Click On This Link For FARMS FOR SALE
FARM SEMINARS 2012
Century 21 Westman.com Ltd
2012 Seminars
All meetings commence at 7.30 pm
presented by Maurice Torr
Mon January 30 – SHREWSBURY - Lord Hill Hotel 01743232601 England
Tue 31 – CARMARTHEN - Ivy Bush Royal Hotel 01267 235111 Wales
Wed February 1 - LAUNCESTON - Eagle House Hotel 01566 772036 England
Thur “ 2 – TAUNTON - Holiday Inn 01823281683 *
Fri “ 3 – ROSS on WYE - Royal Hotel 019890565105 *
Mon “ 6 – MELTON MOWBRAY - Quorn Lodge Hotel 01664566660 *
Tue “ 7 – DONCASTER - Crown Hotel, Bawtry 01302 710341 “
Wed “ 8 – DARLINGTON - Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner 01748 850900 “
Thu “ 9 - COCKERMOUTH - Shepherds Hotel 01900 828663 *
Fri “ 10 - SKIPTON - Herriots Hotel 01756 792781 “
Mon “ 13 – CONGLETON - Lion and Swan Hotel 01260 273115 *
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February 15th - February 27th, 2012
SOUTH AFRICA - (See Below)
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Tue “ 28 - FORFAR - Queens Hotel 01307 462533 Scotland
Wed “ 29 - STIRLING - Holiday Inn Express 01786 449922 *
Thur March 1 - LURGAN - Ashburn Hotel 028 3832 5711 N. Ireland
Fri “ 2 - COLERAINE - The Lodge Hotel 028 7034 4848 “
Sat “ 3 - FIVEMILETOWN - The Valley Hotel 028 8952 1505 “
Sun “ 4 - TULLAMORE - Tullamore Court Hotel 057 934 6666 Ireland
Mon “ 5 - FERMOY - Grand Hotel 025 40966 “
Tue “ 6 - CARLOW - Seven Oaks Hotel 059 913 1308 “
Wed “ 7 - NAVAN - Ardboyne Hotel 046 902 3119 “
Thur * 8 - DUMFRIES - Station Hotel 01387 254316 Scotland
The main topics of discussion at the meetings will cover a range of subjects including:-
- Farming systems, current Farm Prices, Climate, Education, Healthcare, Taxation,
- Immigration requirements and procedure, the Relaxed Lifestyle we enjoy,
- and other topics relevant to the transition of starting a new life in another country.
SOUTH AFRICA VENUES
Feb. 17-19: REITZ: Bieliemielie Festival, Reitz Showground, Contact: Anelie Swemmer: 0824817666(SA)
We will be accompanied by Carl Hubener, head of Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, http://www2.immigratemanitoba.com/browse
Feb. 20 - 17H00, FICKSBURG: CherryFestivalBox, Ficksburg, Contact: Anelie Swemmer
Feb. 21 - 17H00, HOOPSTAD: Hoopstad Suid Boerevereniging, Contact: Mariliza Groenewald
Feb. 22 - 17H00, HEILBRON: Heilbron Gholfklub, Contact: Anelie Swemmer
Feb. 23 - 17H00, VILLIERS: Nicolene du Plessis Guesthouse Contact: Anelie Swemmer
Feb.24 - 17H00, BETHLEHEM: FrontierInnCasino: Contact: Anelie Swemmer: 0824817666(SA)
Feb. 25 - 10H00, VREDE: Vrede Hotel Hotel: Contact: Anelie Swemmer: 0824817666(SA)
We’ll see you there
Click Here To View The Map Of Canada: http://onlineoffice.century21.ca/PublicStorage.c?ID=ba9877d9-a9d1-4587-86dc-b1a3eb7aa1ac
“ Our Century has arrived ”
Century 21 Westman.com is a franchise of Canada's largest real estate network. With over 430+ offices coast-to-coast in Canada, we feel this "national connection" allows us to provide excellent service to our overseas clientele.
Mr. Maurice Torr, previously our associate in Leek, Staffordshire, England is a partner with our firm in Brandon, Manitoba. Maurice is specialising in farm sales with over forty years of real estate experience - thirty of which have been working with prospective immigrants from the United Kingdom and Europe. Mr. Jack Nesbit has some twenty one years of farm real estate experience with the overseas market. Jack undertakes his real estate activities in conjunction with successfully operating a substantial mixed grain and cattle farm in the western part of the province. Last year they showed numerous prospective purchasers around Manitoba farms, resulting in sales to overseas buyers.
Maurice and Jack visit the UK and Ireland annually presenting upwards of 30 Seminars in different locations around the countries. Should you decide to make the move to Canada, they will be pleased to assist you in finding your new home and business, arranging finances, securing your visa, and finally, settling in the community and meeting your new neighbours.
We look forward to having the opportunity of being of assistance to you and your family at some time in the future!
Dependably yours,
CENTURY 21 Westman.com.
Raymond B. Brownlee,
General Manager
Encompassing nearly half the North American Continent,
Canada, with a population of 33¾ million people is
the second largest country in the world, and consequently enormous contrasts exist consisting of rugged mountain chains, endless prairies, huge forests, countless lakes and rivers, pleasant summers, cold winters, busy cities, and large unpopulated areas.
The Trans-Canada Highway connects the east and west coast being just short of 4900 miles long, with the distance from Halifax (on the east coast) to Vancouver (on the west coast) being greater than the distance from Halifax (Canada) to London (England).
Manitoba is a fairly level province with slopes interspersed among some rolling hills that reach a height of some 2700 feet. Its total area of some 251,000 square miles encompasses a land surface area of some 212,000 square miles with the residue being water contained in the many thousands of lakes, the majority of which are located in the northern part of the province. From North to South, Manitoba measures some 761 miles, with the populated area of the South some 280 miles wide. Even though Manitoba is so large, it only has a population of around 1,222,000 people, over half of whom live in Winnipeg. The rest of the population is mainly spread over the Southern part of the Province where agriculture is the predominant industry. Northern Manitoba has some mining towns, Indian Reservations and Inuit communities, but for the rest, it is practically uninhabited. Manitoba's population is a fascinating blend of people from many ethnic backgrounds, including English, Scottish, Icelandic, Ukrainian, Swedish, Danish, German, Dutch, Polish and many more. All these people are proud of their backgrounds, regularly celebrating their heritage in festivals throughout the province, portraying age old customs and mouth watering cuisines of more than fifty cultures.
Manitoba's climate is characterised by warm sunny summers, and cold but bright winters. Noon temperatures in July and August average 25 degrees Celsius, and daytime temperatures in the winter normally stay below the freezing point. The high number of sunny days is typical of the Canadian Prairies, including Southern Manitoba which experiences around 2350 hours of sunshine annually. More than half of the annual precipitation (averaging 504 mm per year) occurs during summer, often in short and heavy showers, and usually overnight. The average annual cumulative snowfall is between 42 and 50 inches.
The main agricultural area is triangular, and runs along the American border to the south, some 230 miles north along the Saskatchewan border to the west, and then diagonally back to the southeast corner of the province. The northern part of the province is made up of very rugged terrain, enormous pine forests, lakes and rivers, many of which can be reached only by float plane. Agriculture has been one of the most important sources of livelihood, in Manitoba, since the days of the first pioneers.
Wheat continues to be a most important Manitoba crop accounting for almost 1/3 of crop production value, followed by barley and canola (rape). Other major crops are oats, rye, & peas with the province dominating Canadian production of flax seed, sunflowers, and buckwheat. Despite the dominance of grain production, Manitoba agriculture is more diversified than the other prairie provinces, with special crops, horticulture, and livestock, making a significant contribution to total provincial income. The major grain and oil seed crops are grown throughout the province, while most of the special crops are concentrated in the area bounded by the Red River Valley, Portage La Prairie, Brandon and the American border. However, even though grain farms predominate, the agricultural industry also has a large livestock nucleus. Beef cattle are mainly raised in the western part of the province and Interlake regions, while most dairy farms are concentrated in the area south of Winnipeg, which also accommodates many intensive hog and poultry units. The overall average farm size is around 1,000 acres per farm, with the total provincial farmed area being just under 19,000,000 acres. Manitoba farmland is set out in square sections 1 mile by 1 mile (640 acres), and can be further sub-divided into 1/4 sections (160 acres).
The province also offers a wealth of artistic endeavours. Winnipeg's Centennial Concert Hall is home for the internationally acclaimed Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Manitoba Opera Association. The Manitoba Theatre Centre and the MTC Warehouse Theatre offer first rate regional entertainment, complimented every summer by the Rainbow Stage's outdoor Broadway musicals and Folklorama. The Winnipeg Art Gallery features everything from Globetrotting exhibits to Cinema classics. Elsewhere in the province, ethnic choirs, dance troops, art and drama clubs, pottery studios, and many more amenities keep the arts thriving at the grassroots level.
Manitoba's outdoors provides wonderful recreation for young and old on holidays, long weekends, and vacations, with nearly everyone out and enjoying the beauties of nature. The many lakes are the biggest attraction, and depending on the season, people camp, swim, fish, sail, canoe, or hunt, on or around them. Hockey, curling, skating, skiing, tobogganing, and snowmobiling, are favourites in the winter. Vast acreages of National and Provincial Parks offer additional amenities and recreation facilities. Canadians generally enjoy outdoor events and are very sports oriented.
The province has a medicare system, funded by the provincial government, and everyone can apply for a medical number on arrival for permanent residency in the province, and is entitled to services from doctors, and specialists, with a percentage of pharmacare costs refunded by the government. Dental and optical treatments are not included. The majority of small towns have well-equipped modern hospitals, with any major or special treatment available in Brandon or Winnipeg.
As regards basic foods, set out below are some ‘Safeway’ prices (which may vary dependant on brand names & in store discount programs): Prices as of January 2010
570g Loaf $1.69 5 kgs Flour (all purpose) $9.99
1 doz. Eggs (large) $3.09 700g Cheese $12.70
475g Coffee - instant $12.99 144 Tetley Tea Bags $9.99
454g Butter $3.99 907 Margarine $6.59
398ml tin Peach/Pears (DelMonte) $3.29 4kg Sugar $6.39
4L Milk (2%) $4.59 750g Kellogs Cornflakes $5.99
2L Coca-Cola $1.99 398g (14 fl oz.) tin Beans $1.33
1.89L Fruit Juice - Tropicana $4.44 3.7kg Tide (wshg. powder) $16.99
4L Ice Cream $6.99 1.5 ltr Heinz Ketchup $4.99
250g bag of Crisps $3.39 130ml Tooth Paste $2.79
Vegetables (subject to seasonal price changes)
1kg Apples $3.73 1kg Oranges $2.84
5kg Potatoes $3.99 1kg Carrots $1.76
1kg Cauliflower $3.73 2kg Peas (frozen) $5.89
1kg Broccoli (crowns) $3.95 1kg Tomatoes - large $6.59
Meat
1kg Pork Chops $13.87 1 kg Steak (top sirloin) $8.80
1kg Chicken (fresh) $7.03 1 kg Beef (sirloin tip) $8.80
1kg Chicken Breast (boneless) $14.53 500g Bacon $4.79
Many Canadians regularly "eat out" in the wide range of restaurants, at almost half the cost to that of British restaurants. Motor vehicles are quite a lot cheaper, with no annual road fund license. Full insurance on a domestic family car would be around $1,400.00 per annum. Most electrical items are less expensive also. Petrol (gas) costs 96.9 cents per litre, and electricity is around 6.3 cents/Kwh.
To fully comprehend and appreciate the expanse and beauty of the province of Manitoba requires a personal visit, in order to attain a true impression and put everything into perspective.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
When moving from Britain to Canada, you are currently allowed to claim full rollover relief on any capital gain from the sale of your UK farm which is then invested in a Canadian farm, providing: The person who makes the capital gain must be carrying on a trade or business and must re-invest the full proceeds in the acquisition of other assets which are used for the purpose of the continuing trade or the new trade within one of the specified classes of assets qualifying for the relief, however, there is no requirement that they be of the same class. The re-investment of the proceeds must take place within the prescribed period as set out in the prevailing UK Capital Gains Tax rollover relief regulations.
Professional advice from a well qualified Accountant is strongly recommended to determine your own personal situation and circumstance with regard to any tax liability..
Farmers in Manitoba pay no federal capital gains tax up to $750,000.00, cumulative in a lifetime, on the sale of used farmland. Manitoba has no death taxes, inheritance taxes, or capital transfer tax, when left to a spouse or in trust. For Income Tax, everyone is allowed to earn up to $10,100 free of tax. The thresholds thereafter for "taxable income" are:- $0 to $40,000 is charged at 26%; $40,001 to $81,000 is 35%; $81,001 to $126,000 is 44%; and any taxable income over and above $126,000 is charged at 46.4%. Corporation tax is levied at 11% of profit up to $400,000; and 32% for anything over $400,000. We do not have any “national insurance contributions’ to pay, but do have to make contributions to Canada Pension to the tune of around 4.95% of income to a max of $2,163 paid by both employer & employee, with a self employed person paying the equivalent of employer and employee rates, up to a maximum payment of $4,326.
As Canadian farmers can choose to be taxed on the difference between income and expenses, a wise farmer may check the revenue and expense situation in the latter part of his tax year. They are permitted to defer sales of grain or cattle and delay payment on delivered grain or stock to the following year, and purchase cattle or machinery prior to the end of the year, in order to reduce their tax liability for that fiscal year. Canada has a Goods & Services Tax (GST) of 5% which is similar to and administered almost identically to VAT. In addition, Manitoba has a 7% provincial sales tax – which unfortunately is not refundable.
Farm Land & Buildings in Manitoba are taxed (or rated) with the amount payable dependant upon the quality of land and the extent of buildings. Money raised from these taxes is used to pay for road building, police and fire control, snow ploughing and all school expenses. On the subject of schools, children commence at the age of five in kindergarten and continue through grades 1 to 12 up to the age of 18 years old, but children may leave at 16 with parents consent. Children living on a farm will be picked up daily by a school bus and delivered back home in the evening at no charge. Canada has excellent universities, as well as community colleges which cover a wide range of academic subjects. Full course program costs per year for a student run at around $3,500, plus board and rooming costs, which at Brandon University campus costs around $7,000 per year (full board).
Community College costs for a trade, technical, or office course, can range from $2,000 to $3,500 for tuition and a further $800 to $1,000 for books, membership fees, trips, etc. * Check out: www.mcie.ca
Manitoba offers a wide and diversified range of farming systems, typically being either grain, beef, dairy, hog (pigs), or poultry, and may well be a combination of any. Potato production in the province is growing rapidly, together with a wide variety of special crops, especially beans – including soya beans. For livestock operations, a good reliable water supply is a key factor of consideration usually being an on farm supply from a well or borehole, but sometimes from an inground storage reservoir (dugout).
ARABLE/GRAIN FARMING
Manitoba is renowned for it's high quality grain and oilseed crops. Arable units account for the largest percentage of farms in central and western Manitoba with the main crops grown being Red Spring Wheat, Barley, Canola (oilseed rape), and Flax. Other crops grown in Manitoba are Durham Wheat, Peas, Beans, Lentils, Canary seed, Corn (maize), Sunflowers, Potatoes, Oats, and Rye, with increasing production of Winter Wheat grown for feed and the Ethanol market. Very few operators tramline the sown crops, with more and more farmers now using GPS (Global Positioning Systems) for better precision and efficiency when applying fertiliser, chemical, & fungicide. Due to the generally low humidity in western Canada, there is much less fungal disease than experienced in western Europe.
Yearly sowing dates vary, but usually start about mid April and finish in late May/early June with growth normally fairly rapid. Most herbicide spraying is completed within a month after sowing, with the crops maturing within 90 to 110 days from sowing. Harvest typically begins about mid August with the majority of the canola and early sown grain crops being swathed to speed up dry down and even ripening of the crop. More and more farmers are now changing to desiccating with glyphosphate, subsequently direct cutting their grain and late maturing oilseed crops. The vast majority of the harvested crops are stored in on-farm steel grain bins, some of which will have aeration, but seldom is there a need to artificially heat-dry the crops. Historically, Manitoba farmers can expect a wet harvest every 7 to 10 years ( grain at 17-18% moisture).
Average yields are about 24 cwt. per acre for hard red spring wheat, 55 cwt. per acre for winter wheat, 32 cwt. per acre for barley, and 15+ cwt. per acre for canola. However, yields will vary somewhat from these figures in different areas of the province due to soil types and annual rainfall amounts. Most of the grain and oilseeds grown in Manitoba are transported overland by rail, with in excess of 65% of the entire crop being exported. The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) controls the delivery of wheat and barley for export through a delivery contract system based on the year's crop production. These contracts will normally be large enough to enable farmers to sell all their production before the following harvest.
The open market is another option, and it's price is influenced by the day to day prices in Canada. They take their lead from the commodity markets of Chicago in the USA, and Winnipeg in Manitoba, and can be higher or lower than the CWB initial price. Crops such as peas, beans, mustard, lentils, and potatoes, are not subject to contract marketing, being grown under direct contract to the processing company. So there are 3 options available: CWB, open market, or private contract, which in all lends flexibility to what can appear to be a restrictive method of marketing.
Commencing the 2007 crop year, the ‘AgriInvest & AgriStability’ programs were implemented to assist agricultural producers in response to income declines. These programs along with Production Insurance now form the core of the business risk management scheme with the costs being shared by the Producer, Federal, Provincial, and Territorial governments under the Agricultural Policy Framework.
This new program will integrate stabilization and disaster protection into one, thereby hopefully helping producers safeguard their farming operations and cash flow from any significant drops in income.
GRAIN PRICES (CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD) $ PER BUSHEL $ PER TONNE (Net)
HARD RED SPRING WHEAT-NO 1 (15% protein) $6.08 $223
HARD RED SPRING WHEAT-NO 1 (13% protein) $5.00 $183
DURUM WHEAT No 2 (13% protein) $4.11 $150
MALT BARLEY (2 ROW) $3.33 $153
These above grains are sold by the Canadian Wheat Board and a final payment is issued, in January of the following crop year, based on what grains have been sold for on the world market. The grains and oil seeds listed below are sold as cash crops and there is normally no final payment associated with them.
NON BOARD (OPEN MARKET)
For Current Prices, click: - http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/markets/grains/pdf/grains_table.pdf
* Conversion Factors - Bushels to Tonnes are as follows:
Wheat price per bushel x 36.744 = price per tonne
Barley price per bushel x 45.93 = price per tonne
Oats price per bushel x 64.84 = price per tonne
Rye/Flax per bushel x 39.368 = price per tonne
Canola price per bushel x 44.092 = price per tonne
Sunflowers per bushel x 73.737 = price per tonne
BUSHEL WEIGHT EQUIVALENT
1 Tonne = 2204.6 Lbs.
Bushel of Wheat 60 Lbs. Bushel of Peas 60 Lbs.
Bushel of Barley 48 Lbs. BushelFlax 56 Lbs.
Bushel of Oats 34 Lbs. Bushel of Canola 50 Lbs.
Bushel of Rye 56 Lbs. Bushel of Sunflowers 30 Lbs.
As an additional source of information, check out: www.cwb.ca/en/growing
MIXED CATTLE FARMING
Besides running a cattle herd, many enterprises will have land in crop production as well, with the larger cattle ranches having upwards of 500+ head of livestock as well as capacity for producing winter feed.Most of the operations are cow calf/suckler units, with the calves weaned at around 8 months of age and then sold onto the commercial feed lots (10,000+ head) in Western Canada or the US.
Suckler cows and calves will graze out on pasture from mid May onwards until weaning in early October with the cows returning to pasture until snowfall. During winter months, the cattle can be fed and wintered out in the bush, or be kept in high sided corrals with maybe the facility of an open fronted shelter. For mid winter calving, the cow and calf will remain inside for some 24 to 48 hours then go back outside into a well strawed corral/yard with maybe an open fronted shelter in case of a storm. Our cold and dry winter conditions are far more healthy for livestock than the damp and wet of the western European climate.
Pasture for summer grazing on PFRA (Government) land is sometimes available at around $85.00 per cow/calf pair, a little less on private land. To establish a feeder enterprise, there are some financially aided schemes available to start up such an operation, with little initial capital outlay require by the farmer.
For Current Market Prices, click; - http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/markets/livestock/pdf_2/livestock_table.pdf (Pages 1 - 4)
NUTRENA ANIMAL FEED PRICES PER TONNE
SWEETFLOW 16 A/N RATION $330
SWEETFLOW 38 DAIRY SUPPLEMENT $520
BEEF FINISHER $215
FEEDLOT 32 CATTLE SUPPLEMENT (incl. Rumensin) $310
LIVESTOCK MINERALS PER 25 KG BAG $ 25
As an additional source of information, check out: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/beef
MANITOBA HOG INFORMATION
Hog farms can be found in most parts of the province, with the largest concentration located in the southeast, being mostly farrowing or finishing operations, with some of the larger units encompassing a complete farrow to finish enterprise. In the autumn of 1999, Maple Leaf Foods (an affiliate of Hillsdowne Holdings) opened a new ‘state of the art’ Hog slaughter and processing plant in Brandon. When both kill lines are in full operation, they can process 90,000 hogs per week.
Large White, Landrace, and Yorkshire are the more popular breeds, with almost all of the modern units now disease free, some having closed herds.
Canada is the world’s largest pig exporter and the second largest pork exporter with Manitoba pork being renowned as having the highest index in Canada, with a large number of the hogs slaughtered weekly being sold to China & Japan.
For Current Market Prices, click; - http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/markets/livestock/pdf_2/livestock_table.pdf (Page 4)
As an additional source of information, check out: www.manitobapork.ca
MANITOBA SHEEP INFORMATION
Sheep farming in Manitoba is considered under utilised, although numbers are on the increase. Canada as a country only has around 1,000,000 breeding sheep, with Canadians on average consuming only two and a half pounds of sheep meat per year. Manitoba sheep population comprises of around 27,000+ breeding ewes, plus lambs, with the main breeding stock being Dorset, Suffolk, some Texel , and Rideau Arcott. Due to our climatic conditions, the sheep are usually grazed in fenced pastures with supplemental dry feed and inwintered in corrals. Diseases and ailments, such as foot rot, are by no means as prevalent as they are in the UK.
Local slaughterhouses will be used for service of the local domestic market, or alternatively, there are local buyers who then transport direct in triple decker trucks to the main retail markets of Montreal and Toronto.
For Current Market Prices, click; - http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/markets/livestock/pdf_2/livestock_table.pdf (Page 5)
As an additional source of information, check out: www.sheepbreeders.ca
MANITOBA DAIRY FARMING
Dairying in Manitoba has been a popular attraction in past years to farmers moving from western Europe. The total number of dairy farms is still in decline with almost half of units milking 90 cows or less. Provincial average quota size is 83kgs of BF/day which relates to an equivalent of 791,000 litres/annum at the 3.83% butterfat average. Some of the larger units are milking in excess of 600 cows.
Raw milk is paid for on a multiple component pricing system with Manitoba producers receiving on average close to 71 cents per litre shipped (in quota) dependant on component analysis. Milk quality criterias are IBC (individual bacteria count) which must not exceed 121,000, and SCC (somatic cell count) which must not exceed 499,000. Any producer who ships contaminated milk will be held liable for the cost of the complete truck load.
A newly calved cow or heifer in Manitoba currently sells for between $1,800 & $2,200, with the Holstein being the most popular breed in Canada, together with a few herds of Jersey, Ayrshire, and Brown Swiss.
Water is of course a key necessity of any livestock enterprise and needs to be checked out carefully and not taken for granted. The quality of this ground water may also vary from area to area.
With cost of production being around 60 to 65%, this leaves a pretty attractive margin for the producer, but as in any country, management plays a very large part in the profitability of any farm enterprise. Most dairy farms are sold as turn key operations inclusive of quota, with additional quota available for purchase monthly through the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (milk board) for those wishing to expand their enterprise.
The January 2010 Quota Exchange price was $27,000 per kg of daily B.F. quota
For more information, check out: www.milk.mb.ca and www.millmount.ca
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPLICANTS
EMIGRATING TO CANADA AS SELF-EMPLOYED FARMERS
Citizenship and Immigration Canada through the Canadian High Commission in London process all applications for permanent residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
All applications for permanent residence must be submitted by post direct to the local office of
The Canadian High Commission
Self-employed immigrants must have relevant experience which is defined in the regulations as:
* For at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application:
- Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics; or
- Participation at a world-class level, in cultural activities or athletics; or
- Farm management experience.
Points are awarded for relevant experience within the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application.
A Checklist found in the Application for Business Class/Section Three: Visa Office Specific Instructions Appendix C explains what documents are required to prove that you meet the definition of self-employed.
All the appropriate application forms and immigration information can be accessed on the internet at:: www.canada.org.uk
The Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada share responsibilities regarding business people immigrating to Canada through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business. The program allows Manitoba to recruit, select, and nominate qualified business people from around the world who have the intent and ability to move to Manitoba and establish or purchase a business, which includes ‘Farming’. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- minimum personal net worth of Cnd $350,000
- minimum amount of equity investment in Manitoba of Cdn $150,000
- minimum three years of successful business ownership experience or extensive experience in senior management of a company
- conducted a visit to Manitoba for a minimum 7 days to investigate business opportunities and the Province's qulaity of life, prior to applying
Applicants nominated by the Province of Manitoba will be required to apply for an immigrant visa through a Canadian Visa Office. If nominated, assistance will be available to you and your family in preparing the application to a Canada Visa Office for permanent resident visas.
All details can be found on www.immigratemanitoba.com - Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
When completing your application forms, you must answer each question or mark ‘n/a’ both honestly and precisely, and submit any and all supporting documentation and qualification certificates together with any references, offer to purchase, proof of net worth, photographs, etc., with the application. Any ambiguities, inconsistencies, shortcomings, or gaps in these documents may have to be explained at an interview with a visa officer at the Canadian High Commission in London. If everything is clear, well documented, and meets the criteria required by the visa officer, it is unlikely you will get called for an interview.
When a full application for immigration to Canada is made to the Canadian Embassy thru the MPNP a Cash Deposit to the Provincial Government in the amount of Cdn $75,000 will be required guaranteeing the establishment or purchase of a business/farm in Manitoba. The cash deposit will be released after issue of the visas, investment is made, and the intended business is undertaken as per your application.
The Canadian High Commission processing fees must accompany the completed application (a fee schedule is included with your application package). The present fees are: Entrepreneur/Self-Employed Immigrant - $1,040.00; Spouse - $1,040.00; each additional dependent under age 22 - $150.00; any additional dependent age 22 and over - $550.00. The application fees quoted above for the principal applicant and their spouse include a 'Right of Permanent Residence Fee' of $490.00. This Right of Permanent Residence Fee, unlike ALL the other fees, is refundable if an Immigrant Visa is not issued or used.
In determining suitability for immigration, the Embassy uses certain selection criteria. Emphasis is placed on the applicant's intended occupation, practical training, work experience, education, ability to communicate in English or French, and personal suitability.
In order to complete the data for issuance of a visa, all members associated with the application have to undergo a medical examination by a physician nominated by the Canadian High Commission. This is usually the last procedure before the visa is approved, as the visa itself is only valid to be exercised within 12 months of the medical examination. The high commission will issue these medical forms to you when they are satisfied everything else is in order (medical forms are not accessible on the internet).
Due to a recent amendment to The Farm Lands Ownership Act, non-Canadians who intend to move to Manitoba may declare “qualified immigrant” status, and may acquire land without applying for exemptions. However, if they do not become permanent residents of Manitoba within 2 years, they must either sell the land or apply for an exemption or an extension of their “qualified immigrant” status.
SUGGESTED CONDITIONS TO BE INCLUDED IN AN ‘OFFER TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT’
In Canada, we as registered real estate agents compile and write contracts for Purchasers and in turn present and negotiate them with the Vendors. In a situation of Limited Joint Representation when we compile an “Offer to Purchase” on behalf of a Purchaser, we have a legal obligation to write it up to include appropriate conditions that safeguard and ensure it to be in the best interest of the purchaser, viz: a) The Purchasers obtain a Visa granting approval for Landed Immigrant Status by (date); b) In the event of the death of one of the Purchasers on or before the date in #1, this offer shall not be binding on their heirs, successors, or assigns, unless waived within 30 days of death; c) The Vendor will undertake to maintain the fixed buildings in at least the condition they were in at the time of inspection of the property, that date being (date); d) The Purchasers confirm financing (if any) through F.C.C. and/or a bank, not later than (date); e) The Purchasers are able to arrange sale of their farm in home country no later than (date).
Due to possession maybe not taking place for some 12 months hence, additional conditions will need to be included dependant on the type of farm being purchased, eg: Working the land properly and leaving it clean; maintaining the health and breeding program of any livestock; provision of winter feed; vendor to maintain all pumps, equipment, and machinery if included (fair wear and tear accepted).
Once the contract has been written, we highly recommend it be checked over by a lawyer on your behalf before it is presented to the Vendor (typically no charge is levied by the lawyer for this service).
CANADIAN LEGAL COSTS INCURRED IN A POPERTY TRANSACTION
Normally, the Vendor and Purchaser will each retain their own solicitor at their own cost.
For a land transaction of average complexity, the legal fee charged would likely be calculated by the solicitor as follows:
1% of the first $25,000.00 of value of land purchased, sold or mortgaged.
1/2 of 1% of the next $175,000.00 of value above $25,000.00.
1/4 of 1% of the next $800,000.00 of value above $200,000.00.
1/8 of 1% of any excess value over $1,000,000.00.
These rates may be open to negotiation and adjustment subject to the size and complexity of the transaction.
In addition, the lawyers for the Vendor and Purchaser will have miscellaneous other costs which will ultimately be paid by the parties themselves, e.g. the costs of obtaining tax certificates, searches of titles, caveats, and other encumbrances. The Purchaser is responsible for the fees of the Land Titles Office for registration of a transfer of land, (likely around $60 per transfer) as well as mortgage (if any).
Where farmland is being purchased as a farm, and continues to be farmed as a unit, then it qualifies for exemption from the payment of Manitoba Land Transfer Tax (similar to Stamp Duty), as well as GST.
FINANCIAL & BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS LIKELY REQUIRED BY A LENDING INSTITUTION
Financing for a farm purchase if required is usually fulfilled with one of the five major banks in Canada(the Canadian Banking system currently ranked as one of the strongest and safest in the world),
FCC (Federal Farm Credit Corporation), or one of the Credit Unions. They would require the following:
1. Statement of current assets and liabilities.
2. Type and years of farming experience of principal borrower.
3. Age and experience of other family members.
4. Educational background of entire family.
5. Reference letters from applicant's current Banker, Accountants, and Lawyers.
ADDITIONAL USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
In order that you may further broaden your knowledge about the province of Manitoba, and in particular the agricultural and social aspects, you may well find it interesting and informative to explore the following websites on the internet:
www.canada.gc.ca
www.gov.mb.ca/index.html
www.gov.mb.ca/iedm/invest/pnp-b/index.html
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/staistics/index.html
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/financial/farm/farm.html
www.manitoba.ca/waterstewardship/water_info/public_registry
www.commerce.statcan.ca/english/commerce/
www.statcan.ca/start.html
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/index.html
www.city.brandon.mb.ca
www.fcc-fac.ca/en/index.asp
www.manitobacooperator.ca
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/markets/
PLANNING A VISIT
Our extensive years of experience in settling numerous immigrant families from Great Britain & Ireland to Canada, bears out beyond doubt that the only means of attaining a true perspective of Canadian farming is to go take a look for yourself. All you need to do is determine a time which is convenient for you to leave your present business in good hands, and book a flight to Manitoba. You do not need any type of a visa to visit Canada. Give us a call and let us know your date of arrival and duration of visit, and we will be pleased to make hotel/motel reservations on your behalf (approximately $70 to $80 nightly per double room, plus tax). On your arrival, we will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, or if you wish you can easily hire a car (we can arrange this on your behalf) as driving is quite easy compared to the UK. This will give you a little more independance during the visit. Food costs will average around $30 per day per person. As part of our normal Canadian service procedure, we will transport you around to view the country and farms suitable to your requirements, as well as taking time out to call and speak with immigrant farming families from Britain/Ireland in your line of business.
Contrary to the UK system of selling property, through co-operation with other real estate companies, we are able to show you suitable farms that are for sale with other Companies, as well as our own, thereby enabling you to view all farms with the one Company and your Sales Agent during your stay in Manitoba. If you wish, we will take you to see a banker, accountant, lawyer, agrologist, etc., and also provide you with an insight into education, health systems, social programs, and general lifestyle. Unless otherwise predetermined, our legal obligation is to the vendor, but would stress that we also have a strong obligation to you the purchaser to ensure that you are made aware of all the relevant facts and details pertaining to the property and it’s general locality.
We guarantee a full professional service, before, during, and after your visit, which will continue when you emigrate to Manitoba. Our reputation depends on it. Remember,
YOU DESERVE THE BEST!!
If you eventually decide to move to Canada, you can bring your own furniture and personal belongings with you in a container, including most electrical appliances which will work on our 220 volt system. This may necessitate some re-wiring in the house, as our domestic appliances operate on 110 volts (excepting ovens and clothes dryers - 220 volts). You are also permitted to bring your pets (cats and/or dogs) with you on the plane, and there will be no quarantine restrictions for them upon arrival in the country. You may wish to consider securing some of your Canadian currency on the futures market prior to your emigration.
We hope the contents of this brochure are both helpful and informative to you, and if you should have any questions or require any further information, at any time, then please do not hesitate in contacting us. Assuring you of our best attention at all times, Yours Truly,
CENTURY 21 Westman.com.
MAURICE C. TORR A.L.C., F.R.I.C.S. JACK NESBIT
Other CENTURY 21 Farm Agents: Di Hill; Gary Nestibo; Grant Tweed; Dallas Watt