Canada is my home, I think it's a great country and I'm about to apply to become one of its citizens.

The impression that Brit immigrants give up easilly and have a high risk of flight exists in the mind of some Canadians.

I really like living in Canada and I would like my children to stay here long term ... they will be Canadian citizens who have gone through the Canadian education system from start to finish and I assume that they'll have no trouble getting their lives going.

I'm not trying to spoil anybody's dreams, but I would have appreciated knowing some of the realities of life in Canada before I got here ... it was a dream for me too.

It's easy for those already here to say "if I'd known ..whatever.., I wouldn't have come" ... it's also obvious we haven't gone back to the UK ... if life in Canada was really that bad, we wouldn't still be here ... even with the challenges we've all faced, we're all still here making a go of it.

My poll for today is: what shape do you want the forum to take in the future?

A little more research before asking would help...

and a little less "how wonderful Canada is" from those that don't live here !!

Well, of course, the forum should be just as it is now and that's how I voted. As long as it generally keeps the theme of Canadian Lifestyle and Culture it should generate some interesting reading of the pros and cons. In my opinion it cannot seriously prepare anyone for the actual reality of living in Canada because you don't find that out until you are actually living here. But at least it may give a taste of things to come.

This must say something about your intentions and true views with the good and the bad. I see someone had a pop today!

But...Citizenship.. a little while ago you had a rant about the costs... santa brought the bag of dollars then down the chimney? Did you give him cookies and milk?

Anyone seen Bad Santa? I want one like that but kept away from the kids.

Whats the point in hiding? The truth always comes out in the end so best to get it over. One thing I am begginning to learn is that no one really should get upset about thoughts on this forum.

Like life thoughts can change as situations change and whats good for one is bad for another.

To those who just started here read into all the thoughts that most people are still in Canada even if its not all rosy and covered with gold. Same as the Uk, same as most places.

Life moved on ... Santa left a few dollars in our stockings over the Christmas period ... 2005 is looking smoother already ... money is now available to save for education & retirement ... we're much happier bunnies all round ... feels more like the Canadian dream will start to work for us in the coming year.

Who's hiding from what ... you've lost me again.

Correct ... mine certainly did ... I'm actually starting to feel more Canadian than Brit now ... been through the immigration process and survived ... now starting to prosper.

You work, you eat, you sleep ... the life cycle is much the same.

Its the word again that puts my IQ back around the 20 something..sorry.

Hiding - meaning why not say somethings bad if it is bad, even from a personal viewpoint. No use saying its good as it would mislead, whatever 'ITS' is.

Canada is a great country ... I don't think I ever said it wasn't ... my gripes are with the immigration experience.

There's also nothing wrong with dreaming about a new life ... just be aware that there are bumps in life's highway ... emigrating adds a few more that you might not expect ... that's my take home message.

My veiw - give it warts and all, how else can it be! fluffy clouds & fairytales?
I think this site is great because of it, we can learn about everyones experiences and decide for ourselves if this would suit. Lets face it, what one family would hate about canadian life, another would love.

LindaP

Glaswegian- I'm pleased things seem to be getting better, it can't have been easy lately! Long may it continue!!!!

Thanks for that ... I know there are other people lurking around who are going through the same or similar ... it's a big step to take and there's a lot of adjustment of expectations to happen during the transition.

We all have highs and lows in life, I think people should be realistic above all, Canada is a different way of life, not utopia!

I've heard it takes a couple of years to really start to settle down....from what I've read it takes a couple of years to recover from the immigration experience per se!!

I'm also very glad to see you sounding happier Glas

Morw

We're dealt the hum-dinger of times to be able to appreciate the good times. If all we had were fantastic times dont you think we'd be an ungrateful lot and not appreciate anything given to us.

Glad to see its looking a better year for you Glas. From what I have heard from friends and family back home in the Uk on my recent trip back, everyones has had a crappy 2004. So beleive me some of my friends stories could make a bad day in Canada look like a fairytale!

Canada....good, bad indiffrernt? I am presently in Toronto, and having travelled quite a lot since my arrival here ...Toronto, in my opinion, is not Canada...hence my 'flight' from the GTA next year...'Canada' is everything I ever hoped for...but as the Irish say...Dublin is not Ireland...same goes for Toronto and Canada!

Thanks

This is a good post !!!!!!

I didn't mean to insult or upset anyone by putting my post! Just felt the last few of your posts were very negative

Happy Holidays and hope the new year brings everything you want

Ted

Negativity is in the eye of the beholder ... I find it strange that someone could go through the entire emigration cycle and not be aware of what they're coming to ... that's why I get nervous when people say they want to emigrate without ever having come over for a visit.

Unfortunately every Brit who lands, complains about the state of Canada and leaves again makes it that little bit harder for every new one that wants to stay ... the good news is that it doesn't matter after you've been here a couple of years.

It already has .... best wishes to you and yours.