Canadian Pilot job market

[captbod]

Hi All

I am currently going through the process of immigrating to Canada from the UK. I hold a JAA/UK ATPL and have 3000 hrs TT, 1200 hrs jet (B757/ EMB 145) and 1700 Turboprop and I'm coming over to convert my licence later this year. I've recently read a few negative reports regarding skilled/ professional people having difficulty finding work in their profession, is this prevalent in Aviation too?
I would really appreciate any advice from Canadian or Brit ex pat pilots who have taken this route.

Cheers

CB

[st7860]

There is plenty of employment in Canada. In British Columbia, the unemployment rate is the lowest its been in 30 years.

http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/JobResult_en.aspx?ProvId=99&Keyword=pilot&Sources=JobBank,Government&Student=No

[Canadapilot]

I'm sure with your hours you'll be fine...Westjet and Air Canada obvious options...although the pay is a lot lower than in UK.

[Capt Apache]

I believe Air Canada has ordered a lot of airplanes some of which may replace the existing fleet.But the airline is definitely tryin to expand.It has ordered 18 777's and is going to take delivery of a lot of embraers.That should create a lot of jobs in aviation in the next few years.I think this would be a good time for you to move.In any case with your experience you wont have a problem.I wonder what the work culture shift for you would be like though?Good luck

[NYC]

Hi,

I recently went through the "Pilot jobs for expats in the USA" thread in the North American forum.
I'm curious how it actually works for Canada...is it easier for a non citizen to find a Pilot job in Canada and how can you obtain a work permit??

Thx guys

[Canadapilot]

If you want to train and work as an instructor you'll be able to get a work permit for that, but i'd forget about any airline/charter giving you a work permit...plenty of Canadians waiting for a flying job .i can't even get a work permit to work a bar job here! If you want to work as a pilot in Canada it's the same immigration process as for anyone else

[NYC]

Thx for your fast reply...I was just curious if, compared to the USA, the whole process is any different.
The question was just in general, I'm presently very(!!) lucky to be a Cpt on the A320 with one of the majors in Europe and I unfortunately doubt there is going to be a gap for a similar position somewhere in North America in the next years...