Quite right Alan...however, I did say that was just "my opinion"..

I wouldnt imagine writing his MP would do anything though...seeing as he doesnt have a vote...

Actually though, aswell as hopefully bringing something useful to the table as an immigrant, isn't it also our job to assimiliate into our adopted communities?

Rather than trying to get in there and change something you dont like, particularly the immigration process?

Change is good but not just for changes sake..

I don't know. Cityhog seems to have only one purpose in being in Canada and that is to get an easy route into the US (and, of course, a nice safety net if he fails to make it there).

He complains about the slowness of Canadian bureaucracy because he can't get into the US as soon as he wants.

I think to be told that if he doesn't like it to leave is rather appropriate.

Slightly different circumstances in Steve_'s case I agree.

Maybe that useful something is an improved procedure rather than change for the sake of it.

Are you guys still talking about me? He he he. What's wrong with the mindset of trying to enjoy the best of what Canada & the US have to offer?

You may be right...if it needs improvement then it does...

Absolutely nothing.

That said, Canadian PR and citizenship is not intended to provide an easy route to the US. That is does is something of a loophole. Fair enough, exploit the loophole, but it is a bit much to whinge about the time the Canadians take to process your citizenship when the minute you have it you intend to b****r off.

I agree that it won't make a difference, although if enough people write to an MP about something they will take notice. an MP would be unwise to ignore PR's as many may well be citizens at the next election given the last election wasn't that long ago.

cityhog is borderline trolling - becoming a PR trapping you in a country

Steve_ has a point though; PR renewal should be weeks not months. Given that Canada needs immigrants its not unreasonable to expect the government to have processes in place to handle the residency red-tape efficiently.

On the subject of writing to an MP....

I complained to the Immigration Minister about errors made by CIC.

He wrote to them asking them to respond which they did. By a form letter, detailing general policy.

Perhaps I aimed too high.

Eventually an apology came, but no corrective action to match what they told me they should have done.

Do you know how many Canadians migrate to the US every year? It's almost one way migration. It's not a loophole at all. If you're capable of doing good in the US where it's much more competitive, i.e. merit-based, you have the right to move down there and do good for yourself and your family. What's wrong with that picture? Nothing, really. And I didn't whine about how long it'll take to gain my citizenship. I said I'd stick it out. What's wrong, buddy? Why so mad? Are you jealous?

Er.


Not in the slightest. I qualify for a TN visa if I wanted to work in the States. I even have an open job offer from a company in Sunnyvale. I choose to live in Canada because, for many reasons, I think it is a better country.

You go ahead and do whatever you want.

Perhaps Alan is right.

I added this, which obviously you can't see. Meant I'd stick it out.

Yeah, I'm proud of you.

yup

Yeah, you guys are a happy family. A family should stick together no matter what.

I quite agree with this comment. One of the things that drives me crazy about Canadians is they just seem to accept things and get on with it. Maybe if more people complained we'd all get more than 3 crappy weeks holiday a year and we might not have been shafted with the HST. Change mostly comes about when resistance is applied. This is true in science and politics. As a permanent resident making a positive contribution to the country, and actively seeking citizenship, I believe you absolutely have a right to complain to your MP.

We don't opt out of paying taxes, so why should we sit back in silence and just be thankful we are allowed to live here?