1. Hire an interprovincial moving company
What should I look for in a long distance moving company?
If you’re planning for a big move such as moving to Quebec from another province, you need to make sure you hire a long distance moving company that you can trust with everything you have. Here are a few things you should look for when you inquire long distance professional movers.
Are Your Movers an Established, Experienced Moving Company?
Naturally, you would want only the best movers to take care of your family’s belongings—keep in mind that a good mover learned from years of experience. It takes years of fine-tuning, training their staff and even through trial-and-error. With that in mind, always ask your prospecting companies about how long they have been in the business for. By going after established movers, you’re ensuring that they have all knowledge on all the rules and regulations that need to be adhered to while moving across the country. They should have strong online reviews, rewards and accreditations form established institutions such as the Canadian Association of Movers or the BBB. Moreover, these interprovincial professional movers will also have networks across Canada to help make your move a lot more streamlined and safer. Luckily, we curated interprovincial movers, so you don’t have to.
Is Damage Insurance included with the Moving Services?
It’s crucial that your movers offer damage insurance. Make sure you get a full rundown of their insurance policy when you request your quote. Moving across the country is a lengthy process and it’s likely your stuff will make many stops before reaching its destination—there’s a chance it may get slightly damaged in the process. You should always ask the movers about what is included in the damage insurance.
2. Open an account with Hydro-Quebec
Energy provision in Quebec is through Hydro-Québec, which makes things simpler as you don’t have to choose from a number of suppliers you’ve never heard of before.
What you should know!
There are two options with Hydro-Québec when it comes to opening an account. You can do it online for free, or you can pay $25 plus taxes to speak to a customer service representative who will walk you through the form, with the cost being added to your first bill.
The process is simple enough to register online and save $25. Make sure you are filling out each section carefully.
What information is required?
- Name
- Address
- E-mail and other contact details
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You need this information for everyone on the contract.
3. Open an account with an internet and TV provider in Quebec
You may be happy with your internet and TV provider, but each one is limited in the regions it is allowed to offer its services. When moving provinces, there is a chance that your current supplier simply cannot provide a connection at your new home, and so you will have to cancel that service as you leave, and then open a new one with a local provider.
In Quebec, the most popular are Bell, Vidéotron and Cogeco. Although, you have many other choices.
If one of those is your current provider, and you are happy to stay with them, then it is just a matter of informing them of your move date and the new address and they will take care of the rest for you.
However, if you need a new provider, you will need to open an account with an Internet provider available in Quebec.
4. Secure a home and auto insurance with a Quebec accredited carrier
While some provinces operate a public auto insurance plan, Quebec does not, instead using private companies to deliver home and auto insurance solutions. The first thing to do when moving to Quebec is to consult your existing supplier. You may be able to keep your current insurance provision and transfer it to your new home, however in some cases, such as public insurance schemes, the provider may not be able to offer insurance in Quebec.
In this case, you need to find a Quebec licensed insurer who can provide the cover you need. The market is competitive, with a number of companies to choose from that offer good service. You want your home cover in place before your belongings are moved in, the chosen suppliers website will give you full details of how to open an account, and usually have a phone or live chat options to help you through the process.
5. Apply for a health card upon arrival in Quebec
What is the institution responsible for health insurance in Quebec?
In Quebec, health insurance provision is provided exclusively by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Established in 1969 by the provincial government, RAMQ is a public organization covering the health needs of Quebec citizens through over 40 different health programs accessed by your health card.
How to apply for health insurance in Quebec?
Applying is a simple process that is accessed from the RAMQ registration page.
- By phone at 1 800 561-9749
- Obtain proof of residence in Quebec
- Take your documentation along to a RAMQ service point along with 2 identity documents and a passport style photograph. You can find your nearest service point from this page.
- Once processed, your health card and confirmation letter will be sent directly to your Quebec address.
- Collect all the documentation you will need for each applicant, this includes:
- Birth certificate
- Canadian citizenship certificate (in case RAMQ checks with the issuing organization)
- Canadian passport
- copy of the act of birth
What you should know!
If you are a foreign worker or are currently a student, you will require extra documentation from the education or immigration authorities respectively. Consult the registration page to ensure you have all the required documents before proceeding.
6. Obtaining Drug Insurance in Quebec
Quebec drug insurance is provided by RAMQ, and so can be included in your health card application, making it a simple process. However, if you already have drug insurance through employment or other arrangement, you may not need to apply to the public system. Check with your employer if they offer private drug insurance, especially important if you are moving jobs along with moving province.
7. Obtaining a Driver’s Licence in Quebec
What is the institution responsible for issuing drivers’ licenses in Quebec?
All driver’s licenses are administered by the provincial government’s dedicated organization, SAAQ, formed in 1978. The organization also covers road safety education and other transport associated subjects.
How to apply for a driver’s license in Quebec?
If you are transferring your current license to Quebec, begin by visiting the application page, the process is simple from here.
- Select new resident from the options
- Then select Canada for your license issuer
- The drop down now gives you all the details
- Schedule an appointment with a clerk, using the contact numbers on the registration page depending on your location.
- Pay the required fee by cash, cheque, money order or preauthorized debits.
- You need to provide numerous documents to confirm identity and eligibility, these include:
- Your current Canadian issued Driver’s License
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship or right to stay documents
- Proof of Quebec residency
- If your license is less than 3 years old, proof of residency in the issuing province or territory
Note: credit cards are NOT accepted.
In some circumstances, you may be asked to take a knowledge test or a proficiency test, however in most cases this is not necessary. The exact fee you pay is based on the duration of the license. In Quebec license are renewed yearly, starting from your birthday. The charge will be pro rata of the yearly rate.
Conclusion
While there is a lot going on when you are moving to a new province, getting these accounts opened before you move in makes life so much easier. It is also important to think about setting up home security for the safety of you and your loved ones with companies like TELUS Smart Home Security. There are obvious benefits for insurance and health, however, think about that first day in your new home. The move was exhausting, and all you want to do at the end of it all is sit back and relax in front of the TV. If you haven’t organized your communications account, you can’t!
Get organized, get the accounts opened and the whole move will be less stressful.
