About Us
Back
in August of 1996 we decided as a family to emigrate from the UK in
order to provide better opportunities for our children's future and
ourselves. Initially, our first choice destination was Canada but we
didn't want to rule out any other options so we also researched New
Zealand, Australia and the USA. As we researched each destination we
came to the conclusion that our first choice was our best choice and
since we have lived here everyday confirms this for us more and more.
In September of 1996 we employed the services of an emigration consultant to assist us with the preparation of our application and started the process of accumulating the necessary documentation to support our request to immigrate. We originally decided that we wanted to move to Vancouver BC, but as we researched this it became apparent that it was not going to be suitable for us. The cost of living there was quite high and we recognized that we would be struggling financially, we've subsequently seen lots of people move from Vancouver and all over Canada to Alberta. We then looked at the other side of the Rockies and found the province of Alberta and the two principle cities of Calgary and Edmonton. The more we found out about Alberta the more we liked the sound of it. We decided that if we were going to move to Alberta we would live in either Edmonton or Calgary, these seemed to offer us the greatest career opportunities at the time.
Up until that point everything that we knew about Canada and the province of Alberta was based on what we had found out whilst living in the UK. It was November of 1996 that we decided to visit Alberta to conduct some "first hand" research and see if it was as good as it sounded. By this time a friend of ours had also become interested in immigrating so the three of us flew out and landed in Calgary about 8 hours later. The intention being to spend a few days in Calgary then travel up to Edmonton and spend the rest of the time researching Edmonton before returning to Calgary for the flight home.
We loved Calgary and the surrounding area so much that we returned home fired up with enthusiasm and continued our research and formulation of application. In February of 1997 we were called up for our medical and submitted our applications to the High Commission. Up until this point we were in control but now our fate lay with the Canadian High Commission. We remember the feeling of anticipation, the wondering and waiting, not wanting to tell anyone incase we "didn't get in". The waiting felt like an eternity, would we have enough points? Would an interview be necessary? One thing we all agreed on was if we didn't succeed we would continue with our application down another route.
The uncertainty meant that our lives were on 'hold', we decided to put our house on the market anyway, our way of thinking at the time was that if we got any interest in the house - great, (we inflated the price to put off a quick sale), basically we took a risk, one which paid off. As it turned out we had an offer very quickly and had to start negotiations before we'd even heard from the Canadian High Commission. Our buyers were starting to get anxious and so we couldn't delay anymore. We decided to accept the buyers final offer and move into rented if necessary until we'd heard from the High Commission.
Finally in July 1997 an envelope arrived and our hearts began to pound. We opened it and with a shriek declared "we're in". The exhilaration was unbelievable and it took us a couple of days, and three bottles of champagne, to come back down to earth! The next few weeks were busy organizing transportation of furniture, flights for ourselves and our dog (his flight cost more than the children's did)! We also had to organize temporary accommodation for ourselves and our dog between the date of moving out of our house and leaving the UK, saying all the farewells to family and friends and much more. Finally, the 12th September 1997 was departure day and we boarded the plane with mixed emotions, ecstatic and excited about our future, sad about leaving family and friends behind and wondering "what are we letting ourselves in for?"
Within three days of arrival we signed a purchase contract for our house and fifteen days later moved in. Fortunately our furniture arrived the same day also. Within ten days of arrival Jayne was working and Ian completed the first of many exams to qualify as a Financial Advisor. Within a week of arrival both children were settled into their new schools and started to make friends. Everything seemed to be too good to be true; it went so smoothly, like an omen that we had done the right thing - in reality it was all down to good planning and research. Our only regret now is that we wish we had immigrated earlier.
Since our immigration our friend (who accompanied us on our research trip back in 1996) and her two children have since immigrated and settled in Calgary. As a result of our immigration, our friends and the many others that have followed us, we decided there was much we could do to help others who are interested in starting a new life in this great city. Having immigrated ourselves we know the process, it therefore makes sense to use someone who has "been there, done that". We have experienced what you are, and will go through, and can relate to the emotional feelings and stresses, and the effects they can have on the whole family. We are here to help, and will support you, not just until you've got here, but long after you have settled in.
Canilink Relocation was formed as a non-profit family business in January 2001 for this reason and can provide you with all the assistance you need to relocate and settle smoothly, inexpensively and just avoid some costly mistakes if undertaken alone. For a free detailed brochure outlining our services please complete the Relocation Information Request Form.
