Immigration fair in the Netherlands

March 2008 - We already made up our minds and we were very busy gathering as much information on immigration issues as we could get our hands on. Then we heard an immigration fair was held in the Netherlands. Should we go there? Mmm, why not, nothing venture, nothing gain. And who knows we might just find the right information to make a final decision on where to move to - Alberta or Manitoba.

We´ve explored Alberta (& British Columbia) during a 4-week vacation in 2000 and you literally live in close vicinity of the Rocky Mountains. It´s a very beautiful area, but also very in demand with rapid growth due to the oiling business in the north. House prices and costs of living grow equally as fast.
Manitoba is fairly unknown to us, although geographically it looks like South Dakota, where I went to school for two years. Since it´s 'unattractive' to the average immigrant, costs of living (gas, water, electricity, groceries) and average house prices are significantly lower. But we´ve never been there.

Upon entrance we first exchanged information with some international movers about possibilities and costs of transporting goods to Canada. We took a few brochures along, which gave us something to think about.

Then we went to the Canada section, where we talked to a person from the embassy about whether we should or shouldn´t enter into the Provincial Nominee Program. "Oh well", the representative said, "do it for the experience. Even if you decide not to follow this program, you will still establish new contacts and gain experience".
We also asked him how many people actually file the immigration forms themselves in comparison to those who use immigration bureaus. The representative smiled and said these beautiful words: "being as clever as you young people are, you´ll be amazed on how many things you can accomplish on your own". In other words - do it yourself.

We went to the Alberta booth. The lady talked freely about the possibities, nature and in-demand occupations. But she also told about the problems Alberta was facing like house shortages, increasing expenses for living and housing and labour shortage. We took some brochures, said goodbye and walked on. Thank you, ma´am.

Then came the Manitoba booth. A small difference which I noticed directly: the Alberta stand had a high three-sided counter with the lady behind it, which made a clear separation between the visitor and the representative. At the Manitoba booth there was no counter. The representatives literally stood between the visitors. It must be my job deformation to notice this, but it did make the booth more friendly and approachable.

We met a representative from the Manitoba Labour and Immigration Office and asked about quality of life in Manitoba. He mentioned that the province was growing, but without the steep ups and downs of other provinces, which made it less susceptible to inflation and economic downturn. We asked him about the winter weather, and he replied: "there is no bad weather, just bad clothing". All in all we were convinced that Manitoba could offer what we´re looking for. We took some more folders, received his business card and said goodbye. As he heard my name, he laughed hard and asked if I happened to know the other Will Smith. Yes, I do.

We bought a sandwich and drove home with our heads full of information, but with a clear view on our future.