Start your life in Canada with your Family

Starting a family is a very exhilarating phase of your life. If you are a newcomer in Canada then it can be hard for you to embark on this big change in your life without your friends and family. However, learning about living in Canada can help you to prepare for what to expect through your pregnancy or childbirth.

In this article, you will find useful information on healthcare options in Canada such as maternity and parental leave, how to build a support network, and a program of financial assistance which will help you to prepare for your childbirth and start a family in Canada.

• Your Child will be a Citizen of Canada

As per the Citizenship policy of Canada’s birthright, every child who is born in Canada automatically receives the status of citizenship in Canada. Even if a child is born to those parents who do not have citizenship pr, the child automatically gets Canada pr. Canadian non-residents can come to Canada to give birth to a child.

But always keep in mind that your child gets automatic citizenship in Canada that does not mean that your residence status will change, it will remain the same. You still have to follow the immigration rule at the time of applying for citizenship in Canada.

• Healthcare Coverage for Childbirth in Canada

People who hold the valid status of permanent residents and temporary foreign workers’ permits are eligible to get health coverage. If you have health insurance covered by provinces that are related to medical care for your pregnancy then your childbirth will be at no cost to you. The following medical costs are generally covered, but may it be different from other provinces:

1. You don’t have to pay to visit your healthcare practitioner, which also includes a doctor, or midwife.
2. No need to pay for the tests and X-rays which are required by your healthcare practitioner.
3. If you are eligible for the required criteria then you can get the benefit of a free genetic screening test.
4. You will get a standard hospital room at the time of your delivery. Usually, there are four beds in a room, if you want a semi-private or private room then you have to pay an additional fee.
5. The cost of drugs administered in a hospital setting

• Select the type of birth

If you for the birth of your child then there are various options available for you in Canada. First of all, you have to select a healthcare provider to care for you at the time of your pregnancy and childbirth. There are some options given below:

1. You can choose an ob-gyn who is expert in providing care at the time of pregnancy and birth of the child.
2. You can choose a family doctor for your care during your pregnancy.
3. You can also choose a registered midwife who provides primary care and who has experience in pre- post-pregnancy.

• Maternity Advantages in Canada

On-going financial security is a major trouble for those who are new in Canada as they begin their journey into parenthood. After your baby is born, both parents need to take off for some weeks or months. In many countries, a mother is considered the primary caregiver of a child and for a new father there are limited benefits, but Canada provides employment and financial benefits for both parents. The Canadian government’s EI maternity benefits are eligible for biological mothers only not for those mothers who adopt a child.

Some maternity advantages provided by the government of Canada that you should know abou:

1. You are able to take a maximum of 15 weeks of maternity benefits that are starting 12 weeks before the expected due date and end up to 17 weeks after the date of birth of the child.
2. Mother and father both are eligible to take maternity and paternity leave.
3. You can take the benefits of weekly standard payment benefits which is 55% of your weekly insurable earrings.

• Raising a child in Canada as a newcomer

It is difficult to care for a newborn baby without the help of family and friends for guidance and hands-on support. Some points are given below to raise your child if you are new in Canada.

1. Try to find your parental ethnic group in Canada and make friends with new parents in your neighbourhood to find help and support.
2. If you are a newcomer parent in Canada then you can find a daycare for a newborn baby.
3. The Canadian government helps parents in raising the children with Canada child benefits.
4. You are able to apply for the CCB at the time of registering the birth of your newborn baby in Canada.

When you decide to start a family, it’s a special time of your life that changes your life totally. It filled your life with adventure and joy. Many people who are newcomers face some challenges to raise their children in a new environment especially when their family and friends are not with them. By acquainting yourself with government assistance and familiarising yourself with the experiences of other newcomer parents who have already faced the same problem before you, you are able to navigate through your exciting journey of parenthood in Canada.