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2024-01-19 0
I have a friend living outside Hamilton, her husband died not being able to see the specialists he needed in a timely fashion. Her Daughter had a life threatening disease, she lived close enough to NY to take her daughter there for treatment that saved her life. She’ll tell you straight to your face that Thank God for US Doctors!!! Or her daughter would be dead as well.
2024-01-19 2
Your reasons are very valid and I’m very sad and at the same time it hurt to hear you say your reasons and wish things were different - In your quest to find somewhere warm and Muslim friendly please make sure your wife would be safe. I am terrified for your wife and the kids. Please choose somewhere, that if anything ever happened to you, your family would still be okay. Good luck and I’ll be following your channel. ???
2024-01-18 0
Fabulous video! US viewer here. But we often vacationed in Quebec’s Laurentians and our daughter went to Ontario’s University of Toronto for her undergraduate degree about 15 years ago. UofT was rigorous, to say the least, but she did it in 4 years, unlike some of her peers. She LOVED it, and made many friends, including internationals. They’ve stayed close on FB, and even get together (some flying in from other countries, including the Middle East and Asia) every 2 years or so back in Toronto. We’ve found the easiest way to make friends is by going to university or college together and living in residence, rather than once we’ve enter the workforce.\n\nThat said, and as unpolite as it may be, the root of Canada’s problems are exactly its politics. IMO Canada’s misguided liberal policies are to blame for its stratospheric taxes, cost of housing, increasing crime, tolerant drug culture, and deteriorating health care system. That Canada now encourages voluntary euthanasia to reduce health care costs should say it all. Margaret Sanger would be proud. And it promises to get worse as long as Justin Trudeau and his ilk are in power. His lionizing climate change intervention at the expense of what really impacts Canadians is sheer madness. Conservative Party Pierre Poilievre and like-minded politicians could fix it all.\n\nHappily, here in the US, the conservative movement is growing and energized. Once-liberal, especially ‘minority,’ voters are understanding how little the left really offers in the long run, and are switching sides. They’ll be voting for Trump in November.
2024-01-17 0
US family here. We were a big downhill skiing family, and often spent our winter vacations in the Laurentians. The exchange rate was great back in the 1990s and early 2000s. So when the time came to start looking at colleges, our daughter already associated Canada with fun, and fell in love with the University of Toronto. She was accepted. But before Canada would issue her a student visa, we had to provide evidence that we could pay full tuition, room, and board out of pocket. For all four years! They wanted an iron guarantee that she would never become a ‘ward of the state’ or consume public assistance services. We had to jump through soooo many logistical hoops for her to attend, it was exhausting to facilitate. But she graduated with honors in four years. All that time, the city was beautiful, clean, and vibrant, though not inexpensive. The St. George main campus, Queen’s Park, Bloor, Yongue Street, more. Everyone we met was friendly and respectful. We very rarely saw homeless and never tent communities. And crime seemed almost nonexistent except for bicycle thefts. Our daughter made many international friends and forged great relationships she carries to this day. So many wonderful memories. So it’s heartbreaking to hear how downhill the city has become. And the US is no different. It’s all in the politics, and neither Trudeau’s nor Biden’s policies are helping.
2024-01-17 0
2:40: “There is no Islamic environment.” I am very amused by this reason that I often hear from my muslim family and friends. You would be absolutely incapable of living in a country that actually enforces Islamic Sharia law. When the known Islamic movements did it you were scandalized and outraged and you kept claiming that they were not real Muslims when everything they did came from the Sunni sahih books and the Koran. It's so much nicer to be a muslim in a westernized country, isn't it? Come on be honest. fatiha an ex-muslim from Morocco.
2024-01-15 1
I lived in Western Europe, Japan and at the moment, Canada. I lucked out getting a well paying job in Vancouver when I moved back a few years ago and my average tax rate is actually the exact percentage you stated in the video - 28%, which includes income tax, pension and employment insurance. I'm actually doing better in terms of quality of life now but I do miss being able to travel around Europe for cheap. (e.g., quick train ride to Paris for the weekend) Now, I take cheap flights (e.g. Flair Airlines) to Mexico instead.\n\nJust to state some data points: when I was in Europe, I paid a total average of 39% income tax on a lower salary than I have right now in Canada. Things like utilities (e.g., gas/electricity), restaurants, certain grocery items and electronics (e.g., iphone/PS5/computers) were significantly more expensive because European VAT (inclusive) is usually 20%+. \n\nI don't have the exact numbers but on average I believe I was paying 70 - 90€ ($100 - 130 CAD) just for electricity each month for a small flat, but I am now paying $30 - 50 CAD for a decent sized 1 bedroom. I believe my housing gas bill was about the same or possibly a bit more. In addition, automobile gas prices were much higher (about $2€/L on average which is $2.90 CAD/L) and I think they could go even higher right now. \n\nHowever, rent is definitely more expensive in Vancouver, but I believe that is true for many West coast cities in North America. Right now I'm paying $2300 CAD a month for a 1BR, and I split that amount with my partner. In comparison, it would have been about €1300 ($1900 CAD) for something similar in the city where I was living previously. In a more expensive city (e.g. Amsterdam) a 1BR would easily cost €1800+ ($2650 CAD).\n\nFor me, the difficulty of making friends in my late 20's stays about the same. I think it is difficult to make new friends after graduating from school, and you have to put yourself out there by joining groups and events. (e.g. Meetup or volunteering?)
2024-01-15 0
Salam alaykum!! As a Jewish “cousin” living in the Southern US, I can definitely appreciate your concerns, especially those related-to the cold, inflation, religious observance, indoctrination, and an over-bearing government…. Assuming that they would be supportive and good role models, are your children’s grandparents still alive? Would living near them be an option? Are any uncles, aunts, and cousins available at any potential locations? Suggestion: Some dear friends sold their dream home and left their long-time friends last year to move across the country to live in a property that they had inherited. These friends eventually admitted that they were MISERABLE in their new location and now (12-14 months later) have returned to their “home state.” Unfortunately, their choices have turned-out to be very “costly” in many ways….. Since your children are involved, you may want to consider giving any potential location a 6-12 month “test run” before making an “official” decision….. Prayers and best wishes as you consider your options!! ❤️
2024-01-15 0
Well my friends i would love to introduce you guys to a higher God where who we can have a real relationship with and communicate with
2024-01-15 0
The only thing I agreed with you is the price of housing in large cities. Canada is still a great country if one is willing to work. I maybe living in a cocoon, all my friends and my children’s friends are doing ok with their jobs and finances. The really uneducated and uninspired would suffered just like in any other country. Canada is not perfect, but I rather be here than anywhere else. Btw, I am 70 years old and have been here for 60 years.
2024-01-14 0
been watching for quite awhile now. lots of laughs.dont always agreewith you but love your testing of all our goodies from Canada. ...I have introduced this channel to my relatives and friends, they are also enjoying it. could you please give us some information on yourself, have you ever been to Canada, are you married? we would like a more personal person to deal with, keep up the good work.
2024-01-14 0
I lived in Dubai for 9 years. I think you would like it there, although the cost of living was also high. You may also wish to check out Fujairah. It is located on the east coast of the UAE, on the Gulf of Oman,, about 90 kilometers from Dubai. Cost of living is cheaper there. Muscat, Oman is also worth checking out. Oman has no oil money, so compared to the UAE it is a much lower standard of living, but I would guess cost of living is much cheaper than in the UAE. I have spent some time in Muscat and the people are super friendly.
2024-01-14 0
Inshallah you find the right fit for you & your family. As an American I feel exactly the same but don’t know anywhere that would be better. Had a friend that in 2022 family moved to KSA, then Egypt, then Turkey trying to find the right place to raise family in Muslim environment. They came back to USA 8 months later.
2024-01-13 0
Sir , check out Malaysia, KL is a great country and Muslim friendly of course, but also a tolerant society . Check out the Philippines. I live there part time . On the SW corner of Mindanao (Zamboanga ) great town and 1/2 Muslim) people get along fine there usually. I live up in north Luzon - mostly Christian but Muslims are around too . No hassle and respectful. I don’t know your financial situation, however, in the Philippines, the school system is quite good, and private schools are stunningly excellent. I would definitely check out the Philippines and also Malaysia. Both have a great style of life and it doesn’t cost a fortune to live well. Education is quite good and the medical situation is also quite good. In the Philippines, however you have to select the hospital before you become ill in the Philippines, there is the public hospitals, which is fine for minor, scrapes and cut, but I would recommend a major hospital for anything serious. In Malaysia, the standard of medical care is good throughout the country. You could also consider northern Thailand. Southern Thailand is too much into tourism, but northern Thailand has a good mixture of people and religions. Mainly a Buddhist country, but very tolerant towards Christians, Hindus, and Muslims. May God bless your journey through life. Honor, peace and honour your friends and family. I wish you well.
2024-01-13 0
9 years ago I stayed in Malaysia on two occasions as a workaway volunteer, each time for about two months. As I'm sure you know it's Muslim majority but with large Chinese and Indian minorities. I found it a wonderful place for people and still keep in contact with a Chinese and Indian friend.\nIf I were your age (I'm 79) I would definitely leave UK for your no's 1,2,3. Good luck.
2024-01-13 0
Many Muslim friends. Lived in many Muslim majority countries. I would argue that in The West u will have more advantages than many Muslim majority countries. Although I do not live in Canada I have a Muslim relative who loves living in Canada. So best u do leave as the West was built on a non Muslim tradition. That said I have Muslim friends who are happily living in Western countries.
2024-01-12 0
Hi, i'm a Quebecor - speaks french - and i dont know where i could immigrate ( alone cause i dont have a bf or a family ) that would be better for me ... I'm open to suggestions! :)\nAs for the ' increase in crime ' : is it Really better somewhere else? Crimes increase everywhere ( as the population grow! ) and i think there is not much crime per capita here than somewhere else ... Even far less than in some country!\nAs for the ' high taxes ' : do other contries have the same communitiy services / free health care ( i know, i know, there is flaws there, but hey! it's Free! :) ), paid dental care ( new from this year ), maternity leave up to a year and a half - that u can divide with the father -?\nAs for the ' making friends ' thing, pple usually make friends at their job. Sure its not easy, but i Really think its the case everywhere. PPle who are bord in * country will have, being an adult, for sure pple they know for a long time ans not necessarely really have the time / interest to have a lot of new profound connexions.\n\nSure, i'm wondering if here is the right place for me to live, but everywhere has its own problems!
2024-01-11 0
I would love to leave Canada and move to the USA..... Canada has nothing fun and nothing good (no the healthcare is shit.... don't even)..... there's a different vibe in the USA and in Canada it's cold it's depressing it's full of immigrants and the people are NOT as friendly as you think........ Canada FKn SUCKS!!!
2024-01-10 0
*I HAVE NEVER seen ANY of my Muslim friends targeted in the LEAST* That said, this was also founded as a predominantly white Christian nation just as Saudi Arabia etc.. was founded by Arabs, Mexico by Mexicans etc... SO YES, there are more Churches, or was, 70 CHRISTIAN Churches have been burned in the past couple years with almost no news coverage or outrage, if ONE Mosque or Synogauge was burned to the ground we would be inundated with news about hate crimes. Maybe Canada and multiculturalism isnt a good fit for you.
2024-01-10 0
It was nice watching your video. You asked for a suggestion. In your case, I think the best place for you to settle down would be Turkey. \nThe main problem you will face there would be the language. I think that is a big problem initially, but it is easy to learn a language, before going to that country. Once you are there, it will be easy for you to pick it up, because you will be forced to use it every day. The rest of the points you raised will be resolved. The weather there is not as cold as it is in Canada. Most of the population are Muslims, so you will find the required atmosphere to practice your belief freely and safely without worries or fear. When it comes to people, they are friendly and nice in general. Remember wherever you go in the world you will find good and bad people. This is life. \nThe 2nd choice would be US. They have various of mixed nations. Language will not be an obstical. But, there are many Muslims there. Some of the states have very big Muslim communities. So I think it will be easy for you to find a suitable state and city to settle down there. \nWish you all the best for your coming days. May Allah open up the way for a very bright future. In Shaa Allah.
2024-01-07 0
Not sure why I got this in my recommendations but I gave it a watch. I would agree with most reasons for your wanting to leave, even as a non-muslim. But what bothers me is how many Muslims are discontented with the social values and economics this federal government has been promoting and implementing - but they helped elect that govt. They threw their support behind the current federal govt because they seemed Muslim-friendly, while at the same time that same government promoted things that contradicted Islamic social values. Also , its my opinion, that govt is responsible for the runaway cost-of-living via inflation because of their horrible fiscal policies.
2024-01-06 0
I salute you for your decision \nI would recommend Kirgistan\nThey say it is a very friendly \nCountry a and very economical compared to the other countries
2024-01-05 0
16:40, speaking of making friends. I saw this video once from a girl on YT and she is German. She had this theory about how people behave in the US (and in Canada by extension, from my experience) and how they behave in Germany and in Europe I would say, in general. People in North America are like peaches (soft on the outside but really hard on the inside, meaning that they seem friendly, but when it comes to knowing them better, they don't let too much of their personal life). People in Europe are like coconuts (hard on the outside, but soft on the inside, meaning that they would seem inaccessible at a first glance, but if you spend more time with them, they will become very warm towards you and they can be very loyal friends).
2024-01-05 0
Turkey might be a good choice. Close to Europe, in fact some or many consider it as part of Europe, they wanted to part of EU. Also a muslim country, so, you would be very much at home there. And very beautiful and still cheap, it does not compare to Canada price-wise . :)\nAlso, Turkey is the big supporter of Palestine. :))) If I could speak the language or have a change to work for an automotive company in English, I'd probably just move there and be able to visit mom, extended family and friends in Europe a lot more often.
2024-01-05 0
I'm amazed by how many immigrants are surprised at the cost of living in Canada. Don't they do research before moving here? Before i would move anywhere, I would research rent / food costs etc. The other stuff like making friends is harder to research...I am Canadian that has lived in a few other countries and I'm planning to leave at some point, mainly due to cost of living. I will take Greece, Italy, Spain, SE Asia or a few South American countries any day over Canada. Shame as Canada used to be such a good place to live.
2024-01-01 0
Asalam alaikom ❤ Morocco ?? would be a good place. I love going there. So many mesjid, delicious food, super kid friendly, and the best people.
2024-01-01 0
Please consider friendly comment : Since most CA contents here are consumed abroad, when you throw # or ranking, please put something to compare/reference. Eg.\n1. Homicide rate 2/100k/yr.. is that high? low? Compare to your home country? Easier is just to flash static plot for different countries... That also goes for income #, housing, etc...\n2. When saying $, I assumed USD(since I am from US, you know. stereotypical american .lol). Labeling CAD or USD instead of $ would be great... \nLove seeing closing summary.. hope you successful...
2023-12-31 0
I'm in Guatemala City right now. I thought of trying to move to Australia or Europe before, but I never realized just how nice and easy things are in developing countries: Just by being a white person who speaks English, I have a well-paying job. An apartment right on the equivalent of Yonge-Dundas square, and I eat out for all meals.\n\nI'm the only gringo living in this part of the city, so I get a lot of attention, it's fun, women throw themselves at me*, and everyone wants to be my friend.\n\nI think I'll just live in Canada in the summer and somewhere warm in the winter, with plenty of summer-only jobs in Canada.\n\nI think I'll just live in Canada in the summer and somewhere warm in the winter.\n*I thought it would just be women who wanted green cards or money, but no, they all have more $$$ than I do, doctors, lawyers, government workers, etc. I'm like a status symbol they can show off to their friends.
2023-12-30 0
when i can't make friends what would i want to the in the country??? consider i may don't like people of my nation
2023-12-29 0
New subscriber here ??‍♀️ loved your video i will give you my honest opnion and what i learned since i just immigrated 6 months ago it took us 3 years and all our money to do this\nWe are Egyptians we immigrated from Egypt to Australia i have a 3 year old daughter just know that now in the middle east some international school do teach things about gays and in most arab countries this new generation thinks that drinking and partying is being cool u would be shocked how this new generation is westernized so take care ,Dubai is a great option but take care of that part i just said plus they love to show off their money\nSouth Africa i know an arab family who just left bec their kid almost got kidnapped and they were shot at so it's not so safe \nWe chose australia bec people are down to earth ( not like Dubai ) and here is a huge arab community plus they are stricked about drinking and almost no arab hate crimes plus the weather is good since we too hate the cold ? we live in perth it's modern enough but still quite and family friendly australia has great education and Healthcare too hope this helps ❤ good luck guys if you have any questions i am more than happy to help ?
2023-12-28 0
Salam, Brother Will and Sister Sana, firstly I would like to say thats a great decision. As an idea... I have a friend who moved to Qatar from the UK and he now says he will never come back, he lives there with his wife and 2 children. Great life... It may also help you to contact fellow Muslim influencers like Jasmine and Dawoud who have moved to Dubai recently from Canada and they made a video on costa etc \n\nHope the above helps.
2023-12-28 0
I would say try Turkey if you can purchase a house you could get your citizenship there and it is mostly a Muslim country. Something to think about it might be a place to look at . I’m from the US not a Muslim but have many Muslim friends who live in Turkey it safe and clean and I’m not sure of the education but safe is always a big one for me. And a place that respect who you are . I wish you both all the best in finding the right place. May you always be blessed.
2023-12-28 25
I am a Muslim woman. I lived in Dubai, Malaysia, Morocco and China. I would recommend Malaysia to answer most of the reasons that you stated: it is Muslim country, the weather is always sunny with rain sometimes, halal food everywhere, most people speaks English, mosque nearby, beautiful nature, friendly people, cost of living reasonable, big community of foreigners, parks and good quality school for kids and the list go on ?
2023-12-27 0
USA is so similar. I have a child and one on the way. I worry for their future . I assumed I would homeschool because I don’t want my children in this indoctrinated system. But truly I long for an environment where my kids CAN go to school & make friends without the silliness of what is happening here ?
2023-12-27 0
I'm really happy and blessed to be born and raised in Indonesia but\nI would recommend Malaysia for foreigner altho i'm Indonesian, just because they have more friendly foreign visa policy
2023-12-27 0
Salam to all! I would love to see where you guys pick. My husband and I are also considering other countries. Would love to see videos on how life expense is residential requirements to become a permanent resident of that particular country. education where it stands if the children were to leave that country and come back into the States. If you guys can elaborate on these topics, it would be so useful for those who are attempting to go to the same countries. What would be some financial friendly international home schooling programs that may be parents can enroll in until they are settled permanently in the country of their choice. JAK may Allah make this journey easy for your family and bless your family with the best of both worlds for your intention.
2023-12-27 0
Lynn just watched this video ,great content, i came across it after a friend of mine with a good job in kenya asked me if i had any links there, i am Jamaican, i actually established a business in Nairobi Kenya,which i moved from Jamaica which started in the UK, i told my friend i did have links but he would not be able to take the Cold weather, look Lynn the answer for me is if your KENYAN Government opened the doors to the Diaspora to come to Kenya from the Carribean ,USA and South America , we would bring our wealth and skills which are higher,no disrespect, yes there are intellectuals in Kenya, but they realise when they work in places like Canada that they are learning more, we as black Diasporans already had a head start when it comes to that , because we have been in those countries since Slavery unfortunately,but we took the knowledge anyway, if we came to Kenya and other African countries,not only would jobs be created for kenyans and such like but your living standards and economy would improve,its a no brainer, please do i video on this subject,?keep up the good work, nuff respect
2023-12-27 0
Non Muslim here but I would love to live in Turkey. I could do it for a year but can’t really imagine leaving Australia for good .. the Turkish people are so friendly and helpful .
2023-12-25 0
The definition of a canadain is an american without a gun and public health care... otherwise it is hard to tell the difference.... Canada has almost 9 months of winter and 3 months of bad skating... The province of Quebec which is still part of canada (don't tell them that) has the language police to be as anti-american and any democratic as possible, they only tolerate english if it is in US$ and tax other taxes with the most expensive bloated government of any state north of Mexico. The cartels are envious... all things purchased are imported (except animals and greenhouse tomatoes)are american with the exchange rate of almost 33%... If you are a doctor or nurse or medical specialist trained in western medicine like Europe, Australia, etc. You almost have to start over.... SAD. Like América, big cars/trucks are king, public transit is not a thing... yeh there are some buses in a few major cities, more of an after thought... The only positive thing about coming from another country climate is you have something to compare with.... Personally i was born here so where do i go... A few friends have travelled to the US but have not returned... its warmer in Texas i guess... Canadians are suspicious of Asians because they come with money and buy up property esp in Vancouver/Toronto hence the concern... As for you making friends, you seem to be very Americanized, speak English well and not so traditional except for being married... you would make a lot of people comfortable among traditional Canadians... just my after thoughts...
2023-12-21 0
The Palestinian people have been screwed over by corrupt leadership from the PLO and Hamas. Enriching themselves to billionaire status and taxing every citizen on goods purchased. And their Syrian “ friends” have been brutal towards them. The massive failure of UNWRA which is UN department that has 30000 employees solely for Palestinians also needs to be addressed. If peace is achieved a lot of people would be out of work.
2023-12-20 0
All of those issues are the same in any OCDE country. \n\nHousing market is shit in Europe too, even worse I would say, but at least they have decent public transports, so you can live outside a city and still go to your work fast. That’s the only real advantage. (Okay maybe construction quality and norms also)\n\nFrom experience, aka a French software engineer now living in Quebec, cost of life is waaaaaaay cheaper here than in Europe. I just don’t buy shitty stuff I don’t need, and eat responsibly. \n\nSure Canada have a lot of issue. Probably due to the current liberal government and the usamerican capitalism, healthcare is in shambles (as any other healthcare system in OCDE), public transport is non existant, etc. \nWherever you go, at some different levels, theses are issues you find in any developed countries because this is just how we made our society and how it’s deteriorating because our model is just bad overall. \n\nI do have gripes with Quebec stuff, which I think it’s one of the worst province in the country, but as far as I’m concerned, as well as most of my immigrant friends, this is still a prime country to immigrate to. \n\nAlso, the Canadians are really welcoming, progressive, kind. (In general, not all of them, don’t get me wrong)\nOne of the best people I’ve encountered and this is very important when you immigrate somewhere.
2023-12-20 0
Correct answer: None of the Muslim countries care about other Muslim countries, especially Palestine.\n\nThey only support the Way because Mohammad taught them to hate the Jews. Your enemy’s enemy of your friend.\n\nThey don’t care about their own citizens, or their own labourers from South Indian subcontinent working their sweat off. How on earth would they care about other Muslims?
2023-12-19 0
You never mention Montreal. I would have appreciated to compare the markets. Montreal is bigger than Vancouver. As far as making friends, your experience. seems limited to Toronto. As a Quebecquer who worked often in toronto,I could never create friendships. Again, very different in Montreal.
2023-12-14 0
To much dame taxes the homes are crazy over priced most of the time it’s cold . Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan , Feb, March April cold only May Jun and July and August its worm .I would just move to a different country I think k the states have better option at least you can move to a wormer state and get a less expensive house. My friend moved to Florida and was able to buy a house . 3 bedrooms and 2 bath nice weather to. She is a teacher there. I am thinking about moving sense I work from home as a IT data analyst I can even get a better job that gives me more money over there……. Yes there health care is expensive but at least there wait times aren’t so long . You can. Buy a house for 300,000
2023-12-12 0
This is not about Palestine it's about (brics) which is the east trying to destroy the west , if we get rid of Israel which is a U.N country then sanctions will be higher which will create high electric and gas prices in UK . Why would we kill our elderly and make UK suffer to support a country which doesn't support us .\nthe east was a dessert untill the west went there with our technology, this turned desserts to city's .\nwe could all be friends but your egos are hell bent on leading the world and it doesn't work .
2023-12-12 6
Why should countries take in Palestinian refugees? That would give Israel free rein and access without any problem. That, my friend, is what Israel wants.
2023-11-29 0
Nice content, loved your English. As an immigrant myself and being Asian living in Canada, I literally didn’t have any big dreams when I decided to move to Canada. But only expectation I had was people would be more friendly, educated and so on, and I didn’t noticed that much about(i won’t like to call it racism) but the way local see and behave the other different countries people but now after living here for couple of years I can so easily see how the local treat you, behave you. That’s my biggest disappointment. It might be just my prospective or the phase that im going through and so on. But just wanted to share. Again i know I’m not the first or only person who felt it. And yes I know the local very closely too and how and why they feel that. Some of the immigrants aren’t respecting the rules, tradition or so on here. Well i guess it is what it is. \nJust wanted to share my experience. \nAnd I myself been thinking about leaving Canada for good too and I totally agree with your points. \nHopefully at least housing and rent goes down.
2023-11-28 0
You forgot to mention the extremely toxic work environment at least in healthcare where I was employed although I did work in retail for awhile which was just as bad. The backstabbing is unbelievable especially if you're new to the area. Smaller towns are not friendly and even if you're only from the next town over, you are looked as an intruder. I'm happily retired now and avoid people as much as possible, this from a person who was born right here in Ontario. But you are spot on, Canada is not a place I would choose to live and my parents regretted ever coming here from Europe sucked in by the preception that Canada was the Land of Milk and Honey.
2023-11-17 0
My dear friend when talking say what you know; the massive Nurses shortage in Canada makes 80% of LMIA evaluations to be positive. While saying this things don't generalize; be specific about jobs that would generally have a negative LMIA evaluation; talking about applying for 400times; even the nurses highly sorted after in UK, USA and Canada apply for over 400-600jobs before getting an offer; talk about what you know and don't here talking like a professor about a process you are not vast with.
2023-11-16 0
Like you, I know someone happy with their job, location, medical care and opportunities, but they are also very uncomfortable with the political situation - I'll just say it - Republicans. You need only look at Trump and its followers. Guns over lives (including kids), billionaires over poor, religion over others' freedoms (gay/trans/abortion, etc), mass spread of misinformation (Fox news, OAN, etc) and a personal selfishness and anger which was made very clear during COVID times. It makes them feel like they are walking on eggshells, at least compared to Canada where they lived before and people would look out for each other more (even if they didn't know them). They like the weather, job, opportunities, the USD buying power, and their friends, among many other things, but it just feels excessively risky to them dealing with the combinations of these things. I can completely understand why they and others might want to leave the US.
2023-11-13 0
1) Toronto is poor value. Getting housing of any kind (buying or renting) is stupidly expensive. And the quality you get for the price is lousy. Especially the newer builds, which are just thrown up as quickly as possible and sold to investors. Policy measures generally all seem to serve to just inflate the price of housing further. The occasional lip service given to affordability is amusing, but ultimately sad. There are lots of people who really do not want the housing bubble to pop. They will fight against it with all they have.\n\n2) It has become kind of boring. There is lots to do if you have money, but it’s harder to find entertainment on a budget. Even the free stuff like parks are filling up. Stuff like sporting events, eating out, going out is very costly across the board. Even the “cheaper” stuff is expensive. It seems like a lot of local culture is disappearing. Even the cool neighbourhoods are filling up with the same chains. I think the high commercial rent and bureaucracy is deflating a lot of would-be entrepreneurs. Most landowners seem to just be banking on cashing out their land for condos.\n\n3) Canada overall has a high cost of living compared to salaries. In the US you can find lower cost of living areas that still give you a real city experience. And in Europe you can be poor but still live a decent, if no frills, life. In Canada the basic necessities are all expensive. Phone bills, grocery bills, rent, insurance are through the roof. Domestic travel is expensive. And the dollar sucks if you want to travel abroad. Health care is free but good luck finding a family doctor or waiting 8 hours in the ER these days. It’s expensive to be poor, or even middle class.\n\n4) Most of the Greater Toronto Area, outside the core, is soulless suburbs with awful transit - very “American” except with worse traffic congestion. You will need a car, which is another huge cost. Row upon row of old cookie cutter suburbs with the same crappy houses. Good luck walking anywhere, and if you do you will need to walk down boring, treeless arterial roads with cars zooming past right beside you, and cross giant eight lane intersections that were never built for humans on foot. In a rainstorm or on a fall evening you have to be really careful not to be run over by aggressive drivers.\n\n5) It is hard to raise a family in an apartment here. You can do it but it’s not very easy, and also you are still kind of judged for it. Lots of young people are feeling stuck and are deferring or avoiding starting a family. Buying any type of house, even a basic townhouse, requires pledging your soul to a bank by taking a massive mortgage with eye watering debt in a volatile market. But few apartment buildings have the kind of sensible gentle density, the family unit sizes and the common amenities, like little courtyards with jungle gyms, that you might find in Europe. No one ever contemplated that anyone would ever desire to raise kids in an apartment. It’s just a cultural thing that has worked its way into how things are planned and designed.\n\n6) The transit system is ok by North American standards but awful by international standards. There are only two real subway lines, one stub line, one line that is permanently out of service after a derailment, and another line that was supposed to open a couple years ago but still has no date for opening. The subways go out of service frequently, sometimes for the dumbest reasons, and then it is a zoo of shuttle buses. The streetcars are nice but so slow. The buses are fine if you find yourself dreaming about riding a daily herky jerky rolling tin of sardines. They are building a lot of transit but it will take decades to get done.\n\n7) There is still a lot of cool multiculturalism and opportunities to experience different foods and cultures - one of the best things about Toronto. Increasingly though it seems to be losing the fun vibe of the 90s, when everyone celebrated each other’s backgrounds and was chill. It seems the immigration is not as broad based anymore and also people are importing a lot of their “old country” grievances here. The immigration system also kind of preys on people abroad by selling them a false fairy tale, so they end up dejected when they arrive and see how things really are.\n\n8) This one might be controversial but it’s kind of an ugly city. There’s nothing particularly of historical meaning or value. Some of the older neighbourhoods are kind of nice, but the last 25 years they have only built giant glass skyboxes, one after another. There aren’t the cool “missing middle” walkups like in NY, Chicago or Montreal (or even LA). There are very few buildings with much architectural character. Some of the buildings they deem “heritage” here are an embarrassment.\n\n9) For safety, honestly on this score I think Toronto is not bad. There are not too many real “ghettos” and it’s night and day compared to much of the US. With that said, there is more vagrancy and social issues these days, with tents and such. It’s very sad but the shelters are full, lots of homeless go into the libraries, parks and transit system. It does make it harder to enjoy these public amenities safely. It is nowhere close to Europe where you might let your kids run free around town. Canadian parents still helicopter their kids and the place again is not designed to really be safe for kids, in the same way as Europe.\n\n10) Finally, a bit of a double edged sword. Toronto had a lot of youthful energy - people coming here from all over. It is definitely not as sleepy as many parts of the world. With that said, it is becoming a bit of a transient place (minus the world class experiences like London or NY). If you are from elsewhere you might find it hard making and keeping friends. I’ve seen lots of people struggle because it’s is hard to build a strong social network. We have a very “shallow” culture here - people are extremely polite but not overly warm and hospitable. We treat one another kind of like neighbours - meaning we’d like to have a cordial, drama-free coexistence and otherwise kind of stick to ourselves.
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