Close Reading

Canada is what you make of it. You can arrive rich and end up poor and you can arrive poor and end up rich. In between that, you can have a great life that balances your needs. I’ve seen immigrants succeed simply because they see the opportunity in front of them . They worked hard in their own counties to stay just above the poverty line ,but when they apply that same effort here it pays off ten times greater. I feel that compared to a lot of immigrants, natural born Canadians come across as spoiled and a little lazy…we are. We haven’t had to struggle the same way someone from a poorer country might have. I’ve talked to people who’ve worked ten to twelve hours a day just to stay afloat. If you did that here you could make plenty of money to live and have some left over. As far as owning a house goes,yes it’s expensive . I feel that homeownership in any country is relatively expensive. Here is a tip; use that soaring home prices to your advantage. Houses are expensive but you can make a lot of money buying and selling. I recommend putting together a buyers group and share the house for a few years, then sell at a profit, buy a bigger house or two smaller houses.try to buy the worst house in the best neighbourhood and fix it up slowly . That house could double in value in five or six years in the Toronto market. This is nothing new of course ,the people from India and China seem to do this a lot here ,it drives up prices and profits. On the downside to this ,you are now part of the problem. As the housing prices are driven up the non wealthy can no longer afford to own a house . They are at the mercy of high rents with no rewards of ownership. They are caught in a cycle of hard work and (relative)poverty. This could also be you if you can’t keep up the house payments and are forced to rent.\nHow well you speak English is important but your native language is also useful here because Canada is half immigrants . As a Canadian that speaks only english (Irish descent)I have to say to all newcomers that I’m very impressed that you have learned a new language and that you may even speak more than two! Don’t be embarrassed about your abilities . I find that in my experience , Canadians do not look down on people just because they don’t know English. In fact ,I’ve known people that have lived here for decades and still know very little English. They are comfortable in their communities and they function just fine. Learn as much English as suits your needs and be proud of any gains you make.\nOutside of Toronto are other cities that you might consider when looking at southern Ontario.From my experience,most are generally the same, just not as big . There are large immigrant communities in London Ontario, Hamilton and just outside of Toronto where housing is just a little bit less expensive but the commute to work is probably longer. This is just my opinion but in the small towns there are less people of colour , (which is what people of no colour call everyone else . I wonder if I’m called a person of no colour in some other culture ? LoL ). That might make it harder for you to feel integrated ,if that’s what you want. I’m not saying that people from other cultures can’t make it in a small town , I’m just saying that it’s definitely not Toronto . Here, people of any nationality can feel like they have a place where they can belong . It seems that no matter where you are from ,there is a community already here that’s set up restaurants and stores and clothing shops and newcomer support systems. And if your from Portugal or China or India or Africa or the Middle East, there are large groups of your kin here that have established roots for generations and you probably know this already.\nToronto means meeting place and that becomes evident quickly. I was born here and it’s one of the things I love the most about my city. I’m not going to say that there isn’t systemic racism here ,the people of no colour still kind of keep the top position , but as we become a minority in a decade or so ,I hope that will shift to a broader spectrum. It’s certainly happening already. One good thing is that the police department tries to hire people of colour so that racialism may play a smaller role. We’re getting used to seeing our politicians more and more reflect their constituents.\nI have to talk about the weather. Because I’m from here I’m used to the extremes of minus thirty and plus thirty . Eventually you get used to it (somewhat). Dressing in the right clothes is important. Summer is easy , but winter is different. It’s trying to kill you. Spend the most that you can afford on winter cloths . If you can afford a quality parka you should get one. The hood can be drawn around the face and stay out of the wind.\nIf not ,think of layers with a outer layer that blocks the wind. We have things called long Johns that are basically full length thick cotton or nylon pants that go on under your pants and a pair of extra thick socks. Buy your boots to fit your thick socks. Try to get the best boots you can afford ,it’s something that you might spend a little extra for but never regret.\nAll in all we are a fairly organized and peaceful society. Most people are friendly and will give you a chance . We have a good social safety net here and you don’t have to be homeless or starving if you don’t want to. There are people and organizations set up to help ,that truly try to get people back on their feet. It’s a good investment that pays off in ways that matter for the quality of life in a big city. I’m not putting my American neighbours down when I say they do things differently. They have their ways ,we have ours. This is just something that we do because we’re trying to learn how to help those that society has discarded or can’t find their place. Sure we have one or two areas where the homeless have pitched tents and we have some resources for them if they want. Unfortunately The mayor recently forced a small camp to move from a very visible place to more scattered locations. There were social workers involved as well as protesters trying to protect them. I didn’t like that happening and I want to see even more resources dedicated to them ,but on the other hand ,we are trying to avoid something like what happens on the streets when it’s just ignored. When I see YouTube videos of the streets of Philadelphia I’m extremely saddened. I thank the lucky stars that I was born in Toronto Canada.\nFor all it’s pollution and expense and crowds ,I think it’s a great place to do almost anything your heart desires . For every ugly building there is a beautiful park ,for every honked horn there is a birds call , for every cold and dark day there is beautiful sunny one around the corner.

I’m Canadian citizen and I hate Canada! My ultimate dream and goal is to leave this pisshole and live in the American Virgin Islands ??

The difference is as far as the neocolonialists of the US will allow Canada to be. Canada is just a mere protectorate of the Americans with no voice of its own ,no culture of its own , no.place of its own in the grand scheme of things

Everyone blaming Americans even tho it happened in Canada. Watch the damn video guys.

Friends, If we are a American can we go to Canada without visa, and same wise Canadian can go to America?

I know Canada is not perfect and I find you’re a bit hard on the red maple leaf... just because you don’t find the same things as your native country. It’s like\nfrench people coming from France, going to Quebec province an complaining about the food, the weather etc... well we’re not France, sorry to say! But I can\ntry to understand your situation; it’s probably inevitable that the comparison between your country and Canada would show up eventually. I see regularly \nimmigrants moving here and it’s true that it’s not easy. (Some people will have to be cab drivers because they can’t find work in their field). But you have\nopportunities if you work hard. I have the example of a Russian truck driver who move here with his family (wife, two kids). The man started by working for\na general transport company, then was able to buy his own truck. Now he’s able to work with whoever he wants. So I think every experience is different.\nOne other thing I noticed is that for families coming here it will always be easier for kids (even teens) to adapt quicker then their parents. I live in the east\n(the maritimes) and there is not very large cities. Some immigrants that come here will stay for a while but then they would move to a larger city (like\nToronto) because that city must have the most ethnic diversity in Canada. For cultural differences true that Canadians are like Americans in the «none»\nfashion trending. It’s a different mentality then Europe because over there fashion is a statement; you are judge on your appearance. Here, not as much.\nIt shows you don’t like winter and if you don’t your not a real Canadian! :-) Don’t generalize, a lot of people here like winter. And for taxes I don’t have a clear\nexplanation other then we have a huge empty country that needs roads, infrastructures, etc. and someone has to pay for it! (fun fact, all the population\nof Canada could fit in a country like Poland... it shows how empty it is here). Finally, and I heard this many times, maybe the people or the part of the\ngovernment to blame is Immigration Canada. Maybe they give to much of an idealistic image of Canada! I truly hope that all will be fine for you here.\nDon’t forget that you can make a change to the society; if you don’t like it, you can make it better! Cheers! (Sorry for this long message)

I love Canada,.my passion. Syrian American

America outdoes Canada in many ways: \nGun Violence\nGun Murders\nArrogance\nGeographic Ignorance \nBlatant Racism\nLack of Manners \nLack of Personal Discipline\nI'm just getting started.\n(And I'm American born)

Any Americans cheering for canada here ,?

first time in canada had to use american dollars for a big combo meal from a well known franchise phillipino girl says:$18!! spend time there and got the hell out.

Hello Mam , I hope you are doing great. I need some advice from you. I'm currently working in fidelity information system (FIS) MNC which is an American Financial institution headquarter based in Florida. but my office located in India as a sub branch and I'm working as charge back analyst . I have more than 3 yrs experience with same company So which city location is good for me to find jobs in Canada as charge back analyst.

You guys need to explain why Canada's waiting line is so long. Canada prioritizes the patients into the worst conditions first like cancer over a broken leg. Canada wants to save everyone and not leave any canadians behind, america is all about leaving americans behind to die to cant afford healthcare and to not being able to make a decent living. America is all about letting their own die. It wont change. Selfishness is america.

I’m American and I would like soooo much go in Canada

It's obvious that Canada kicks America's ass. I wish I was Canadian and not American.

Tbh being an indian I thought american are open minded and good looking but look this women she's neither a good looking and her behaviour is 0/10 that's true american, Australia Canada they don't like immigrants specially indian who probably gonna steal Thier jobs but she should respect him whether he is american or not, I was planning to move america but I say no to my company I feel much better here in india, beautiful indian girls well know cities and streets and my fav food I'm not gonna leave my india even I got million dollar job I probably got 60perecent less but cost of living is also 60 percent less I have a american online friend and she literally know nothing about india Becoz what the outsiders shows the indian image is just like cows, slums and poverty and that's not Thier bad we are on highest developing rate and sonner we all get developed and india is a home of good doctors engineers singer arts and many more personality humans and we are second largest english speaker may be my English is not good but yeah I working very fine with my american teammates and they never complainant about my accent what they want just a quality work as long as I'm doing good job they will gave me dollor that's it and I love america becoz america have many more good things I just take the advantage of those things and I worked with american guys and they are not racist even my company believes in diversity they launch different things being working inside the office with educated people u never feel racism but in streets u can find racism even in india I'm not saying 100 percent indian are good but yeah for me I will argue with them if I see any this kinda activities even most Americans will do the same racism is everywhere but america is land of multirace country that's why there is more

A compelling documentary, thank you. Why is it that black people continue to be so demonised and de-humanised? It is such a shame that follow Asians and even American Natives play such a role in perpetuating racism against African descent people, but I guess they have their issues of identity. Real shame nonetheless, but one thing at the time, we still have a bigger hurdle to overcome.\n \nOf course, it is still not easy to be a black woman, man or child today. Sadly our mothers are still crying for their children being killed or overly punished by the police institution, our kids are still targeted if not simply despised for being beautiful, bright, talented, lively and brilliant beings with deeper skin tonalities, and hair that speaks for us otherwise. It is still dangerous because there is so much hatred across the world against us as we are coming to understand. And hatred is unpredictable. It comes in different ugly shapes. \n\nAfrican descent people are institutionally exposed to a lack of opportunities based on race, leading to the disproportionate poverty levels in our communities, and poverty brings your far closer to crime. That should not be so difficult to calculate. We're faced with higher mortality and disease rates, covid 19 has rubbed that to our eyes, care systems medical world is in less favour and neglect black communities. On a day-to-day, I am so insulted about the security guard that follows me in the shop, it is so disrespectful and embarrassing, that makes me move suspiciously indeed, yet so low and ignorant I don't even want to have to confront the issue. \n\nI agree with the writer who writes about his experience (and shame?) of being a black man in Canada- the same is institutionally reflected in Europe and across the world let's not be naive, we're not welcome but they should know they have no choice. I believe what he really is trying to express is based on the fear of being a black man in a hostile environment, but we should certainly have nothing to be ashamed of. \n\nOn contrary, we should be very proud because we are still here, like any other citizens paying our taxes and playing positive roles in society by major. We have positive role models are everywhere, from the single mother raising her children with force and determination to the black father who teaches at a local school, from the black girl who's achieved top grades to university to the black young man who's been headhunted from the medical school. And all of us who are just trying. \n\nLook closely. While the media will continue to do its good job demonising and stereotyping us negatively, let's not forget that we are real people with real accomplishments who have always made impactful contributions to society. \n\nHere's the thing, we are admired, loved and celebrated because of the brilliance, talent, charisma, swag and wealth we bring to contemporary culture. Everyone consumes black culture, from the filler lip service to the quick fix tan, from rock and roll to hip hop and RnB music, to sports athletes to the amazing creators out there, no need to mention names. But, we also are doctors, politicians, judges nurses, waiters, carers, scientists, builders, bankers, entrepreneurs, employees or unemployed. \n\nSadly on a day-to-day, we are not viewed as equal people, with equal rights and needs, who, by large, just want the good for our children, our families, neighbours and indeed countries. STOP INSTITUTIONAL RACISM. We are real mothers, real fathers, real children who have a birthright to equal treatment, respect and human dignity, whether or not you choose to disagree.

Most of the North Americans(US+Canada+Mexico) I've encountered in my life are blatantly racist towards Indians and the weird part is they call Indians racist!

I do not see Americans as friends to Canada. we have had a softwood lumber dispute for 30 years now. Canada has different laws which Americans will never accept. when it comes to trade, Americans are not Free Trade or Fair Trade but Trade domination to eliminate competition. Boeing cried about Bombardier and secured a 200% tariff, while the Canadian company has no products to compete against Boeing....\n\nCanada still suffers from tariffs on our steel and Aluminum. \n\nAmericans are only friendly if Canada submits.... the latest NAFTA agreement saw Canada accepting American milk.... dumping into Canada at the expense of our farmers. The USA has an over supply of milk and rather than adjusting production to meet demand America is using Canada as a dumping ground.\n\nAmerican companies have come to Canada and destroyed many Canadian companies, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Costco to name a few. these companies push very hard American products while ignoring Canadian suppliers. In no way would the US ever allow such a concentration of foreign businesses to take control of their economy. \n\nThe USA has been the only nation to violate Canadian Sovereignty.\n\nThousands of Canadians have died to protect the USA, but I can find no American who has died to protect Canada.\n\nCanada has fought in many American wars.\n\nCanada has supported the US during its many hurricanes.... I do not see Americans supporting Canada.\n\nIt must be noted that the USA has the largest military force in the world, yet they always ask for other nations to help them in wars. \n\nthe only nation to invoked Article 5 of NATO has been the USA... Canada responded and assisted America.\n\nThe USA is not a friend really, friends do not treat their partner with such disrespect. \n\nBut hey, Americans flood to Canada to buy lower cost medicines rather that fix their own systems.

We haven’t always been friends you Americans invaded Canada twice....

Is there a lot of Mexicans in Canada? I'm American but my family was born in Mexico

Justin Trudeau seriously caused a huge immigration issue of Mexicans and south americans coming to our country. Like dude I was born in Canada and my parents are immigrints who came legally so I can tell you my side. A non biast side. Since I live and work here I can tell u most people of colour r welcoming, however most people who are here and have trouble finding work dont wanna see more people come and make it harder like texas and arizonia. They dont wanna have a min standard and have a reguee take their job at a quarter of what ur asking. What Justin Trudeau did was really stupid IMO. U opened the door to millions of reguees. This causing a issue more for USA, so they jump 2 international borders. My personal view is lets stip immigration. CLose the border. WE gotta take care of who we have here already. I am sick and tired of seeing people not being able to get a job here, and adding more workers with less standards is not the answer for us. This guy automatically thought we would let him in? Seriously nothing is free and promised in this world. Thus sir please go back to Mexico. You will be fine there

You bring American behaviour to Canada man!

Just look how Canada treats it's Native Americans and you will see Canada's goverment is full of crap.

American working visa is more difficult than Canada, impossible

First of all market place I am totally offended being called American we are not American we are Canadian. This is not north America this is Canada. \nCalling us north Americans is down right disrespectful period.

It’s about time people see how double standards are between nationalities, even just standing there I get judged by something standing around! I’m native from kitimat b.c, 54 years old, still going through everything that’s been air right now. There still a big problem IN CANADA!????Especially when the american people come in to town for work. This pandemic goes way back to when the first? Europions? First land . And still going on????????which will be the first to be cured, covid or prejudice???????

Very well done! In Canada we are not really patriotic, we love being canadian but we ca speak more freely against it then in the US. We are more free in general because of the global safety. The culture is not only related to money. And lastly we are more aware or interested in the rest of the world. That being sais the last 4 years had destroyed the american brand, so I hope that Canadian way of living will rub off on the US so it would create a more stable and better world.

What's the point? I'm halfway through this and don't understand the point of pretending to live in Canada. -American

First mistake he went illegal to the USA. Then he wants Canada to accept him with open arms. Also seems like he never made an effort to learn English after all this time in the USA & Canada. You want to move to any country, do it the right way and life will be good. Do you think Canadians or Americans can move illegally to his country El Salvador and work and live there. They would be locked up in a horrible jail and then removed from the country.

And some Americans wanted to run to Canada after Trump became President. Hmm ...

I grew up in West Vancouver, however, my family is American, it was because of my father's job that we lived in Canada. Now I'm in college in the USA hoping to move back to Canada when I am older.

Correction: Canada uses European floor scheme more than us. Cricket and Rugby are more popular in Canada than USA though rugby is more popular than cricket in Canada. Also their accent is a mix of American and British like Australian English but the rhoticity is one of the similarities to US English. Also Aluminium and ise spelling is acceptable in Canada

Once trump declares martial law and insists on new elections for his supposed fake results in battleground states Canada will be inundated with requests for asylum by americans. Nobody is taking his sociopathic mindset seriously but hes grade A ??

French Canadians are native people of Canada and not just recent immigrants. French Canadians, especially Québécois, are a part of Canadian culture but their culture is also very different. Its the same situation with African Americans in the US.

I'm American but Canada automatically wins! Universal Healthcare and recreational mj :)

Yes...in the richest country of the world USA a student when graduates has a loan of $35,000 up to $400,000 to repay while in Canada education is fee. I the USA universal health plan doesn’t exist for the people for free while in Canada everyone enjoys free health endurance. In the USA two parties Republican and Democratic Party have monopolized the politics and no other party has a chance to compete. For example in the November election in the USA were more than five people but the American people knew only two of them Trump and Biden.

I’m American, I was very curious about what’s happening in Canada in the black community

I think a difference that is not often enough scrutinized is how radically different the population distribution is. Most canadians live in large cities like the greater areas of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary that make much over 50% of the population, Whereas the vast majority of Americans live in medium cities, Canada is all about very large cities and small ones; and its culture is also driven by that. There is no equivalent of christian small town culture here on the scale that it exists in the US.

Ah...a LOT of Canadian dudes leave their family for weeks, even months to make money up North! Why is this made to seem so horrible and dramatic...Like, it cost us 15, 000 dollars ourselves to move to Sacramento with my husband's job with the Hard Rock Cafe Corp....we were living at the poverty line there...my husband was never home...my Visa was cancelled after 911. Gratefully, I was able to just boot it back home to Canada I detested living in the U. S , and only went along to support my American born husband, anyway. It seems to me that these ppl's expectations were uninformed and unrealistic. Canada is a welcoming refuge, but as with everything, theres a process to becoming Canadian.

I lived in both countries for years and there are bigger differences. The USA has guns! Canada doesnt allow just anyone like Adam Lanza to get a gun! Canadians pay more taxes to cover health care while Americans buy their insurance.

I’m a dual citizen of US and Canada. For me a big cultural difference is that Americans are raised thinking they’re the greatest country in the world and Canadians take pride in being peacekeepers and our multicultural mosaic (rather than melting pot).

Yes Canada is a peaceful nation. You did not mention tent cities in Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. In Canada we only speak English. Quebec should be their own country. I was in the military in Quebec for one week and dropped out. I got sick in the winter and I did not like how they treated people. Remember when your there you have to learn both languages. This is because of the marching drills and it is hard if you don't know French. If I was American I be happy and they only speak English. America rules!

Canadians are very aware of the US while Americans are barely aware of Canada...

I'm trying to find information on weather being black and wealthy in Canada: is it worse or better than American. I'm not really concerned about name calling. In America you can be in serious danger being wealthy and black because of the american perception of wealth, cops tend to harass you unless you involve yourself with the political backing of your town. Going to meaningless functions and black tie events and donations to mayor's and goveners. I'm tiered of paying for my freedom is Canada different when it comes to this?

Canada is cool to Americans......but not so much to la raza it’s just a hoax like trump said oh yeah vote trump out !!!! \nGod bless America.

This really put things in perspective of me. As an African American woman I was interested in moving to Canada because you hear so many great thing but to see that I still will be facing the same things is definitely a wake up. I know it happens everywhere I was just hoping it would be better and more tolerable.

Canada is better in many aspects but in general wayyy better , in Usa u can make money ,make good business less taxes ok better weather in some places mayb less boring ,BUT in Canada u r treated as a human being ur children get free education, free health care ,child benefits,welfare, many otther benefits, , see usa worship money ,capitalism , guns, violence,and wars they dont give a shit about human s health or life,see Canadians are healthier than most American .in USa see how they treat Black Africans Americans they never wanted to admit that they are full Americans just like white they worked hard but they wanted to keep them under their feet by keeping them in ghettos to keep the white supremacy !! NO way to compare Canada to USA there no wayyy!!i lived in anada and i can tell even nature in Canada is waay better is amazing !!!

I have been to Vancouver and Toronto. I felt more discriminated against because I am American than Black. People asked me if I voted for Trump. Which I did not.\nI’m know racism is in Canada but it’s not like here in the US where you have to worry about the po po.

And people want to sit here and talk about the USA There’s borders everywhere and there’s laws no matter who you are if I a American go to Canada And try to seek citizenship I would have to go through the same deal this guy would so all you people out here acting like other countries are just taking people know they runoff of laws that they have to abide by too

American doesn’t has Tim hotim but Canada has Tim hotim I think that how you spell. P.s I live in Canada and yes Canada is mostly cold