off topic - question for Canadian techies

[jlpblade]

A long term work buddy is considering a one year contract in Montreal with hyperchip doing driver and kernel work. He's been in Silicon Valley for a few years, so the geographic change would be drastic. Any info to pass along will be appreciated.

Jeff

[Hartley]

Il Parlez Francais?

Actually, he can get by without French but it will be quite a change.

Here's some demographics of Montreal.

In 1996 the last census there were 3.1 million people living in the Greater Montreal Area. It is the second largest city in Canada behind only Toronto. 62% of the population speak French as a mother tongue and 36% speak English as a mother tongue. There are also some Spanish and Chinese.
The laws of Quebec specify that signs must be in French only so if he doesn't understand any French he could be in trouble.

The city is one of the poorer cities in Canada with 41% of the population classified as "poor" - i.e. with a household income less than $30,000. 1/3 of the population live below the poverty line.

The city is home to the Canadian chapter of the Hell's Angels and it does have the highest violent crime rate in Canada. But even still it's safer than most U.S. cities.

The government of Quebec's main objective right now is to have Quebec separate from Canada. They have had 3 referenda so far hoping to convince people to vote for separation but so far none of the referenda were successful. It appears the public's will to separate is less now than in quite some time.

West Montreal is predominantly English Speaking and also has a large Jewish Community. If he resides there it won't be so bad.

The city is a very poor sports town, and even though they have 3 professional sports teams (the Expos, the Canadiens (hockey) and the Alouettes (CFL)), very few of them are well supported. Olympic Stadium is a disgrace for watching a game.

Any other questions?

[jlpblade]

Thanks Hartley. It'll probably depend on whether he can avoid your taxes by being paid by the job shop. The rate isn't as high as he's been getting around SJ, but the contracting jobs are no longer in great abundance there. He's actually been considering perm positions.

Jeff

[Hartley]

If he has a permanent home in Canada for more than 6 months then he is said to "sojourn" in Canada and as such is subject to Canadian tax laws.

The tax rate for incomes over $65,000 in Quebec I believe is 49% of income but I might be a tad high on that.

[jlpblade]

If he comes back to the U.S. after 4 months, stays here for a week, and goes back to Canada for 4 months to a different apartment, etc, will he be avoid the 6 month problem?

TIA,
Jeff

[Hartley]

I doubt it. Have him contact a Canadian chartered accountant or tax lawyer.

[DrunkenGoon]

They drive like maniacs in Montreal... I think the population is 3 million Jaques Villeneuve's

French is not a problem but traffic is a bitch. Life's pretty cheap compared to California so even if he's taking a cut in pay he's likely to be better off financially, especially if he gets paid in US$ (50% discount on the Canadian dollar).

May all your bets be winners

[jlpblade]

Thanks guys. He's been told that he could rent a penthouse apt. for 1k Canadian dollars which is approx half what he pays for a near-work apt.

Jeff

[grantt]

He will love it there it is the coolest place in Canada to live. I know, I am Canadian.You would never know it's the poorest it's not like there are bums all over the street. It's basically just the cheapest place to buy a house in Canada. There the average house price is $66,00 in Vancouver where I live it's $260,000.