MikeUK

Having been back to the UK with my Canadian wife for a while and then back to Canada for a job.. I can totally agree that both Canada and the UK both have pros and cons.. But one thing I can be sure of.. without the correct job neither will be fun…
If your Husbands got a good job he enjoys stick with it.. we too are having the issues of feeling stranded with a new baby, ours is only 6 months old and the issues you face are the same as my wife’s here in Brampton.. I think this is likely to be the same on either side of the pond.. I don’t think moving will solve your problems… she Canadian and has her family and friends here… But a baby really cramps you ability to get out and socialise here as much as it does in the UK.. in fact in my wifes opinion the UK public transport system was much better, and the medical services related to young children are no better here than in the UK, I’m also lead to believe drug coverage in the UK is better than here for young children

ramac

Hi Daisy Moll

No one can advise you on what to do and I understand how difficult your decision is.

My point to answering your message, is that we live in Hamilton, Ontario and have found it to be an excellent place to bring up your family. Our neighbourhood is extremely friendly and safe, and honestly without any of the neds that we often fell upon in Glasgow.

If you would like any info aboutthe city and living here, Iwould be happy to oblige.

dinger44

living in glasgow for 5 years i sorta miss the neds

tallperson

Personally, being near family esp. with children would override everything else. It is why we will probably move back to UK within the next 2 years.

I know that unsettled feeling and the 'let's give it a try' feeling (what brought us out here) but how long have you been back in UK? Personally I would stay but if you have itchy feet and have the chance to try again do it while your child is still little and maybe then you will be sure for once and for all!

JAJ

Accountancy (leaving aside certain specialisms like public auditing) is not generally a restricted occupation in Canada. So there is no legal need to re-qualify - provided you can get a Canadian employer to understand that a UK accountancy qualification is in the same league as a Canadian one.

For management accountants, CIMA in the UK and CMA Canada have recently signed a reciprocal recognition deal.

Jeremy

Rhodes

Hi, ramac. Hamilton is one of th4e places that we wer thinking of looking fo a house when we get there. Whenever I mention that, some of the first words that come back are 'smog' and 'traffic'. But I love the look of the houses, judging purely on what I see on the www.mls.ca website, and I have th impression that it's like a proper city with a cathedral and a proper centre.

May I ask where you live, and also where you would avoid if moving to Hamilton?

ramac

Hi Rhodes

I have sent you a pm about where we live etc.

However in reply to the "smog and traffic". Hamilton's traffic is no worse that anywhere else we have been. Iwork in Burlington and travel the QEW everyday. The distance is approx 40km from home to work. It takes 35 mins in the morning and the same in the evening.

Smog - It was recently reported that smog is no worse in Hamilton than any other place, In fact the same report only a few weeks ago, stated that readings in Oakville were higher than Hamilton.

Hamilton gets a bad press which is such a shame. True the waterfront is ruined by the steel plants and therefore living on the waterfront isn't really an option whereby the neigbouring communities have that luxury.

We love it here, have a nice life here with lots of ex-pat friends and of course new canadian friends.

What are the other 3 areas that you are considering?

Glaswegian

Given that the Canadian Chartered Accountancy group dont believe that the UK Chartered Accountants are equivalent then I would not hold out much hope to convince an employer.

I think its mainly political in that the UK dont grant rights to Canadians so why should the Canadians grant similar rights to Brits?

Mrs G

willmore

Hi Rhodes - as always, please do lots and lots of research on an area before you make a final decision. Everyone is looking for different things in a area in which they wish to live.

Hamilton is really a wonderful, quaint city, beautiful old heritage homes, great shopping, etc., and very close to Toronto, the KW area (where I grew up), London and of course the States).


I odn't want to get into a slinging match with anyone about Hamilton - but if the air pollution is starting to improve, it's only because the steel plants are finally and very slowly starting to conform to the rules and regulations of the air pollution standards in Ontario, after having to pay incredible fines for polluting the air for many years. But it's not only the pollution from the steel plants in Hamilton you need to worry about......but also the pollution that comes from the States, which we have no control over. That is one of the reasons, I decided to live in BC instead of staying in the area close to family and friends.

As one of my good friends who moved finally moved away from Hamilton this year and would rather commute for 1 hour each way - there is a constant red haze over the city........I also have a niece who went for her lst degree at McMaster - and although was accepted into grad school in a program she really wanted......decided to go to another university because she couldn't stand the smog every day.

Whever you and the lovely Mrs. Rhodes decide to live - you know as always I only wish you the best of luck.......and I know being the gentleman that you are......you will find something to buy for her birthday

ramac

As one of my good friends who moved finally moved away from Hamilton this year and would rather commute for 1 hour each way - there is a constant red haze over the city........I also have a niece who went for her lst degree at McMaster - and although was accepted into grad school in a program she really wanted......decided to go to another university because she couldn't stand the smog every day.

[/QUOTE]


There is no red haze over the city every day. That is complete rubbish. Smog reports are no worse in Hamilton than any other city this side of Toronto.

willmore

There is no red haze over the city every day. That is complete rubbish. Smog reports are no worse in Hamilton than any other city this side of Toronto.[/QUOTE]

No, just every other day......As I said....I'm not going to argue with you, but family, friends and myself have personally experienced it.

In the end it's a personal decision when someone wants to call their home - everyone has their own criteria of what is important to them.

Rhodes

Gosh - the place seems to inspire some strong feelings! When we arrive in Canada, we'll be staying with my in-laws in Brampton until we get settled, so there is plenty of time to make our minds up. We'll have to weigh up various things, such as where we can find jobs and how we will get to those jobs. My dream would be to live in an old red brick Victorian pile and within walking distance of work, but I suspect that won't happen...

willmore

Always the diplomatic gentleman eh Rhodes......no wonder you get along so well with everyone.......and me.....well, not so much!!!!

Rhodes

You are, I think it's fair to say, slightly more spirited than many - certainly including me.