Bob Dawkins set his sights on Canada

Plumber Bob Dawkins moved from Leeds to Vancouver in August 2008. “My kids are now adults and don’t need me around as much these days and I just thought ‘why not?’ It’s now or never,” Bob says.

“I went through a divorce a few years ago and I’m now 45. I thought I’d expand my horizons in Canada and just see what happens.” Bob’s now settled in the Vancouver suburb of Shaughnessy, and is happily renting a two-bedroom home.

“I applied as a federal skilled migrant and used an immigration advisor, so the actual immigration process wasn’t too confusing – just expensive and time consuming. However, the effort has been well worth it. I’m working for a residential plumbing business which is very similar to what I was doing back in Leeds.”

Bob says he’s happy he made the move, despite a bit of loneliness. “I do miss my kids, but they’re both at university now and I’ll be sure to see them every year. With the technology available today, I don’t have to feel far away from them. It’s the best decision I could have made.”