Nigel2011

Hello,

I'm currently a resident of Birmingham but I've considered emigrating from the UK to somewhere else because I can no longer endure the weather, government, crime, etc.

A cousin of mine, who has been an expatriate for about 3 years, told me that he initially moved to Canada but became disillusioned with it because Canada "lacks" culture and history just like US, Australia, and New Zealand excluding the indigenous cultures which were devastated and rejected by the colonists and their descendants for centuries.

He also said that he would instead recommend migrating to someplace such as Spain, where he currently resides, or Italy if I wanted to experience "real" culture, history, good living conditions, and good climate.

I personally have only visited Canada twice but haven't explored enough of it to conclude if Canada "lacks" culture and history as my cousin mentioned.

For those who currently reside in Canada, is it true that there's a lack of culture and history just it is in the US, Australia, and New Zealand?

Tangram

What culture do you have in "Birmingham" which you think you will miss in Canada ?

iaink

Define "culture"...


If you come to canada seeking Verdi, Michelangelo and Christopher Wren, then it will come as no surprise that that kind of culture is thin on the ground.

Its easy to take 1000 years of continous stable government in the UK for granted, the stately homes, magnificent museums, the proms and all that stem from that I guess.

Canada (and the US, Oz etc) are all relatively new nations in that context, and while there is their own history to celebrate, and their own artistic talents to celebrate, like the group of seven, there just isnt the depth to it that you will find on older European settings. On the other hand there isnt all that bagage either and Canada isnt entirely a cultural vacuum.

Aviator

Depends what you consider culture and history. Canada has culture and has been on the planet as long as anywhere else. Different to other countries, but just depends what you are looking for. Suits some and not others.

Nigel2011

Well besides Birmingham City F.C., I sometimes attend Party in the Park and some local parks nearby.

In addition, when I was searching through some threads I came upon this one: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...=656919&page=1

There seemed to be mixed reactions as to whether Canada has culture or not with one person claiming that people don't emigrate to Canada to experience its culture.

But, again, for those who currently reside in Canada does there seem to be a lack of culture and history?

Alan2005

He may have a point on some of those.

Still depends what you're looking for don't it. You can argue the toss about it all day, but nobody forces you to go anywhere - you can choose the place you'd rather live without it invalidating someone else's choice. Unless it's Moncton that is - then all bets are off.

christmasoompa

So you have the Royal Ballet and Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham, and those are your idea of 'culture'?! In which case, I think you'd be fine in Canada.

Nigel2011

I'm currently undecided on where to emigrate to but Canada, along with some other countries, are on my consideration list because I've constantly read about the good living standards and low crime rates.

Spain, Italy, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and France are listed as my possible emigration destinations although I'd like to read some input from current UK expatriate residents in Canada.

Oink

While not wanting to quash a potentially interesting and illuminating debate, may I refer you to an earlier thread on this very question. There should be almost every view represented there.

Canada and Culture

christmasoompa

Ahem. Check out post no. 5 - he's already discovered your previous insightful thread.

Oink

Shoot, I really should start reading other people replies.

iaink

So footy and music festivals?

Well, its not the premiership of course but Toronto Vancouver and Montreal have pro football teams. Toronto Fans are almost like european ones. "Soccer" here lacks the passion among the fans that it has in the UK, and of course the huge geographical distances are a bit of a problem for away supporters.

Lots of music festivals go on here. Different bands of course, but then its a different country. Lot more country and western influence here of course, that and NASCAR seem to go hand in hand.

I would agree though that culture is probably not top of the check list for people who move out here long term, they take what they find as a bonus. The major cities though will lack nothing for galleries, restaurants, shows, theater, music, global bands etc etc.

If you dont want UK weather Im not sure where In canada you were thinking of. The west coast has canadas most moderate weather, and its often compared to the UK in terms of temperatures and rainfall. Elswhere is hotter in the summer but much colder in the winter.

cheeky_monkey

Mexico

JonboyE

Culture and history are not the same thing. Everywhere has culture but it is rarely the same. If by culture you mean European culture then it is hardly surprising there is more of it in Europe than here.

History is different. It is as long here as anywhere else, though with a smaller population that trod very lightly on the earth, there is not much of it to see.

Post-contact history in Canada in necessarily shorter. If by "real" culture you mean a culture steeped in centuries of European history then Italy or Spain will win over the New World every time.

However, think positively. If your staring point is Birmingham then virtually anywhere in the world will be an improvement.

Aviator

Not sure soccer is culture or not, personally could not give a hoot about it. Party in the Park, we have one of those too.

Mixed reactions, that's what you'll get, those that do and those that don't, does not mean either side is wrong, they just have different views. Will it help you decide on immigration, probably not. My idea of culture and history is likely quite different to yours. Geological history is far more interesting to me than buildings
.
If we look at history of civilizations and culture, native American is older than many European civilizations. The Incas, Mayan, Canadian and American first nations.