Family Success Stories
The Ayre Family
Although for most the immigration process is long and gruelling, the Ayre Family had an unusually easy experience. They applied through the federal system and only six months later received their visas! Heather and Andrew Ayre and their children, Jake and Caitlin, arrived in Southwest Manitoba in 2002. The children are very much into ice hockey and figure skating in the winter. Jake also plays baseball and basketball. As a family they ski in winter and swim and fish in the summer. The Ayres own a grain farm and seed plant. Andrew works at this full-time and Heather works in the office. She also work part-time as an economic development officer and teach aerobics and yoga — so they are pretty busy!
Heather and Andrew chose Southwest Manitoba because it was one of the few areas they could get information on. They attended a presentation by a Canadian real-estate agent in England. They started looking in 1999 and finally arrived in 2002 after a couple of visits.
Heather likes the friendliness of the people and the lifestyle. Andrew appreciates the business opportunities and has been very successful here. The kids really enjoy the sports. They would never have had the opportunity to skate or ski in England. The family have their own swimming pool here, something they would never have had in England because they could not have afforded it and the weather is terrible. They also like the fact that it is safe here, the crime rate is low and people are very helpful and trusting.
Unfortunately, Heather hates the winter — it is too long (but most people who live here hate winter, too!) The driving scares her in winter; it is something you have to get used to. She also find the distances a hassle — it takes so long to get anywhere, but again you get used to it. And of course, there are the mosquitoes — they aren't too keen on the mosquitoes.
Before the Ayres arrived they would have liked to know more about winter clothing, driving, etc. Rabies (an animal-born disease) is something they knew nothing about and which was a bit of a shock (Caitlin was bitten by a stray cat). They also would have liked to have understood how the Pharmacare program works.
But the good outweighs the bad. They Ayres feel safe and at home. It is also a very peaceful country and full of opportunities. Jake loves the winter sports and Caitlin loves the summer. The Ayres feel this is definitely a land of opportunity, but you still have to work hard and accept the Canadian way of daily things. They have a much better lifestyle than in the UK, but it is something you have to work for. There is everything here but you may have to look a bit harder; it is not necessarily obvious. You have to talk to people and take their advice. This is a fairly young country. The country's beauty is not in the buildings but in the landscape which is a bit different compared to the UK. The Ayres are a close family as they don't have any other family here; the move has brought them closer together. They enjoy a far higher standard of living and feel very safe in Manitoba.
The Mellings Family
Immigration is a big step in the right direction; if you give it time. When your family decides that immigration is the best option it is wise to give yourself a time frame to settle and get acquainted with your new country. Some say three to five years will give you the right amount of time to adjust, for others it may be shorter or longer. To fully adjust to your new home you need to look ahead and not behind you. Make sure you have the opportunity to experience everything a full year has to offer in this great region.
Peter and Karen Mellings and their two children Thomas and Sarah, emigrated from the UK to Southwest Manitoba in 1997. They had these exact thoughts in their head, a time frame and they stuck to it. The family made themselves part of everything in their new community. They attended as many events and activities that they were invited to, made a network of friends and even made sure they spent the holidays in their new found home. Their goal was to become part of their new life; not just sit back and watch it go by.
The Mellings own a farm and Karen also works at the local hospital. Peter feels that there is less pressure here as a farming business. He is not in the fields 52 weeks a year so this gives the family more time to spend together. Peter is available to attend the kid’s sports and other extracurricular activities because he is working less hours. Althought winter weather can be harsh, the Mellings suggest making the best of it. Participate in curling, skating, skiing, hockey and other winter activities. The winter may be cold but it is well worth it for the hot and sunny summers that are just a few months away!
With all the problems that the world is facing, Southwest Manitoba makes the Mellings feel like they are in a safe place. The Mellings children, Thomas and Sarah love it here. They don’t think of living anywhere else. They have friends, jobs and schooling that keep them busy, along with all the recreational activities!
Peter likes the fact that Southwest Manitoba has a combination of nationalities living in harmony. Within your community you will find residents that may be Dutch, Danish, German, Swiss, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and many more! In order to be prepared for this immigration adventure, make sure you do your homework! Nothing seemed to be a shock to the Mellings when they immigrated because they educated themselves.
The Semper Family
Robin and Vicky Sempers recognized the opportunities in Southwest Manitoba, and just over a year ago they made their ambition a reality. As Vicky was offered an accredited position as a veterinarian assistant, she had to make some changes to her work qualifications in order to maintain her working status in Canada. Although this is different for every occupation it is good to know in advance that depending on your profession you may have to update, or re-certify for certain jobs.
Robin and Vicky then applied for work permits. Once all the paperwork had been gathered the process was simpler and quicker than they had expected. Vicky and Robin had been told that it could take up to 12 weeks to complete the process, but everything arrived within a month. Generally, they found the biggest problem was that they really had no-one that they could contact for advice when they were to filling out the forms.
Southwest Manitoba in the eyes of a newcomer:
- Why did you choose southwest Manitoba?
I have family here (they immigrated to Southwest Manitoba about 5 years ago). We also liked the area, having visited on numerous occasions. Generally, I was looking to change jobs and was hoping to do more large animal work, which is on the decline in the UK, and Manitoba was a good place to do this. We also really liked the pace of life here and how friendly everyone was. - What do you like best about southwest Manitoba?
The people, a more relaxed pace of life, reduced cost of living, and it doesn't rain all the time... - What do you dislike?
Most attractions close for the winter and temperature below -20C - What would you have liked to know before you got here that you didn't?
Having family already living here, we were fully aware of most potential pitfalls, but it definitely pays to make sure that you have an understanding of the tax system, CPP, EI etc before taking up employment here. Also being prepared for winter is very important to know about. - How does Southwest Manitoba make you feel?
I feel very happy here and I already feel like I belong here, even though it has only been a short time. My husband is also a lot happier than he was in the UK. We love the fact that the sun shines at some point nearly every day, a far cry from the South West of England! - What is something you would like potential immigrants to know about southwest?
Things are definitely very seasonal here-don't expect things to stay open year round as they do in the UK. Also -40 sounds terrible but it is not as bad as you imagine! - How has moving to southwest Manitoba helped you and/or your family?
Being close to my family has been really nice and my current employment is a vast improvement on where I was before. I really couldn't find a better bunch of people to work with and we find that we have more time to spend with each other, now that neither of us are driving long distances to work or working such long hours and we love the open space!!
The Van der deen Family
In October of 2008 Eddy and Arenda Van der deen became immigrants for the second time in their lives. Eddy had many years of experience farming and Arenda had many years of experience teaching preschool. After both had carried out their occupations in Holland and Denmark, it was time for them to find the place they were meant to live. The Van der deen's also have two grown daughters that are currently contemplating immigration, Wilma and Linda, and her husband, Joe.
Relocating to Canada was discussed after Arenda and Eddy had visited Eddy's brother in Canada. They had a good time, and they could see themselves living in a different country then Denmark. Eddy started looking on the internet, and found a lot of information. The farm business in Denmark wasn't the best business at the time, and Eddy wanted to be a farmer. After almost six months, Eddy had a good idea of what Canada was, and what new possibilities Canada had to offer his family.
Wilma wanted to see Canada too, so she visited Eddy's brother. She also could see herself living in Canada. Linda and Joe got married in January 2007 and they visited Canada for three weeks. They drove from Thunder Bay to the Rocky Mountains. They liked what they saw, and they could also see themselves living in Canada. If everything goes as planned, Linda and Joe will immigrate to Manitoba in less than two years.
Eddy and Arenda went on another holiday to Canada, this time they visited Manitoba. Eddy thought that the landscape looked a lot like Denmark, and they liked Denmark. They looked at some farms, and when they came home, they knew that they wanted to immigrate to Manitoba. They took another trip to Manitoba in October of 2007, this time they came to Southwest Manitoba. Still they did not see the right farm, but they did meet friendly people and a found it to be a relaxed environment.
In April of 2008 Edddy, Arenda and Wilma came to Manitoba again to see a farm in Southwest Manitoba. Their first impression of the farm was a good one. They could see themselves living there. After they had seen the farm a few times they were sure that this was the place they wanted to live. They found that Southwest Manitoba has the same landscape as in Denmark and some places in Holland. This was a place Eddy could be a farmer and Arenda could relax a little more.
Arenda and Eddy found immigration a long process and it was difficult to find the right papers for the provincial application. The people who they met in Southwest Manitoba where very friendly and assisted them. It took them nine months to get their visas and medical examinations.
The Van der deen family think the scenery here is beautiful and the people are very friendly. It feels like home to them, because it has a similar environment to Denmark. There are a lot of opportunities in Southwest Manitoba.
Some things to consider:
Educate yourselves about access to water, They didn't know that they would have to haul water for their well.
To get a drivers licence, car, plates for a car you needed to have two papers with your legal address on it.
When they got their Manitoba drivers license they lost their European drivers license. When they go back to Europe it will be harder for them to rent a car.
They had a lot of 220W electronics that they gave away, but it is really easy to make 220W in the house, and they could have kept some of there belongings that they gave away because it is 110W here.
You need to have a lot of patience for everything you want to access (car, drivers license, plates, phone, internet etc.)
There is enough space for people, nature, culture and farmers. It feel like home to The Van Der Deen's.
Some words of advice:
Give yourself time to make connections and even if your English is good, take an introductory class, because there is a lot of information that can become handy later on.
Buy Winter clothes in the fall, and do not wait until Winter.
Remember to drink enough water, the humidity is very low.
Everybody wants to help you, so be open and ask questions and be open for advice.
Create church contacts, it is a good way to get to know new people.
We have a new goal in our life; Eddy can be a real farmer again, I can relax more , and find new hobbies. There are a lot of opportunities here; there is room for a family like ours. Our children want to live in Southwest Manitoba too. Even though Denmark was a great country; they can see that there is a future for them here that they couldn't get in Denmark.
The White Family
On April 24, 2003, a small community in Southwest Manitoba welcomed a European family of nine. Mike and Sue White and their seven children were about to begin a journey they will never forget. They left England and came to Southwest for the opportunities and are staying because they fell in love with Manitoba.
A few years before they arrived the White family viewed a presentation about the opportunities in Southwest Manitoba. They knew that this was the place for them to live, work and support their family. The White family now enjoys a community of friendly people, a lower cost of living and lots of sunshine, even in the winter! They endulge in their favourite family activities, including camping, fishing, biking and cross country skiing. The emphasis on agriculture in the area is a true asset to this family. They feel welcome as people understand the importance of family farms even in the larger centers such as Brandon. The White family loves the space, and the diversity. It is amazing how one minute you can see forever and the next you are in a wooded area, valley or crossing a river.
While the White family loves Southwest Manitoba, they wished they had a head start on some basic knowledge of the area. The school curriculum is different here from that in England as well some differences in language. The one thing that they dislike the most: mosquitoes, a small insect that is most prominent in late spring into late summer. The female mosquito is known to bite animals including humans. There is repellent that is used to protect against mosquitoes and can be found in most hardware, drug, and food stores. The White family believes that the southwest region is a good place to live and raise a family. All seven children are very happy with life here and they all enjoy the vast openness of the prairies and the abundance of wildlife. Moving to Southwest Manitoba has enabled the White's to continue farming and opened up opportunities for their children that were not available in England.
The White family is truly proud to live in Southwest Manitoba.