New to the board.

Have read through many of the messages, and I am surprised by the number of people who are negative about Canada, or the City they are currently living in.

Surely, anyone who likes the country/city they live in so little should move?

I have been here for four years, and do not recognise the place that many of you describe. Yes, short holidays, but wonderful weekends. Lower pay but lower prices. For every negative there are usually many positives.

I will try and bring a little balance in, for sure, the life is not a bed of roses, without any problems at all. But I do not feel it is anywhere near as black as portrayed.

Welcome Friar Tuck!

Where abouts did you come from before hitting Nova Scotia?

Welcome! I knew there was another out there somewhere I kind of started posting with that attitude, but the more I came hear and read others experiences, the more I appreciate how lucky I've been.

Iain

I hail from Taunton.

So have you had any problems since coming to NS? You know finding jobs and settling in?

Only the usual driving licence swaps and such.

As I am a qualified engineer, emplyment has not been a problem, as there seem to be far more jobs in the skilled sectors than there are in the hi tech markets.

Yes Nova Scotia has a great need for skilled workers as I think the rest of Canada does as well. A lot of companies here to do with the Marine field so we have quite a few immigrants for Scotland and areas that are into shipping.
We have had a great summer so hope you have been doing some exploring.

That's been much discussed here - hi tech jobs are in decline. My job in IT is the best I've ever had, but it wasn't easy to get.

Did you run into the PEng requirement, or are you another engineer like me without professional membership?

Just curious as Ive read a few times that without PEng (PEO in Ontario) you cant get an engineering job, but that hasnt been my experience in manufacturing.

Iain

As I had a MEng when I arrived, it did not seem to be too much of a problem with the people here. I am in fluid dynamics and hydraulic systemic engineering, mostly involved in ram design and rupture valve technology.

So membership was not a job requirement for you either?

For those in the UK, PEng by the way is not an academic qualification, but a professional one, rather like CEng (Chartered Engineer) status in the UK. There has been mention here before that only PEng candidates can get jobs with "Engineer" in the title, and although for some legal requirements PEng is required, not having it doesnt seem to be too much of an issue with employers. Any other engineers out there come across this?

Iain

Hi Friar tuck,
welcome to the forum. So how does living in dartmouth agree with you? We are moving to fall river area next year. I have a sister who has lived in dartmouth for about 7 years now, she likes it there, but is hoping to move out to bit more rural area in next couple of years. We loved halifax and we think it will the best move for us and our 3 year old. Are there any down falls you have come across?

Hi,
just read my post sounds as though i want to here about the negative things, sorry! But much rather hear about the good things that you have experienced in the 4 years you have been there.

Good:
Food(much and varied)
People(Friendly)
Lifestyle(Especially weekends)
Houses(Big)
Space
Fresh air


Bad:
Food(quality)
People(rednecks)
Lifestyle (Holidays)
Houses(workmanship sometimes)
Space(everything is so far away)
Fresh air

So as you can see, there is no nirvana here, just what you want to see at the particular moment.

If you are looking for Eden look elsewhere.

If you are willing to work at it, probably the best province in the best country in the world.

All of these negative postings have to be taken with a pinch of salt. Brits have a reputation for being hyper critical and negative. They seldom "Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative"!