Close Reading

You lost me at #2. It doesn't get talked about much because it is absolute nonsense. East Asians make more money than White Canadians. Culture matters. Two parents in the home matters. An inconvenient truth. Nine of the top ten countries from which Canada draws its immigrants are non white. Is that something a racist country would do? Let a generation pass before you complain there aren't enough poc in top positions. Are you supposed to run the bank the day you arrive? A qualified, capable, hard working poc is the most privileged person in Canada. And there has not been a single body unearthed at any residential school. Sorry lady, you are way off on this point.

Of course everyone is leaving. The governments unending progressive policies completely forget that you have to actually produce houses and allow medical systems to grow to accommodate the increase in population. \n\n1. Money is worth way less than it used to due to inflation from excess money printing \n2. There aren't enough jobs for full time employment\n3. The medical system is massively shorthanded resulting in huge ER wait times, no family doctors and long specialist wait times (up to a year)\n4. Unnecessary excessive taxation with very little to show for it in terms of public services\n5. Massive housing shortage - Only 1 house being built for every 7 new immigrants coming to Canada\n6. General lack of infrastructure to allow for the increased population in most cities

I'm over 60, on a limited income. There is no way I would survive in the US. And at least here, you're not likely to go bankrupt because of high medical costs.

In the US, it seems it is way more difficult to elevate yourself if you are born to a poor family. In Canada, there seems to be more equality in that respect, in that if you are from a low income family, there is still a chance to get ahead.

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.

Or maybe they're leaving because they immigrate barely knowing english or french, immersed in a new culture, and are hit with a -30 degrees celsius winter. Moving to a country like Canada is a huge decision, one that some cannot follow through. I say let them go, Canada is still a first world country, much better than a lot of others. Things are expensive yes, but that's because the quality of life is better. You can immigrate to Mexico sure, do as you please, but there's a reason there are far more Mexicans immigrating to Canada than the other way around.

Gone are the days of Coming to Canada with 5 dollars in your pocket and working your way up to a middle class lifestyle with a house and kids ..Its gotten to the point where even people with full time jobs are homeless and having to use food banks . plus there is not enough infrastructure for all the immigrants in the last few years putting strain on public health , schools , ect...

The same reason I had to move back in with my folks as an adult. Laid off, no prospects and even if there was, housing would still be unaffordable. I love being with my folks but it is a bit embarrassing like I’ve failed in some way. ?

It’s been 5 years for me here and I honestly can say I have achieved nothing in my life yet. It scares me when I think I can’t return whatever my parents had invested in me. The fact is you’ll never have a good paying job in Canada being an immigrant. When I say this trust me I mean it. Most you’ll get is a minimum wage job which can make you survive the life here. Taxes are high definitely and what I feel is you’re working to make someone else’s life easier. \n(P.S: people who’ve stayed in Canada will understand who I’m implying to)\nNo one wants to be your freind, scope of socializing is zero coz mostly it’s cold round the year so everyone hardly come out, especially in Northern provinces like Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba.\nHealthcare is a joke. If you feel sick and not well and you wanna see a doctor be prepared to wait for hours and hours. I once had stomach infection and I had to wait 5 hours till someone could see me. I asked for painkiller at-least so I could bear the pain but they refused that as well. You might well see someone you love dearly and with whole heart die in-front of you and you could do nothing. (I’ve experienced it myself hence saying)\nYou’re a lone survivor who’ll always keep fighting. \nThe only person who can make money here is businesses and high paid jobs which are reserved to Canadians. That’s how Canada’s job market is. Canadians’ first and if there’s something left they’ll look at you. By the amount of money people invest here they can establish a nice business back in their country itself and earn accordingly on own terms. \nMost importantly you’ll cut yourself from all emotional supports like family, freinds etc.\nI was social person back in India who liked making new freinds and memories but it’s nothing like that here. \nAnd it’s the same life, no different.\nYou wake up, dress, eat, go to work, come back, eat, sleep. No different.\nNo fun and nothing. You actually don’t live in present, you live in an expectation of a better tommorow.\nYou’ll always have a smile when you greet someone but I guarantee you no one’s gonna check on you to if you don’t start a conversation even with a simple “Hi”. Mostly Canadians are nice but again some will systematically judge you and say nothing but you’ll see in their actions, the way they’ll talk in a twisted way etc.\nYes I’m not saying that Canada’s bad or it’s no good but trust me it will take forever to build a life here especially with the number of people moving here from round the world. \nIf you’re well off financially from back home Canada’s a paradise for you. Indeed it’s a beautiful country with lots of beauty and lots to explore but remember everything comes with a cost here. Everything comes with a cost. People need to stop believing in this fake illusion and come only if they got a purpose here. The only reason why they’ll let you in the country is for money and once you’re in you’ll have to keep spending, doesn’t matter if you’re broke or whatever you have to.\nOnce I earn I’ll happily give up my PR status and go back to India as i very well know what the situation is how it’s gonna be in future.\nSo just one piece of advise to every middle class person like me, guys please invest and spend your money wisely coz we know how hard it is to earn and it’s high time Canadians start appreciating what immigrants like us do for them by burning ourselves day and night and start realizing that their past generation once came from some other part of the world as well and settled here. Being white doesn’t make you a nice Canadian, you’re actions defines you more than your words. \n90% of this country is built by immigrants and that’s how it’s gonna develop in future, so if they keep treating us the same way good luck to them ?.\nAlso a plus note to anyone thinking that Asians are stealing your jobs, go get outside and have the balls to face them and take it away from them. Staying home and ranting and abusing us that we’re taking your opportunities and blah blah isn’t gonna work. We are so successful round the world because we are hardworking, honest and respectful to everyone. Even if we’re earning minimum and barely surviving here we always make sure we’re not burden on the government or anyone else and won’t keep crying.\n\nA big shoutout to all you guys who came here in the hope of a better future but are still struggling.\nKeep hustling and you’ll reach there, if not step down and go back and start your life again on your home soil. There’s no shame in experimenting continuously rather than sitting ideally and crying about future. \n\nAll the very best my people and lots of love to you ❣️

In a way that’s a good Idea, there isn’t enough housing and nobody can afford to buy a family home . If I were a little younger i would also support too go somewhere else, our government is getting worse every year just to stay in step with the EU ,

It sucks for Canada.. there is a double whammy here.\n\nThe best immigrants are then leaving Canada - leaving behind the ones who came with no intention of acquiring proper training and education and just wanted a way into Canada for social security and benefits. \n\nI am talking about Khalistanis, Hamas Supporters, Indian students who were too dumb and poor to get admission to Indian colleges, and economic refugees who left their country to reap the benefits of free healthcare and social benefits. \n\nSo, in total, we are losing most of the best immigrants and left behind with those who are NOT going to help Canada grow - instead, they will take up a more significant chunk of Free Healthcare, EI and other social security benefits that we all pay our ARMS and LEGS for. \n\nI blame this all on Trudeau. Under his leadership - anything he has touched has only gone bad. He is like a Cancer for Canada.

Canada is quickly turning into a 3rd world country because that’s where the majority of them came from, as refugees NOT IMMIGRANTS. Canada is no longer screening for EDUCATED, PROFESSIONAL people who can contribute to Canadian society. Canada has made it so difficult for those who are educated and are professionals to receive accreditation to contribute to Canadian society. Canada no longer ensures there is a Canadian sponsor who pays for the immigrant, to ensure that the immigrant is not a burden on society. When teachers can not make change while volunteering at a food stand for a local craft show, this explains that our education system is junk. Our health care system is run like a well oiled corporation where money stops at the top/administration and never finds it’s way to those who need health care. I was the first generation of latch key kids to go to school with Italian, Croatians, Serbians, Armenians, Jews, Palestinians, Asians and we never saw our classrooms full of sanctioned hate. We never saw the neighbourhoods of any of these ethnicities look like open toilets. There was no gang violence amongst these ethnicities. They had their own community centres, churches, synagogues and anyone was welcome. They were active in the community, they were fantastic neighbours. Decades later we have “no go zones” in our cities and rural communities because of the danger of some ethnicities. Churches and synagogues are locked. Their community centres are locked and monitored for entry. We have lost our way. We have allowed chaos agents into our country and we are paying the price and will continue to do so.

The government has made a Canada a place where there is no way for an average middleclass earner to raise a family we are simply taxed to death. Anyone who wants to have a chance to put a roof over their head and not be slaved to this new form of Corporate Robber Baren basically has to leave Canada. This is a nice place to live its has way too many laws and regulations but it still is relatively safe and has a better than average School and Healthcare system. However we are taking in way more people than the system can handle and the only way to pay for it is to raise taxes and the cycle continues.

No wonder everything is getting so expensive and housing and rent is going through the roof. almost 1/2 million new residents a year? Where is all the infrastructure and housing for that coming from? The gov needs to put the brakes on immigration and lets things stabilize for a while jesus. Almost every Liberal policy is like a perfect storm for making this country unaffordable for the average Canadian. \nIf you're going to let people in let it be only in job markets we need like high skilled workers, and especially doctors and nurses. And dear god help those doctors and nurses get appropriately accredited before giving them citizenship. Our system needs people who can work in the system not people who got their degree or diploma in some flyby night school. I see way to many people at my workplace trying to get jobs with fake diplomas or degrees. Those people need to be deported ASAP! They lied to get here and they are lying to employers. Sorry no sympathy there.

As former Calgarians, my wife and I had lived in that beautiful city for 30 years. We moved to the GTA in 2008. We had observed that the last 15 years, the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) has had seen a gradual decline in both affordability as well as crime and safety. The last 5 years or so had been especially obvious with significantly steep jump in living (dwelling & food) costs as well as crime rates.\nAfter a couple of visits to Alberta in the last year or so, my spouse and I had decided to pull up stakes and relocate back to Calgary where housing is still reasonably affordable. We also feel much safer over there. Oh, did I mention that the ring road around the perimeter of the City is very near completion and it is free. Yes, it's free of charge, i.e.: it is not a toll road.\nIn general, drivers in Calgary, are also way more courteous than their counterparts in the GTA.\nOur relocation will happen in the next two to three months. Bye bye GTA (with no regrets) .......

the country with the most of opportunity is the US ! No wonder the US has millions of millionaires than any country in the world. Even Canadians like Alex Trebek or Justin Bieber made it big in the US, not Canada…. In fact, Canada benefits from the US economy big time. And yet, Canadian economy is way behind the US…. just look how bad the Canadian dollar fares against the USD, making Canada in my opinion a cheaper country to live in. Reason why these women say Americans move there. When in fact, 400,000 Canadians flock to the US and live half the year here, not in Canada ! Canada has also less attractions to visit while the US has everything! from deserts, rainforests, canyons, beaches in 50 + National Parks, hundreds of National Monuments & thousands of beautiful State Parks. Why do I know ? I traveled all of the US….so beautiful….. i hope Canada can boast a paradise like Hawaii, Guam USVI, Puerto Rico to name a few. I had been to 85 countries, covered as much in each country. I can say the USA is the most beautiful in the world. Canada is no comparison. No way im moving to Canada…. i have the best weather year round here in California….

Great work of yours BUT I really need to say something to most of u making those videos and the ones that go along. I come from a very civilized country with a lot of education and history but awful economy. ?? I am myself educated but my country’s main salary is 700€/month and a descent one bedroom apt is the same price. There are no jobs no future if u don’t come from a rich fam. I am taking the brave decision to leave my country and loved ones and immigrate to Toronto. I Google ‘moving to Toronto’ and I only see videos that are pointing how awful is to leave in Toronto. Like it’s garbage city! \nHave u ever lived in a country like mine? Have u seen the cost of living and salaries in Europe? What about third world countries?? \nHow can u speak down so much on a place just because u have to hustle to start? Does life owes us an easy effortless life? \nYour POV is very Americanized - I have lived also in the USA for almost a decade. \nDon’t discourage ppl that way. I have high standards but I’m not entitled, I can work and u should be more thankful that u can follow your dreams and live from YouTube in Toronto. People hustle big time u don’t seem to understand so I really can’t engage with that even if it’s well made. \nThank u ?

I have a cousin in the States. I was shocked at how little he knew about other countries among other things. \n\nThen I vacationed in Hawaii. The newscasts never mentioned anything about what was happening elsewhere in the world (unless it involved the USA in some way. ) Having travelled extensively in the UK & Europe it came as a shock to discover just how insular it is in America. \n\nWhile there I got talking to a girl in one of the shops. Her parents lost their house & everything because of unexpected health issues. I can't even comprehend that. \n\nThe gun culture is another thing I cannot wrap my head around. Some members of my family own guns. They are used only to provide meat for the family and the rest of the time they are locked away safely. Carrying a weapon concealed or openly in day to day life is just crazy. There's been more than 500 mass shootings in the States this year. That's not counting all the other gun violence. Nothing could convince me to live there, and now I won't visit either.

I lived two years in the south of the usa (in Texas) during my childhood in the 90's and it wasn't so bad. Weather was great ! People nice and great ! I did love the school there, I learn English there and math was super easy. In Canada, I went in a catholic schools and we were obligated to say a prayer before class begin. In Texas in my elementary school, everyone is up in the morning before class and there is a swear thing to say not the betray the USA with the right hand on the heart of our chest… \nSo… First day of school in an other country, in an other language that I didn't understand or speak, I did joined my hands together . I was correct by my classroom teacher and make me a sign to do like the other kids. So I did. I had told my parents they pray also before class but in a different way ?\nIn time I learn how to say the words without knowing it's true meaning. Well before I realize what it was when I was able to understand the language, I always sure it was a prayer ?\nCultural choc

I moved from small town British Columbia to Houston Texas about 32 years ago. Was very lucky to be able to live in several different states in those 32 years. In the beginning of 2023 I moved back up to Canada (temporarily) and I cannot wait to get back to United States. \n\nAlthough I love Canada, because it is my homeland, it is simply not anything close to what the United States is. While, both countries have their warts, the United States is, and always will be, simply better in measurable every way.\n\nWhen I hear somebody talk about the free healthcare in Canada, I remind them that there are no doctors available. I remind them how high their taxes are and how long of a wait there is to get any sort of operation. Yes, it’s more expensive than the United States, but for my dollar the care is better and I can get it quicker.\n\nDon’t even get me started about the economy up here, it’s ridiculous.\n\nCanadians are polite? I drive a car with US plates and I’ve been told to go back to where I came from more times than I can count. You might say I must be a jerk to have that got a response but I assure you. I’m like anyone else I have my moments, but overall I’m a pretty chill person.\n\nCan’t wait to get back.

I've been to 30 states in my many decades of travel. The US has become a scarier place over the past 20 years. The politics is very partisan, Evangelicals have expanded their influence resulting in less tolerance of others, gun violence is insane, the poor are very, very poor with no way out, the very, very rich don't want to share at all (contrary to Christian teachings), the US version of capitalism verges on slavery (certainly not what Adam Smith envisioned anyway), the race issues are becoming simply stupid, the MAGA supporters and the socialist far left and wokeness are simply beyond comprehension . . . overall, tolerance for differences is becoming lost. People on the left and the right are equally are to blame. \n\nOne of Canadians' favourite activities is to crap on America(ns). This is unfair. There are wonderful places in the US and wonderful people. Collectively though, I think the US is coming apart at the seams. Canada certainly has its warts and our politics and society is becoming polarized too. But overall I'd say, Canada is friendlier, less violent, not as bigoted, more open minded, fairer, much less hierarchical, and more educated with regard to what's happening in the world. I do like the entrepreneurial bent to the US but its version often comes at a huge cost to people.

People who think it is easy , it is not … take chances … every county has positives and negatives… \n\nWhen you go out of the country, you have to learn there ways.. find alternatives to food you cook, learn quick easy recipes… for dusting buy a second hand roomba .. where there is a will there is a way … \n\nIndia ke Goan main bhi toh log khud ka kaam khud karte hain .. other countries make you self sufficient for sure , there is no pampering.. \n\nBut you are ready for hard work and want your kids to have better life surely it will motivate you..

I used to think we were very much the same and I wanted to live in the US for the weather. But as we go often I have found the atmosphere and attitude has changed greatly in the last few years. People we used to be friends with don’t speak to me anymore as I called them on their awful beliefs. I know it’s not everyone but those beliefs have become way more common. The US used to be more global but now has become way more worried about themselves. \nYou can not talk about politics in a way that’s just a calm exchange, the hate is palpable. I went to an event the morning after a mass shooting and was visibly upset, not one person there talked about it or really thought about it. I asked someone about their thoughts and said “I don’t know why we have so many shootings here in the US” \nEducation is my next thing. The people I talk to know nothing about Canada and that’s not such a surprise but I know more about the US than most Americans I’ve talked to.\nI agree with a comment previously 26:29 that the north east is better educated and less dangerous.\nI feel bad for you as this is harsh but even on the news when Americans talk about being the greatest country etc on earth it feels arrogant. Maybe some years ago but now….. not so much.\nI’m afraid for your Democracy and I think so many people are just not listening

Thanks Tyler, interesting topic & not surprised by the the responses. I’ve travelled to the states many times, vacation/work training/day trips & also my son lived in NC on a golf scholarship & you’re correct that it does depend on the area/place within the US but in the end I’m always relieved when I arrive back to Canada. I feel safe here! Our last trip was to California visiting San Francisco, Monterey & the coast, so beautiful & it was a great vacation. Just to mention the only way that we felt safer going there is because it’s a majority Democratic state. US can be nice to visit but there’s no place like home & Canada is the best for many reasons.

I prefer the states. \nI've lived in a couple as I've said before and honestly.. it is better down there. \nI live in literally the most expensive city and Provence In Canada. \nI'm born and raised here and sure Americans have there problems but overall it was better everywhere I've lived in the states.\nHere it's just hidden by a smile.. \nWe've been known as a better country and lots of us can't admit it's as bad as it is here. And how much we can't say anything to change it. \nIt seems that you have more logical rights there and people seem to understand that trying to be loud and free to do whatever means something more. \nRight to live means more then follow orders like here. \nWe're falling apart as a country and I'm sick to my stomach knowing that Canada is not what I grew up believing. \nI grew up and seen the world the way it is and we don't live in a dream world like we want you to believe we do. \nThe states are at least able to voice opinions and there are places you can live OK.

I went to Long Beach California for a trade show. Walking back to my hotel There was a gated community with beautiful homes and I was thinking how slummy it is across the street. All this as police cars flying by at high speed sirens blaring. I thought jokingly they were on their way to my hotel. Sure enough there they were. someone was stabbed in the lobby, big pool of blood on the floor. \nNo thank you.

I've never lived in the USA but I have visited. There is no way on earth I would live in the USA when people can open carry an AK-47 or have to pay the ridiculous prices for drugs and health care. You have , perhaps the most incompetent, complicated political system imaginable and a public with a severe attitude problem. You could not pay me enough to live there, I'm more than happy to live here in Canada.

Heard on average it cost around $25000 just to have a child in the US. NO thank you going into debt just to have a kid. Here in Canada free no matter what. Also rather be free then availability. I dont rush to the hospital because of minor sickness like everyone else here does then complains about the wait times. Also dont put myself in dangerous situations to get myself hurt. Some people are so scared about death or wanting attention just go to the hospital for the dumbest reasons. Had someone on my facebook say they had a flu and had been waiting 6 hours in emerg then whined about it. I told them to go home and stop abusing our system thats the reason for wait times. The amount of people that were supposably so sick during covid that they were willing to leave the house and potentially spread their sickness to others just to get told they were sick and to rest. We as people are actually retarded. Any way to get off work and get tested for covid just so you can tell people you have covid like really people. Also not true about weather there are like 7 to 8 states that are way colder then us right now and over the winter then us here in Southern ontario. Maine, Montana, colorado, washington state usually are way colder during winter months and also get alot more snow. Its crazy how we have a sterotype here which yes is true but not for a majority of Canadians. More Americans live in Colder areas combined then Canadians in all of Canada. Meaning more cold Americans then cold Canadians how ironic.

When considering moving to a new country, it's crucial to conduct thorough research before making the leap. Begin by examining the minimum wage, tax implications tied to that wage, and the cost of housing for someone earning that wage. Additionally, calculate your anticipated monthly expenses. In Kenya, where the unemployment rate is high, skilled entry-level roles often yield an annual gross salary of around $3,000. In contrast, some other countries offer salaries as high as $30,000, though the cost of living and taxes may be considerably higher. However, some of these nations provide free education, healthcare, and other benefits, making it possible to save money even with higher living expenses. \nIt's important to understand that many Kenyans seek opportunities abroad due to the challenges posed by Kenya's economic system. This is not wrong; in fact, Kenya also hosts expatriates who work in the country. Sharing skills and experiences across borders can be mutually beneficial. Therefore, my advice to Kenyans is to never stop dreaming. If you aspire to work in a country like Canada, pursue your dreams legally to avoid unnecessary hardships. Don't go there and apply for refugee status; instead, seek employment by looking for a job, enrolling in a school, applying for programs like Express Entry, or even sponsoring your own visa. Find a job, return to Kenya if needed, and apply for a work visa through proper channels. This way, you can embark on your journey with confidence and integrity.

Well said...there seems to be a lot of these videos lately about why Canadians are leaving. I wonder if there is a way to reverse this trend?

Been in Canada for approximately 25 years. I can say that the effect that Canada has on a legal immigrant is neither here nor there. If you can make lemonade out of any lemon you’re dealt, you will thrive in Canada (and anywhere else where your efforts are not overwhelmingly quashed by corruption, blatant racism or other forms of segregation). \n \nLynn, I was a lecturer in Kenya, went back to school here in Canada after wallowing in culture shock the first year, then circled back to teaching in college again after an arduous journey in school, but this time in a different field. \n \nAfter becoming a single mother of four kids, I had to also hustle on the side to build a small business empire along my life’s ladder. Partnership with God, goal clarity, the get-up-and-go, and relentlessness truly work. It isn’t the size of the dog but the fight in the dog that does it, regardless of where you live. \n \nThe starting point for a new immigrant can be very low due to the weather, unpreparedness and culture shock, but if you know that the only way is up, and are self-motivated, those challenges are soon behind you as the tests become testimonies. \n \nBy comparison people have more human rights here regardless of their status. The wheels of justice grind slow but they do grind fine. Women and children have equal rights with men. Politicians are mostly there to serve not necessarily to exploit. \n \nOpportunities for self-development galore - including being trained to become employable and going to school at any age (sometimes for free while you are still at the bottom of the ladder). There are food banks so you never go hungry if it came to that. The disabled are better treated with dignity. \n \nThere are prolonged parental leaves for both moms and dads for up to 18 months. Commensurate with earnings, parents under certain thresholds are given Canada child tax benefits and other supplements for each child under 18 years of age. \n \nDepending on the number of kids and their ages, the money can add up handsomely. Not to mention that there’s no tuition to pay for primary and high school students. Tuition fees start at post-secondary level. \n \nTo see a doctor is free as it is paid for by taxes. It the meds that you and/or your insurance pays for. Some medical equipments may be paid for by either or both the individual/insurance and the government depending on eligibility. \n \nBy and large, there’s cleanliness of common spaces. There’s also safety and relative peace. At least wherever I have lived, I can’t tell you how many times I forgot to lock my door with impunity. \n \nThere’s a lot more stressful work here in my opinion, but like you said Lynn, systems work a lot more efficiently and effectively. \n \nThe elephant in the room is the extra hard work that those living abroad must put in to fulfil expectations back home. Also known as black tax, the overwhelming financial dependency of relatives on their diasporan loved ones places undue stress on many here, especially because there are no short cuts to getting money here. \n \nAnyway, Lynn, thanks for such a great topical issue you’ve shared. I have to stop here as I have written a lot. Hope this helps someone on this forum. \n \nAnd last but not least, you’ll be proud to hear that even though Canada has been good to me, my face may now be turning towards home to see how I can be of use to mama Africa. Super excited!

Lucky you , you did not stay there in the winter or else you would have committed suicide ??.. only job in the winter is to pee come back & watch TV & blow every day snow from the drive way … yes every day ? but I do not live in Canada, I have many family members living there I keep going there as well , I am settled in the US .. but the so called problems of yours in Canada is the same here in the US as well but for me these are the things I love love out here …. Particular about timings , no one comes home without calling , every one is of same standard, kids don’t have to study like donkeys day & night … ( for what ) … out here to have a RV, a boat , suv , saloon car , a bike for summer ride are within every ones reach … at-least that was all my dream … I live in a city yet I have a private 1/2 acre private plot whereas in Mumbai I will have to be a film star ?? here there is no hanji hunji .. I hated the most …out here anywhere we go we take our token number & we are looked after accordingly lastly out here in the west the most amazing thing & the most important thing in life is .. let’s say your business is lost or your job is gone your neighbour’s don’t care you can start from scratch again .. In India one has to commit suicide ????

I can't talk from a point of experience in Canada but from a point of experience in Kenya. Yes things are tough everywhere but I believe things are tuffer here in Kenya, well unless you have a good job, good business or money to invest. I have done of research about Canada, Germany, UK and even Finland. What I have learnt is that opportunities are there as opposed to Kenya. Here in Kenya it's doesn't matter if you have a skill, or papers getting a job is not easy and even harder is getting a good paying job. Most people makes less 10 CAdollars per day which today 1000 or 30 per month minimum wage in Canada is i guess 14.5 in the less expensive provinces. If you work 14 hours per \nDay which I believe possible you have about uko na 20k in ksh, pay tax of maybe 30% combined you have about 130 cad per day work for 25 days in a month you will have about 3250 net stay in most affordable place(hujaenda raha) you can get 1250 in low cost province (not Ontario or BC though here minimum wage iko juu), groceries and expenses budget 1000 per month you can save about 100k ksh pm, save in Cad for few years stay like a student on the budget but work like a donkey. Come back home in few years lets say 5 with save coins probably CAD will trading at 150 coz the hit shilling is taking mind-blowing. You will have 6m to invest any interest or forex gain use them to cover your vacation here in Kenya yes land in Diani you will have missed such weather, enda masai Mara (you deserve it), go visit your parents and most importantly find an investment opportunity you can do real estate but find ideal location but only if you have enough capital ya kujenga and then find someone professional to manage the construction not sending money to your relatives wanapiga sherehe nazo unatumiwa picha za mjengo za nyumba za wenyewe. Pia farming is underated buy a farm land in cheap area ukambani, laikipia, kajiado, taita etc at max 200k per acre 10 acres ni 2m borehole 1.5m with solar and pump. Development such as fenching and service quarters driplines 1m. 1.5 m is working capital ,use it for labour fertilizer, seeds and seedlings. Divide the farm into 5 parts along the fence panda miti ya eucalyptus, other parts do high value perennial cash crops with less management cost like 2 acres of avocado, 2 acres of pixes oranges, lime, the other 2 plant seasonal rotational plants you can even maize, cabbages io ingine do livestock of your choice. If you want low risk investment buy government bond less stress and you are sure government can never fail to repay their local currency bonds ata ikiwa bankrupt coz they can always print more money. Now rates are very high assuming you can get 10% rates with your 6m your will earn 600k risk free income. Your vacation is over, now go back to Canada and work like a donkey because you went there to work, not a vacation. Sorry for the long post ni kukosa job uku Kenya bana, I am looking for legal way to migrate to Canada/US and I've high hopes in those countries. Hopefully next year I will be lucky.

There was never a national movement in Punjab not before not after partition.\n\nThey always look themselves as different (whakri kaum ) race .\n\n\nYes they were fighting for independence and the idea was same as Muslim league to get separate state for themselves, Muslim league got it but Sikhs didn't that's the starting point of this.\n\nThe only person who is fighting for national interest not for regional or racial lines was Subash Chandra and thus was betrayed.\n\nNow all what is said in this video about gadar party and newspaper was because it's the only way to get maximum support as Gandhi said before independence he tried to unite every one to fight as one same logic was with Muslim league and even Congress and princely states.\n\nAfter independence it was not Glory for all some gets what they want but at cost , some lost their lands , punjab , kashmiri pandits , Hyderabad nizams , Sikkim.\n\nSome who got it didn't able to maintain prosperity like Pakistan and deeply disturbed in racial lines.

the aiplane blast was planned by RAW to defame babbar khalsa, all the influential indians and Indian diplomats cancelled there flight tickets, because they know its gonna happen\nAnd the CM Beant Singh murdered thousands of sikh youth in fame encounters....thats why he got killed....ask any sikh in punjab abut beant and KPS, they will curse them.\n\nBro if you say that Punjab ka sikh nahi chahta khalistan, to Referendum krlo India me, or sikh koi India me bomb dhamake krte to ghum nahi rahre.... bahar v Referndum hi karwa rahe hao....indian govt should give cahnce and see what hapens,.... the same way Canada gave to Quebec...\npeacefully demnding for a separate ation is not a crime.... we can get seperated by peace...sikhs just want their own control...The same way majority hindu is asking for Hindu Rasthra being a majority.\n\nWhy dont you talk about betrayal of Nehru?? He allured sikhs to be by his side and after India was made, he showed up his real face and deceived the sikhs??\n\n\nWHY DONT SOME ONE TALK ABOUT HINDU RASTRA??? IS IT CONSTITUTIONAL???

I feel the same way about my hometown of Halifax. It's impossible to live here, now. It's impossible to live anywhere in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotians are poor. We are a poor province. We cannot afford 1M+ dollars for a three bedroom house. Common Nova Scotians just don't have that kind of money. Regular folks cannot afford a 5K/month mortgage. I live with my family in an apartment, with a leaky roof and cockroaches, in a decent neighbourhood, and it's 2160.00/month and I know this is a good deal in this city. Crime is rising here, as well, because jobs are disappearing and wages aren't increasing. I think this is country wide. We have a huge homeless problem in Halifax, and it is not following the past statistics. Most of the people living in tents have full-time jobs and families. But, there are literally thousands of empty houses. New appartments and condos get built, and there are no vacancies before the building is open. And not a single person is living in them. They get bought by out of province and out of country investors to fortify their investment portfolios. This is ridiculous. What is happening?

Well, I immigrated to Toronto from Ukraine 27 years ago, and it was a good decision at that time. Learning English definitely makes more sense and easier than switching to a rural Ukrainian dialect, which sounds to me like a mockery of Russian. However, today Moscow looks definitely better. There are also plenty of immigrants from former Soviet Asian republics but no trace of homeless, drug-addicted and mentally sick people, very clean and well-maintained city. Just see some of Alina's videos from Russia. For me, the only problem is the cold climate. Toronto is way more southern, and I became too old to change my life. Perhaps when I retire I will go back to the former Ukraine if my Crimea will be a safe part of Russia by that time.

This is so very sad...while i dont believe in illegal immigration for the most part..I do believe WE ALL want bettwr for ourselves and our kids.. These people want the same.. It's not their fault they were born in another place.. The system is broken by greedy men.. There has to be a better way.. But we shouldn't have such hard hearts.. Not to want to help these poor families and children..\nLeaders should come together collectively that fixed their countries as best as they could.. And they wouldn't be fleeing... But so much corruption in leadership doesn't allow it. But we have to remember these people on our enemies.. We would do the same if we were in their shoes...

Lynn is speaking the truth of what is happening outside there, but people don't want to listen. You need to be super skilled to make it out there. Do people know that even when you are employed there are some professional documents that expire and you have to retake some courses after 2 years, some 1 year, 3 years etc. A series of them, and that is money. Your employer needs to see that your car insurance isnt expired, driving licence also. & you are super skilled by the way it isn't that you are looking for a job, you are working already. Now, getting a job needs one to go through their system, nearly total ovehaul of the qualifications you had in Kenya. Utajua kumbe you don't know anything. You gotta trust the process though. Anyway, people think wamekatazwa kwenda.

1. Canada's immigration is primarily skilled labour. Non- skilled labour is imported mostly from the Carribean countries especially Jamaica and you have to leave every year and come back in the next. So, that can be disruptive, but I've met Jamaican's who've been on those programs and done well as well as those who haven't.\n2. If you come to Canada illegally utakipata. Be prepared to hustle for long.\n3. Since Covid everything has become very expensive especially housing. \n4. The videos you've shown of people sleeping outside is because of an increase in the influx of refugees wanting to come to Canada. Refugee shelters are allocated money in the budget for what the Govt estimates will be the number of refugees they'll take in, but there's been an influx lately.\n- A point to note though, ALL refugees Canada received from Ukraine had jobs within 2 months. Why? very skilled labour.\n- Canada's refugee policy is much more lenient than in the US and thus most refugees have been coming to Canada even from the US. The US ones have since been blocked by an agreement signed by both countries.\n5. Are there jobs in Canada? YES, but they require certain skills. The good thing is that once you get one, its the beggining of good fortunes.\n6. If you have skilled qualifications, be prepared to start at a lower level than you are used to and claw your way up. Just don't expect to start where you left off. A Nigerian friend of mine who had performed several surgeries in Nigeria could not be hired until he went back to get certified here in Canada. He has since joined the medical field after going back to school.\n\nAll in all, research, research, research before you make any move.

As a tradesman I can tell you the majority of guys working in Toronto don't live there. I knows some crews that come from 2 to 3 hours away and stay in hotels Monday thru Thursday then head home for the weekend. These guys earn 6 figure incomes but with kids and other regular expenses they can't afford toronto living. As for the daily situation on the streets its a manifestation of terrible management. Fiscally toronto is broke. Yet city hall is enamored with wokism and virtue signaling while people die on the streets in random knife attacks, drug overdoses, gunfire and suicides. They look the other way and spend rheir time pandering to special interest groups and professional activists. So....after living here for 40 plus years my assessment is it's going to get worse much much worse. Arrogance and lack of guts to fix problems will lead toronto down a path similar to Baltimore, or Detroit. It'll take years but it's going that way.

Life has become very expensive worldwide. Whether in Kenya or in Canada, the cost of living hits you hard. I have lived in the US for the last more than twenty years. When I first came here $50 would be enough to buy food for a whole month. Today $50 cannot buy you food for even a week. A gallon of petrol today is over $5. The same thing is happening in Kenya, I believe. There are a number of problems when you land in Canada as a visitor. One: To covert a visitor's visor to a work permit is a process. Two; where do you want to land in Canada? If you land in Toronto, Ontario, you get stranded because everybody is landing there. People dont want to go to the north. All those pictures you are seeing are in Toronto. Because of the influx of people arriving there, the government has spent the budget for visitors and refugees. Three; the choice of jobs. When somebody promises you a job in Canada and helps to get a visitor's visa, think twice before you leave home. If somebody promises you a job in Canada, let him help you to get a work permit before you leave home. That way you are surered of a job. There are so many things to consider before you leave home.

Agreed. I am a long-time Toronto resident. Rents and housing is sky high. The federal gov't has been pushing money into the economy at an alarming rate, and this now interest rates will be very high for the many number of years, pushing up housing prices and therefore rents. The TTC is unsafe, that is for sure. The Federal gov't has admitted too many refugees without any transition plan, and Toronto has had to pick up the financial slack. The pandemic smacked Toronto with a huge bill, and this was not funded by the province nor the federal gov't. The result is under-funding of Toronto's social and city services, and therefore its degradation. Until Trudeau starts funding his share of the load, until the provincial gov't starts doing the same, further cuts will be required by the City of Toronto gov't for many years to come. There is no possible way that the City of Toronto can support this many social and city programs. Quality must drastically degrade, and it has.

Hi Lynn, this is a very interesting conversation. I moved to Canada in 2003 went to college and became a nurse. First of all it was not easy paying for college I was lucky that husband was supporting with the bills as I went to school. So I would say that I have skills that are very marketable. Our combined family income was over $100,000 CAN. We mortgaged our first home which was very basic for a LOT of money. We had our kids and we had to struggle with childcare as most young families do. By North American standard, we were doing good. We each had a good car ( loaned), we made trips to Kenya every so often but in 2016 we decided we wanted to move back home and we sold our home and we did. I HAVE NO REGRETS. There were several things that made us reach our decision. First, I truly believe that for the Canadian system to work as it does, it has to entrap its residents. Even after 10 years of work we did not have money in the bank. Everything we owned really belonged to the bank. The light bulb moment for me came when I evaluated my net worth. A primary school teacher in Kenya after 10 years of work with good financial management will own a plot, a simple house and will start to invest for retirement. After 10 years of work, there wasn't much in the account, our house would need 25 years to finish paying mortgage and to be honest there wasn't much to show for those years of work. Quality of life really sucks the amount of stress will definitely send you to the grave sooner. This is the case for most first generation immigrants. You might say you are sacrificing and building a future for your children but, my observation was since our diaspora children have not grown in Kenya to see the need for money and what life really looks like without the comforts they are used to, they do not have the same drive as the parents so they often do not excel they are just ordinary. There is also the struggle of growing up as a minority group. A lot of our children because they are seeking acceptance will struggle with self esteem, will have depression or will join the LGBTQ community where they get sense of belonging regardless of their colour. The morals are also different from their parents and they are shaped by the society they grow up in. When I looked at what my life would look like if we kept living there, lets say we eventually pay off our mortgage, when we are old and requiring care, our children will not be able to support themselves and support us because they have to work to sustain themselves so we would to move to assisted living or nursing homes. The cost of senior care is not covered by the government unless you have no money. so we have to sell out home which would be old and outdated but still very expensive and we would have to pay $5000-$10000 per month depending on the type of care we need. so as you can see if we ended in a nursing home for 5 years we will have depleted all the money we made from the sale of our home. So by the time we die, we would not have money to leave for our children. So we worked really hard, supported the economy, and die leaving not much at all for our children, we sacrificed our quality of life, and ended up with children who don't think much of themselves or have very distorted morals. I still remember in my mind as we drove to the airport on our way back to Kenya, I thought of the story of Lot. He was pretty successful in Sodom but I'm very sure on his death bed he had lots of regrets why he ever went there. I know its tough being in Kenya but if you have a job or any way to make ends meet, be like Abraham. God will bless you regardless of whether you are in the dessert.

When you immigrate, to get any Govt service like a Driving License, School admission, and even a job, you need a social security/insurance number. That number is pegged on your entry visa. If you are a visitor, you have to convince the Govt why they should let you work? If you are a student, it is limited the number of hours you work. Any employer is obligated to employ only those with credentials. If you are coming for work, like Nurses do, employers will have done your paperwork. Green cards are one legal way to immigrate. If you have legal papers, you make your way around without issues. Cost of living varies on location. As for skills, you need them, get them over time. There are good and bad stories, even locals who mess up end up in crap like an illegal immigrant would.

Let people follow Joyce K Nurse Canada a content creator and Kenyan-canadian and she's always telling people the truth and what to do to get your way out. She has also reacted like an hour ago with the same story and she has great knowledge and people learn alot from her. And also people, do your due diligence, there is a lot on the internet to learn and you will know what next

Lynn some of these people say it is a trap but if you ask them why they are still in Canada, they won't tell you. He left Canada and was back after 7 years. Why not buy the properties in his country. Why go back to Canada to buy those properties? For some reason I feel bad that those who have gone have found a way of discouraging those who aspire to be there yet themselves don't want to leave. I am yet to meet a Kenyan in the streets of Kenya who will tell me that he/she came back because Canada, US, or Canada is a trap. They all say that in the streets of Canada. And those who come back, benefit a lot from the knowledge and money they made while in Canada,US, Australia, or UK. I think it's too much now.

I just think there is alot of problems where kenyans are concerned\n\n1. Rely on fake agents and their short cuts. There are accredited agents from developed countries who source in africa and asia but not the other way round. These are sometimes listed on official government websites. \n\n2. Don't fully undertand skills. They think acdemic papers and some random corporate jobs equals skills. Lets call skills, trades and ICT expertise; carpenters, plumbers, nurses, teachers have a better chance than some bank manager in Kenya. \n\n3. Rely too much on youtubers with random clips on things they need to train in like nursings and such over a short period then land in Canada and get a job. It doesn't work like that. First of all, has canada said they need Kenyan nurses? Immigration in developed countries is based on policy. So even when they give visas, they know what they are doing and who they are letting in and for what jobs. \n\n4. Do not go to official government websites to confirm random research and advice\n\n5. Are still dishonest and think it's about trickery and knowing people. Well, not always. At least be able ans willing to yo flip burgers and clean toilets if it comes to that!?\n\n6. There is no affordable housing in developed countries. They too are struggling on that front.\n\n7. Last but not least, kurukwa na host..yes, betrayal from a Kenyan and that of Judas Isacriot ni bumper to bumper\n\nLynn, harusi tunayo ama tulikuwa nayo? ?????

Canadians are smart with procedures, regulations, and laws. Their red tape will make even a qualified doctor give up and turn to be a taxi driver. There is no way you can work in canada without the right papers. People spend years repeating education they completed so as to get certified to work. People may be silent, but canada is one of the most expensive countries on earth. I got a rude shock when I went visiting, and I can assure you to burn your fingers if you go there and assume it's like the USA where you can work jini ya mwamba. What you see in that clip is the NAKED TRUTH.

Canada is going down.The government build that economy around housing. Most people from China bought so much of those houses.They don't live in those houses,it's a way of most Chinese millionaires hid their cash because the government in China can confiscate your money and property at any time if you get on the wrong side of the government. So there's a high chance that economy will crumble just like it happened in the us in 2008.Proble is that ,Justin the PM is not being checked and there is nothing to save Canadians from this crush.Kenyans can still move to Canada but be informed, it's not a bed of roses,you might get punched in the mouth,make a conscious decision.Know what you're getting into. Do your research.