We have been in Canada for 18 years. Came straight from London.
I hate the Canadian culture (Or should I say lack of it)
Canadians are the most shallow people I have ever met.
Canadians have NO sense of humor.
I came here for my kids future.
In UK I had a succesful business. I sold my house in UK. All that money has gone trying to survive and bring up 5 kids in Canada.
Kids are all grown up now. All are in positions where they COULD do well.
We live in a 2 bed rental suite, with no hope of ever owning our own home again.

We went back to UK in '97 to try and get some sort of life.
After 5 months we gave up and came back to Canada

On arrival at Vancouver airport I kissed the wall in the arrivals and thanked God I was lucky enough not to ever have to go back to England again.

This site should be renamed "wildgeneralisations.com". Perhaps people should start with "I've lived in ******* and I find the crime/culture/weather/cost of living to be *****"

I can only comment on your points from a point of view of living here in Calgary:

"I hate the Canadian culture (Or should I say lack of it)"

Your opinion only.

We love the Canadian culture especially the community element. Each community having an ice-rink and playing field where the kids can go and play pick-up hockey in the winter and soccer and little-league in the summer. The dads/mums coaching and all the parents turning out with picnics and cool-boxes.

"Canadians are the most shallow people I have ever met."

A generalisation.

The people we have met since being here are are easily the most friendly and open bunch of people we have ever lived amongst. Just this evening I was sat out with a bunch of neighbours having a drink and a chat while the kids played on the front lawns. When we moved in, people introduced themselves and within an hour or so our children had made new friends.

"Canadians have NO sense of humor."

Again generalisation.

We've found the sense of humor is slightly different but once you get into the groove it's fine.

We had a new year's eve party this year in the street, the kids skated on a rink that was set up in one of the back yards while the parents had a party. It was great, everyone had a good time and a great laugh, especially at those who had one too many etc.

"I came here for my kids future."

So did we, and I'm glad we did. They have many more opportunities here and they walk to school on their own without us being stressed. Our eldest child can run errands to Safeway without the fear of being accosted by youths hanging around on street corners etc.

"On arrival at Vancouver airport I kissed the wall in the arrivals and thanked God I was lucky enough not to ever have to go back to England again"

I was speaking to a couple of friends from the UK today, their views would back up your comment, they are fed-up with the level of violent crime, the cost of living and attitudes of the youths there.

Canada's a big country (the biggest) and reading the views of some of the people who post on here there are many differences in the way life is lived across Canada.

Or 'www.defineculture.com'

in order that we that follow every word and understand 'ones own' version of what is a good culture and what is a non existant culture. Plus perhaps some examples to back up the situation.

I can split our associates down the middle 50/50. Half hate the US culture, half absolutely love it.

Repeat - culture is not history. Its what we are, so we all have culture, just might not be to everyones taste.

I just wanted to add to this thread and say.....



I did not come to Canada expecting things to be a bed of roses. I knew i would have to struggle for a while. The thing i did not expect was to go back hundreds of years and be treated this way.
I was realistic not to expect the full candian wage at first but i should surly be entitled to the respect and rights of a human being.

I would like to see half of the people in this forum step in my shoes!

I work 11 hours a day for less than $9 an hour. I look after three children and now the second child is developing developmental problems.

I came to simply VENT some frustration and i know others can understand this. Not everybody can afford to buy a home and be finacially secure upon arrival.

I have supported others here and i know there are some genuine people who can relate to my sittuation. One day i will be here supporting others who are still struggling.

I will get a better job and i will be able to put my skill to good use. Until then
DON'T JUDGE ME!.......

I just hope that some of the people here never come across hard times!
Never judge others as it could easily happen to you.

I know things will get better and i had a talk with my employer. I got a payrise!

My PR application is just going in and then i get an open work permit!
yippeee!

I always try to remain possitive but we all slide at times. Not everyone was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Sometimes we get plastic and have to work damn hard to every get the stainless steel! By the time we get the silver we really understand the meaning of hard work and personal acheivement!

Great going babyblue!

Good going babyblues!!

Im too a little down at the moment, Iknow it will be ok as well

I have my PR status and will be landing in October after spending 7 months away from canada and my wife shes over here in the uk on holiday the moment , I have spent two years prior living and working in canada fro the Uk Government before my contract ended

Any way in that time my wife (canadian) and i Now have no debts,we rent have all the mod cons and two oldish cars that are good runners, her family ie parents round the corner, I have all operators licence and Cheap insurance for the car etc basicall evreything is settled and were established in canada, (I Know im lucky for that)

The only worry i have is getting a Job, I know ill have to do anything that come up, I have a varied amounts of different jobs in uk from mechanic to landlord to computer Instructor all with qualifications and some recognised in canada!!

Im just worried but i keep telling myself im going to work at it and suceed

I wish you all the best of luck for your future. It just frustrates me in here at times as some people seem to think that everyone is set up when they arrive. This is not the case at all. We all need a shoulder to lean on at times and i know i had done my share. Everyone that knows me says i will land an excellent job in the future. They all know i deserve it after all i have done.

Remain positive and if ever you need a friend you can count on me as i am one who does understand!
I hope all your dreams come true!

Why are things so difficult for us Brits in Canada...?

I think we may have to look to ourselves for the answer....Look hard enough and it wiill be apparent.

I am sorry but that is a foolish statment!

I am a strong women with a very possitve outlook on life, good qualifications and a mountain of experience under my belt. (some of which many will never experience)

If you sell everything and move abroad, you think you did your research, you find yourself in a sittuation that can be unbearable at times. (if you change employer you have to go through a mountain of paperwork)
sure! you can consider returning to the UK! but what for?
you've sold everything and would have to start over.

You just need to find a way to fight your way through your time.

Thats why we use this site. Many of us lean on each other for support within this forum and i hope to god that you never find tough times.

It is not that we are weak people(i think i proven that)two years and counting! We simply need an ear to bend!

Get real!

there are a few people in here that are like little mice!

There study the threads and leave their droppings with no true respect for others at all!

Sorry if I offended...but you must please yourself. I did say 'May'...if you take that to mean 'must'...then you have a right to be 'pissed'...Exceptions in all cases, however, I have met many Canadians since coming here who are of the opinion that many (not all) 'Brits' coming to Canada expect to be treated as a 'special case' and that the 'Empire' is alive and well. When they find out this is not so?...well as one friend put it...thay become a 'pain in the ass'

Don't shoot the messenger...the original post was simply an observation...not a personal attack on anyone.

There is also here the classic case of the thread going off target. I responded to things I saw half way through not thinking of the original thread and the needs it was trying to get off of the chest.

My fault. Sorry.

Apology accepted!

i am not one of those that expected a bed of roses. in fact i too, have come across this type of person. I am only frustrated becuase of poor pay and disrespect from my employers. I know the road would not be easy but all good things come to those who wait!
I should be getting something really good.

Having patience helps. Any initial disappointment can be discouraging but it helps you get a foot on the ladder and develop new opportunities.

Thanks guys!

It is difficult but it helps to be able to vent the frustration. Just getting it in writting is a weight of the mind. I know the future will be brighter and i have completed two full years now. I am on the downward straight.

I will always support others that are having difficulties. Thats what is so great about this forum.
Thanks again!