Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Is it even that Canada is behind technologically, or is that a broadly similar level of technology is available but people just aren't as bothered about it (apart, perhaps, from the obligatory obsession with Apple products witnessed at the launch of the iPad)? Genuine question...some online services don't seem to be as advanced and then there's things like crappy phone tariffs, but the phones themselves, laptops, HD TVs, Tom Toms etc are all available at a similar level aren't they, just that people aren't as bothered about buying them? Or not?

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

So what you are saying is the built up bits over here are just as built up as the built up bits over there!:rolleyes:

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

You're right, the technology itself isn't significantly different, but there's definately a slower uptake in Canada and poorer use of technology compared to the UK. I don't think it's that consumers are less interested, I think it's the suppliers that are less interested in Canada as a market.

Chip and Pin is still not ubiquitous here, direct debit / standing order isn't always the default method of paying regular bills (people actually still go in to the bank every month to pay their bills, or give post-dated cheques), online shopping is poor, don't get me started on cellphones.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Well how would you feel ordering something from the equivalent distance away as Warsaw and then wondering why it takes 4 months and $342 to get it to you.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

The biggest problem I think is people compare Canada to the UK, when really they should be comparing Regions and Cities. Canada is a massive country, with cities thousands of miles apart, each one has it's own culture and way of life. In the UK it's similar with say Scotland and the South East of England, each are polar opposites.

That being said there are certainly elements that are the same across the country. The benefit of Canada that is sort of "universal" is that it is an absolute goldmine for enterprising people and small businesses. Any other benefits I can think of are really going to depend on the person's preference and also vary depending on where in Canada you are. I love the fact it's a new country, with new buildings and when buildings are getting old they knock them down and build new ones to keep up the standard of living. Some people hate this and wish they would leave old buildings around. I like the way everything is spaced out and less claustrophobic, other people may hate this because it means more distance between places and so on.

I don't think any writer on this forum could come close to portraying a balanced view of Canada that is like you're actually there. You just have to visit and judge for yourself. Going by word of mouth is risky. If you do have to go by words alone, don't ask what is good or bad, just ask about how things are done and what life is like so you can come to your own conclusion.

EDIT: Online shopping fails because Canada Post fails. eBay and Amazon are blessed to have Royal Mail in the UK.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I get your point re the size of Canada but that's a poor example. It's not at all uncommon to order goods from around Europe and expect fast, efficient and affordable delivery. Canada is one country, it should be easier.

The thing that frustrates me, is that when I go to Canadian retailers websites the first thing it does is ask me where I am and then shows me a sub-set of its product catalogue based on my location. That's a poor show frankly.

I'm not moaning, just pointing out one of the things that the UK does better than Canada (I still prefer Canada).

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I have to admit I agree with that, so I have a list of random postcodes that I use to check other stores out in the vicinity - I mean really - heaven forbid that I might want to come out of my comfort zone and visit one of those new fangled cities ;)

I don't think it's a poor example - I think it's spot on, you say Canada is one country and should be easier, unfortunately though - it isn't.

Have you ever been to other locations apart from where you are now??? I think you'll find life in big city Ontario will differ very much to life in very small town Alberta insomuchas we only get 2 mail deliveries a week - so there cuts out 3 working days of your "should be easier" premise.

Why not deliver 5 days? Because the poor old bugger in his postal truck takes all day to do one part of the rural locations due to there being a scattering of farms over a very large area.

Why not employ more staff? Because I think a staff of 6 delivery people to hand out letters to 100 farms is pushing it a bit, not to mention the carbon footprint of the vehicles (did ya like the green angle there?!)

All parts of Canada are different, and I for one seriously don't mind waiting a few extra days for mail. It's not really going to kill me (unless of course one is a death threat for the next day then I take your point)

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I pretty much agree with most of this. But do remember, if you are coming here with small children and leaving your support network (i.e. grand parents, aunts and uncles etc.) in the UK, it's difficult to find the time to do any grown up outdoor activity. Who is going to mind the kids while you go off hiking or skiing?

Don't underestimate the impact of raising your children without an extended family. My wife and I have been doing that for the past 5 years, and it's very difficult. Just getting away for dinner or popping to the pub requires major planning.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

wow actually balanced views for a change.

End of the day, happiness and contentment is about your life coming together in a certain place, be that the UK, Canada or .......

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

That's not necessarily true. People love me and realise how lucky they are I decided to move here. They never call though.:confused:

Are you having a pop at Bronte again? Don't believe a word of this. The GTA has some great little spots to live with nice parks and outdoor spaces, with the bonus of being within reach of Toronto. Granted, you cant jump on black beauty and gallop for days before meeting a single human being. And you're unlikely to be able to host your own music festival in your back garden. But some places still have a lot of character and plenty of outdoor spaces.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I find the access to nature here is superb. Its just different to England.

To be able to drive from my house for a couple of hours and be in Algonquin Park, as I was last weekend felt pretty special. Because there is genuine space and wilderness out there, away from the thin corridor of development next to Highway 60.

Have also been to parks in Jasper and Lake Louise, various Provincial parks in Quebec and elsewhere. There's development and some tourists, but its never hard to get away.

Sure, there's lots of farmland in Ontario/Quebec and you can't just go wandering off down any country lane or any across field. But I like how they keep the federal and provincial parks here, and there's no shortage of them to enjoy.

Travelling from downtown Toronto may be an exception to this, but from Ottawa and Montreal, beautiful and accessible countryside is within very easy reach.

England's countryside is just different - historical, developed, and you're never too far from someone or something when you're there.

I like both English and Canadian countryside, but to argue that one is superior to the other isn't really an apples to apples comparison.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

That's not really true is it ;)

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I live in Australia, but I love reading the Canada forum, it's much better than the Aussie one, don't know why. I enjoyed reading these posts about Canada, I think much is the same for Australia, new country, wide spaces etc. Maybe I should try living in Canada one day, something keeps calling me.
The thing about raising kids without a back-up family is very true, you can't offload the children without paying for it or doing the same for friends, and you realise how far away you are only once you are here. I think it takes a long time before you feel it's not you being the one far away from the others.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Oh, I don't say that one is superior to the other, just that the right to roam and extensive network of footpaths and bridleways makes the countryside more accessible than private ownership of shorelines and extensive bio-hazard protection areas. Yes, there are parks in Ontario, there are also parks in the south-east of England. In terms of access Algonquin is, to a resident of Toronto, less useful than the Peak District is to a resident of London. Similar distances, need for a car in one case, public transit in the other.

No, I wasn't taking a pop at Bronte in particular but the GTA in general. Starting at, say, Etobicoke, the nearest park that looks anything like countryside might be Rockwood which has a nice lake and trees and grass and shit but, you have to drive and if it's a weekend, go early so as to have a shot at a parking spot. Starting at, say Camden, one could take the tube to Epping Forest, there are also trees and grass and all that nature stuff there but it's not a production to go and it doesn't entail finding out which road, if any, is not closed this weekend.

I don't buy the "more outdoors in Canada" argument in the context of Toronto vs. London. Toronto vs. anywhere in the UK, really.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Of course there's more outdoors in Canada!

But I take your point about access from a downtown area: however space and wilderness are also as much a state of mind as they are accesibility.

Having lived in London for four years I never once thought - "Oh, I'll pop out to the Peak District tomorrow, and be back early in time for tea." Or: "Oh look, it's tiffin time. Time for a jaunt to the New Forest." Living in London it could take me an hour and a half to get to my destination within London. However, with all the cottagers (In the Canadian sense not London seedy 60's sense!) in Toronto roads in and out of town can be blocked for hours on Friday Evenings and Sunday evenings too.

But state of mind wise the "call" of the wild is more present in Canada, and the wilderness is much much bigger!

In London, when the urge to merge with nature overtakes them, most people tend to go to a local park and sit on the grass with a hanky on their head.:p

http://europeforvisitors.com/london/...ing_368091.jpg

Re accessibility in the UK. Of course there's all the wonderful footpaths and stiles giving access over farmers' land. There's also lots of grumpy farmers who put their bulls in those fields. Farmers are farmers and they don't like people traipsing over their land.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

The real poor thing with online shopping here is that there is no competition..for example a product cost $200 in a shop..you look online for the same product online and its still $200 plus you have to pay a delivery charge.

In the UK if you shop around online you can find the product cheaper than you can in the shops 99% of the time and can often get free delivery.

The theory with online shopping is that have they little overheads because they have no stores and fewer staff so pass those savings on to the customer..but not here though.

It seems to be the same with all commodities here no competition same item different place same price.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

You know those moments where you exhale deeply because you're so relaxed? I had one of those on my first trip to Canada when I went out to the mountains with my mate and my fiancee. We were stood by a frozen river, it was pretty warm for the time of year (-10) and it was perfectly quiet other than the sound of water under the ice.

I don't often get that sort of thing in the UK and I really value it.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

No, but Vancouver does! and has access to an area 4 times the size of the UK with few limitations on access. So yes, Canada can provide unparralled access to the outdoors, its what defines Vancouver in my eyes. You can literally be out of downtown and sitting by your tod at a remote lake in an hour or less.

Too bad about the prices of homes:frown:

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

And whether in the UK or Canada this ability is more often "honoured in the breach than the observance."

I think Canada gives a person more chances to "think" about being by a lake on your lonesome!

Probably for most people living in fairly modern housing, in a city with fairly modern infrastructure, in a fairly liberal society, in one of twenty or so similar countries around the world, life is going to be pretty much the same: fairly boring!

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Sadly... :(

but thankfully there are still plenty of nice civilised areas too! just a bit too pricey!

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Landed back in the UK 12 hours ago.......

Nice to pick up a real newspaper
Watch some real TV
Go to a real supermarket
And of to a real pub in an hour

Not so nice was the rush hour traffic around Farnham which rivals junctions in Toronto...............

I'm sure by Friday when I've done all the things I've missed I'll be looking forward to getting back to the quiet country life that is Downtown Toronto.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

OO I love Farnham. We use to go to Frensham Pond's alot as kids :)

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

This is what im wondering just now.

Husband wants to go to live in Canada, and Im not so sure it will be a good idea.

He has 2 sisters in Canada, one in Ontario, the other in Calgary. They both love it and say they will never be back in the UK (they have both been there for about 2 yrs).
Brother in law says we will have a much better life in Canada, better quality of life, and more opportunities for the kids! When I ask him how his life is better in Canada than it was in the UK, he says look at the house I have, I would never have had that type of house in the UK!!!!! Its only a house!!!!!!

Me, I think life is what you make of it no matter where you are in the world.

Here in the UK, I personally think we have a good life - we both have jobs, I work because I want to not because I need to, only have a small mortgage, and we have all our other family and friends. To me this is what a good quality of life means.

But does my argument, please everyone in our family, no, they still tell me "Canada will be better for us, after all this place is going to the dogs"!!!!

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I think you have answred your own question right there

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Thanks for your reply but im the only one that thinks that!
Its me against the rest of my family they all think im mad not to go

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

The UK is a great place; so is Canada. How old are your kids? It would definately benefit them to experience new things at a young age.

Can you rent your house and try Canada for a couple of years? Then decide if it's permanent?

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I love Farnham too. Frensham ponds is a good spot- I am not sure if swimming in the water is regarded as particularly healthy these days sadly.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Seems like you're the only one without blinkers and deep rose coloured glasses on. If you have jobs, small mortgage etc. why would you trade that all in and spend a lot of money, to be a foreigner in someone else's country? Have you thought of going on a nice holiday if they're bored?

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

I largely agree.

I try to live by the philosophy that I'd rather regret something I've done than something I've not done. In other words, I'd rather give it a go and fail than not give it a go at all.

Having said that, I think most people would agree that the people least likely to make a success of their move to Canada are those who want to move simply because they think "the UK is going to the dogs". You need to be realistic. You need to honestly assess what you have, what you don't have, and what you could have where you are before deciding to move.

Just my tuppence worth.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

my kids are 13 and 5.

My husband doesnt want to rent it out, he wants to sell it.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

We are not long back from Canada, but, my husband has been on about this for over a year now.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Hey are you my brother in law lol. Honestly, this is what he says too.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

This philosophy could be a risky one, especially when children are involved.

As a worse case scenario, i'd rather regret not trying to move from my comfortable life in the UK, away from my family and friends, than regret moving if that meant either living in a country that made me unhappy, or returning to the UK penniless and jobless with huge cracks in my family/relationships.

That said, the move could be the best thing you ever did. The main problem is that you'll never know until you try.

It's all down to your aversion to risk.

I would suggest you ask your hubby to write a list of what he believes your chosen area in Canada will give you with regards to a "Better Life" and "more opportunities for the kids". Make sure they're tangible with reasoning behind them. You may even like what you see. He also might come unstuck and not find anything beyond those lines. Don't forget to differentiate between "Better" and "Different".

Good luck :fingerscrossed:

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

"It's not the destination, it's the journey."

You hear that cliche many times, and for many people that is the reason why they think they want to emigrate.

It's not necessarily wrong: Brits (and Irish) especially have always sought to live in the far flung corners of the old Empire.

Sometimes it's the striving, the seeking, the adventure, the challenge that is at the heart of the yearning to move.

Will life be better?

Is your criteria for "better" a 1. Material life (bigger home and car, or more money); 2. Lifestyle (scenery, outdoors activity, more "space") and opportunities for the kids; 3. or the adventure of moving and carving a new life out of the unknown; 4. or just getting away from the same-old same-old?

Make sure you know what you want before you seek to find it!

For me it was adventure and building a new life.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Bingo!:thumbup:

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Also the imminent threat of starvation at home.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

That scares the hell out of me! :blink:

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

Not so much the emigrants of today, but the Irish, mentioned above, didn't go to America in droves because they wanted to see the Grand Canyon.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

They didn't?!

;)

Jokes aside though, I'm sure there are going to be issues long term in the UK with food, power etc. That said, I'm sure the same will be true of other nations.

Re: Is it really better in Canada?
 

its much sunnier there and you have Kangeroos.