Network Canada, London England
You’ve just arrived in London. You’re tired and confused and although you’re excited about the prospects of getting on with a new life in the UK, you’re not exactly sure where to start. It can be a tough fight finding information when you first land. Well, as a Canadian Expat in the UK, you’ve got a Heavy Weight in your corner. Network Canada is just the place to turn when you need information or when you’re ready to get connected.
Starting in 1999 as an ad hoc group of Canadian friends, Network Canada is still relatively new, but this Canadian Association in London has dug its heels in deep. Currently with just over 500 paying members and a full network of over 5000 Canadians within the M25 you can’t go wrong by contacting them.
Outgoing president Chris MacNeil, in an interview with The Canadian Expat Association discussed a bit about what Network Canada is up to. ”Network Canada has become the default organization for newcomers to join in London.” Chris Explains. “We run about 20 events a year between us and our sub-group The Vandoos.”
A look at Network Canada’s website reveals a whole host of activities geared to satisfying any individual’s need to get a Canada fix. Book Club nights, NHL hockey nights, picnics, networking nights, skating nights and of course annual events like Canada Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas events just scratch the surface. One of the only events not on their list is a Grey Cup night. 2006, by the way had a Stanley Cup night. Very Canadian!
For new arrivals in London, Network Canada offers support as well. When someone joins for 20£ they get a copy of their book ‘Living in London’, the bible for surviving in the UK. This publication is an invaluable asset with loads of information specifically for Canadians. Plus, among the events offered, there are plenty on taxes, visas and others to help one get started on the right foot.
Chris elaborated on The Vandoos. “The Vandoos has a very unstructured format. They meet on the 22nd of every month, each time at a different London pub. It’s a great opportunity for Canadians new to London to just hang out with other Canucks, share a beer, a laugh and gain some contacts.”
Run purely by volunteers fuelled by passion to help fellow Canadian Expats, Network Canada is truly a resource that simply can’t be passed up by anyone thinking about moving to London. Your battle to succeed in that great city is half won simply by getting on their contact list for The Vandoos. Join Network Canada, and you’ve got it made!
Contact Network Canada directly for further information:
Website: www.networkcanada.org
Network Canada
29 Harley Street
London, W1G 9QR
Phone: +44 (0) 7981 610 005
e-mail: info@networkcanada.org
How can I find out if I am eligible for Canadian gov pension-born in Ontario from a
second generation Canadian Family-have not worked in Canada for many years
will be 65 next year
Hi Johnny -
I have just noticed your post - sorry about the delayed reply.
I think the best thing to do is to contact the Canadian Government, or if you’re in London the Canadian High Commission, directly. They will be able to help you with this question.
The Canadian Government’s web site is http://www.canada.gc.ca.
Hope this helps!
Chris