Why is it better in Canada?
 

My husband has the opportunity of a job in Canada. Everyone at home has said that we should leave the UK, as we will have a "better" life in Canada. (Two young children 6 +8) I have very little knowledge of the culture/lifestyle of North Toronto.

Why is the life better in Canada?

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

It's only better in Canada if it gives you something that you want and that you can't get in the UK. For us it gave the oppertunity to buy a house outright and make a new fresh start but there are all the same kind of problems here that you'll find back home. Don't be talked into it by people at home who just imagine it to be a wonderful lifestyle, instead thoroughly research it yourselves. At least by asking this question on the forum you've started that process! :)

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Canada is very diverse so there's no easy answer. I assume that North Toronto is in the 'Burbs with relatively easy access to big city life. You might consider the impact of moving from Bury to some other part of the U.K. and then take it from there. Any move results in distruption, finding new friends etc. so research and a fact finding trip would be a big help. People can have vasltly different criteria for their preferred "Lifestyle".

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

When we told all our friends (and anyone else that would listen to us!) that we were moving to Canada, most people were very envious and as the perception most people had was that Canada was a better country to live in than the UK. Most people thought that the UK was going downhill and that Canada was some kind of a pristine paradise. I think in the 60s and 70s this may have had some truth in it. Quite alot of people I have spoken to who have lived here for the last 30 years think Canada is fantastic, but they left a depressed UK and at that time there were more opportunities in Canada.

However, today I think the tables have turned a bit. It can be very difficult to find work here and when you do find a job, you hold on to it as there aren't many others about. Holiday time isn't as good as the UK either. It took my husband 7 months to find a reasonable job in his field (chartered accountant). This was the first time he had ever been unemployed so that was a shock to the system. In the UK he had no problem finding decent work.

The health system is ok although it is very difficult to find a family doctor over here. Education is somewhat behind the UK academically, in my opinion (elementary level), although it is still fairly decent and kids here often go on to university etc. and go into their chosen field. As far as shopping/food is concerned, I think there is much more variety in the UK although you do adjust.

On a more positive note, housing is generally more affordable (depending on where you live), you get decent summers, winter is sunnier (although colder!) and traffic is lighter in most places and it is less crowded (again depending on where you live). Moving here is an experience in itself and although it can be difficult, it is a good 'growing' experience to live in a different country/culture whether it is permanent or temporary.

Whether you will like it over here more than the UK is completely subjective. For us, our kids (6 and 4) love it here as they have been able to play out more than they did in the UK - playing in the swimming pool, rollerblading, swimming in the lake etc. in the summer. Tobogganing, skating, the novelty of playing in the snow etc. in the winter. My youngest has 3 skating lessons with the school this winter - schools wouldn't take time out to do things like that so much in the UK as the teachers wouldn't have the time to do that kind of thing.

I hate traffic and crowds so Canada has worked out well in that respect for me. I would rather travel an hour to the lake on quiet roads, than try to get to the coast on a summer's day in the UK! We live close to a decent mall so shopping is a lot less hassle as it is less crowded and traffic much better. Doesn't have the same buzz though as shopping in a UK high street. In general, there is less of a buzz here. People are friendly but it can be a bit superficial - hard to put into words and a whole different topic!

Winter has been not too bad. Very cold but you dress for it and I prefer the snow to rain! We are looking forward to a decent summer which is much more guaranteed than in the UK. We hope to get an inground pool at some point in the future which would never be possible for us in the UK.

My brother lives in London UK and loves the buzz, football, pubs and cheap foreign holidays so Canada is not for him. I prefer it quieter and less crowded, less traffic, not into football, prefer going out for coffee than beer, and prefer to stay more local for holidays as long as you get guaranteed sunshine and a lake nearby for swimming so I am probably more suited to life in Canada.

This is just my brief take on it all. There are many perspectives on this topic as it is so subjective. If you can, it is best to come over and do a research trip so that you can get a feel for it yourselves. Hope this helps and gives you some food for thought :)

Chris

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far - If we move out to Canada it will be because my husband has taken up a job opportunity, so I am not too worried about the work side of things.

We are visiting for a few days mid March but I am sure that this will not be long enough to get a real "feel" for the place.

Having lived in the "Burbs" in the UK all my life, I imagine we would move to something similar - So really the question I keep coming back to is: What will my family's quality of life be ?

Its a hard question to answer!!

Still very interested in any responses

Thanks

Bombards

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

hi, bombards! we were in exactly the same position as your're in now last year. anyway, we came over here and to our consternation, found that canada is not the paradise we thought it was. we just couldnt fit in; hard to put a finger on it but we found something terribly missing here; as someone here has said very correctly, it lacks the "buzz" of the uk, which we miss so badly! anyway, to cut a long story short, i am copying one of my recent posts below for you to read and ponder over. but above all, make sure you do your homework before moving--we came over here more than 5 times but still couldnt suss out if it would be good or not--that only came when we actually did the deed and lived the life....!good luck!

quote:

"funny how as the time comes nearer to leaving, suddenly all these people turn up as if from hiding, to give me advice why i shouldnt go back to the uk! how i should've waited till the summer, bought a house, moved to another community....but, would that change how lifeless the place seems to be? how everyone seems to be a in ahurry but get nowhere, how suddenly everyone rushes around at weekends trying to fit everything in, then go back to the grind of work work work, how most of the drivers (men and women) in toronto at least, are absolute maniacs (to put it in a family-friendly way!), how pointless existence seems to be here? no, it wont change all that, so thats why i am glad we made the decision to bale out. canada may be friendly, but all we saw here were big cars, bigger houses, bigger mortgages, longer hours at work to pay for them and nothing more. as someone said on one of these forums, they may be friendly, but there is SOMETHING missing somewhere..... "

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

I think Tom Masters has a good point. We came here in the 1960s, when things were definitely far behind in England and we saw no hope of buying a house - just adding our names to the list and waiting for a council house. When we knew people who had been on a waiting list for a year to get a telephone!

Things seem to have turned around since then and in lots of ways, England is far ahead of Canada.

I think it depends on the person. If you are self-sufficient and happy to do things as a family then give it a try. After all, if it doesn't work out you can always move back home again.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

I arrived in Canada in '68 so I fit this profile. I read expat newspapers frequently and my last visit was in 99. My impressions are as follows.

Inflation in the UK is incredible the terraced house that I sold for 600 pounds in 68 is now worth more than 60K. But it's still a hole in the wall compared with typical Canadian housing. I suggest that you get more for your money in Canada than the UK. Also on my last trip I felt claustrophobic with small hotel rooms, houses, crowded roads, crowded streets etc.

But materialism is only one aspect although I suggest it's more prevalent in the U.K. along with the accompanying superficiality since the goodtimes are not universal. I recently read about the divided nation with affluent London and home counties and the deprived rest of the country.

I appreciate the greater Canadian diversity in people, lifestyle, geography etc.
I understand that racism is more of an issue in the U.K. along with the visible Yob culture. When I last visited my small home town I was approached for cigarettes which I expect in any large city. But a small town?

Socialising is fine in with me too because I don't feel obliged to attend the local in order to meet friends under the influence of alcohol. We meet friends at restaurants for dinner or we visit each other at home.

I suggest you have to look at the whole picture when making comparisons. There's more to it than sheer materialism. Also there's the individual personality since if you have difficulty getting along with people it won't change when you get to Canada

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Hi. I have seen this come up many times but yet to have it explained. What is meant by the UK being in front of Canada? We have only been to Canada once but the US many times and most places in Europe. I donot see why this is brought up. They are all either leading or G7 countries in the western world - depending on where you are and very little between them if you look at the big picture to coin a phrase.

Now.. if you compare a third world country... say in Asia or Africa there might well be a noticable gulf between the two countries, both in society, culture and economics. If it comes down to not getting decent underware in M&S I would find this very odd. Can anyone enlighten without using the words 'lacking buzz', or 'lacking culture', or 'lacking Heinz baked beans'...after all one mans culture is another mans poison. Many hate football, many love it, but it does not effect the overall level of the country in terms of so called civilisation. Does Canada fall behind in health care? Does it fall behind in social care? Does it fall behind financially (no is the answer 'per capita'). What does it fall behind in?

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

My impression is that the tecnology is about 5 years behind the UK. Not that it is not available but rather it takes longer to spread.
Take digital television through an arial for example. This would be impossible in Canada. Also high speed internet is available in all libraries and places of learning but to get it to all rural locations is asking too much. Also the take up is slower with such things as mobile phones. The UK has managed to have more phones than people so the demand excellerates the features and offers provided by manufacturers.
Gismos are fun and I love them but I have found their appeal is shortlived and don't add much to quality of life. As far as a society goes then I would say that the UK has been going backwards but that is just my opinion.
Plenty of space is a huge plus as there is less pressure on land making space affordable.
The NHS is knocked a lot but is actually an amazing service and I get the impression Canadians would be pleased with it's standards.
I get the impression that education is variable as it is in the UK but in general kids are better behaved and more respectful of their educators.

Well Bombards I think the question needs to be not "why is one place better?" but "what is different?" and I that what you need to know is "will it suite me?"
Opinions will be interesting but it needs you to try it out and research as much as you can. Good luck!

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Looks like I have got alot of sleepless nights ahead!!!!!

Many Thanks to all

Bombards

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

I'm not sure it does fall behind the UK but it sometimes feels like it does. I find it's the niggly little things that makes me compare the differences. The "pay-as-you-go" cell phone deals are like they used to have back in the UK. Here the voucher expires after thirty days and any money left unspent is lost. Bank charges are still very common. The car insurance industry at least here in Ontario seems so uncompetetive compared to back home. On the other hand there are things here that seem to put Canada ahead. As always there are pros and cons but maybe in the end it all evens out.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

I think some people do come here expecting paradise and when they don't find that they become bitterly disappointed, i know that is how we felt when we first moved to NS.

Its pretty naive though to think that everything over here is going to be perfect. They are many of the same problems over here as in the UK but at least here we can afford a house and the people aren't all moany and miserable and it doesn't rain every single day and we don't get abuse off kids in the street and there doesn't seem to be masses of litter all over the place and I can afford to stay at home and look after my children (one at the mo but more later hopefully). These for me will definitely keep me here I think.

Miss Next loads though and M & S and Sainsburys but I sure can live without those. And of course I miss family but I think we are giving our children a far better life out here and it is a sacrifice we have to make to get anywhere. Its fine if you are rich in the Uk or if you have already bought a house a few years ago at least.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

I agree in terms of technology Canada is a bit behind...but I think that the main reason for this is simply the vastness of the country combined with a relatively small population makes it unbelievably expensive to put a lot of new technologies in place on a broad scope.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

We find we get a better service for dentistry and medicine in Calgary than we did in the UK.

We are comparing the NHS medical and private dentistry to what we are using in Calgary. Here all dentists are (I believe) private and we use the Alberta Heathcare system(NHS equivalent).

Last summer I visited a local drop in clinic as I had a skin problem. Forty minutes or so later I was seeing the dermatologist as the GP had referred me instantly by telephone. The last time I needed a dermatologist in the UK the wait was a substantial number of months (6-9: I dont fully remember now).

Our youngest saw a speech pathologist by referral although we did have to wait three months for it. In the UK we were told to wait and see if he grows out of it....!

The children see a paediatric dentist - much more child friendly than the private UK service.

Granted we still dont have a family doctor - the children have a family paediatrician- but the local drop in clinic always has the same doctors and all our notes are there anyway. So far we have not had any problems.

As for materialism - we find that Canada is more materialistic than the UK but that could be because our UK friends were all of the same view as we were. Here in Canada its all about the RV, the boat, the cottage for summer, the new car or the biggest tv. The brand of your kid's skates at hockey is 'noted' by the other parents.

Mrs G

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

So maybe the perpective about technology is appropriateness rather than being identical.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

I’ve read with interest the threads posted so far on this topic, and thought I’d add a few comments of my own, from my own experience.
I lived in the US for three and a half years on a temporary visa, and submitted my application for Canadian Permanent Residency three months after returning from the States.
For those people reading this thread who have never lived abroad I think it might be useful to make a couple of salient points here.
I lived in the Midwest, not far from the Canadian border, visited Canada twice, and traveled extensively within the US while I was there.
The US is a marvellous country, with wonderful friendly people. It has great weather ( four distinct seasons you could set your watch by), terrific infrastructure, knockout scenery and a positive can-do attitude to everything, amongst many other positives.
Sure, in some respects it has its problems ( high crime rate, frightening work ethic and- last but not least- Bush and the swing to the Evangelical Right) but here’s the thing: in all other respects it’s a far, far better country in which to live than Britain, hands down.
Canada isn’t that far away geographically from the US, and Southern Ontario, as an example, is just like another US state in terms of topography, climate, atmosphere and appearance; indistuinguishable from America.
The experience of living in the States for me was completely exhilarating, and being back here in the UK is no fun at all, believe me. ( And for those of you wanting to know if the US is so wonderful why did you leave, well that’s a long question to answer: the short answer is that I’d always intended to move to Canada, never had enough points until Sept 03, was offered the chance to work in the States after getting my Masters, and jumped at the chance to apply to Canada shortly after the points total came down. And as for getting a Green Card in the States, life’s just too short...)
I’m quite sure that the vast majority of folks who leave these shores for Canada have no regrets at all, and probably never bother again to consult this site once they’re there. The few who can’t settle, for whatever reason, post their experiences and feelings on this site and in so doing ( inadvertently) give the impression that their experience is a common one.
For those of you who have never lived abroad and who may be having doubts about quitting England for Canada, I say this: don’t listen to your doubts and give your destination country at least 12 months. I can’t imagine you’ll regret the move.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

An impossible to answer question. Sometimes life throws up an oportunity, and you just have to run with it, either that or look back in 20 years and wonder "what if".

Where is the job, how much are they offering to pay him, and presumably its on a work permit?

On a work permit its valid for only that job, for that employer, at that location. If the job doesnt work out, for whatever reason, you cannot work in canada for anyone else, unless they get you a permit too from a new employer, which is not likely unless you have a reare skill set, which limits your options. The slight positive is you can remain in canada till the permit expires, even if your no longer working for that company, but that wont pay the bills, and yes, even after they go to the trouble of recruiting you, you can still be stuck in a layoff situation.

OK, now that warning out of the way..heres my history..I came on a work permit 7 years ago, I was earning £15k as a engineer in the UK, and came to $50k in Eastern Ontario. I can buy a house here for $100+k, so my main enthusiasm for canada was that I could afford to buy my own place here. In Toronto and surrounding area housing is considerably more expensive, but no where like London UK relative to salaries.

The appeal for me of canada now is lots of space, cheap property, friendly people (whenb was the last time you had a conversation with a complete stranger?), a sense of community spirit (with service clubs and charitable organisations everywhere helping others out), 4 seasons, rather than 3 different rainy seasons and a short summer.Very little crime, non of it serious in my area (N Toronto will be different). Laid back relaxed pace of life in the country, beautiful lakes, parks and beaches,lots of organised activities for kids. I could go on, but its been covered here too many times before.

The downside? Very poor holiday allowance (2 weeks usually to start), weak employment laws (can be canned at any time for any reason), winter is a month too long in Ontario (and 4 months too long in Alberta:)) Traveling overseas or from one side of canada to the other is expensive and time consuming. Work is often #1 priority. Far from family and old UK friends. Du to the exchange rate and high cost of everything in the UK, any trips back to the UK while living on a canadian wage will be VERY expensive.

Selling property in canada to move back to the UK will be an extremely painful decision financially. Canadian property is not an invsetment..its just a roof over your head, and wont double in value every 4 years!

Canada without a reasonable income would not be much fun, but having said that wild horses would not drag me back to the dirty unfriendly "me first" crowded overpriced UK now.

Really you have to ask yourself what you are really looking for. Canada is not really like the UK in so many way, despite the common language. Its not like the US either. If you can, try and visit for a few weeks to make your mind up, its a big decision, especially when family is involved, so worth the expense of staying more than a few days.

Good Luck, whatever you decide.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Hello Iaink and to eveyone who has replied to my thread

My husband is up for a job with a large Toronto company. His salary will be over $100,00 k ( still trying to work this out compaired to UK salaries!!)

A few question - what are the average starting holiday leave- we are used to 5-7 weeks !

If we go on a job permit, can we apply for citizernship whilst there?

What is the average cost of a 4 bedroomed house in the "Burbs" ( Ricmond Hill) Have looked on several web sites but seem to see all the same houses!

Do you feel more relaxed and laid back in Canada?

So many questions... I will get some answers in March on our trip out to Toronto but would like to enter the " Lion's Den" prepared!!!!!!!

Replies welcome and grateful

Bombards

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

My brother lives in London UK and loves the buzz, football, pubs and cheap foreign holidays so Canada is not for him. I prefer it quieter and less crowded, less traffic, not into football, prefer going out for coffee than beer, and prefer to stay more local for holidays as long as you get guaranteed sunshine and a lake nearby for swimming so I am probably more suited to life in Canada.

This is just my brief take on it all. There are many perspectives on this topic as it is so subjective. If you can, it is best to come over and do a research trip so that you can get a feel for it yourselves. Hope this helps and gives you some food for thought :)

Chris[/QUOTE]

I am really glad you took the time to write this! your comments are just what I wanted & needed to hear :) We too are moving for a better life for our children, (6 & 4) and how you have explained it, is just what we want :D, as we are only about four weeks from moving, the 'oh my God, what are we doing???' is often in my mind.
So a very big thank you! :beer: :beer: :beer:

Linda P

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Our youngest saw a speech pathologist by referral although we did have to wait three months for it. In the UK we were told to wait and see if he grows out of it....!

Mrs G[/QUOTE]

Slightly off post, speech pathologist, is this the same as speech therapy, as we will have to sort this out for my son. Please use PM if you prefer!
Linda P

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

I am really glad you took the time to write this! your comments are just what I wanted & needed to hear :) We too are moving for a better life for our children, (6 & 4) and how you have explained it, is just what we want :D, as we are only about four weeks from moving, the 'oh my God, what are we doing???' is often in my mind.
So a very big thank you! :beer: :beer: :beer:

Linda P[/QUOTE]

Our journey is only just beginning.. We have a very good life in the UK BUT the chance to make a better life for our children and ourselves is not to be sniffed at!

I never thought about leaving the UK until this job offer came up so you can imagine the million and one questions going through my head at the moment ( only just finished the extension on my house)

I need answers and value any thoughts.

Thanks

Bombards

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Our journey is only just beginning.. We have a very good life in the UK BUT the chance to make a better life for our children and ourselves is not to be sniffed at!

I never thought about leaving the UK until this job offer came up so you can imagine the million and one questions going through my head at the moment ( only just finished the extension on my house)

I need answers and value any thoughts.

Thanks

Bombards[/QUOTE]

Have you looked at houses on WWW.mls.ca
be warned it's addictive :)
We have spent hours upon hours looking! We are one of the mad lot, who are off to Canada, but have never actually been there! (well hubby had one week there in October 04 ). If you type in the area to which you are going, on one of the search engines i.e. Yahoo etc lots of sites and community info are there for you to read up on! This site is great, you get the pro's and con's.
good luck!!!

Linda P

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Our journey is only just beginning.. We have a very good life in the UK BUT the chance to make a better life for our children and ourselves is not to be sniffed at!

I never thought about leaving the UK until this job offer came up so you can imagine the million and one questions going through my head at the moment ( only just finished the extension on my house)

I need answers and value any thoughts.

Thanks

Bombards[/QUOTE]

Just two thoughts - do not sell your house in the UK. It may not be a better life (slick advertising, forget that) but it will be different...

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Try and negotiate holiday before you take the job, my hubby has always had fifteen days to start because of this.

Personally I think greater than $100k will give you a very comfortable lifestyle.

I love the way strangers will talk to you over here as well. My dad loves talking to people but as we grew up I just felt that more and more people treat you as if you are a pervert or crazy or something if you try and talk to them in the UK!!! Such a shame and highly unnecessary.

you can definitely apply for PR whilst in a work permit, this is what we did, can't remember it very well though.

Feel way more relaxed over here and feel less reserved. One thing I noticed when I first started to come to North America is how reserved I felt as an a Brit. But make lots more effort now and enjoy myself lots more!!!

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

We're playing it safe!! Renting our house for the year, just in case!
Otherwise if we didn't like it in Canada, we would never be able to afford to come back to this area.
Linda

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

10 days, sometimes you can negoitiate up to 15 days. 4 weeks is VERY unusual, and usually takes many years of service. Medical jobs seem to get more. Teachers gets a couple of months in the summer off, but then I think sometimes its not paid:eek:

Yes you can apply for Permanent Residency once here on WP, thats what I did. Typicaly you apply to Buffallo NY (there is no inland route, you have to apply outside Canada). My employer helped with this...fed up of renewing permits. Citizenship is a different thing..you have to be a PR for 3 years to apply for citizenship (although you get some credit for time on a WP)

Only site worth looking at for housing is www.mls.ca. Probably about $280-300k+ by now...thats why Im happy living 2 hours away in my cheep house:)
IIRC Richmond Hill is more upmarket than most of TO.

For average housing and other info google for the stats canada community profiles. Data is from 2001, but gives an idea of all kind of things...average household income, average housing costs etc etc.

$100k would be considered a good salary here. There was a thread a few weeks ago discussing the salary convertion / cost of living thing...its fraught with peril! have to take taxes into account and differing cost of living, and of course how impressed you will be living on $100k+ depends on what you are getting by on now. As a basic rule of thumb, $100k is about the same standard of living as £50k??? but thats a very simplistic approach.

Far more relaxed and laid back in canada..but if I didnt enjoy my job I might feel different as long hours (40+) are standard practice here, and paid overtime in salaried positions is not that common. Outside of work, yes I find it very relaxing, but then Im not stuck in the rat race in a densley populated area. Thats probably why I can live with three weeks holiday, and have been getting by on two.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Very wise I think...although maybe it makes it too easy to bail out if the going gets tough or homesickness / culture shock kicks in.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Slightly off post, speech pathologist, is this the same as speech therapy, as we will have to sort this out for my son. Please use PM if you prefer!
Linda P[/QUOTE]


My son has hearing problems so his speech is a bit odd :) but is getting so much better as he has speech therapy every week - someone who comes to his school :) (and she regularly rings me at work to give me updates, just in case her weekly notes home doesn't cover everything - We are soo blessed living in North Vancouver. I do know it really depends on where we live - the service is really stretched in other growing cities in Vancovuer (eg Surrey)

I AM THRILLED with the care and the back up (any queries I can usually speak to someone within an hour... or have an appointment within two days or have someone visit the school to see kiddie) .

The downside is his aid cost $970 (then $60 for the mould) Thank god my employer's benefits covered all bar $300 of that - expecially as it was so comfy he was still wearing it when he dived into the deep end of a pool last summer.... :rolleyes:

Clare

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

In a Nutshell, it is like the UK was 35 yrs ago, but with all the great modcons of the 21st century.

Of course this statement is only valid if you are not drawn to Toronto, thats like London UK with a double sized New York Central Park, the choice is yours !!! :beer:

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

So, I have now got lots and lots to think about.

I am sure that on our trip over in March, many questions will be answered but I am grateful to you all for your responses so far.

To move to an unknown country and leave what seems like a perfect life behind is one hell of a decision to make!


I will keep you all posted on our progress.

Bombards

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

what silly nonsense i have just read on this thread! its not a question of canada lacking heinz baked beans, or robertsons marmalade you know. many here have made the same comments time and again--there is no SPIRIT to the place, for gods sake! sure, there are people living satisfied lives here etc just like in the uk, but to someone looking in from the outside, there is a stark difference. the uk may have been bad 10/20 years ago, but it is now in the forefront of everything--its economy is the envy of north america! and the nhs? yes, sure, everyone moans about it in the uk, but let me tell you this--even the canadian health system is still not as good as the nhs, given how bad it may have become over the years. people still die here waiting to be admitted to hospitals you know. all you have here is who's got the best house, the best car, the best garden, the best clothes, the best job.....! whatever happened to honest to goodness "good morning, mate" when taking an early morning stroll? it just dismays me to hear people saying canada is really wonderful--well, i am telling you from first hand experience, IT AINT! (not for me anyway) :zzz:

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Oh Julius, you whinging POM.
You're back in what you call Mighty Blighty and you are still whinging. It's obvious the problem is within yourself. CARPE DIEM



QUOTE=julius smith]what silly nonsense i have just read on this thread! its not a question of canada lacking heinz baked beans, or robertsons marmalade you know. many here have made the same comments time and again--there is no SPIRIT to the place, for gods sake! sure, there are people living satisfied lives here etc just like in the uk, but to someone looking in from the outside, there is a stark difference. the uk may have been bad 10/20 years ago, but it is now in the forefront of everything--its economy is the envy of north america! and the nhs? yes, sure, everyone moans about it in the uk, but let me tell you this--even the canadian health system is still not as good as the nhs, given how bad it may have become over the years. people still die here waiting to be admitted to hospitals you know. all you have here is who's got the best house, the best car, the best garden, the best clothes, the best job.....! whatever happened to honest to goodness "good morning, mate" when taking an early morning stroll? it just dismays me to hear people saying canada is really wonderful--well, i am telling you from first hand experience, IT AINT! (not for me anyway) :zzz:[/QUOTE]

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

:eek:

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

To be fair Julius, thats your perspective from what? 4 or 6 months you were here?

Personally I've found the canadian health system to be miles faster than the NHS, and the service to be excelent and efficient. As for spirit? Im not at all sure what you mean by this. I'm still amazed after 7 years here how friendly and uncynical most people are, and astonished by the level of community involvement in fund raising and charitable activites, like the War Amps, United Way, Shriners and the other Lodges etc etc. Thats what I would consider spirit.

Maybe I'm just in a more spirited area than you were, or maybe we just have different perspectives. I've no idea how the odd "Good morning mate" is any more sincere than the "howyadoin" you get in canada, and my experience is you are far more likely to be engaged in a conversation with a stranger here than in the UK, in fact I think I had more conversations with strangers in the last month here than in my last 2 years in the UK! "A stranger is just a friend you havent met yet" seems truer here than in the UK for sure.

As for materialism, maybe thats just a big city thing, or maybe Im lucky? Noone around here gives a shit what you wear or drive, or how much you earn, or what you do. They judge you on your attitude and what you contribute more than anything.

When alls said and done some people will love it, some will hate it,and some will put up with the differences for the sake of the big car and house and a less crowded future for there kids. Everywhere in the world has it good and bad, and until a prospective immigrant has visited and checked a few places out for themselves its really not for us to say if its going to be wonderful for them or not. We were asked a few direct questions, and we answered them.

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

HERE!HERE!

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

yes, thats my view, from my own time spent there, iaink. like i said, all that is in my view--someone else may see the pavements paved with gold here, but for me, it certainly wasnt. and i am not the only one. maybe you are in a better area than us, maybe more rural etc--we were in central mississauga, which was a most souless place if ever there was one! the only place i did like, and this may surprise you--was downtown toronto--really loved it. ;) and to that other posting on here, where i was called a whinging POM; i just dont have time for people like that who cant debate sensibly!

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

1. Please give examples of what SPIRIT you missed when you were in Canada.
2. Please give examples (from your own experiences) of how the shambles otherwise known as the NHS is better than the Canadian health care system.
3. Why did you leave a country that in your opinion "is now in the forefront of everything". :confused:

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

To be fair, he was in central Missisagua
:rolleyes:... Explains a lot. Imagine Milton Keynes but without the atmoshere :D (or roundabouts)

Re: Why is it better in Canada?
 

Thanks Clare, once we land we have to set in place his speech therapy, my son has verbal dyspraxia, he has greatly improved in the last two years, but still needs some guidence in certain areas. :)
Linda