Is it REALLY much better????
Jun 15th 2012, 10:14 pm
#121
"In cruce vincam"
Joined: May 2010
Location: Mill Bay, Vancouver Island
Posts: 3,232
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
That all sounds a bit vague to me, you need to better define your reasons for doing it.
"Access to the outdoors" is something I hear a lot and one of the reasons I moved, well, more accurately I was sick of people living so close together, but the reality is that if you are an outdoors person the weather here has to be a major consideration.
Getting your career going in Canada can be pretty difficult, the govt is welcoming of immigrants and the businesses usually are too, it's the bit in the middle that is the real problem. Professional associations, qualifications, training you must have that you can't get, unions, etc.
All of which is designed to create a closed shop.
I wouldn't mind so much if there was more honesty on that point but the main reason put forward are fluffy statements like "maintain standards" and "best practice" and stuff like that, which I would have sympathy with if you're coming from an LDC, but coming from most parts of Europe, Australia, etc. it's stupid. Because the reality is that Canada is not the gold standard.
You sit there reading through their requirements or in the training thinking: "what a load of crap".
I suppose the more PC way of looking at it is a lack of "competitive dynamism". Or some other buzz phrase.
All I can say is, look at the time spent on provincial free trade agreements because of all the bureaucracy. Says it all really: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/britis...-wine-law.html
"Access to the outdoors" is something I hear a lot and one of the reasons I moved, well, more accurately I was sick of people living so close together, but the reality is that if you are an outdoors person the weather here has to be a major consideration.
Getting your career going in Canada can be pretty difficult, the govt is welcoming of immigrants and the businesses usually are too, it's the bit in the middle that is the real problem. Professional associations, qualifications, training you must have that you can't get, unions, etc.
All of which is designed to create a closed shop.
I wouldn't mind so much if there was more honesty on that point but the main reason put forward are fluffy statements like "maintain standards" and "best practice" and stuff like that, which I would have sympathy with if you're coming from an LDC, but coming from most parts of Europe, Australia, etc. it's stupid. Because the reality is that Canada is not the gold standard.
You sit there reading through their requirements or in the training thinking: "what a load of crap".
I suppose the more PC way of looking at it is a lack of "competitive dynamism". Or some other buzz phrase.
All I can say is, look at the time spent on provincial free trade agreements because of all the bureaucracy. Says it all really: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/britis...-wine-law.html
Exactly what we face on a daily basis with our business! Certainly on the West coast here we find it pretty parochial in outlook.
Jun 15th 2012, 11:38 pm
#122
Up Your Kilt
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights
Posts: 1,621
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
Getting your career going in Canada can be pretty difficult, the govt is welcoming of immigrants and the businesses usually are too, it's the bit in the middle that is the real problem. Professional associations, qualifications, training you must have that you can't get, unions, etc.
All of which is designed to create a closed shop.
I wouldn't mind so much if there was more honesty on that point but the main reason put forward are fluffy statements like "maintain standards" and "best practice" and stuff like that, which I would have sympathy with if you're coming from an LDC, but coming from most parts of Europe, Australia, etc. it's stupid. Because the reality is that Canada is not the gold standard.
You sit there reading through their requirements or in the training thinking: "what a load of crap".
I suppose the more PC way of looking at it is a lack of "competitive dynamism". Or some other buzz phrase.
All of which is designed to create a closed shop.
I wouldn't mind so much if there was more honesty on that point but the main reason put forward are fluffy statements like "maintain standards" and "best practice" and stuff like that, which I would have sympathy with if you're coming from an LDC, but coming from most parts of Europe, Australia, etc. it's stupid. Because the reality is that Canada is not the gold standard.
You sit there reading through their requirements or in the training thinking: "what a load of crap".
I suppose the more PC way of looking at it is a lack of "competitive dynamism". Or some other buzz phrase.
Been there, done that on several occasions trying to convince some smuck that I actually know how to do my job - I can sweep up as good as the rest of them
Jun 16th 2012, 1:29 am
#123
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,088
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
Something like 60 percent of greater manchester lives below the poverty line. I'd expect that's typical of a lot of the UK, north of the watford gap.
Not to say that Canada is all log cabins and ice skating, but the UK has it's grim side too. Very, very grim in some areas i'd say.
Jun 16th 2012, 1:33 am
#124
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,088
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
why are you banging on about this culture crap....funny that i have never once in 20 plus years, ever felt deprived leaving the UK's culture behind.
Jun 16th 2012, 1:36 am
#125
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,088
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
id say more than that. Inventory is on the rise and slowest spring sales in 10 years. Prices on teh west side are already down 12 percent. I'd say more like 25 - 30 percent. 3 years and owners will be under water.
Jun 16th 2012, 3:58 am
#127
Beep
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Here
Posts: 8,311
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
the vast majority of the UK's population live in the larger urban areas, I'd say as much as 70 percent. Hardly hob knobbing with the vicar, sailing regattas and cucumber sandwiches is it?
Something like 60 percent of greater manchester lives below the poverty line. I'd expect that's typical of a lot of the UK, north of the watford gap.
Not to say that Canada is all log cabins and ice skating, but the UK has it's grim side too. Very, very grim in some areas i'd say.
Something like 60 percent of greater manchester lives below the poverty line. I'd expect that's typical of a lot of the UK, north of the watford gap.
Not to say that Canada is all log cabins and ice skating, but the UK has it's grim side too. Very, very grim in some areas i'd say.
Interestingly, that shows more people in Canada live in urban areas, as defined.
http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/[email protected]?iid=34
http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/f...oard-May11.pdf
Jun 16th 2012, 7:02 am
#128
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,088
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
Funnily, according to the following sites, 80.7% of the population of england living in urban areas and 19.3% in rural. Canada has 81% versus 19%.
Interestingly, that shows more people in Canada live in urban areas, as defined.
http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/[email protected]?iid=34
http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/f...oard-May11.pdf
Interestingly, that shows more people in Canada live in urban areas, as defined.
http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/[email protected]?iid=34
http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/f...oard-May11.pdf
When i think of cities i have lived in in the UK vs Vancouver, I know where i'd rather be.
Mind you, from what i have seen of rural living here, I'd rather live rual in the UK. Vanderhoof vs Alderley Edge....although the hoof would be cheaper.
Last edited by Boy d; Jun 16th 2012 at 7:05 am.
Jun 16th 2012, 8:58 am
#129
Happy
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,942
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
The whole "being closer to to the outdoors" thing makes me smile now. It was one of my reasons for moving too.
Now I am here I realise how much easier it was to be close to the outdoors in England simply because nothing bit me like it does here.
Therefore it MUST be a culture thing. Canada throws its love of the outdoor life in your face - you only have to watch a Canadian Tire commercial to see that.
The English countryside is not marketed as a bug free wonderful escape from the daily drudges of life. If it were marketed better (like it is here) maybe we would all have a different view of it.
Its one of the things I miss. I love the outdoors here (bugs and all) but I love it there too. Its the people and their attitudes that I mainly moved from.
And now I feel frustration at some of the attitudes here - old boys club and all that.
Now I am here I realise how much easier it was to be close to the outdoors in England simply because nothing bit me like it does here.
Therefore it MUST be a culture thing. Canada throws its love of the outdoor life in your face - you only have to watch a Canadian Tire commercial to see that.
The English countryside is not marketed as a bug free wonderful escape from the daily drudges of life. If it were marketed better (like it is here) maybe we would all have a different view of it.
Its one of the things I miss. I love the outdoors here (bugs and all) but I love it there too. Its the people and their attitudes that I mainly moved from.
And now I feel frustration at some of the attitudes here - old boys club and all that.
Jun 16th 2012, 11:30 am
#130
Banned
Joined: Dec 2010
Location: Durham Region Extension
Posts: 3,342
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
The whole "being closer to to the outdoors" thing makes me smile now. It was one of my reasons for moving too.
Now I am here I realise how much easier it was to be close to the outdoors in England simply because nothing bit me like it does here.
Therefore it MUST be a culture thing. Canada throws its love of the outdoor life in your face - you only have to watch a Canadian Tire commercial to see that.
The English countryside is not marketed as a bug free wonderful escape from the daily drudges of life. If it were marketed better (like it is here) maybe we would all have a different view of it.
Its one of the things I miss. I love the outdoors here (bugs and all) but I love it there too. Its the people and their attitudes that I mainly moved from.
And now I feel frustration at some of the attitudes here - old boys club and all that.
Now I am here I realise how much easier it was to be close to the outdoors in England simply because nothing bit me like it does here.
Therefore it MUST be a culture thing. Canada throws its love of the outdoor life in your face - you only have to watch a Canadian Tire commercial to see that.
The English countryside is not marketed as a bug free wonderful escape from the daily drudges of life. If it were marketed better (like it is here) maybe we would all have a different view of it.
Its one of the things I miss. I love the outdoors here (bugs and all) but I love it there too. Its the people and their attitudes that I mainly moved from.
And now I feel frustration at some of the attitudes here - old boys club and all that.
Jun 16th 2012, 1:35 pm
#131
Lowering the tone
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 7,351
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
REALITY - living in a dull North America city, driving in an oversized vehicle from the Tim Horton's drive-thru to the Canadian Tire 30-acre parking lot.
Jun 16th 2012, 2:32 pm
#132
Banned
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: the GTA
Posts: 3,824
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
ADVERTS - pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, log cabins, handsome rosy-cheeked families, laughter, Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire barbecues etc. etc. etc.
REALITY - living in a dull North America city, driving in an oversized vehicle from the Tim Horton's drive-thru to the Canadian Tire 30-acre parking lot.
REALITY - living in a dull North America city, driving in an oversized vehicle from the Tim Horton's drive-thru to the Canadian Tire 30-acre parking lot.
Jun 16th 2012, 2:43 pm
#133
Lowering the tone
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 7,351
Jun 16th 2012, 2:56 pm
#134
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,088
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
ADVERTS - pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, log cabins, handsome rosy-cheeked families, laughter, Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire barbecues etc. etc. etc.
REALITY - living in a dull North America city, driving in an oversized vehicle from the Tim Horton's drive-thru to the Canadian Tire 30-acre parking lot.
REALITY - living in a dull North America city, driving in an oversized vehicle from the Tim Horton's drive-thru to the Canadian Tire 30-acre parking lot.
Reality: Run down industrial cities, council estates and small crappy houses, pubs closing left and right, hanging out whetherspoons, crap service, fish and chips and kebabs, violence, congestion, and driving to a massive asda with a 30 acre parking lot that fulfills all of one's consumer desires....
Last edited by Boy d; Jun 16th 2012 at 3:12 pm.
Jun 16th 2012, 2:57 pm
#135
BE user by choice
Joined: Oct 2010
Location: A Briton, married to a Canadian, now in Fredericton.
Posts: 4,854
Re: Is it REALLY much better????
So many people want change, but they don't need another country to get it, half of them would probably be just as happy with a change of job or a loft conversion.