Featured Country: Canada

The United States and Canada are negotiating a new border agreement that should result in alignment of security procedures on both sides of the border and harmonize cross-border regulations. Notably the agreement provides for common product inspection and data sharing between U.S. and Canadian Customs.

The stakes are high: Canada and the United States have the world's largest trading relationship and the two countries share more than 5,000 miles of border. Cross-border trade is estimated at nearly USD 500 billion each year. In 2010, Canada was the largest market and second-largest supplier of products to the United States. The United States was the largest trading partner of Canada, both exports and imports. Nearly three-quarters of Canadian exports (by value) are imported into the United States.

This agreement should allow better access to U.S. markets for Canadian exporters who deal with many compliance issues when bringing their products to the United States. Harmonizing regulations should also allow U.S. companies to reduce costs of transporting goods. The American Trucking Association has welcomed the progress made and stated that the agreement was an important step in increasing competitiveness on both sides of the border, a view shared by the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

For more information on U.S. and Canadian Border Services:
• The Canada Border Services Agency
• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection

To help you do business in Canada:
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
• U.S. Commercial Service in Canada
• The Canadian-American Chamber of Commerce
• The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada
• Canada Business Directory - Search a Company in Canada
• Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters
• Doing Business in Canada: A Guide for U.S. and International Investors  Health Information for Canada - Vaccination and Health Risks


Your doctor can give you important advice and prescribe vaccines and medications to help you stay safe while traveling abroad. The following are vaccinations and medications you and your physician may wish to consider before travel to Canada.

To have the most benefit, see a doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect. If you are leaving sooner, it is still important to see a doctor as soon as possible for vaccines, medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

Your doctor will make specific recommendations, depending on your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, planned activities and other factors. If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.

If you have a chronic medical condition, share your travel plans with any doctors who are currently treating you.

Vaccine or Disease Risk Vaccination or Treatment Recommendations

Routine Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.

Hepatitis A Not endemic

Hepatitis B Recommended, especially for those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).

Japanese Encephalitis Not endemic

Malaria Not endemic

Meningococcal Meningitis Not endemic

Rabies Not endemic

Typhoid Not endemic

Yellow Fever Not endemic

Pharmacy Information

In Canada, what is known as a pharmacy in the United States is also referred to as a pharmacy. Pharmacies are recognizable by an RX, or a caduceus or a mortar and pestle displayed on a sign outside or within the store window.

In general, pharmacies in Canada are very reliable. That is, they dispense the proper medications and the drugs themselves are of a high quality. The pharmacists themselves are trained professionals with degrees in their field. Pharmacies can be used for all of your prescription and over-the-counter drug needs. Pharmacists cannot distribute prescription medications without authorization from a doctor.

Regular business hours for pharmacies vary, with some open 24 hours in large cities. Many supermarkets have pharmacies, as well as some discount department stores, such as Zeller's and Walmart. Some supermarkets also have pharmacies, such as Sobey's and Loblaw's. A listing of local pharmacies open outside of regular business hours can be found in the local newspaper and on lists found in the pharmacies. There are several well-known chains of pharmacies in Canada that are reliable, these include Rexall and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Regardless of the pharmacy situation in any country, it is always advisable to bring enough medication to last through your trip. Be sure to carry it with you rather than trusting it to checked luggage (many frequent travelers bring a double supply of medication and pack each in different bags). It is also advisable to carry extra prescription sheets written by your doctor (with the generic names) in case you need refills during you trip and to show at customs as proof of the medication's identity and necessity. Always remember to check the expiration dates on all medications, whether they are from home or abroad. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also want to carry an anti-diarrheal medication and/or ask you physician for an appropriate anti-diarrheal prescription, as a precautionary measure.

If you are traveling or relocating to you Canada, then we recommend reviewing your health insurance policy to ensure your coverage covers medical expenses in Canada.  If you need temporary or a long-term international health insurance plan, then contact Insurance Services of America for an international health insurance quote.

Security Conditions in Canada (as of Aug. 2011)


Toronto is Canada's largest city and the fifth most populous municipality in North America, with a population of more than 2.5 million residents. The city serves as the capital of Ontario and is also home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, the largest market in the country. Toronto's leading economic sectors include business services, telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, media, arts, film, television production, and tourism among others. Additionally, the city is considered an important destination for immigrants to the country and is among one of the most diverse cities in the world; about 49% of the population was born outside Canada. The city is continually rated as one of the most livable cities due to its low crime rates, clean environment, high standard of living, and friendly attitude toward diversity.

Toronto reports a low crime rate when compared to similarly sized cities. However, foreign nationals are advised to remain alert to risks of street crime, armed theft, and residential break-ins, as expatriates have fallen victim to these crimes in Toronto in the past. Women should take particular caution, as female victims of residential break-ins have been raped. Although most criminals were armed with knives or handguns, victims were rarely harmed unless they resisted their assailants' demands. According to Toronto police, there were some 62 homicides recorded in 2009, down from 70 the previous year.

Organized crime poses a moderate risk to foreign nationals operating in Toronto. Although organized crime is rampant in the city, it is primarily focused around the drug trade and motorcycle gangs, such as the Hell's Angeles; these criminal elements rarely threatened foreign nationals visiting Toronto or conducting business in the city. More than 70 suspected gang members were arrested during police operations in May 2010 that targeted the Falstaff Crips and the Five Points Generals. Nonetheless, foreign nationals are advised to remain alert in areas where criminal groups are known to operate, as bystanders have been caught up in attacks.

There is a moderate risk of terrorism in Toronto. While the city has not yet been the victim of a major attack by terrorist elements, terrorists are believed to be operating in Toronto and have the capabilities to strike the city. In September 2008, authorities in the city warned that suspected terrorists were preparing attacks against the Israeli airline El Al and their personnel in Toronto. The suspected terrorists were reportedly frequenting a hotel in the city popular with the pilots and crewmembers of the airline.

While the possibility exists that international terror groups may strike Toronto, low-level bombings conducted by local groups or lone-wolfs are more probable. In April 2010, authorities found a cache of explosives in a storage locker in an eastern area of the city. Separately, three unidentified people threw two Molotov cocktails at the Jamaican consulate in the city in August 2009, sparking a fire at the building. Authorities failed to determine a motive in the crime.

Protests are frequently held in Toronto; while the majority of protests are non-violent, traffic disruptions are common. In June 2009, more than 24,000 Toronto workers participated in a strike and large rally outside the City Hall building after the government failed to agree to a new collective agreement with unions.

Police in Toronto are efficient, reliable, and capable of addressing a wide variety of threats. Officers generally respond to the scene of crimes in a timely manner. Security forces possess the required resources and equipment to carry out complex investigations. Similarly, well-trained emergency medical personnel operate a fleet of modern, well-maintained ambulances that carry life-saving equipment.

Most Dangerous Areas

Travelers to Toronto should use additional caution along Yellow Birch Drive, North Kipling, Lawrence Avenue, Morningside Avenue, Eastern Avenue, Chalk Farm Drive, and Jane Street as well as in Regent Park, Rexdale, Scarborough, and Jane-Firch, as these areas all report higher crime rates. Pickpocketing is reportedly common on Centre Island, especially in the summer months.