Close Reading

As a Canadian who has lived in almost all the provinces and territories, all my life, I can tell you that a lot has changed as I think the best time or era was in the 1970's and you may have come at the worst time as the worst appears to be now when everything has become too expensive. The other problem relates to Canada, its size, the distances to travel, the smaller tax base with a smaller population than that of United States or India. This is not intended to provide excuses but most people here do not even have a family doctor as many doctors find greener pastures in the United States where the dollar is 30 percent higher in value and salaries are not limited to government health care. It is hard to change when American influence dictates much of what transpires. Homelessness hasn't been a problem but the last five years has provided more hardship for many who find it hard to cope with how things have become.

I'm confused about something, I understand they don't have free healthcare in the USA. Do they have to pay for their medications too? I know we pay a lil here, but it's next to nothing. I pay $6, for a flovent asthma inhaler and $3 for ventolin. I looked at their pricelist and it was almost $300 for flovent and $80 for ventolin. I feel so bad for the American people. Having to choose between if I can breathe or not, must be one of the most horrific things to have to worry about.

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.

You are telling me to move to the usa where everyone walks with a gun ? ??? i really want to do more than texting on this topic honestly \n\nIn this europe you have a students visa you are allowed to live and work in all 27 countries with your student visa (speaking from experience) \n\nYou dont expect to give loans out to people who you barely know , lets say you are on a student visa you go to take a loan of over a 100k ? When you are asked whats its for you say you want to buy a house as a student? How do you intend to pay back even if granted such loan when you can only legally do 20 hrs a week of work?\n\nYes learning a language is an added bonus its boring these days if only one can speak English, when people know you can speak multiple languages they tend to be more attracted (more when you are a person of color)\n\nLike i said you most probably are looking for engagements and content for your channel and you got that

This is a shame, I myself am an immigrant. I , along with multitudes, do not see a reason to move out.\n\nThe system is misused. Most of these get the Permanent Residence stamped on their passport or citizenship done only to jump to other countries. Just have a more refined selection process. \nLove Canada for opening its door and am grateful for that. The people are welcoming and accommodating. \nPeople always find something to crib on forever, in fact it is these very same people who came knocking here in times of desperation only to complain about taxes now when they have benefited from the various offers are done with.

Okay I have seen some non-sense in the comments section and I think Indian government should stop Indian students going to Canadian universities thereby fuelling their toothless economy by billions of dollars every year. Why can’t Trudeau take a simple stand against granting visa to Indian students if they think they are a major player in this world. The truth is, Indian education is growing and it’s good enough but at this point, most students who go there don’t know why they are going. The people who get caught in such problems are desperate people who are largely lured by a foreign and an exotic life. Looking at the Canadian housing crisis and other practical domestic difficulties, India is a much better nation. Some illiterates here are talking about literacy rates when we are running major tech corporations across the world.

The Trudeau government pushed Canada to the breaking point. More and more and see not only immigrants but also born Canadians leaving and this will continue until we get rid of Trudeau, and I should not forget Freeland. These 2 are the most evil people I've seen in my life.

My first visit to Canada (the so called Province of Quebec) was in 1972. If you've had asked me at that time where was paradise, I'd have answered to you that it was right here in Quebec and particularly in Montreal. I spent two years and went back home in 1974. I came back five years later in 1979 with the intent of staying and I did. I've spent decades of wonderful years here, and although I will leave next year, I will still remember with nostalgia the lost best decades (70s, 80s and 90s) I'd have spent in Montreal. I will remember the most beautiful city of the world and what it has become in the years 2000 amd counting. I remember how clean and well maintained that city was; how its people were among the most polite and civilized in the World; how life was so easy and affordable; how tolerant as a society the French Canadian one was and so on. Today, all that is gone, and when I take a look at the pile of trashes and garbages on the Ste-Catherine street and Saint Laurent Boulevard, it makes feel sick. In fact, Montreal has become a huge Third World city, and it is not better on a social point of view : you can't walk one block or two without being dragged by a homosexual or a lesbian. Speaking of lesbian and homosexual, you can't keep your work if you don't support the LGBT and or willing to date your boss. I am leaving next year to go back to my country where there is still a seemingly willingness to normalcy, but since the LGBT has managed to sneak its power everywhere, I am not holding my breath of a bright future overthere, but it's my home and I prefer to be there and deal with it.

Once I get my passport I will move to eastern europe, asia or latin america. Canada/USA are great as home/plan B countries for the cases when something went wrong - ie wealth-fare or social support . Normally living here is just stupid - no accessible healthcare, expensive housing, un-tasty food, western bureaucracy that promotes people to avoid thinking in favour of formal processes. North America was a great option untill 90s when there simple were no other developed areas in the world and now many countries are much more modern than the west - digitalized, flexible while still cheap and safe enough. Having said that the west is still the most civilized nation and I would continue to pay taxes here to have that safe heaven.

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 ❣️

My immigration process took 14 years in total until I could get here, it was a blessing and I had a lot of gratitude to be here after living in a warzone. Ive lived in Winnipeg for 10 years, a part of me was always happy and okay to deal with the cold because at least nobody would be killing you or attempting to on a daily basis, with rockets and bombs. 10 years later, I was wondering that the only reason we came here was to escape war, and not find a better quality of life. You can tell me “you don’t like it then leave” but i find it disturbing that many Canadians here don’t recognize how bad the situation gets, when governments don’t do anything to enhance quality of life and corporates take control everywhere and raise the costs to unbelievable numbers. Housing crisis, most can’t afford houses or even rent a nice apartment. Healthcare system is a complete dogshit mess, people here don’t recognize the importance of how much this industry needs to be supported by governments and citizens because EVERYONE benefits from it and stay alive longer. I don’t know man, I only see it collapsing going forward, especially when everyone is divided and the aboriginal issues are a constant trend.

I was born in Canada and live here currently. I have lived in Asia, Europe and USA. Canada is my least favorite country to reside, by far, to be honest. Canadian health care is not free, it is just that Canadians are brainwashed to think that working months a year (slavery) for the government healthcare is acceptable. Like children wanting mommy and daddy to look after their allowance. The services a pathetic! As for the politics comment; that fellow is also typical of many (but not all) Canadians....most people in Canada ONLY talk to people that they agree with therefore there will not be any arguments...people even ghost their own family if you don't agree to worship the government.

Its funny when people talk about the quality of Canadian health care. For example, BC Cancer is one of the best in the world. Canada is on the cutting edge of many health care procedures. Yes, its hard to get a primary care physician but that is because the US is throwing enormous amounts of cash at Canadian doctors and nurses. Canada still keeps up pretty darn well especially when considering Canada has only a FRACTION of the US population and much fewer resources and funds available. My family has never suffered from our health care system in the past 60 years. 1 family member had a quadruple bypass - no bills 2) cancer - no bills 3) emergency c-section w air transport to city 400 mils away - $360 for air ambulance 4) emergency appendectomy - no bills 5) Heart atttack w stint - no bill 6) MRI and CATscans - No bills 6) 3 ADHD diagnosis w mental health care support - no bills 7) industrial accident with crushed hand - no bills 8) Electrical accident with burns throughout body - no bills 9) burns from an oil fire - no bills 10) fall into fire pit w subsequent 3rd degree burns on leg - no bills 11) leg amputation from type 1 diabetes - no bills. And then there are all the little things that happen day to day. In each event, we received top notch care and services. So, you might earn more in the US but we save more in Canada and very few suffer from it. A lot of complaints? Most bad experiences are shared whereas positive ones are not. I think if people on both sides really looked, the US health care fails many more people per capital on a daily basis than in Canada. US insurers are known to abandoned people when they become overly expensive and its not unusual to not have choices in drugs or care options.

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 was speaking to a German friend about how the South African border is out of control and how people are advocating to build a wall. We literally have migrants from most African countries, and then for some reason a growing number of Pakistani people. Illegal migration, crime, safety and security will be one of the top 3 issues on the national elections next year.

I think most of the people who have this opinion are unfortunately not in a position where they understand how to track their finances or want a highly luxurious lifestyle. If you have a roommate, can you make $60,000 before tax you can still spend $2800 a month all in and save around ~1k per month (~30%), this is assuming you don’t need a vehicle for work i.e. you work in the city

The problem is not immigration. During the pandemic there was no immigration for a few years, yet the price of the houses increased by about 20% a year or more. The problem is demand and demand is hugely increased by investors. Investors don't live in the place and in many cases they don't even rent the place. At lease half of those seeking to buy houses are investors. Therefore investors double the demand.\n\nHouses are limited supply whereas investors are numerous and have access to unlimited money either cash or loan from banks. We have created a housing market. It means we made it something like share market where everyone can put their money in it and buy as many as they want. During the pandemic demand for toilet paper became very high and there were limited supply. Supermarkets limited one or 2 packs per customer because it would be unfair for some to stack most of the papers and others have none. Some customers wanted to buy tons and fill their homes with toilet paper and they did. House and land is limited too. Why can't we do the same for homes? Demand is important and always going to be there from those who want to move there and live in it. Investors buy many homes and bid higher in value than normal people because they have more money and they know the price will rise. They raise the demand sky high. Specially if they're foreign investors. They can buy hundreds of apartments or houses and leave it empty.\n\nAs I mentioned, we do need certain amount of demand for housing and that demand is going to be always there by people who want to buy and live in it whether they're local or immigrants. However, when many investors come in and they have greed, the demand becomes sky high and the price will become so high that only investors can afford them. Rent also depends on the value of the property. The higher the price, the higher the rent. So the issue is investors. Too many of them with too much greed.

Honestly, I'm really impressed by this video I got a Canada visitor Visa since July and I have been discouraged by so many people that I can't get a job with it, that is a very difficult thing and what kills me most is that I used agent and the charged me a whole lots of millions and the painful part of it is I borrowed the money even to pay with interest and I just came across this video, please I will need a help on how to go about it I have skills like barbering of hair and shoe making also I just graduated so please I have been going through a lot I don't know if I should make this movement because I don't want to come back and put my family in this such a debt, how can I make it please help me I will really appreciate I'm so muchly depressed ?

I married my spouse and moved to the United States from Canada. Before, I didn't give the US much thought and merely loved travelling to a few of the locations. Having said that, even after spending five years there, I have never witnessed a country and a population as divided as the US. You proudly display your flag, yet you're so racist, illiterate, and a bible-thumper that it disgusts me. The United States is not the most free country in the world, despite what the public believes and thinks. In reality, it is also depressing to observe how the healthcare system handles people. The social safety net is completely missing, and by that I mean that most jobs don't pay for maternity leaves or vacations unless you work at a senior level or for a high-end company. The political system is so rigged that it is understandable why people are tired of voting every two years, and perhaps even every year. Most certainly, especially since your elections begin almost exactly when the previous one finished. I suppose I could go on forever, but I'll stop here. Although Canada is not perfect, is not free from controversy or problems, and is not the best at everything, we are able to concede defeat, acknowledge that someone was wrong or that we might have done better, work together with one another, and express that we are SORRY. Yes, it is a word that is never used in the US, and that is also the issue. I'm pleased to be back in Canada, where I belong, and I regret ever leaving. Yes, returning to Canada feels peaceful and inviting compared to travelling to the US, where every trip involves an interrogation to ensure that you don't remain too long. There is no need to worry because I won't be returning to stay, only visit, as previously.

I've had about 8 friends and 2 relatives who have tried life in the USA.\nOne cousin is still in Colorado after moving there with her 2nd husband, an American, over 10 years ago. The rest have come back to Canada and the biggest general impression I get is that it is simply a huge relief to get out of there. That is a huge contrast to the people I know who had tried life in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Europe, Thailand, Japan, VietNam, Australia, and New Zealand: far fewer of them have come back to Canada because they are happy with life there. And the ones who have come back all have things they miss about the countries and most want to go back someday.\n\nMost of the people I know who have come back from the USA are highly critical of the utter lack of a decent health care system in the USA, but for them it was a solvable problem because they had decent jobs and insurance while they were in the USA. What gave them so much relief when they came back to Canada was that during their time in the USA they never felt safe. There is something fundamentally and brutally fucked up about a country where every bank has armed guards, the mall cops are armed, half of the people in your neighbourhood are armed, you're scared to send your children to school, and every time you turn around you see a cop with his hand on his gun.

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.

As someone that has been to almost every state except Hawaii, Alaska and i havent been to Porto Rico. But ya its violent and angry and poverty is everywhere. This is the 90's to now im talking about. \n\nExcept everyone has a choice you dont have to join a gang you can better yourself and play the victim card. There are a lot of stories of people doing the right thing despite coming from a bad neighborhood or poverty. \n\nCanada has a lot of police presence but ours are nicer most of the time

I’m proud of my country. Not all of it but most of it. Im not going to divulge all of my opinions of course, but I would say we have a very big disconnect across the country believe it or not and I don’t think most people who live here even know that. I’ve always wanted to visit Maine though.

I am Canadian, my husband is American. I moved to the USA 11 years ago. I live in a liberal state (by American standards) with little violence (by American standards). I like where we live and enjoy most of the people that I interact with. I would move back to Canada in a heartbeat. I must confess that I felt like I stepped back in time 20 years when I moved here - labor standards in the US are so behind the rest of the world (maternity leave, paid time off, job protections, etc). To a Canadian, US culture feels accepting of racism, violence, us vs them mentalities, gun culture, religious and political fanaticism. I still can’t get over how “normal” Americans think their healthcare system is…. most other countries think it is absolutely nuts! I have good insurance, but if I ever develop a serious illness….I will move back to Canada where I can attempt to keep my health AND still have a house to live in. On the surface, Americans and Canadians look alike - but I still feel the cultural differences every day. I’m sure that America feels safe and wonderful to Americans who grew up here - but it can be difficult for people who grew up with different values to agree that these things make America “great”.

It's not just the cops that are armed, everyone you see is probably armed, legal or not! The atmosphere is dispicable. I will never go back! But Canadian education is not a lot better than in the States. Most people can't go to University here, but you can't get a decent job without a degree. \n\nWhy does Canada lag so far behing Europe? Because of the American influence. The right wing has destroyed the country and turned us into America Part 2. And the Conservatives have become EVEN MORE EXTREME ever since Trump darkened all of our doorsteps. \n\nIf I had my way, we would cut the continent off at the US border and paddle away toward Europe. Anywhere farther from the US would be a huge improvement. I could write a whole book on why, but for the sake of my mental health, I won't say any more.

You're a good guy, Tyler...and very brave to take on such a dicey subject as comparisons between Canada and The United States. We are two distinctly different cultures. Currently, America is more than frightening. The political system has really become a total mess. A two-party system (basically YES or NO) does not cater to the many grey areas of politics. The choice right now seems to be Fascist or Liberal. That's it! It was not like that during most of my professional life. Thanks to my job, I had a Green Card. But, I also could travel with little difficulty...especially in the South and Mid-West. Why? Well, because I had blonde hair, blue eyes and pale skin. I never got used to states where everyone was walking around with a gun. It scared the hell out of me. As a commercial film director and writer, (unique services - hence the Green Card) I worked just about everywhere in the US. The North East is the most similar to Canada. But get down south, and people were literally walking around with holsters and revolvers on their hips. I never felt completely safe. But America is also a great country full of opportunities and if you are educated and a professional, the money is also great. All Canadians love their Healthcare and Social Safety Net. Generally, I think Canadians are more socially evolved and better educated. Your educational system is awful. And the Bible Belt States are anything but Christian. It's hate and fear-based. But the past 7 years have been the worst since the Trump Cult era began. Trump and his Mega Cult could destroy what was once a wonderful country.

11 years ago a trip to the ER in Texas cost close to or more than the cost with insurance than a the cost for an ER visit in NS (for those out of country who are not covered by our provincial program). \n\nWe would pay $50 copay at the ER, then over. The next few days we would receive a bill for the physician, then from pharmacy, then from the facility, then from X-ray, etc, every separate department would have its own portion. \n\nAnd then there was the unpleasant surprise when the doctor who saw you in the ER was not an “in network” doctor even though the hospital was “in network”. Our insurance paid 70% of (approved) in network costs, but only 50% of out of network costs. Keep in mind that “in network” hospitals and providers had lower negotiated rates with the insurance companies. Which meant you would have coverage of 70% of a negotiated lower rate for in network but out of network was 50% of a higher rate.\n\nMy neighbours were lovely people. The culture was much different than I expected. The gun culture really hits you in face. For the first while it seemed to be so obvious - signs on pharmacies, hospitals, and schools that state that guns were not allowed, even with a conceal and carry permit. Very quickly, that became “normal”….\n\nFood was amazing. Gas was cheap. Politics was everywhere. Christian mega churches were everywhere - along with some very vocal overbearing people who force their beliefs and opinions on anyone who is near them. \n\nI was surprised with the number of people who felt it was appropriate to discuss religion, politics, and money with virtual strangers. A lot of very personal questions as well. I am guessing it is the difference between what is considered extremely rude in Canada, vs what is just a regular question in the US (or that area of Texas). \n\nAnd another very different thing was how hardly anyone swore. I had the bottom drop out of a bad carrying glasses when I was in San Antonio, the glasses broke, and I said “Shit.” I have never seen so many heads turn towards me. Most of the females looked at me with complete disgust and a lot of the males laughed. I expect that the American who heard me swear, were thinking I was the rudest person. One of my children’s friends was from Australia and when their mom came over one day, she said something to the effect of “so glad you are Canadian” because she sis not have to worry about offending me if she said fuck. That was a relaxing afternoon.

As a Canadian, I am convinced most people here have blinders on. Canada is on the brink of collapse both fiscally and morally.\n\nJust watch as our illiberal government continues to wreak havoc. It won't be long now.

We have pondered moving to the US but it always scares me thinking of all the service safety nets behind. I don't know how many Americans know this, but basically at birth you are assigned a health card which you keep for the rest of your life. Anytime you go to the doctor they ask for that and it has all your info on it (family doctors, your address, etc) and that's all you do. See the doctor and then leave. Private/work health insurance is more for prescription, dentists,massage, therapy, physio, eye, ambulance rides,etc. \nBut childbirth, ER visits, doctors visits all covered by that card...which is funded by our are taxes. We are taxed to hell and back on the daily but it's just so normal you don't think differently of it. We do have a shortage of Dr's though. An ER wait can be upwards of 2-4 hours and your family doctor can take weeks to get an appointment with so you usually have to go to a hospital or walk in if it's urgent.\nAlso, guns. Guns guns everwhere ? I saw a sign when I was walking into Walmart in Florida saying to not bring guns inside and I just couldn't believe that was a thing that had to be said. In Canada, guns are for hunting and going to the range and that's the only time they're allowed out of their safe. Obviously you have people who have stolen and smuggled guns and that's how you get gun crimes (you need a special card to buy guns and ammo, that you get after passing a gun safety course and *most* gun crimes are not committed by people who hold those cards). I appreciate the fact that you don't have so many restrictions on the types of guns you can get but man, I never felt so rattled just walking around after seeing that sign

Well most of us have been to the US or go there frequently, as so many of us live near the border, so we really don’t have those pre conceived ideas like people from other countries might have. However as one who moved to the U.S. for a time as I married an American, the things I didn’t like the most was ignorance of other countries, especially Canada, as we are so close, that the U.S. revolves the world around themselves, and has a superiority complex that being American is being better than any other nationality, I could go on….However I liked the friendliness, warmth, energy, so it wasn’t all negative.

I have travelled throughout the US for work. Most of the folks I met were great people, with the odd exceptions here and there (this happens everywhere, not just in the US, or Canada for that matter). The social safety net is the kicker between both countries, at least from my viewpoint. I think you should visit Canada and do some videos with your reaction to visiting. :)

If your first act in this country is an illegal one, I don't have high hopes for you as a citizen. Stop calling it immigration. It's unlawful entry!\n\n“Illegal Entry”/8 U.S.C. § 1325 makes it a crime to unlawfully enter the United States. It applies to people who do not enter with proper inspection at a port of entry, such as those who enter between ports of entry, avoid examination or inspection, or who make false statements while entering or attempting to enter. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, up to six months in prison, or both.\n\n“Illegal Re-Entry”/8 U.S.C. § 1326 makes it a crime to unlawfully reenter, attempt to unlawfully reenter, or to be found in the United States after having been deported, ordered removed, or denied admission. This crime is punishable as a felony with a maximum sentence of two years in prison. Higher penalties apply if the person was previously removed after having been convicted of certain crimes: up to 10 years for a single felony conviction (other than an aggravated felony conviction) or three misdemeanor convictions involving drugs or crimes against a person, and up to 20 years for an aggravated felony conviction.\n\nCombined, violations of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1325 and 1326 became the most prosecuted federal offenses in recent years. Indeed, as of December 2018, they constituted 65 percent of all criminal prosecutions in federal court. Prosecutions for entry-related offenses subsequently declined when the government began expelling migrants back into Mexico rather than prosecuting them

Love it here in Toronto, Im lucky though i dont pay crazy high rent even though im itching to move for some odd reason. Maybe because I know I cant be here forever, I live in an old building that wont last, isnt mine and will be forced to move out when soemoen else buys it, like I was at my previouse apartment, which is my only problem, all he condo development, basically kicking out poorer people, thats why rent is high, but they're going to have to live with no sun in the city when all those towers block it. That being said the areas is just so bueatiful, it feels like its nestled in a forest, then the lake, its a great spot. Got 4 the seasons, i hear ist the most diverse city in the world racially and its climate is just as diverse going from -30 some winters to well above +30 some summers and everything in between. That being said I am getting tired of the city life and looking for a change although i think Toronto has a lot more potential and is actually underrated right now and will just get better. Maybe not more cheaper, but hopefully politicians will wise up and stop selling out for short term profits for long term problems.

I moved to Canada over 20 years ago from Kenya, and it's safe to say that this has been the best decision I ever made for myself and my family. Today, I want to share some insights with those who are considering making Canada their new home. \n \nCanada boasts one of the world's most robust social systems, but let me be clear: it won't be a stroll down a red carpet from the airport to your dream life. You will need to put in the effort and work for it. \n \nIf you're a nurse from your home country, don't expect to land in Canada and start working as a nurse the next day. You'll need to go through the process of becoming registered in this country, just as you would in any other part of the world. \n \nWhen you arrive in Canada, give yourself time. Follow the established systems, and trust that these systems are designed to work for you. Fortunately, there are no shortcuts or backdoors in this well-structured country. \n \nWhether you're coming to Canada as a Landed Immigrant or a refugee, understand that there are distinct pathways to follow. Canada has a well-defined system for both. \n \nNow, you might have heard stories of people sleeping on the streets of Toronto for a brief moment. But let me clarify that these instances were temporary and not reflective of the broader reality. The media may not always provide the full context of such stories. \n \nIn major companies and hospitals across Canada, you'll find a significant number of employees who are immigrants, just like us. This illustrates the opportunities that exist in this diverse and inclusive nation. \n \nFor those planning to come to Canada, it's crucial to have access to the right information and cultivate the right mindset. With patience, perseverance, and a willingness to follow the system, your journey to a brighter future in Canada is well within reach.

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.

I live in Montreal Canada and as a refugee from Rwanda I have no other options but to stay. \nFor those who are from peaceful countries in Africa and well educated who make at least equivalent of $2000 in Africa, please do not come here.\nFor example: it's not easy to buy a house if you're single, you need to be married to be able to afford a house. Let alone buying a house, renting isn't also easy, the cheapest now for families is $1000.\nLet's say you make $20 per hour, this salary will never get you anywhere unless you're married or have other sources of income. You need a second job and the more you earn the more you're taxed.\nEven those high skilled people can only live comfortably only as working couple because as a single high skilled person even if you make more than $100k a year for you to live a good life here isn't easy. Yes of course, it's still better than the most african countries, but for those doing well in Africa already don't come here, come when you're hardly earning a living in Africa. \nNB: People who make $100k in Canada are less than 11% of the whole population. That's 4257000 million out of 38.7 canadians. The rest are considered low income generating workers who hardly afford things.

I dont understand the point of all this today. 90% of Punjab fields are taken care by people from Bihar. It will become interesting when say by chance, if separate Punjab country is formed, then later on the current Bihar people demand for separate Bihar in Punjab then annex that Bihar into India. Also to keep in mind there aren't many Sikhs remaining in Punjab, most are converted to Christianity.

I am from Punjab and I moved to Canada in 2020. I really appreciate that Nitin has tried putting forward all the major factors that are pushing today's youth to migrate to Foreign countries. Punjabis have not just migrated to Canada, Australia and England, there are so many people who have been going to Arab countries for their livelihood. The major push factors at this time I would say are unemployment, drugs and poor politics. Most of the people simply wants a good peaceful life for themselves being a part of India.

1. I'm a ??can who moved to Europe 22yrs ago through recruitment agency - the employer paid for my professional REGISTRATION with the nursing board, for my work authorisation permit before I even left, sent me a written 2 yr work contract, the flight(return), a taxi pick up from airport & accommodation for 2 the 1st weeks bnb.\n2. I had worked in ?? for 15yrs, 3 diplomas and a post grad degree, I and had bought myself a small property 4yrs into my career on a 60% government subsidy.\n3. I was in a management position for over 7yrs. \n4. Looking back now, the people I went to college with got millions of Rands at age 60 for their retirement pension. \n5. I am waiting to be 65 for a mere €32 000 retirement lump sum and a weekly income of about €400 plus. \n6. I bought myself a small property after renting for 9yrs here, it was not easy to raise funds while paying rent which is HALF YOUR SALARY, but it was worth it. I still have a balance on my bond which my pension lump sum wont even shift\n6. The regrets I have is that:\ni) I missed out on family, friends and christianity quality life, \nii) I spent too much money flying home every yr and sometimes 2 X a yr to keep my sanity and to bond with my family - adult kids and siblings & now grandkids\niii) I could have had a fair and equal opportunities to improve have more accademic and work status in my own country than in a foreign land & my experienced would have been not only recognised when it suits the employer, but it could have been openly VALUED and NURTURED if I was serving in my own country\niv) I could have retired 3 yrs ago and had a paid up bond and a nice retirement car\nThe POSITIVE side is that: \ni) I have a property in a good area that I can rent out for extra income \nii) I have enjoyed travelling around the world and living in A relatively SAFE COUNTRY for over a decade.\niii) I have come to realise that - \na) There's no place like home - we often take for granted, the standards of practice and quality of education and customer service and the advancement in technology both in both education, work and BANKING in our countries untill we travel and live abroad\nb) it is easy to bring your expertise & work ethics abroad and work like and educated slave for a small price\nc) I have come to realise that, Half the time, most of Our stories as a nation are told by someone else, and the world keeps the narrative going.

the biggest challenge with most people is comfort, threiving abroad requires more than just one job. If you have gone to hustle please forget about comfort. 2ndly if you are going to canada make sure you have someone who is gonna shelter you for a few months as you stablize, or help you figure out your next step and also have a few bucks on you, otherwise you will die on the streets. And then once you find a job, please subsidize the costs, you can share an apartment with someone, cook your own food.\nlastly people should know that much as canada is a rich country, it also has poor people living there.....inclusive of beggers. I think you should just forget about the negative comments for the people who are not doing well....

Bro , I am an African and I am pro immigration but I am also a conservative and I can not wait to kick out this autocratic Government . The best governed Provinces are led by conservatives . \nYou mentioned Alberta. Alberta is the only province where mortgages are still within 1990s rates. \n\nOntario is Run by Chinese. And they don't like black people so do not blame conservatives. \n\nAlberta is the most attractive province for immigration. \nSaskatchewan too life is still easy here. \nThe housing mess was caused by liberals' poor maths. \n\nThe most group of people who get affected by mass immigration is black people. Because Europeans and Arabs are educated more than us then we are left to work for them and scramble for the left over.\n\nGhost agents are not a problem and I don't think It's wise to talk about what they do with what they charge. \n\nPeople who get assistance from these ghosts agents are people who would not get a visa at all. \n\nI have crossed African borders with or without a passport and I have seen how tough it is for even an African in Africa. \nIf people are drowning trying to cross to Europe then what is it being charged few thousands (thousands they can afford) to get them here safely? \n\nCome on bro. If you want to make money from this stop tarnishing other people's names. \n\nAlso all this nonsense will stop soon when we conservatives take over!!

Thank goodness I chose the United States for my education. In 2010, I had two options -Texas A&M University and University of Waterloo. I thought of Waterloo at first (being top university in Canada vs 15th in US) as I was naive, but Texas A&M gave me teaching assistantship which meant 100 % tuition scholar and monthly stipend. Being from a lower middle class family in India, I took the option. \nEven 13 years down the line, that was the best decision of my life. I had chance to work with best researchers and professors in world, work in highly funded research labs, publish papers and patent and later get good job in my domain. \nI never aimed for green card and moved back to India. I applied for Canada and even received ITA but didn't go ahead. Things are not perfect but even today in India, most people are impressed by some niche work I did in US.

As an international student, I am currently in Canada, and the grass is not always greener. The narrative spread out there is contrary to the reality when you get here. Sadly, I worked at an agency back home and I regret all the lies I told people, I was coached to do. Don't make the mistake of coming to Canada without the right papers, most people are scammed by agencies through this, and you will have a hard time. Trust me, you don't want to be homeless during winter, it is brutal. Don't come to Canada, if you don't have lots of money, the cost of living here is insanely expensive. If you have a good life in Kenya and earn over 70K, that will guarantee a better life back home than here.

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?

I have been in Canada for more than 20 years. The cost of living is very high. Housing in Toronto is very expensive, it is better in small towns.\n\nThe most important thing is to come here as a skilled worker. The Canadian immigration website has all the information. \n\nLife overall in Canada is not bad. The government really takes care of the people. Schools are free, and so is health care. The unemployment rate is very low. If you want to work, you will get a job.\n\nMy advice especially for those who are doing fairly well in their countries to stay. I think it is more suitable for young skilled people and those with young children. \n\nWe should also start paying taxes in our countries to develop infrastructure and start holding our governments accountable.\n\nThe young lady in the video is a bid overdramatic. She is earning more than the average worker. She should be managing fine except if she lives in expensive cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

I lived in Toronto for over 30 years. Prices on everything are soaring and really getting out of control. Rent, mortgage, food, insurance, and constant high-interest rates would force people onto the streets. Canada needs to do something now! Many restaurants have prices increased by over 20-30% on their menus in the past 3 years. It's just madness and ridiculous. What is minimum wage going to do? Most people I know just work work work, and do not have time to enjoy life. Very sad.

As the child of immigrants, i think this is a perspective a lot of Canadians are facing. I could never bring myself to leave, most people my age are the same. All your friends are here, the neighbourhood you grew up in is here and you're simply not cut out to go to where your parents originally came from (half of us come from parents/grand parents who immigrated) because the climate is probably 1000x different lol (I just know I couldnt survive South Asian/Middle eastern weather).\n\nI just turned 18 though so I haven't experienced the insane rent and stuff (as it's literally impossible for me to move out). Things will be better I know it, but the question is how long will that take? Id personally give it 5 or 6 years. We need to put a cap on immigration and just completely cut off the GTA from receiving any for a set amount of time (think 2 or 3 years?). We also need to amplify our construction industry (incentives/rezone some areas for development) and the government should start subsidizing urban development projects with an agreement that prices will be lowered, or offer money to people who are purchasing condos/houses (think iZev but for urban housing and not electric vehicles). \n\nAlso stop taxing us and simply start slowing down/cutting non-essential social services; a specific government program should be created that closes all of these at once for a set amount of time (think 2 or 3 years as well) and they'll be able to redirect the money to more important causes.

For me Personally, I love Toronto. I know people are complaining that Toronto had changed and Toronto has declined. Anyway, I've been living here for 35 years and i know we faced some challenges in everything. Living in Toronto, You need to work hard at the same time be happy as well. I've been to 12 different countries and still believe that Toronto is one of the most beautiful City in the world. We need to be smart, happy and not being lazy and complain a lot. So in Essence Toronto is a beautiful city. It's the people who painted Toronto to be ugly in everything.

I am a Kenyan living in Toronto for 8years now. Most people coming from outside who did enough research on the cost of living and getting work often find success. Having met a few of the Kenyans who were featured in the newsclip (which was totally gaslighting type news) the common theme is that they moved to Canada - first on refugee status, without sufficient research on cost of living, the timeline between their refugee status and getting a work permit to start working and expectations of the kind of jobs they can get as a new immigrant to Canada. I moved here as a student and even with over 10years prior work experience, I had to start from the bottom and worked up. And this happens even to people moving here from UK, Australia etc, its not a bias toward people of color. Things are hard everywhere !!

The thing is…\n1. It’s not only refugees in the streets…During summer most homeless people choose to sleep in the parks coz the weather is good and then as the weather changes they go back to the shelters..\nThere has been a lot of refugees coming to the country..now imaging adding those number of refugees plus the homeless people trying to go back to shelters..it became overwhelming \nBut this is all part of an ecosystem..\nIt starts with the lack of housing in the city..there are more people than the city can hold..\nThis leads to the people who are in shelters not being able to move to their own apartments (which the government helps them pay for) and if they don’t move out they can’t be able to create space for the homeless to move into shelters.\n2. However since that second TikTok was shot (the one with the mayor talking). The government has released an additional $210 million to help with housing refugees and therefore I think the situation is getting better now