The Canadian government is actively encouraging immigrants who want to start a business to come to Canada, at least if you have experience, relevant skills, and financial resources. And despite the lingering perception that Canada is a high-tax nation, a 2006 KPMG study found that the costs of operating a business, including electricity rates, land and construction costs, and corporate taxes, were lower in Canada than in the other G7 nations (the United States, France, Italy, U.K., Japan, and Germany).

The Canadian government has a number of resources to offer prospective entrepreneurs. The federal government’s Investment, Science, & Technology Branch provides a wealth of information designed for non-Canadians who are considering starting a business in Canada. Another good starting point is the government’s Canada Business website for entrepreneurs.

The provincial governments also offer extensive resources for entrepreneurs. The British Columbia Ministry of Economic Development and Invest British Columbia; the Alberta Ministry of Employment, Immigration, and Industry; the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade; and the government of Quebec all provide information about launching a business in each of these provinces.

– Excerpted from the book, Living Abroad in Canada. To read more, buy the book.

Photo ©Carolyn B. Heller