Good point. But you also have to wonder whether this isn't basically a troll thread?

With respect, my question assumed most materialistic things were already available. One can easily travel from UK into the many countries of Europe and beyond and, of course, ski there. The point was, if you can do all these things already, what was/is it that drove you all those miles away?
I can understand more if one is living day-to-day and working in a factory. Canada, I think, offers more to such people, assuming they can find work in today's Canada.
BTW, what does "I like being an expat" mean? I don't understand that.

I can answer that, but first, convince me that you're not just doing a wind up.

The ease of obtaining a firearm, jacked up 4x4, hunting season, wearing a baseball cap and not being called a Chav, Canadian Tire, extra large double double, cheap petrol, cheap houses, Hockey September till June. Need I go on?

Beats a 3 bed semi in Middlesex any day of the week.

Why would you think it to be a troll thread? I've been on this site for almost a year now and the question(s) is/are genuine. Many threads/posts decry many aspects of this country and from what they say, they left a good, solid life in the UK and things seem to be no better here, for some even worse.
I just don't get it. What did they expect Canada to provide them that they didn't already have?

I think that is a fair question ....

I knew you'd come back with something like this ....

I will admit that ....

And I agree - if I did not have much of my middle-class assets, I would not have taken the leap. I had no illusions that life would be 'cheaper' on this side - so I knew we could afford to risk a loss (and would be willing to take it on the chin) if it all went horribly wrong. It was definitely an opportunity worth exploring to us. Whether it was all worthwhile is still, on some days, up for debate .... but I was able to step off the treadmill for a while and take a breath, which was 'worth' a lot to me, and us regardless ...

I admire those that come with meagre savings because they have far more to lose - but also perhaps a stronger impetus to make it work out well.

wearing a baseball cap

Have you checked out the spectators at a UK soccer match lately?

I wouldn't know how to convince you. I am sincerely interested in what it means. If you'd said you enjoyed being a UK'er or a Canadian, that I can get, but an ex-pat?

For me basically was to get away from the yob culture - Canada has it problems but we don't have fraction of the yob culture the UK does

I beg your pardon? What on earth has that got to do with my post? I assume it's aimed at my post as you quoted me? I have to ask for clarification because the Daily Express was not a 'news'paper that I ever read in the UK.

How many countries have you lived in?

You have to admit that emigrating because of immigrants is odd.

What has that got to do with it?

Not really. If you're watching the Country you grew up in disintegrate before your eyes as swathes of foreigners move in, it can trigger an 'escape' reaction, especially to places like Australia and Canada.

There are posts on this site, and other sites, where people have stated that as being a reason for moving.

And before anyone asks.... I am not an emigrant! I am in Canada because my Company sent me here!

Any way... what on earth has the daily express got to do with it???/

Nothing really - it wasn't meant in a boastful way. It was a genuine question - this is my second time being an ex-pat and that feeling you have when you live abroad is great. It's not quite the same as being on holiday, but it's similar. The feeling that there is all that opportunity to experience new things there for the taking. It's nice. Not sure what Novo's take is, but that's what I mean.