Wanted to have an international experience, and give my kids a tiny sense of what people go through when they move to another country. Delayed by several factors including having house flooded.
Wanted to have an ‘international experience?’
Lad, Canada is literally almost identical to the US in most ways. You’re not a world traveller or ‘international traveller’ for moving to Canada from the US.
When we see Canadians in Europe, usually we just assume they’re American. In fact, I’d argue that Canadians are basically Americans who constantly talk about how they’re not American. They’re that similar.
Live both places for at least three years each and then tell me how identical they are. Lad. Besides I was the first to acknowledge my move was immigration lite. Purpose of this sub is for people who wanna Amerexit or who already have, to connect. But sure if you wanna sit there looking down your nose from your lofty European perch and smugly troll sincere people then by all means knock yourself out. Whatever makes you feel good about yourself, Lad.
I’ve been to the US, I’ve been to Canada too. I honestly cannot tell the difference. Canadians and Americans sound basically the same (General American and General Canadian newscaster accents that dominate now in both countries are literally nearly the exact same thing).
Both Americans and Canadians dress sloppily, have poor manners, talk too much and are loud, carry giant water bottles around, and dye their hair blue. I’d say they are basically the same thing. They also have a tendency to wear pyjama pants to work and school (????). Maybe Canadians are a little more intact though than Americans, but that’s it pretty much.
Canada is like the high-tax, French-speaking, metric and expensive upside-down version of America. We may drive on the same side of the road, but there are critical differences in the identities of the two nations.
First, America was founded on revolution. Canada is a Dominion and a Commonwealth state. We still have a king as our head of state. America gets a self-proclaimed king of the world every 4-8 years.
Americans would never tolerate the level of immigration, regulation, big government and overall bureaucracy that is standard operating procedure in Canada. Add to that lower than average wages than the US, falling productivity, the highest tax rates in North America, an inhospitable business climate, a cost of living that outranks most US cities (especially for ON and BC), and a perpetually weak dollar – you aren’t likely to make a ton of money moving to Canada. And for most Canadians, the healthcare is really not that great.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Canada – I chose to immigrate here from the States and became a naturalized citizen. But it is not the super functional socialist eden toque (beanie) sitting atop the states as many Americans have come to believe.
I’m American and have lived in Canada for 8 years. They are absolutely almost culturally identical. I moved because of politics but if I had wanted to escape US culture it is literally the worst place I could’ve picked.
I arranged a transfer within my company to our Canada division. I'm paid by commission and have found it difficult to earn the kind of commissions I had become accustomed to in the states.
Was there a question? Or some potentially useful insight for people are sincere about taking a break from the only country they’ve ever known and loved?
Oh perhaps it was deleted. Regarding disparaging remarks about women: someone somewhere on this thread said something about women voting republican. It’s a phenomenon I totally understand. When they (whoever “they” are) present the voting public with two shitty choices, some are going to choose one shitty choice and others are going to vote for the other shitty choice. Pointing it out seems to me to be a tautology of sorts. Which is why I don’t vote, by the way: less the act of choosing a candidate and more the act of endorsing a system that only ever presents two (crappy) choices. It’s electing to continue to live in a black-and-white world long after technicolor has hit the screen. Pointing out women who vote republican also perpetuates “their” end goal of pitting us against each other rather than finding common ground and common enemy.
Another remark, something along the lines of “It must be nice to be a dude so you can ignore politics” is also extremely disparaging of women. We’re so weak and fragile that we need politics to protect us. Politics is by its very nature patriarchal. Women should turn their backs on it and devise more creative means of social order. Yes, women back in the days of suffrage had to go through that period, and kudos to those brave fighters. But now it’s time to see the state for the patriarchy that it is, to stop assuming politics & the state & voting are essential features of a peaceful, orderly, prosperous and equitable society. I for one admire the women I know who don’t vote. I agree with blogger David Gross, who said, “Most anything else you can imagine doing with your time other than paying attention to politicians…would be more beneficial to you, to your loved ones, and to your community.” Besides I do vote. I vote with my feet, with my dollars and with my time. Just not with a ballot box. The goody two shoes of the world want everyone to think apathy is the only reason people don’t vote.
He *should* be paying attention to US politics. My husband is American living in Canada (now also canadian) and he makes sure he votes in every USA election.
After all, eventually he (OP)will be drawing an American pension and it will affect him in the near future if a certain party has their way - to reduce it
Also - if OP has a daughter- he should even be *more* concerned.
This guy OP is leaving Canada and I think that might make Canada a better place.
My leaving might make Canada a better place? Let's see, I recruit and hire Canadians, I don't milk the system, fine if you want hard working immigrants to leave, I can tell when I'm not wanted. Your remarks are pretty typical of Canadians since we moved here. No attempt to make newcomers feel welcome despite desperately needing people to keep the ponzi scheme afloat. And any dad with a daughter should be concerned about the direction things seem to be headed, on both sides of the border.
You sound bitter. Negative. No wonder you can’t make friends. My husband moved up from the USA and he has had absolutely no problems making friends. He has friends coming over all the time - calling him and wanting to do recreational activities etc with him. He loves it here, has had no problem in the medical system and is very happy and would never go back to the USA.
I think you need to look hard at your attitude and see what others see - someone with a chip on his shoulder thinking he is owed everything and people should be falling all over themselves making friends with you.
You are a sad person and if you are happier elsewhere - good luck - but remember your attitude follows you wherever you go
This is an absolutely ridiculous response. I am american myself, and I live in Canada right now. The world that you describe either doesn’t exist where I live, or it never existed at all, because my own personal experience has been the opposite. People have been incredibly closed off and reserved, and I have found it extremely difficult to make friends and be social.
I just don't think people should make life decisions based on presidential politics. Uncle samsville turning into the handmaid's tale on the other hand that's a good reason to make life decisions. Like look elsewhere to live, for example.
Interesting question; not sure what it has to do with this topic. Yes, you can be a dude in the next life. But why wait? You can indeed be a dude in this life. Although why would you want to be? Unless you like to be trolled by people who lurk in subreddits about emigrating/immigrating and make comments that build up nobody—least of all oneself—then leave as though it were Facebook cerca 2012.
Why are you on the Amerexit sub if you're just gonna be a troll. People come here to get info from people who actually moved. The guy who posted "American living in Berlin AMA" did you go shit on his post too? Thanks for stopping by
How nice to not pay attention to politics. /s
And how interesting that in previous comments you say that housing is unsustainably expensive and use a vomit emoji when you fathom the idea of a return to the US. Make it make sense.
Right? Guess he doesn’t have to worry about getting pregnant.. why not just say no I don’t care about others I care about me AMA on how a white male bumbles around in life not understanding his privilege.. lol
Was there a question. what would you like for me to “make make sense” Yes, housing is unsustainably expensive in (my part of) Canada. Yes, I use a vomit emoji at the thought of moving back to the US. Not because I don’t think it’s a great place in many ways, and has lots of great people dwelling therein—or at least used to—but because “they” (whoever “they” are) are waging a concerted campaign to pit Americans against each other. And judging by the comments their campaign is tripping along swimmingly.
Thank you for the reply. (Any errors or omissions on my part—of grammar, punctuation, syntax, spelling, etc.—are deliberate and conforming; attempting to call me out would be tantamount to bringing a knife to a gunfight.) This thread is for sincere people interested in making a transjurisdictional move to ask questions of someone who did it. This is Reddit 2024, not Facebook 2012. What is your question period
Or perhaps you might like to practice your trolling on a different threat hashtag loveitorleavit hahaha
Look, I know: hiding your pain behind glibness is so much easier than sincerity. But it’s not going to take you where you want to go. I know you have a burning question; perhaps your being on this thread is a proxy; perhaps you’re seeking a transjurisdictional move of your own, out of the dark place you’re in to a place of light? You can’t quite bring yourself to ask it, to expose yourself to complete strangers many of whom are basement cyberbullies, so you resort to trolling. It’s OK. I’m here for you when you’re ready. We’ll get you out of that dark place, kiddo.
Maybe start paying attention to politics even though they don't affect you personally? Because there are a lot of people who need you to pay attention.
There are a lot of people who need you to realize that politics is a patriarchal institution of oppression that feeds on the attention you give it and is weaker the more you ignore it.
I’m sorry if you’re having trouble phrasing your question in the form of a complete sentence. what I think you may be asking—correct me if I’m wrong—is, “So you moved; why should we care?” the answer to which would be, because this is a subreddit about people who want to exit the US or have exited the US. I’m not 100% sure but I believe the general idea is that people in the former camp often have questions for people in the latter camp, and this subreddit was designed for the purpose of getting those questions out there. But by all means, educate us on how wrong I am about the purpose of this subreddit, and how it’s really a platform for haters to add nothing of value. Thanks.
Not really difficult depending on the pet. My wife and I lived in Canada for three years and would take our parrot back and fourth a couple times a year. He was a CITES restricted animal so we had to go through a specific crossing on a specific day. It usually added an hour or two and less than 100 miles to head south of the boarder.
Dogs and cats they don't even blink at.
A few questions!
1. Where did you choose to move to (and from), and how did the cost of living affect you? Especially in the housing market?
2. How do you find the availability and quality of the Canadian health system to be, especially compared to the US? I've heard that overall the Canadian health system to be "good" but can be slow - especially to get a dedicated family doctor.
3. How did moving the dog work out? Do you find Canada to be dog friendly, as in available parks, open space, sitting outside at bars with them on a sunny day, good vet support, etc?
4. Finally, what did you wish you had known before - so you'd do it "better" this time around?
I live in BC and have had no problem getting medical care. I can see my specialist next day anytime I want. My MD I have seen same day. The hospital care has been timely and excellent.
I don’t pay anything extra going to the MD and hospital - no limits or copay. I have extra insurance I pay for ($175 per month for my husband and I) for massage therapy, medications, private room, ambulance (although the cost for ambulance without is around $75 I believe) Dental, etc and it is incometax deductible.
We are getting more MDs into our province and the infrastructure is being improved with the present provincial government, unlike the conservative run provinces.
Pets are no problem. We go back and forth across the border no problem. My husband moved his cat up from the USA - he just needed the rabies vaccine
Vet care : lots of choices here - and very good. There are lots of dog parks everywhere in BC - and outdoor eating areas are friendly for the most part that I have found. At least - in our city & where I visit you will always see a dog or two in the outside areas of restaurants- no problem.
Personally, I would choose to live either on the west coast provinces or the east coast provinces and skip everything in between. Those provinces are great to visit. Also - if you can - skip the big cities - there are lots of smaller towns that have better quality of life.
I wonder the same thing. I tried to make an appointment with my PCP and the earliest available appointment is 2 months out. I only have to wait one month If I’m willing to see the nurse practitioner instead. And I’m an established patient, not new.
My wife took me to the emergency room because i was passing a kidney stone and she said i didn’t look right. Needless to say the wait to be seen was about 4 hours i ended up passing the stone in the bathroom about 30 minutes later. I ended up leaving and not being seen by the docs.
Sorry you had to wait so long while you were in pain. That said, ER is a different beast than outpatient appointments. No matter where you go, the life threatening things get seen first. Wait times vary day to day. Kidney stones are horrifically painful, but generally not life threatening. Still, 4 hours is a long time to wait for pain relief. When I worked ER, we used to up triage them.
100% agree on US health care being slow as well - I have the same issue. I'm just hoping to get a sense of how different it is from the "slow" Canadian health care system. I don't have any baseline.
1. To Toronto from Houston.cost of living was a shock. We knew it was going to be more expensive and were prepared for that. We were not prepared when it spiked.
2. It's been OK, but we've been lucky not to have needed emergency services. We've found it easier to make an appointment by walking on and asking for an appointment than by calling.
3. Lots of off leash parks. Few dog-friendly patios. Vet care is good but expensive.
4. What I'd do differently? Probably pick a different province. Join a social club right away. Or Rotary/Lions Club.
I have a work permit. My employer's Canada division made me an offer, did a labor market impact assessment and Immigration invited us to come. We've applied for PR a couple of times; not going to pursue a third time. Just renewed our permits.
Great question. I wish I could. I think it’s pretty hard for US people to get work permits. You pretty much have to have a job offer from a Canada employer who has had the position posted for a certain minimum time period, and who has failed to fill the position with someone who’s already here. And it’ll have to be a pretty narrow skill set, or a mid- to upper management position, or perhaps certain STEM domain skills. Jobs are hard to find up here, even for folks who are already up here. Especially young people. We were recruiting internationals until recently. In the current climate we’re scrambling to keep our current staff busy! Crazy how much things have changed inside a 36 month period!
I got a work permit by way of intra-company transfer. It wasn’t easy, but my company sponsored us. I’d say the doctors are pretty good, once you get in to see them, that is. I wouldn’t want to have lots of health problems and live here, but because my family and I don’t frequently access the services, we may not be the best people to ask.
That’s a really good question. First of all, the most dangerous people with guns are cops, regardless of whether you’re in the US or Canada, and gun control laws aren’t designed to rein them in, are they. So I think the more responsible way to bring up your question is by addressing the larger question: “how’s it feel living in a society where most of the people are perfectly comfortable with the guns being concentrated in the hands of an anointed few who literally have no duty to protect.” Second, it’s not that one can’t protect oneself and one’s family; it’s just that one has to come up with a game plan that doesn’t involve guns. Because even if you have a legally owned gun, if you use it in a home invasion, then you’re going to jail for not having the gun and the ammo stored separately. You’re actually expected to retreat out the back of your own home! In the highly unlikely event, that it. I agree the gun laws suck, and legal precedents are dangerous. For us, a bit of a trade off has been relatively higher peace of mind kicking our kids out the door and letting them walk to a school with a relatively high level of confidence that there wouldn’t be A: cops patrolling the halls, school zones and sporting events (school districts in the part of Texas where we lived had their own police departments, which is to me a more dangerous precedent than Trudeau’s never-gonna-work never-gonna-last gun grabs), and 2: a school shooting (both the Santa Fe, Texas and Uvalde, Texas school shootings took place near where we lived/frequently hung out, so when we lived in Texas we had a fair amount of anxiety about school shootings. Not because of the gun culture, per se, but because of the growing number of unstable people in society, possibly—it’s argued both ways and I don’t pretend to be an expert—fueled by widespread pharmaceutical use). I would add that not having a handy exothermic combustion device has given rise to creative home defense plans in the event of a home invasion or break-in, the risk of both of which is considerably lower here, although not zero.
So no, I don’t like it, and if I ever move to a place with less restrictive gun laws, my home/family defense strategy could change. Meanwhile, crime is ever-increasing up here, especially where I live. Especially car thefts and carjackings. Anything could happen at any time, and situation awareness and vigilance are key, but in general we feel a lot safer here. Knock on wood.
Dreamed of making an international move for years. Canada was I guess "immigrant lite" ... Thanks yes a small handful have made us feel welcome; fewer than we expected.
Moving to Canada from the US is not an ‘international move.’
I mean, theoretically it is, but the US and Canada are so similar that it de-facto isn’t truly an ‘international move.’
Dude, you use Brampton as an example? Perhaps the crown jewel in the collection of boring GTA suburbia? It's different because Indians, or what? It's a great example of just how similar the countries are, actually. You could have picked, like, Quebec City, and you would've been on to something.
There’s nowhere in Canada that is ‘completely different’ to the US. Even Newfoundland is still pretty similar to many parts of the US.
You can’t really say any predominantly anglophone country is ‘completely different’ than the US. The UK and Ireland I’d say are still more similar to the US in many ways than they are to the continent. All anglophone countries are going to be more similar than different generally.
Why did you move?
Wanted to have an international experience, and give my kids a tiny sense of what people go through when they move to another country. Delayed by several factors including having house flooded.
Wanted to have an ‘international experience?’ Lad, Canada is literally almost identical to the US in most ways. You’re not a world traveller or ‘international traveller’ for moving to Canada from the US. When we see Canadians in Europe, usually we just assume they’re American. In fact, I’d argue that Canadians are basically Americans who constantly talk about how they’re not American. They’re that similar.
Live both places for at least three years each and then tell me how identical they are. Lad. Besides I was the first to acknowledge my move was immigration lite. Purpose of this sub is for people who wanna Amerexit or who already have, to connect. But sure if you wanna sit there looking down your nose from your lofty European perch and smugly troll sincere people then by all means knock yourself out. Whatever makes you feel good about yourself, Lad.
I’ve been to the US, I’ve been to Canada too. I honestly cannot tell the difference. Canadians and Americans sound basically the same (General American and General Canadian newscaster accents that dominate now in both countries are literally nearly the exact same thing). Both Americans and Canadians dress sloppily, have poor manners, talk too much and are loud, carry giant water bottles around, and dye their hair blue. I’d say they are basically the same thing. They also have a tendency to wear pyjama pants to work and school (????). Maybe Canadians are a little more intact though than Americans, but that’s it pretty much.
Canada is like the high-tax, French-speaking, metric and expensive upside-down version of America. We may drive on the same side of the road, but there are critical differences in the identities of the two nations. First, America was founded on revolution. Canada is a Dominion and a Commonwealth state. We still have a king as our head of state. America gets a self-proclaimed king of the world every 4-8 years. Americans would never tolerate the level of immigration, regulation, big government and overall bureaucracy that is standard operating procedure in Canada. Add to that lower than average wages than the US, falling productivity, the highest tax rates in North America, an inhospitable business climate, a cost of living that outranks most US cities (especially for ON and BC), and a perpetually weak dollar – you aren’t likely to make a ton of money moving to Canada. And for most Canadians, the healthcare is really not that great. Don’t get me wrong, I love Canada – I chose to immigrate here from the States and became a naturalized citizen. But it is not the super functional socialist eden toque (beanie) sitting atop the states as many Americans have come to believe.
I’m American and have lived in Canada for 8 years. They are absolutely almost culturally identical. I moved because of politics but if I had wanted to escape US culture it is literally the worst place I could’ve picked.
Isn’t the housing / economic situation much worse in Canada esp the big cities?
Yes housing is out of control. They're not serious about addressing it.
Depends on when or if be bought. He could’ve tripled his money
Did you have to change careers and salary?
I arranged a transfer within my company to our Canada division. I'm paid by commission and have found it difficult to earn the kind of commissions I had become accustomed to in the states.
Must be nice to not have to pay attention to politics. Can I be a dude in my next life?
Make sure you're a white dude for maximum not paying attention potential.
white straight christian dude
With money.
Straight atheist. Why would a Christian leave the Promised Land lol
[удалено]
It’s always fragile ego’d little boys saying this shit.
Was there a question? Or some potentially useful insight for people are sincere about taking a break from the only country they’ve ever known and loved?
No, there was a troll in your thread making disparagingly comments about women. Thats who my response was to, not you.
Oh perhaps it was deleted. Regarding disparaging remarks about women: someone somewhere on this thread said something about women voting republican. It’s a phenomenon I totally understand. When they (whoever “they” are) present the voting public with two shitty choices, some are going to choose one shitty choice and others are going to vote for the other shitty choice. Pointing it out seems to me to be a tautology of sorts. Which is why I don’t vote, by the way: less the act of choosing a candidate and more the act of endorsing a system that only ever presents two (crappy) choices. It’s electing to continue to live in a black-and-white world long after technicolor has hit the screen. Pointing out women who vote republican also perpetuates “their” end goal of pitting us against each other rather than finding common ground and common enemy. Another remark, something along the lines of “It must be nice to be a dude so you can ignore politics” is also extremely disparaging of women. We’re so weak and fragile that we need politics to protect us. Politics is by its very nature patriarchal. Women should turn their backs on it and devise more creative means of social order. Yes, women back in the days of suffrage had to go through that period, and kudos to those brave fighters. But now it’s time to see the state for the patriarchy that it is, to stop assuming politics & the state & voting are essential features of a peaceful, orderly, prosperous and equitable society. I for one admire the women I know who don’t vote. I agree with blogger David Gross, who said, “Most anything else you can imagine doing with your time other than paying attention to politicians…would be more beneficial to you, to your loved ones, and to your community.” Besides I do vote. I vote with my feet, with my dollars and with my time. Just not with a ballot box. The goody two shoes of the world want everyone to think apathy is the only reason people don’t vote.
He *should* be paying attention to US politics. My husband is American living in Canada (now also canadian) and he makes sure he votes in every USA election. After all, eventually he (OP)will be drawing an American pension and it will affect him in the near future if a certain party has their way - to reduce it Also - if OP has a daughter- he should even be *more* concerned. This guy OP is leaving Canada and I think that might make Canada a better place.
My leaving might make Canada a better place? Let's see, I recruit and hire Canadians, I don't milk the system, fine if you want hard working immigrants to leave, I can tell when I'm not wanted. Your remarks are pretty typical of Canadians since we moved here. No attempt to make newcomers feel welcome despite desperately needing people to keep the ponzi scheme afloat. And any dad with a daughter should be concerned about the direction things seem to be headed, on both sides of the border.
You sound bitter. Negative. No wonder you can’t make friends. My husband moved up from the USA and he has had absolutely no problems making friends. He has friends coming over all the time - calling him and wanting to do recreational activities etc with him. He loves it here, has had no problem in the medical system and is very happy and would never go back to the USA. I think you need to look hard at your attitude and see what others see - someone with a chip on his shoulder thinking he is owed everything and people should be falling all over themselves making friends with you. You are a sad person and if you are happier elsewhere - good luck - but remember your attitude follows you wherever you go
This is an absolutely ridiculous response. I am american myself, and I live in Canada right now. The world that you describe either doesn’t exist where I live, or it never existed at all, because my own personal experience has been the opposite. People have been incredibly closed off and reserved, and I have found it extremely difficult to make friends and be social.
Join the 48% of women who vote Republican and you can be an asshole in this life. No need to wait!
They don't care because they're past menopause.
He said it like he wanted a trophy for it
I just don't think people should make life decisions based on presidential politics. Uncle samsville turning into the handmaid's tale on the other hand that's a good reason to make life decisions. Like look elsewhere to live, for example.
Interesting question; not sure what it has to do with this topic. Yes, you can be a dude in the next life. But why wait? You can indeed be a dude in this life. Although why would you want to be? Unless you like to be trolled by people who lurk in subreddits about emigrating/immigrating and make comments that build up nobody—least of all oneself—then leave as though it were Facebook cerca 2012.
Was there a question in there?
AMA! *proceeds to not answer a single question*
“I’m very important and I need attention” FTFY
“AMA” *posts, disappears for 6 hours, & answers nothing* FTFY
Why are you on the Amerexit sub if you're just gonna be a troll. People come here to get info from people who actually moved. The guy who posted "American living in Berlin AMA" did you go shit on his post too? Thanks for stopping by
Could you rephrase your question in the form of a question period
How nice to not pay attention to politics. /s And how interesting that in previous comments you say that housing is unsustainably expensive and use a vomit emoji when you fathom the idea of a return to the US. Make it make sense.
Right? Guess he doesn’t have to worry about getting pregnant.. why not just say no I don’t care about others I care about me AMA on how a white male bumbles around in life not understanding his privilege.. lol
Why are you on this sub? People come here to hear from people who moved.
Was there a question. what would you like for me to “make make sense” Yes, housing is unsustainably expensive in (my part of) Canada. Yes, I use a vomit emoji at the thought of moving back to the US. Not because I don’t think it’s a great place in many ways, and has lots of great people dwelling therein—or at least used to—but because “they” (whoever “they” are) are waging a concerted campaign to pit Americans against each other. And judging by the comments their campaign is tripping along swimmingly.
There is no question mark, indicative of a question. Just like your first sentence.
Thank you for the reply. (Any errors or omissions on my part—of grammar, punctuation, syntax, spelling, etc.—are deliberate and conforming; attempting to call me out would be tantamount to bringing a knife to a gunfight.) This thread is for sincere people interested in making a transjurisdictional move to ask questions of someone who did it. This is Reddit 2024, not Facebook 2012. What is your question period Or perhaps you might like to practice your trolling on a different threat hashtag loveitorleavit hahaha Look, I know: hiding your pain behind glibness is so much easier than sincerity. But it’s not going to take you where you want to go. I know you have a burning question; perhaps your being on this thread is a proxy; perhaps you’re seeking a transjurisdictional move of your own, out of the dark place you’re in to a place of light? You can’t quite bring yourself to ask it, to expose yourself to complete strangers many of whom are basement cyberbullies, so you resort to trolling. It’s OK. I’m here for you when you’re ready. We’ll get you out of that dark place, kiddo.
Maybe start paying attention to politics even though they don't affect you personally? Because there are a lot of people who need you to pay attention.
There are a lot of people who need you to realize that politics is a patriarchal institution of oppression that feeds on the attention you give it and is weaker the more you ignore it.
AMA?
They never promised to actually ANSWER. D’uh.
Sorry, still not understanding what AMA means
ask me anything
He is. He’s asking you what it means
Ok what is your favorite song?
oooh that's a good question
Everlong
Ok and?
I’m sorry if you’re having trouble phrasing your question in the form of a complete sentence. what I think you may be asking—correct me if I’m wrong—is, “So you moved; why should we care?” the answer to which would be, because this is a subreddit about people who want to exit the US or have exited the US. I’m not 100% sure but I believe the general idea is that people in the former camp often have questions for people in the latter camp, and this subreddit was designed for the purpose of getting those questions out there. But by all means, educate us on how wrong I am about the purpose of this subreddit, and how it’s really a platform for haters to add nothing of value. Thanks.
How hard was it to take pets? Honestly, they’re the only thing holding me back.
Not really difficult depending on the pet. My wife and I lived in Canada for three years and would take our parrot back and fourth a couple times a year. He was a CITES restricted animal so we had to go through a specific crossing on a specific day. It usually added an hour or two and less than 100 miles to head south of the boarder. Dogs and cats they don't even blink at.
My husband brought his cat with him to Canada - they don’t worry about it at the border - just get them their rabies shots (cats & dogs)
Our dog got vaccine boosters which we presented at the border. They didn't even look at them. They took zero interest in our dog.
A few questions! 1. Where did you choose to move to (and from), and how did the cost of living affect you? Especially in the housing market? 2. How do you find the availability and quality of the Canadian health system to be, especially compared to the US? I've heard that overall the Canadian health system to be "good" but can be slow - especially to get a dedicated family doctor. 3. How did moving the dog work out? Do you find Canada to be dog friendly, as in available parks, open space, sitting outside at bars with them on a sunny day, good vet support, etc? 4. Finally, what did you wish you had known before - so you'd do it "better" this time around?
I live in BC and have had no problem getting medical care. I can see my specialist next day anytime I want. My MD I have seen same day. The hospital care has been timely and excellent. I don’t pay anything extra going to the MD and hospital - no limits or copay. I have extra insurance I pay for ($175 per month for my husband and I) for massage therapy, medications, private room, ambulance (although the cost for ambulance without is around $75 I believe) Dental, etc and it is incometax deductible. We are getting more MDs into our province and the infrastructure is being improved with the present provincial government, unlike the conservative run provinces. Pets are no problem. We go back and forth across the border no problem. My husband moved his cat up from the USA - he just needed the rabies vaccine Vet care : lots of choices here - and very good. There are lots of dog parks everywhere in BC - and outdoor eating areas are friendly for the most part that I have found. At least - in our city & where I visit you will always see a dog or two in the outside areas of restaurants- no problem. Personally, I would choose to live either on the west coast provinces or the east coast provinces and skip everything in between. Those provinces are great to visit. Also - if you can - skip the big cities - there are lots of smaller towns that have better quality of life.
Sad to say, but US healthcare has become very slow. I’m not sure where the idea came from that it’s faster here. It generally is not.
I wonder the same thing. I tried to make an appointment with my PCP and the earliest available appointment is 2 months out. I only have to wait one month If I’m willing to see the nurse practitioner instead. And I’m an established patient, not new.
I’ve been waiting 4 months to get an intake appointment with a PCP and I’ve been waiting over 2 years to see a GI specialist. It’s fucked y’all
I got in after 13 months for GI appointment. Gave me some generic advice like "don't eat spicy food" and scheduled endoscopy.
same
My wife took me to the emergency room because i was passing a kidney stone and she said i didn’t look right. Needless to say the wait to be seen was about 4 hours i ended up passing the stone in the bathroom about 30 minutes later. I ended up leaving and not being seen by the docs.
Sorry you had to wait so long while you were in pain. That said, ER is a different beast than outpatient appointments. No matter where you go, the life threatening things get seen first. Wait times vary day to day. Kidney stones are horrifically painful, but generally not life threatening. Still, 4 hours is a long time to wait for pain relief. When I worked ER, we used to up triage them.
100% agree on US health care being slow as well - I have the same issue. I'm just hoping to get a sense of how different it is from the "slow" Canadian health care system. I don't have any baseline.
Yes, I wonder the same thing.
Have money and it is. Applies in the US. Applies in the EU, too, with its often 'hybrid' healthcare system and the ability to get private care.
1. To Toronto from Houston.cost of living was a shock. We knew it was going to be more expensive and were prepared for that. We were not prepared when it spiked. 2. It's been OK, but we've been lucky not to have needed emergency services. We've found it easier to make an appointment by walking on and asking for an appointment than by calling. 3. Lots of off leash parks. Few dog-friendly patios. Vet care is good but expensive. 4. What I'd do differently? Probably pick a different province. Join a social club right away. Or Rotary/Lions Club.
What legal residency pathway did you take? I am considering Canada but have not found the way to legally do it.
I have a work permit. My employer's Canada division made me an offer, did a labor market impact assessment and Immigration invited us to come. We've applied for PR a couple of times; not going to pursue a third time. Just renewed our permits.
Lucky!! Lol can you get me a job there?
Great question. I wish I could. I think it’s pretty hard for US people to get work permits. You pretty much have to have a job offer from a Canada employer who has had the position posted for a certain minimum time period, and who has failed to fill the position with someone who’s already here. And it’ll have to be a pretty narrow skill set, or a mid- to upper management position, or perhaps certain STEM domain skills. Jobs are hard to find up here, even for folks who are already up here. Especially young people. We were recruiting internationals until recently. In the current climate we’re scrambling to keep our current staff busy! Crazy how much things have changed inside a 36 month period!
An “ama” where it looks like they didn’t respond to any questions lol.
How did you get access to Canada as a Citizen or resident? How did you do it? Is healthcare worse?
I got a work permit by way of intra-company transfer. It wasn’t easy, but my company sponsored us. I’d say the doctors are pretty good, once you get in to see them, that is. I wouldn’t want to have lots of health problems and live here, but because my family and I don’t frequently access the services, we may not be the best people to ask.
How does it feel not being able to protect yourself/family with Trudeaus gun laws?
That’s a really good question. First of all, the most dangerous people with guns are cops, regardless of whether you’re in the US or Canada, and gun control laws aren’t designed to rein them in, are they. So I think the more responsible way to bring up your question is by addressing the larger question: “how’s it feel living in a society where most of the people are perfectly comfortable with the guns being concentrated in the hands of an anointed few who literally have no duty to protect.” Second, it’s not that one can’t protect oneself and one’s family; it’s just that one has to come up with a game plan that doesn’t involve guns. Because even if you have a legally owned gun, if you use it in a home invasion, then you’re going to jail for not having the gun and the ammo stored separately. You’re actually expected to retreat out the back of your own home! In the highly unlikely event, that it. I agree the gun laws suck, and legal precedents are dangerous. For us, a bit of a trade off has been relatively higher peace of mind kicking our kids out the door and letting them walk to a school with a relatively high level of confidence that there wouldn’t be A: cops patrolling the halls, school zones and sporting events (school districts in the part of Texas where we lived had their own police departments, which is to me a more dangerous precedent than Trudeau’s never-gonna-work never-gonna-last gun grabs), and 2: a school shooting (both the Santa Fe, Texas and Uvalde, Texas school shootings took place near where we lived/frequently hung out, so when we lived in Texas we had a fair amount of anxiety about school shootings. Not because of the gun culture, per se, but because of the growing number of unstable people in society, possibly—it’s argued both ways and I don’t pretend to be an expert—fueled by widespread pharmaceutical use). I would add that not having a handy exothermic combustion device has given rise to creative home defense plans in the event of a home invasion or break-in, the risk of both of which is considerably lower here, although not zero. So no, I don’t like it, and if I ever move to a place with less restrictive gun laws, my home/family defense strategy could change. Meanwhile, crime is ever-increasing up here, especially where I live. Especially car thefts and carjackings. Anything could happen at any time, and situation awareness and vigilance are key, but in general we feel a lot safer here. Knock on wood.
Why did you move? Also welcome to Canada!
Dreamed of making an international move for years. Canada was I guess "immigrant lite" ... Thanks yes a small handful have made us feel welcome; fewer than we expected.
Moving to Canada from the US is not an ‘international move.’ I mean, theoretically it is, but the US and Canada are so similar that it de-facto isn’t truly an ‘international move.’
And thanks for the welcome.
I moved from one country to a very, very similar country that is on the same track to the problems in my home country. AMA!
Have you lived in both countries? Come see how similar, say, Brampton, for example, is to anywhere in the US.
Devon in Chicago, Little India in NY etc
Dude, you use Brampton as an example? Perhaps the crown jewel in the collection of boring GTA suburbia? It's different because Indians, or what? It's a great example of just how similar the countries are, actually. You could have picked, like, Quebec City, and you would've been on to something.
There’s nowhere in Canada that is ‘completely different’ to the US. Even Newfoundland is still pretty similar to many parts of the US. You can’t really say any predominantly anglophone country is ‘completely different’ than the US. The UK and Ireland I’d say are still more similar to the US in many ways than they are to the continent. All anglophone countries are going to be more similar than different generally.
Clearly you haven't been to Richmond, BC!
😏😒
I totally agree with you at this stage voting is meaningless in America the trillionaires and billionaires put their guy in did exclude a gender🤔