Originally Posted by Blixen

As to that “critical input”: I knew many people who had a reason to be dissatisfied with the way they were treated at work for example (=discriminated against) but they were afraid to say anything in fear of repercussions (i.e. being fired for example). Also, my work experience in Canada clearly showed me that any feedback from employees in general (and especially foreigners) is not only highly discouraged but it can be punished. You think that’s the way to improve things?

The same applies to the social life here. Try to say something not so positive to "touchy" Canadians about certain aspects of life here and you can literally be shunned having have to resort to volunteering as the only way of socializing! (and we all know how Canada loves a free labour!).

As to my comments on multiculturalism: it’s not my comments that are odd. It’s the very idea of multiculturalism hopelessly promoted by the Canadian government that is odd in today’s world where everybody fends for himself and doesn’t give a damn about immigrants’ cultural or ethnic heritage as long as they pay taxes.

As to those generalizations, I will risk one as well and say that there is probably 50% those satisfied and 50% those dissatisfied immigrants in this country which, judging Canada by its very small population compared to some other “immigrant- friendly” countries, doesn’t make it so desirable as a destination.

As to that commenter who implied that I might be one from “Not Canada”
website. I have to disappoint you. I am not although I am aware that such a site existed and am not even one bit surprised that it doesn’t anymore. One could, after all, question the purpose of such a site where people only spill out their frustrations and even anger over living here but this only tells me that Canada like no other developed country stirs the strongest and most conflicting emotions among immigrants and when this happens it’s never without a valid reason.

And finally, to all of you who love this country, I’d say: keep loving it if you have a reason/s to do so but at the same time accept that there are also those who don’t have that reason. Countries and places are like people - we only value and cherish those we had a good experience with.

Originally Posted by Blixen

As to that “critical input”: I knew many people who had a reason to be dissatisfied with the way they were treated at work for example (=discriminated against) but they were afraid to say anything in fear of repercussions (i.e. being fired for example). Also, my work experience in Canada clearly showed me that any feedback from employees in general (and especially foreigners) is not only highly discouraged but it can be punished. You think that’s the way to improve things?

The same applies to the social life here. Try to say something not so positive to "touchy" Canadians about certain aspects of life here and you can literally be shunned having have to resort to volunteering as the only way of socializing! (and we all know how Canada loves a free labour!).

As to my comments on multiculturalism: it’s not my comments that are odd. It’s the very idea of multiculturalism hopelessly promoted by the Canadian government that is odd in today’s world where everybody fends for himself and doesn’t give a damn about immigrants’ cultural or ethnic heritage as long as they pay taxes.

As to those generalizations, I will risk one as well and say that there is probably 50% those satisfied and 50% those dissatisfied immigrants in this country which, judging Canada by its very small population compared to some other “immigrant- friendly” countries, doesn’t make it so desirable as a destination.

As to that commenter who implied that I might be one from “Not Canada”
website. I have to disappoint you. I am not although I am aware that such a site existed and am not even one bit surprised that it doesn’t anymore. One could, after all, question the purpose of such a site where people only spill out their frustrations and even anger over living here but this only tells me that Canada like no other developed country stirs the strongest and most conflicting emotions among immigrants and when this happens it’s never without a valid reason.

And finally, to all of you who love this country, I’d say: keep loving it if you have a reason/s to do so but at the same time accept that there are also those who don’t have that reason. Countries and places are like people - we only value and cherish those we had a good experience with.

Originally Posted by jasper123

I have a little advice for you, whatever county you live in you will find people will start to like you if they think that you are interested in them and there way of life, ---- dont talk about yourself or your native country unless they kick off the conversation in that direction, never boast about your native country either!!!!
I have lived for many years in Australia, Canada and the USA and I never felt the way you do in any of those countries, if I did I certainly would not have stayed for too long!!!!

Originally Posted by Shard

That's a very good tip.