What is the best Health Insurance in vancouver?

Calgary or Vancouver is better to leave the family in during a job on rotation schedule in Fort McMurray?

• I will be on site in Fort Mc-Murray for 10 days then 4 days off and want to leave the family in one of these two cities but I'm very new in Canada and don't know cons & pros of each city. I always hear Vancouver is expensive, but never knew what is expensive and comparing to what. I believe weather in Vancouver is much better. Calgary is closer though and way better future job opportunities in Construction or Oil & Gas. What about schooling, health insurance, safety income taxes, harmonized taxes, supermarket, gas, housing, SUBURBS, restaurants, recreational activities,...etc?

• Answer:

  The distance between Calgary and Fort McMurray is 8-9 hours in driving, as you mentioned Calgary is closer than Vancouver but still a day's driving involved. However, there is an airport in Fort McMurray, and I believe there are regular flights every day to both cities. Flying domestic can also be expensive at times. Right now, unemployment rate in BC is higher than Alberta. (7.5% vs 6.5%) Depending on your occupation, it is better to look into the employment stats in your own field. We have been introduced to HST since July 1, 2010 in BC and it is 12% tax applicable to most goods and services, including new homes, real estate, and property. Whereas in Alberta there is no provincial sales tax, only 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) Vancouver has the second highest cost of living in Canada, falling behind Toronto. You'll find energy in the form of petrol / gasoline and electricity are less priced in Calgary. Canada's major oil resources come from Alberta. In overall you might find Calgary less expensive than Vancouver. However, Vancouver has the mildest climate all year around. It is surrounded by nature and forestry is the largest industry here. It is ethnically very diverse and fifth most densely populated incorporated city in Canada. You have to look both pros and cons of living either of the cities from your own perspective. Available jobs in your occupation and of course how you want to build your life in Canada. Good luck!