Statistics Canada describes this country as "a nation on the move." According to the most recent Census, four in 10 Canadians picked up and moved between 1996 and 2001. Young adults continue to flock to large metropolitan areas while those over 65 leave urban areas for smaller cities or rural locations.

When you relocate an important things to deal with is the "Address Change", not to be confused with the "Canada Post change of address that will ensure that you do not miss important mail sent to your former address. If your move is permanent, this service is offered for six months.

After having made sure that you do not loose important mail, the next step is to contact every company, Government, Credit Card and Magazine you deal with. You can obtain Change of Address Announcement Cards at your local Post Office to advise your correspondents of your new address. The cards are free, but you must put the appropriate postage on them.

Who should be notified of your change in address?

The list below includes some of the more common services and suppliers.

• Motor Vehicles Branch: drivers license, vehicle and plate registrations.

• Health Insurance: health insurance programs

• Canada Pension Plan

• Canada Customs and Revenue Agency: child tax benefit, GST rebate, income tax.

• Utilities: electric/hydro supplier, natural gas, utility services phone company, cable, cellular phone, satellite, internet, e-mail (if necessary) and other communication service providers.

• Insurance Companies: life, home and auto.

• Financial Institutions: banks, mortgage brokers, Financial Adviser investment firms and credit card companies.

• Doctors, schools, daycares, work place.

• Memberships, reward programs, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, clubs, newsletters.

Address Change/Redirect, Canada Post
A convenient way to change your address or redirect your mail! Accessible 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, you can change your address on-line at least 10 business days before your move or travel. There is a fee for this service.

Address Change, Canada Revenue Agency
You can use this online service to check or change your home address, your mailing address, and your phone number(s).

Address Change, Email
Return Path Email Forwarding ensures that you receive important messages by moving email from your old inbox to your new one. When email is sent to your old account, the sender receives a notification that the message has been forwarded.

Address Change,Alberta
If you're moving within Alberta, be sure to notify all applicable government departments/programs of your new address.

Address Change, British Columbia
If you are moving within British Columbia, you can notify three provincial agencies of your new address by entering the information online. Your information will be sent to the agencies you select: the Medical Services Plan, ICBC, and/or Elections BC.

Address Change, New Brunswick
Government of New Brunswick online change of address is available on the following: Motor vehicle registration, Driver's licence, Medicare, Property accounts, Parking placard (for persons with disabilities).

Address Change, Nova Scotia
If you are moving within Nova Scotia, you can use this website to electronically send change of address information to various government offices.

Address Change, Ontario
This is a fast and easy way to notify the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care of your change of address within Ontario. Please do not change your address before you move or it becomes effective.

Address Change, Quebec
Are you moving in Quebec? Then you have to notify government departments and agencies of your change of address. The electronic guide Change of Address (in French only) can help you. Whether it is for a driver's licence, health insurance card, pension cheques or family allowances.

Address Change, Yukon
By completing just one change of address form, you can notify many Yukon government offices and the City of Whitehorse that you're moving.

ExpressAdress, Saskatchewan
ExpressAddress offers residential customers a convenient way to notify multiple Saskatchewan organizations of your move.