Relocation services for British Columbia, Canada

Our story

We made the big move after lots of thought and consultation with our kids. It is a huge life changing move and you need to be as fully informed as possible before you send off those immigration forms. We want to help you make the move too.

Some of us enjoying the snow.We immigrated to Canada in 2003 and the information presented here is based on our experience. Moving ourselves, belongings, kids, elderly parent and dog to the beautiful Pacific Coast of Canada is no mean achievement and many of you, like us, will have many questions on the way. If we can’t help you, we will aim to find you someone who can.

Sue enjoying the snow
Eagle Harbour, January 2005We are Sue and Frank Gerryts, formerly of Twickenham, Middlesex. Sue was a Human Resources manager and Frank was an IT Project Manager. Sue is now a realtor having studied for and passed her realtor licensing exams (many professions here are regulated and thankfully real estate is one). She loves helping people find the right house for their new lives in BC.

Frank also has his real estate license and is Sue’s assistant because he knows who is boss (and an assistant pays lower fees). He is also an author and web designer and is responsible for this web site, amongst others. He has found that his experience as a coach and counsellor is useful in helping people make the move to their new lives in Canada. He was born in Canada and so is responsible for our being here. He has a network of cousins and distant relatives scattered around BC and Alberta.

The kids enjoy their new life.Our four teenage kids moved from their schools in the UK and slotted into the Canadian system. Now, with Canadian accents, they sound just like all their friends and are adamant they would not go back to the UK. You can read their thoughts on day to day life under “diaries” on the site.

At 83 my mother was one of the oldest to make the move. She came over with us on a visitor’s visa. Once here we immediately applied for a visa on humanitarian grounds. (See CIC web for info on this topic.) This allowed her to stay here rather than having to apply from outside Canada. We were sneaky! We had a return air ticket and no intention of her returning.

Proud parents at Laura’s graduation banquetShe has been granted her Permanent Residence card but only after an extensive series of medicals. They x-rayed, MRI scanned, CAT scanned etc, to ensure there were no major health issues that she had not declared. (She had to pay for each of these - and at one point we were sure this was just a revenue generating scheme by the medical community).

She did declare high blood pressure and glaucoma but these were acceptable. Once they were convinced of her health, she got her PR card and then waited the 3 months to be allowed onto the Medical Services Plan. The clock for this started on the date her PR status was granted.

Jasper loves sticks.The dog, a border collie, was the easiest and quickly settled into his life, chasing black (as opposed to gray) squirrels up the trees. If you are considering bringing your pet, then read our article on moving with pets.