To relocate (from Alberta to BC) or not to relocate that is the question

[jagota_j]

Hi there,

I got my PR via Alberta's PNP program last year. My employer would be closing down its centres of operation in Alberta on June 5th 2015 and has given us two options:

A) Paid relocation - will pay upto $7500 relocation expenses to move to their office in Vancouver/Winnipeg/Montreal (Vancouver among the offered locations seems the better one if I was to go through this route)

or

B) Severance package - will pay close to $6500 if I stay with them till June 5th and don't relocate

I am wondering what should I do - should I take the paid relocation to another province and keep the job or should take the severance package, stay and look for another job in Edmonton, which might be challenging especially with the current state of hurting economy in Alberta?

I would appreciate any insights that would help in making the decision.

Thanks

 

[next2015]

The smart thing to do is relocate.

The fact that you obtained your PR through a PNP should not be an issue. You have fulfilled your commitment to reside in the province and at this point, it is understandable that you have to move - you need a job to survive.

As a PR you do have the backing of the law to reside in any part of the country regardless the route used to obtain your PR. The key is to demonstrate a willingness to reside in the province that issued you a selection certificate, and that you have done.

Relocate!

 

[jagota_j]

Thanks for responding back.

Because I like living in Edmonton, I have been actively looking for work here but have not yet been successful.

If I was to take the relocation which city would you suggest I pick and why - winnipeg or vancouver?

Thanks

 

[fdk511]

Having lived close to Winnipeg (Brandon, MB), I would recommend Vancouver (which I have only visited once ). Winnipeg is a nice city, but the weather conditions would give anyone pause. Vancouver may have some other issues like higher cost of home ownership etc, but weather-wise, you would be better off. Plus, it's a larger city, so depending on your industry/line of work, you might find more opportunities in Vancouver than Winnipeg. Maybe a quick search on indeed.ca or similar could provide better indication of job opportunities in case you decide to switch employers.

If weather is not a concern or deciding factor (after all, this is Canada), then there are several cost-of-living calculators out there which can allow you to determine what the impact on your finances could be, based on a variety of factors.

All the best with the decision-making.

 

[jagota_j]

Thanks for responding back.

I would be making the same there in Vancouver or Winnipeg that I make here - about $40k. I work as call centre technical support for a telecom company. I had an interview yesterday for an external position in Edmonton and also have another interview coming week.

As far as relocation is concerned, If I need to relocate I have been getting mixed reactions and havn't been able to make an informed decision yet.

As our office closes down on June 5, I would need to rush. I would have to start at new location for June 15th and I do get relocation paid for. Would have to apply for the transfer which takes a few days.

Another option is that I can take the severance and if they are still hiring after June, I can apply back on their site within 90 days and still be considered as an internal employee, keep my tenure/salary the same rather than starting from scratch and would have to return a portion of my severance pay.

Just feel I don't have enough information. Some say go to Winnipeg, some say go to Vancouver, some say stay in Edmonton. Havn't been able to decide yet - still looking for opportunities in Edmonton at the moment.

I am a bit concerned about the comparative higher cost of living in Vancouver and how it's supposedly better comparatively in Winnipeg to get another job if a layoff happens again.

So far what i know is:

Edmonton-> Keep the severance, stay in Alberta (comparatively better province for looking for jobs, not sure how that factors with the current economic downturn with the fall in oil prices), lesser taxes

Winnipeg-> Cheaper cost of living, brutal winters, reported crime concerns, comparatively easier to get jobs than in Van, smaller city

Van-> Better climate, higher cost of living, more competitive job market, more diverse industries/companies

Would appreciate any insights that can help me make the decision

Thanks