Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

This is my first post. I warn you that I am very blunt at times. So be forewarned.[/QUOTE]

Gee you've got me a trembling in my boots! :scared:

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Gee you've got me a trembling in my boots! :scared:[/QUOTE]

Good Lord I had no idea I had that kind of influence!

:D

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Good Lord I had no idea I had that kind of influence!

:D[/QUOTE]


You certainly have a unusual way of trying to win friends and influence people! ;)

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Come on now "Stormin' Norman" .... at least take the time to get to know us before stomping all over us! :p

People can be abnormally sensitive here .... emigration is an emotive issue. I think the quote I have enjoyed the most here, and for which I make no apology in repeating: "Tread softly, for you tread upon my dreams".

You can be direct .... you can even be blunt on occasions, ..... but have some respect for other people's opinions, feelings and experiences, which may differ from your own, and yet still not be right or wrong, and you'll get along just fine.

Welcome to the board. :D

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

welcome to the board, if you fancy "the talking bluntly area" I suggest the Take it Outside forum as a perfect place to do so! :D

these country forums are the main area for wannabe expats to gain knowledge and help and expats to share their personal experiences and views .... we all get heated at times but these arent the ones to come rushing in like a bull in a china shop - whereas the TIO forum is perfect for that :) as I well know!

not being sarcastic so dont take it as such - just passing on the advice people gave me too ... which helped!!

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Tell me, what have I written that is so outrageous? I am blunt by nature and so I figure it best you all know ahead of time. That doesn't by definition mean that I am intentionally rude or insensitive. It is just that I call it as I see it. That has always been the case. And that is why I have no problem with what Deer Hunter wrote.

I do agree with you on one point: No one is right or wrong. It is a matter of one's point of view.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Is this a cultural thing at this forum? Is there some sort of taboo here. Do not confuse being outspoken and direct with being nasty or agressive, insensitive, rude, whatever.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

err .... nothing, yet, that I have seen, and I never said you did ...... just thought you appear to be coming in ready to do battle with all and sundry! :eek:

As for being direct .... there's nothing wrong with that at the right time/place, that's all, and so long as you have some regard for other's feelings.

Sometimes things that aren't even meant as blunt, in the written form can sound a lot harsher. As demonstrated by the fact that you saw MY post as a criticism of you already. It was not meant as such, just a friendly reminder to be nice to some of our sensitive souls. :D

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Correct me if I'm wrong but this is a public forum. Why should we have to censor ourselves just in case we offend the 'sensitive souls'? If people can't hack negative things being said then for god's sake go and live in lala land and stop looking at BE. There will always be disagreements about where to live/what to do/who to ship with etc.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Yes it is a public forum. I have not taken issue with anything you have said. I am not arguing with you or anyone, and "sensitive souls" is a turn of phrase. Please don't hit me, I'm only a helpless female AND I wear glasses!!!! :p

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Well as a fellow female four eyes I will let it go this time. :D

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Good! I'll buy you an ice-cream next time you're in town! :D

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Of course this is a public forum and people should be able to express themselves without concern of censorship. However I would like to think that since we are adults, we would be able to conduct ourselves accordingly and remember that although we may be on a public forum acting like a "bully" under the pretense of "being straightforward" is not always wise if one wishes to make friendships and not get banned.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Well being the adults that we are we may do well to stop name calling and mud slinging as soon as someone is 'straightforward'. Not everyone is out to 'bully' some people are just being straightforward <no quotation marks>

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

I have no problem with someone being straightforward, but its a very fine line between that and sounding like a bully. Along with being straight forward goes the responsibility of having respect for others as well.....something that is clearly lacking sometimes.

Perhaps those folks that consider themselves "straightforward" can give it out, but arent quite as good at taking it when it comes back.

Now Im off to bed.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Glad to see that the tread hasn't ended in tears (yet) and thanks so much for all the great advice that has been posted. There are things on here that wouldn't even have crossed my mind to consider, the main one being the price of chicken. ;)

Deerhunter - whilst I stand by what I said about your first two posts being unhelpful and nothing to do with answering my OP, I would like to apologise for upsetting you. It was never my intention and I overreacted because of the last thread I started on the same subject going TU so quickly. So, sorry about that.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

I was offered a company car when I moved to Calgary in 1997. It was a Mecury Sable and one of my friend who was an accountant worked out the tax for having a company car who would have been 25% of my monthly take home pay.

You should be able to find online company car taxes in Canada.
hudd

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Yup, me too. I'm the same as you apart from the inter-company transfer bit. I may or may not go on somewhere else after Canada (if I get in). Seems a shame to spend all of your life in one country if you have the opportunity to try new places.

That said, I will be spending my time in Canada hunkered down in an old Marmite box in the (unfinished) basement, while a windup radio plays the BBC World Service. The roads, the car insurance, the expensive cheese... it's all too much. (On the plus side, I don't eat chicken :p.)

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

What makes you think you'll find an old Marmite box here? You better bring one with you when you come! :eek: :D

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

But of course! Travel without my Marmite box??!


;)

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Doh, the thread, not the tread.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

If that's your worst typo you've little to worry about ...... I am still trying to smother my unseemly giggles about the "brave loins" on the war graves thread! :p

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Likes:

• The beauty of the countryside.
• Our house - huge by UK standards, a small bungalow by Canadian standards - and still having cash left over at the end of the month.
• We can live on an island in the Rideau River, but be in the centre of Ottawa in 20 minutes.
• Riding down the Ottawa River on my Brother-in-Law's pontoon.
• Sitting watching the sun go down. A different show every night, winter or summer.
• The friendliness of Canadians - my new family, my new workmates, my new neighbours.
• No chavs. No pavement pizzas. No dog poo or chewing gum.
• The wave I get from other motorcyclists.
• Ottawa market - day or night, winter or summer, breakfast or beer and supper. The Rainbow -http://ottawa-blues-jazz.ncf.ca/bowabout.html.
• Timmie's.

Dislikes:

• Driving conditions: Roads that are maintained badly or not at all.
• Driving conditions: Drivers that morph from friendly to beeping, hand gesturing monsters once they get behind the wheel.
• Driving conditions: Huge trucks - thundering past at 110kph.
• Driving conditions: No Red and Amber in traffic light sequence. Turning right on red (a nightmare on the motorcycle). Four-way stops.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

I'm now trying to remember if that was me too... :D

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

ERM
I take issue with this.........................Female ? yes I agree you Definitely Are.
Wear Glasses? yes once again I Agree 100%
Helpless??????? You helpless NEVER ;)

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

OK I am the first to admit that I am the new kid on the block.

Now I have established that, I don't see a bully?

Me, I do not believe in bullying aka intimidation either. It is childish and serves no purpose.

If someone here comes across an incident of bullying, and it has to be really nasty and obvious, then I strongly suggest we do ourselves a favour and please let us know.

Heck, start a new thead if needs be!

I believe this place is moderated. If so, why not let the moderator do his or her job?

But, and I will make it clear this comment is NOT aimed at Willmore, please do spare us the platitudes, or attempt at lecturing us on civilised modes of social behaviour. This is of no interest whatsoever to me as I go on the premise that we are all adults and should/do know better.

Myself, I just want the cold hard facts.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Sometimes when a new person arrives on the block and warns everyone that " This is my first post. I warn you that I am very blunt at times. So be forewarned." This can be used by that individual in future as an excuse for bullying behaviour, people are a little taken aback by it.

It sounds like your saying to the forum (my interpretation only) that "I'm loud, obnoxious and boorish like it or lump it".

Rather than announce it you may have been better off not saying anything and posting normally.

Cheers
Steve

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Steve, well you will get to know me. I can assure you I am quite a decent person. I do not bully. I try to avoid being unnecessarily rude. I never use foul langauge or swear words. Anyways you guys and girls be the judge. I do have a blunt style. But I do not mince words. To me it is pointless.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

I'm glad to hear that and look forward to seeing more of your posts. :)

Cheers
Steve

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

I, for myself, tend to beat around the bush, I have trouble expressing myself clearly and usually understate my position. Nonetheless, in a bid to be less mealy mouthed I'm going to come write out and say that I think we've read enough about the manner in which you intend to frame your opinions; it's time to stop bleating about the manner in which you intend to write and to actually write something. Shit, as they say, or get off the pot. What do you like or dislike about Canada?

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

I intentionally refrained from posting to this thread inasfar as actually answering the initial question because, as has been already pointed out. it will really change nothing. It is just a collection of opinions and nothing more.

As has been pointed out above (by a very astute and savvy poster) 'It is pointless asking people on this forum what's good and bad about Canada. The answers you will get will be biased and of no use to you. Does the fact that you can buy a huge shoddily built house and a truck to drive to Walmart and buy clothes made by 12 year old Chinese kids make you want to go there? What will change for you when you move only you can say. There are no less social problems in Canada than the UK. It is expensive. You will not all of a sudden become an athlete. Your kids will start to backchat you in a Canadian accent and learn some cool new French swear words. Immigration is tough and you have to ask yourself why it is you want to leave.’

But not to avoid the question, here goes:

Likes:

- Less crowded than most places
- Housing or rental accomodation is relatively affordable
- A good social system with Medicare and Pensions
- This is not a nation that is dying to go to war unlike the Yanks down south.
- Cold winters
- High standard of living for those who get off their arses
- Lack of significant inheritance taxes

Dislikes

- Asinine Multiculturalism policy
- Provincial rights. De facto ten countries in one
- A weak federal system
- Idiotic language laws in Quebec where English is really a dirty word.
- High Heat and humidity in major eastern cities such as Toronto and Montreal
- In Eastern Canada there are only to two seasons: Winter and July. There is no Spring and Autumn to speak off

Overall the pluses far outweigh the minuses. This is my conclusion after having spent 44 years here.

PS .. I just hope no one makes any life-changing decisions based on what I just posted.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

After reading through your list of dislikes, I have to ask, why do you live in Montreal? Why not move to another, more desirable, part of the country?

BTW, the PM of Canada has a whole lot more power than you want to admit to.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

The best is when you see a parking space on the other side of the road and someone else does then it becomes a race of who can turn around quickest. and there is always the danger someone will slip into the space while you are turning around!!

I think Montreal is a good city but everyone's circumstances are different. Personally I can't just forget about the UK as my business is based there, there is no point in starting a business here as I earn 2 or 3 times the money from the same thing in the UK as I would in Canada.

Also I have 34 years worth of friends and all my family in the UK, so I'm not suddenly going to dump them just because I've come to live here. I think a lot of people will feel the same as me on this point.

Jonathan

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

But the point of a discussion board is to express and debate points of view, very much like a pub. One advances a view, often exaggerating it for impact, and other people take a poke at it. There is no deeper point.

For example:

The Prime Minister of Canada is as much Bush's poodle as is Tony Blair. Canadians are dying most days in Afghanistan so Canada can support the war effort in Iraq without directly admitting to it. It is, of course, wrong to suggest that all Americans support the war, just as it's wrong to suggest that all Canadians do, but in both cases they're elected pro-war governments.

I think the multiculturalism policy is one of the best things about Canada, indeed it gives some definition to the country beyond being a colder version of Oregon. How is it assinine?

The provinces are not that powerful and the federal government is not that weak, if that were the case gay marriage would still be illegal in some provinces. Quebec enjoys unique clout as the people are the primary embodiment of the francophone heritage so critical to the the country, but I don't think Quebec's power is typical. Do you have examples of other provinces having too much power?

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Unfortunately, that is not true any more. Canada is no longer a peacemaker; the blue beret has largely been thrown away. The Canadian troops in Afghanistan are there primarily in an offensive capacity. The massive military expenditure announced in the last budget is geared to enabling the movement of large numbers of troops and equipment to other parts of the world. The military is reported to be looking at ways to reactivate its fleet of mothballed Leopards. The Leopard, if you didn't know, is a main battle tank. You don't use them for re-building schools.

Canada is getting used to, and will become much more used to, seeing troops coming home in coffins. Particularly now that policy with regard to the media has changed.

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

Gee you've got me a trembling in my boots! :scared:[/QUOTE]

Was just wondering about these boots, what are they like.........might they be black shinny, and maybe up past the knee somewhere around the thigh area? ;)

Likes:

Most of the experience so far, too many to list

Dislikes:

People beeping their horns at you for unjustifiable reasons
Lack of que etiquette. Like for the Toronto Island Ferry. It wasn't even a que just a mass of people!!

To be honest just wanted to ask about the boots but didn't want to go off topic.

Mark

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

...like when they lock their cars, what on earth is that about?! The chirp/honk thing was switched off on our UK Jeep, the salesgirl told us it was against some EU noise regulation or other - quite possibly the only sensible regulation the EU has ever come up with ;)

Re: Perhaps someone could tell me nicely what they like/dislike about Canada?
 

And that awful seatbelt chime when you start the car up