expense and hassle of moving, some employers offer relocation assistance. “It typically includes the services of local real estate experts who can offer professional guidance and market expertise to ensure that employees and employers don’t overspend on their relocation budget,” Fennell says.

Different push and pull factors help workers decide what kind of work they’d like to do – and in which province. Read more about these issues:

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