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Its really bad in Canada right now. I can't visit any Gurudwara because all have turned into Khalistani haven. If you speak in favor of Bharat, they target you and even beat you up. Health care is very bad. I had severe tooth pain but did not get any support . I was asked to come after 4 months. I came back to India for a holiday and I can't convince myself to go back. Khalistanis are making it hell and even threatening Hindus. Govt is supporting them so there is no hope for future. Except for some big Canadian Universities, most are scam and are targeting Indian students. They know Indians want to migrate there. I have seen students waste their money at these crappy Universities, after which they did not get any job and ended up coming back to India. Think and Research a million times before you decide to go to Canada. India is much better than Canada and most probably I will move back. I will have to go back once to pack up everything but I am leaning towards living in India. I might look for jobs in USA and UK but I am done for Canada. It is too much hype

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.

Hey, be negative. I hate the positivity cult. Be honest. The world is falling apart. Let's not mince words. This is a global crisis. America has been crap for a long time, but it's sad to see Canada now going through the same, and deteriorating. Such a beautiful country. I remember being there years ago, and the energy was so much lighter, uplifting, and I always loved this about Canada in general. It was always the nicer bit of N. America....but now it's much like what the USA is experiencing with insane prices, housing crisis, drugs, crime, homelessness, etc. I don't feel this will get better anytime soon. I think we need to demand some serious changes, and they need to start with forcing down the costs of living, whether they like it or not. It's a giant scam. Anyone who knows what is really going on, and why, knows that it's not even 'the market', but it's predatory price gouging. People are charging high prices because they can, not because it's actually worth that. And no one is stopping them. Same with food, and everything else.

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!

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.

Struggle is there without maid and house help initially but if have the willpower it will work out ,you at-least got job within a few months if u had did some courses it would work out . I got job only after an almost a year. I never wanted to stay in basement and it’s very cold and u will get sick We need both husband and wife to get things done and manage things .Thats where u missed out on. U at-least had relatives there we don’t have anyone here . I had my kid also here alone in hospital no help. I am not saying it’s easy nothing will be delivered on a platter here but it’s better than India freedom, lifestyle,groups community and more over value for life.Try again if u want and get a condo or apartment at-least next time.I always loved winters and once u know how to dress and what precautions to take winter is very beautiful. So if anyone is coming to Canada please be open minded and keep in my mind it will take at least 3-5 years to settle in a different country and you can lead a happy life here.

Born and raised in Toronto. Established career. Can afford to live here. Can't afford a house unless because I can't spend over a million. Condo fees are ridiculous. TTC is not safe and condo parking spots cost over $10,000 plus $100 a month maintenance fee. All the things to do in the city are being torn down for unaffordable condos. I can afford to stay here but it is not worth it for what I get. I am looking to transfer my work credentials and move elsewhere. I mean leave Canada. It is not worth it now. Don't forget un-reasonable amounts of taxes as well.

I am currently living in Canada, but wanted to move to California to get a “higher pay” in my field. \nWhat’s holding me back is the healthcare in Canada. In my union, I get 100% insurance in Vision, Dental, Check-ups, Drug Prescription etc.. \nMind that I NEVER waited for months nor years to get any Health related appointments.\nIn the US, (My friends in the same field) says that their health insurances are not 100% covered unlike in Canada.\nBut, I’m also thinking “If I could get a higher pay, then I could pay for the remaining balance” \nWhat I’m scared of is, until when am I able to pay for that? Even if I get savings, and I get seriously ill my savings will go straight to my medical bills. ++ The shootings. Whether the gun is registered or not, Shooting is a shooting. Once my child goes to school, It will surely make me paranoid of school shootings.\nAside from health benefits, both US and Canada has benefits. Both have support for low income families, both get child benefits, Food stamp(free food) for low income families. Etc..\n\nI really wanted to move to US tho.\nI want to gain more experience, and more money Lol.\n\nI need all of your opinions!! Haha!!

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!!

I don't like Toronto. Tired of the rude people and too many immigrants and high rent. It is overcrowded. People push you to get on board the train and refuse to wait for the next train. I would rather work remotely and yes it is not worth living in. Transportation is not as reliable and too many people travelling downtown and back uptown especially during rush hour. If GoTransit breaks down, there aren't that many alternative options to travel. There are many issues including Internet service is not stable. Yes the pay is not enough yet to cover the cost for a place. They want to build more housing in Toronto but it is the worst idea and will make it even more unaffordable. Smaller towns and other cities are better. Bramption also is not a recommended place to move to. Immigration should be recommending people to live in less populated places.

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?

Hello Mam, sorry I didn't get your name. I went there in 1986 and was there for 25 years. It all depends on your circumstances and background. If you are professionals and earning well there is no need to go to Canada. The first generation has to start from zero. It is a lot of struggle, but the future generations will enjoy the fruit of your hard labor. There are positives and negatives for both countries. Atleast there is no corruption there, whereas there is corruption almost everywhere. Justice system is so slow that if you file case it may not get results in your lifetime. \nAll in all it is all upto the individual person and his or her personal circumstances.

Thank you Lynn, for speaking up the truth. When I came to America i never realized that people are living in apartments in upto 24th floors high rise building and we suffered with culture and their accent and everything. Even there is secondary clothes here stores here here that all white and black Asian...goes to. We told free clothes, sofas.... but nothing. You work hard they take it back living paychecks to paychecks. The system pushed you to get even in debt. First you have to borrow from them to develop your credit history, otherwise you can not buy a house have to have over 650 credit score. Their system is crazy. People must know everything before they come to wherever they going to. These agents taking money from the people and laying to them. Shame on them.

Thanks Lynn for bringing this up. I am a Kenyan living in Canada. You highlighted the most important thing- due diligence. There are a lot of people that come here with a promise of a better life and the notion is that it’s instant. I want to confirm to you that it’s better life, but it’s not instant. You have to put in the work and prove your worth. You have to gain Canadian experience to get a decent job. Also be ready to go back to school and upgrade your skills. There are jobs here zinaitwa Trades. These are the jobs that we don’t value at home but pay amazingly well here. Construction, Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanics, Carpentry, Welding, Hairdressers, Tailors.. Those are very valued skills here- if you can invest in learning these trades but pia ukikuja hapa you have to convert your certs to Canadian ones by doing an exam or going back to school . If you are into office jobs, make sure you have market relevant skills that align to this country. Be ready to embrace the digital revolution and mpende hesabu. Accounting is very much valued here. The secret is be ready to start from the bottom, be ready to upgrade yourself, be ready to work like you’ve never worked before… You will make it eventually .. Mungu mbele! \nI am confirming that we are going through a recession here and as per the market trends, it’s only going to get worser until we get to a point of stabilization. The housing market is crazy, food costs and gas (fuel)costs are off the roof .. it’s not easy. So if you have a good job in Kenya, hold onto it for now until things get better ( due diligence /research) .. Make sure you have the right visa that allows you to work here. That visitors visa theory is not working anymore. \nOverall Canada is a good country with lots of opportunities but it’s not for the faint hearted. \nLastly, be prepared for the harsh winters and days of severe loneliness- Si lakini ni life? Kila nchi ina challenges zake. God bless!

I live in Canada as a Kenyan and I have been here for sometime .I work as a HR/Payroll Specialist also certified in the field. The problem is not Canada , Canada is a very good county which I love and I am gland God gave me the Opportunity to Come and settle here with my family.. The problem with some people coming here is lacking of knowledge how Canada works .It’s system is very far from how things work in Dubai or Gulf countries. A lot people are thinking than you can just come and get any job even without proper papers or you can earn a lot of money and then build wealth quickly. Which is A BIG FAT LIE. The tax in Canada keeps you humble. That is how Canada funds it's high end life many admire and want to be part of. The more you work in Canada the more tax you pay and many don't know this, and it is one of the main reasons why a lot of people start to regrets, because they realize there effort of working hard is not paying as they hoped. Another thing in Canada is next to impossible to get jobs or rent a place without proper paper work, like work permit, It is not like USA where you can use someone else papers to work. the The main available jobs , easy to get , don’t pay much. And also the cost of living is very high in some provinces like Ontario and BC. They hardly recognize credentials from outside unless you came through a job offer. Also because a lot of things in Canada are paid by the government through taxes, like health care, education. Unless you are tax paper with (and I repeat) Paper work, you cant access the benefit, including thee free food available for the needy. \nMany people forget Canada is looking for people to work for them. Not to grow rich and leave. The system is meant to keep you working. Unless you understand how a system of a country works, one will continue to blame it. Let people get well informed and well educated first , before they jump in the river. And it’s not Canada a lone , but any country in the world. Also a lot of these media post about Canada are misleading. And there is also another trap called debt, a lot of people once they getting working, rush to but things they cant afford and it becomes a stress instead of a blessings.\nIf you want to live well and enjoy Canada . One of the top thing to do is, go back to school once you enter in it, get a good education and you will get a good job. Also give yourself time to adjust. REMEMBER you are starting from square one. You are not continuing where you left in Kenya or in the country you get from. Also, the general social climate is not as friendly as those in USA for example. Not many people are willing to help for free. The most jobs advertised in Canada are the lower end paying jobs, which a lot of people pay a lot of money to come for, just to realize the job they left behind was far much better than this, but no one told them that, just because it said $18 hrs and you converted it to your country and looked a lot, doesnt mean it carries the same wait once you earn in from here. The living expense are very different. The reality is, it is not where you are , but whom you are and determination knows no barrier. Anyone who will trust God for help, work hard/smart and be patience in life, they will make. It might take longer than they expect, but they will get their eventually.

I’m a Kenyan American and this is my two cents….Moving abroad for better opportunities is actually not a bad idea but people need to understand that you need the right papers and an actual skill to make it….I’ve lived in Europe, America and the Middle East over the years, the hard pill to swallow is all this places will give you a job depending on the kind of passport you carry. I’ve had the same skill and the minute I got my naturalization and finally carry an American passport…there are job offers all over. My African peeps get yourself a good skill and become very good at it….that will get your foot through the door

I watched a similar video some time ago but it was a lady and she made the comparison and she left Australia to Canada, after nearly more than 20 minutes, she states that she could not get the permanent residency in Australia and applied to Canada and got it, so after wasting more than 20 minutes listening to her, she decided to leave Australia to Canada, what a dumb stupid person. That lady did not decide, the decision was made for her. I will not watch this video so not to fall into this trap, people make these videos to get the views and ratings. I will not watch it at all, it is better that you left Australia. Australia wants smart people, as I was an immigrant and now a proud Australian.

I would suggest if anyone is thinking of moving away from home and especially to Europe of the US to do the research, get the know the pro and cons of that country, don't go there cause someone told you it's a nice country to go. And when one comes, get to know the rules and regulations of the country,how taxes works, either you go back and get educated, don't just come and start working without the government knowing that you exist, pay taxes, all I can say life abroad is not easy, but one can make it, if you do the right things, and remember someone else's opportunities are not yours,so find what works for you.

Lynn I am a Kenyan living and working in BC.The problem is that Kenyans have left their fate in the hands of agents. Most of the guys on the streets are here on visitor visas. The agents told them they can convert their visitor visas to work permits. True! But they dont tell them how hard it is to do it! (Harder than rocket science hahahaha)You must get a job with an LMIA(this document proves to the government that the employer has not been able to get a Canadian or permanent resident to do the job thats why they want to hire a foreigner) most of these guys don't even have enough money to survive for a month bcoz 'they will get jobs and convert their visas to work permits' \nLike that Indian guy said you need a skill. Canada is looking for skills and you can develop these skills in your home countries and get jobs for 20:44 YOURSELF in CANADA. If you dont have a job in Canada you will struggle for sure.

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.

Lynn, this Canada thing is a common sense thing. Same reason a Tanzanian will not come to kenya to sell tomatoes on the streets due to high competition on the field. Any country you move to it depends on what you will go to do and who will help you get on your feet. Canada is extremely beautiful and one can prosper extremely well financially compared to kenya BY FAR! But you can’t come from the village and land in Toronto and wait for a job and opportunity to come get you from the airport! Am very honest. I live abroad, in one of the richest countries in the world and believe me, I have seen even their own citizens suffering economically. Why? What are their skills and plans and expectations? I read somewhere, with all the wealth in the world, if all was to be shared equally to every one the universe, the rich will become rich and the poor poor -again. So a kenyan should first plan who they will live with for atleast a year while they get on their feet, put their hustle mood on n be willing to take any jobs, plus get out of the mentality that one must be in a big city! Other places outside cities really have low costs of life and offer more opportunities. Just saying

Happy birthday Lynn! I’m so happily amazed you touched on this subject. I am commenting from Canada and seeing people getting frustrated coming on visitor visa to look for work/convert visa to work permit. Even employers with LMIA approval are asking for work permits. Anyone coming to Canada should preferably secured a job or school before coming here. It is so so so expensive and jobs aren’t easy to get without Canadian credentials or experience . Any Canadian credentials including a certificate will up your game in getting a job. Meanwhile while in school you can now work unlimited hours but ensure you stay in school and finish. Be careful with agents promising jobs . It is hard here but once you get into the system hard & smart work pays. And getting into the system can only be done front door. What one pays an agent for visitor visa, you might as well do a one year certificate that’s approved for post graduate work permit. Less headache and better opportunities. When a deal sounds too good think twice- agents are really smooth talkers and super salespeople from what I’m told by those coming here through them. Be wise….I have no regrets coming here I wish I did it earlier as I’d have gained more through longer school options in my youth ?.

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? ?????

Am a kenyan Canadian and living in canada is the best decision I have ever taken. Lot of kenyan are paying agencies to come to canada through visit permit. People should blame agencies who promise them jobs not canada government . When you come to canada through visit permit you need to change to work permit or study permit. Actually there are thousands of kenyan who have come through visit permit and they are claiming refugee status. Canadian Government is doing its part by giving all claimed refugees shelter and give the money for upkeep. When you have visit permit you can't work in canada but you can convert it to work permit which is not easy but an expensive process. You need to get a company that can process you lMIA that labour market Impact assessment . You need skills to get a company to apply you Lmia or uende China ya maji you pay Indians who have companies in kenya $30-$40 to apply for you lmia. Or you can convert your visit permit to study permit and universities here are damn expensive. Getting a Canadian to marry you for status is very hard. In short am trying to say if you do not come through work permit or landed immigrants life wil be tough use the money you are paying agencies to start something in your country. They are so many opportunities in canada if you have the right papers or status. As for me am a happy single mom who as accomplished alot here and I love canada .

Lynn, this is a great conversation which really needs to be discussed. In terms of moving abroad for work its something that some individuals are fortunate to get opportunities while others struggle. I have actually assisited individuals especially graduates in gaining internships and jobs with the contacts I had. Many went on to do well, but unfortunately some did not make it. When it comes to immigration, its a case by case basis you can never truly know how things will play out.

Sadly everything you shared is pretty accurate. I got got followed to my work place by a stranger I met in the TTC streetcar. He proceeded with attempted to assault me in the building of my workplace. This left me traumatized for months, thank goodness I overcame my fear of riding the TTC. On the question of rent, it’s insane it actually may force some people to stay in bad situations just so they can maintain the living conditions they are accustomed to like staying in toxic relationships or terrible roommate situations…etc. I did get very lucky, moving in 2022 from living with a roommate to living on my own in a bachelor same area and really nice area in Mimico by the Lake for a rent of only $1400. Simply because my landlords are an old couple not greedy at all who prioritize having a good tenant over making extra cash but having to deal with different tenants every few months just because people cannot sustain the increase of living in Toronto plus paying their bills and rent. So there is hope, if you can find a landlord that has these values you won the lottery. I’m hoping things change for the better in Toronto, there’s no reason why the city cannot tackle all these issues in a more efficient way. But like sometimes I think of moving to a smaller city and if it weren’t for my current rent which is very low for the time we’re in, I would have moved to a cheaper province a long time ago. Thanks for posting your experience, wishing you all the best with where you decide to move to!

Just want to ask question...why are rents so expensive, there? . Iam from New York... do not live there anymore...but when I lived there. .The financial sector has been buying apartments for more than 20 years. I think that is one of the reasons. As their is another reason that I will not mention because it will look that I am racists.. but as well you can make double or triple the wage in N.Y.C . Probably not now since this latest scam on the people causing mayhem in the supply chain and businesses rendered bankrupt by shutdowns. Anyway..just curious what is going on? May the people get justice and have a home. God bless to all that are suffering. AMEEN.

I left Canada for South Florida in '95. I did it for various reasons, the major one being that I got tired of the long winters and overcast days. I love Canada and visit often but for my lifestyle and goals it wasn't a good fit for me. I immigrated to the U.S. legally and it took a lot of time and money to get my citizenship but it was worth it. No city or country is perfect but some will be better for you than others.

I don't know where you got the idea that anyone in the US can just buy a gun at Walmart and carry it around. Purchasing a gun requires passing a background check, and there are many questions on the forms you'll need to submit which will bar you from owning one. Being less than truthful when filling out such a form can result in a prison sentence. Carrying a gun on your person requires a special concealed weapons permit, which is only issued after a thorough FBI background check. Even the slightest hint of trouble in your background will get you denied. You can of course purchase guns illegally, but you can do that in Canada as well.

I can confirm that there's really nothing in Canada. They have no jobs and the Jobs they give to Black Immigrants in particular, whether you have a degree or not, are generally seasonal summer jobs in warehouses, working with plastic injection molding machines. When winter arrives, you get laid of until the next summer and the cycle continues. It was the first place l learnt that racially motivated official murder of Black People by White Police Officers is standard practice in the United States, because it's also a practice in Canada but not as rampant as it is in the United States. \n\nI just don't know who is spreading this false and deceptive information or understand why we're being bombarded worldwide with ads about Canada wanting immigrants to come over for jobs. China and Japan have more and better jobs than Canada. Even Germany in Europe has more jobs as well. Do people just think that Canada has as much job as the US just because it's in North America and shares a border with the US? We might as well assume same about Mexico. You can't pay me enough to ever live in the west, ever again. From Europe all the way to North America because of the level of racism compared with other continents of the world

If you feel viscerally that something is wrong, then it must be wrong. Toronto had potential but now that potential is only limited to the elite. I have to pass through Toronto to get to my hometown. Pass through and keep on going, don't stop.

I have had a home base in Toronto for the last 20 years, traveling almost consistently for work until covid hit. While I am not a fan of the city tbh, I have stuck it out there this whole time as I have not been able to figure out where else in Canada I'd rather live. The way things have gone in the last little while however, I'm now making plans to leave Canada altogether. Even though I am unaffected by high housing costs as I've owned a home in the city, the general cost of living across Canada is now extortionate for what you get. Toronto was fine for me to use as a base for my traveling lifestyle in the past, but with crappy weather much of the year, a left leaning electorate that keeps voting ultra woke politicians at all levels of government, the now increased cost of living there is no longer worth it to me. I'm headed for the exit. All this said, I don't feel that your coverage about crime in the city was balanced. Yes the news stories you used actually did happen, but I do not feel unsafe in the city. A handful of incidents in a city with the population of Toronto - this is a blip.

I recently visited Toronto on a business trip for the first time living in Montreal. I loved Toronto it is a great potential city. However, I saw drug addicts on the streets, homeless people at every corner I walked in, it is very expensive and on top of that I was harassed by a group of homeless drug addicts in one of its streets. I am lucky I had friends that told me where to go and not to go later. But as a new visiter you want to explore the city and enjoy your time and see what the city can offer you. I totally agree with what you said. It would only get worse as more and more flux into the city without any managing criteria regarding housing, jobs and life in general.

Like you, I recently returned to Canada from living in Asia for years. I moved back to Vancouver, and the changes here were immense as well. Basically, the exact same issues Toronto is facing; unbelievably high prices, frayed social fabric, homelessness, crime. I had some pretty severe reverse culture shock coming from Seoul where you'd see none of this (Korea has its own unique issues though).\nI've decided to stick it out as my wife and I can make it work for now, but wouldn't recommend young Canadians, international students, TFWs or anyone who's trying to get a start on their professional life to come here. It's about as uninviting a place for your career as its ever been. Expect to live with two or three strangers in a one bedroom working at a job with low pay.\n\nIt sucks to see how far Canada has fallen. I never thought I'd see it in this state, but here we are.

Chokor Millionaire, I don't agree absolutely with the blame on the government. At least from what I have seen in Ghana, people are starting businesses.\n\nI am going to say something I observed about Ghana. I found out that women, as usual, are more hard-working. I realised that the men don't have work because they are lazy or have too much pride. I have watched so many videos where so many business owners complain about the ineffectiveness and inefficiencies of the workers. They are not dedicated when they work for other people. I watched these business owners whose workers in the farms are mostly women, and they were very happy that women are easier to control and have good work ethics as opposed to men. The men prefer jobs where they don't use their energies such as Yahoo Yahoo boys, selling in shops where they don't touch anything or lift a finger.\n\nGrowing up, we knew that men were supposed to do the hard-working jobs in society. But these days, men like to idle around and touch nothing. The reasons being that the African culture teaches us that men are not supposed to do anything at home. They are supposed to be served by women. Then, instead of the men going out there to do the hard work and make the money, they wait around expecting cushy jobs that don't make them lift a finger.\n\nLook at China that you mentioned. These boys work absolutely hard. Even in the villages. Look at Muslim countries. You will never see women working on the streets. The men are even the ones who cook the food on the streets and sell. Check countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. In Africa, most things are done by women.\n\nAll this japa that people are fighting for. Have we ever thought of the agenda of these people needing free and cheap labour? I came to realise that we stupid Africans don't yet understand. Our children eventually become strangers, and we remain just surrogate parents. Most of our children are never going back to Africa, and when they get to an age, they become like strangers to us. Whatever we say, they look at us like archaic. What then makes them Africans anyway. We have seen so many of them who barely know their countries of origin and have never ever been there. They do not know their relations. In fifty years' time, that generation has lost their roots, and was that our intentions initially? This all dawned on me recently with my children, and I feel absolutely dejected because they are not interested in our country. All my hard work is gone down the drain, and all that can happen is for us to leave our children behind and live like people who never had children in the first place. For now, most people see it like something to be proud of, and are happy to say ( my children live abroad). Africans are the most stupid people I know, and that is why we are always used for slave labour. Why are they all approving all these visas and allowing all these people to drown at sea? \n\nThese countries allow these fake visas deliberately because they drain African countries to enrich their own since they can't get the minerals easily these days.

I live down the 401 from Toronto. Visited it many, many times since I was a kid. It has definitely changed, but as you say, the changes (not for the better) have accelerated over the last 10 years or so. The traffic is crazy almost every day now with accidents that lead to unbelievable congestion. One can no longer guarantee that one can get to any appointment on time.\n\nYour assessment is balanced but honest, Alina. Although you are lucky to be able to work remotely, you should look for someplace that has good travel connections. Unfortunately, in Canada, that usually leads to the most expensive cities. Good luck in your search for a cozy, affordable travel hub! (It may not ultimately be in Canada :(

ALINE .... totally a reasonable decision to get out of there, I visited in 2015 and it was still a nice place.\nYou have so many other better options\nDidn't your mother live there, is she still with us ? Maybe you can move her to Curitiba ?\nI am nearby and find it difficult to move back the the US but might try it in a year to see what happens, little boring for me after 5 years here in Brasil\nAm seeing rental costs dropping to pre covid and lower rates in S FLA now, can rent for $800-1,000 a month vs what is was not long ago $1,700 +

To Everyone bad mouthing Toronto I got a few thoughts to share. First off I’ve lived in Edmonton all my life. But growing up there were two constants in my life almost every summer. 2 places where I could get away have fun not come back for weeks or even months on end. One of them was Toronto . That trend has continued into my 40s.\nSecond I don’t consider Edmonton home. I consider Toronto and my other favourite place my homes always have always will.\nThird Toronto like Every other city has bad and great things about it. But the great things far outweigh the bad things. Yes Toronto is big. But it’s also beautiful vibrant majestic lovely a sight to behold once you visited it long enough. You got the blue jays you got the cn tower you got a lot of stuff no other city has. Toronto is my dream city. It’s where dreams can actually turn into big dreams That result in major success. Toronto is for me. I love it I always will and to be honest it’s way better than Edmonton.❤️❤️❤️????.

Winnipegger here who lived in Toronto 2014-2020, moved back to Wpg 2020-2021 and is now back in Toronto. \n\nFirst and foremost, your comments on crime are inconsistent with the data and blown out of proportion. I suggest viewers take a look at StatsCan’s crime severity index which confirms that Ontario is the safest province or territory in Canada (safer than PEI lol). There are also scores for cities and Toronto is safer than almost every other Canadian city, safer than even Ottawa or Calgary, twice as safe as Vancouver, nearly three times safer than Winnipeg. If we start comparing to US cities, it would be even more shocking. Suffice to say, Toronto is not only safe, but it’s the safest major city in Canada and one of the safest major cities on earth. \n\nThe homelessness crisis has certainly gotten a lot worse, sadly. As has the cost of living, but you get what you pay for.\n\nHaving travelled to 35 countries (doesn’t mean I’m an expert, but I have some experiences in other places), I respectfully disagree and think Toronto is one of the greatest cities. It’s one of the greenest cities in this continent, safe, on the lake, super close to other major cities, great infrastructure (relative to Canadian cities anyway), it’s beautiful and there’s a ton to do, not to mention the diversity. \n\nDon’t be turned off by this, if you can afford it, it’s one of the best places you could live on this planet.

Sounds like why when I had the opportunity to leave Cleveland; I made a bee line to the U-Haul garage to line up my truck and car trailer. When I left on a very busy morning looking down I-480 and going west from a west end suburb, going out of the city, and looking at the traffic entering the city ( 4 to 5 lanes going east and 4 to 5 lanes going west with everyone moving at 80 mph/129 kph except the east lane which was moving at 35 mph/56 kph with no more than 1 to 2 car lengths between each other) it hit me that I was darn lucky to survive all this without any major incidents. I also remember saying to myself, I can not wait to get out of this traffic. Either I was lucky or God had my Guardian Angle on 24/7 over time pay for the last 7 to 8 years. I was missing the people I knew but not the place and above all not the crime and traffic. ( at that time it was a 10 mile traffic jam into the city and getting worse every year & has gotten worse every year) That is why I am now living in a place like Melfort but in the USA. I am not recommending Melfort to you but if you want to stay in Canada then perhaps you need to find a place like Melfort or some nice far flung suburb of Calgary so that you can visit a city now and then. Take your time as you can travel around and work anywhere you think that you might want to stay, and for as long as it takes you to find your permanent nesting place. This is a luxury that few humans experience on this planet.

I used to live in Toronto and I left for different reasons 2.5 years ago. It is not the same place that I remember it to be. I understand that places change but it’s changing far too fast for me. I used to like going out to various independent shops (especially bookstores) and because of the condo boom a lot of these places can not exist anymore. I also liked going to places where the ttc struggles to go to (further out of the city) but having a car and dealing with traffic has gotten way worse. My other thing is the people. Years ago people would talk about fun things and now all they talk about is money, real estate, and traffic short cuts. I agree with the crime and the housing issues that you mentioned. It’s ok to visit but I try to get out of there (otherwise I’ll be spending all my money on parking)

I’m a skilled tradesperson and at one point I was talking to an American company that did the work of my dreams to come and work for them and initially they were interested. But then we realized that for me to actually get a visa is essentially impossible. The entire world is short on tradespeople and many countries will welcome them very easily but America makes it nearly impossible for no real reason

Not only is life in America about to get A LOT harder for the average American, but expect for more to be take from YOU and GIVEN to these people. You absolutely get what you vote for. I expect the United States to fully and completely collapse in the next 5 to 7 years. I’ve been right about everything so far, with receipts to prove it. Brace yourselves.

Im Canadian from Northern Alberta. I travel often to the balkans often. Every time I come home i see how bad it is here. People work so hard for very little. And the extras people have is wasted away. Then there is the nanny state aspect, it is not just from the government but the citizens as well. Which creates a atmosphere that makes community building seem impossible. \n We hit the apex 10 years ago. And it really is time to leave. \n Health care?\n My friend had a botched back surgery, he nearly lost everything. Waited over 6 months for mri and other tests, treated like garbage. Now in Belgrade Serbia. You call for a mri you get it the next day for 100 dollars. \n Things aren't as good as the people believe they are. \n Modernity is killing the human connection, but other places still have it. And it is refreshing to see it.

People from Nations with horrific poverty do not comprehend Nations not like that are built around a culture of working hard. That is RIDICULOUS he is complaining in the workplace in Canada he is not permitted to chat endlessly with patients. I was doing a job in a major city in North America where I would come into contact with some frequency with small business owners from Europe. It would be revealed in conversation they are extremely reluctant to hire men ( not the women ) from places like Africa, The Middle East and South Asia because those individuals are accustomed to passing the day doing next to nothing, letting women do most the work, are difficult to train and become combative when asked to work with the intensity of local norms. That is not racist. Racist would be wishing those groups harm, thwarting their progress, etc. But facts are facts. Certain groups are socialized to do the bare minimum in life in settings where it is not necessary to work hard enough to sustain infrastructure and personal resources for very cold winters and a decent, not unsanitary standard of living. If anyone accuses that of being racist they have never ran a business with balanced books in an industrialized Nation. It has nothing to do with genetics. It has to do with how people are socialized. Traveling on Saudia the Male flight attendants do next to nothing, tend to be rude and let the Women do most the work. Why? Because they can get away with it.

Do we have a government in office? And I aint talking about just just President Biden cause hes d*** show not doing his job, but the republicans and the democrats. You all need to address this border. S***, this is going on too long. It's time to shut that s*** down. Making people turn their a**** around and go home and end about 10 million of the ones that already got through over the past 10 years need to round all day a**** up and send them back as well. And then I have to get through sending him back. There's another 30 million that's over here illegally. And it's not okay, it's making it hard for the Americans that has to live here. And it's not right to the taxpayers that work hard every day. Yeah, you illegal aliens. Ya'll might get over here and take a job from someone else. And yeah, Uncle Sam, take taxes out of your check. But you still, you're taken from other Americans, it's not right. It's time to go back, what's wrong? It's not my fault, and it's not our fault. What's wrong is the same thing? That's wrong, and our government is wrong in your government. Corruption corruption kills so corruption need to be killed. One way or another to have a better country and a better government. You have to rude out the poison.

I was born and raised in Toronto to Hungarian immigrants, and my whole neighborhood was of mixed immigrants, so I grew up early making friends of different races and nationalities. I don't dispute though that it does exist, I have seen it and heard it. I too have been the victim of racism, yes that's right, but because I am white and blonde, I get remarks mostly from men of different races, anywhere I go on the bus and in stores, there are men of some races who just stare at me with a look that makes me very uncomfortable, and I hear sexual remarks. The other thing that bothers me is that white people are often being blamed, but yet there are different races that hate each other, this I know because I have friends of different nationalities who hate others not like them. Some nationalities even think that I have never had spices in my food, and that I dont know how to paint a wall or use tools, there is so much I can say about this. I guess everybody should sit down and talk to each other, learn about each other.

Honestly the only thing i see needing to change is the weird country divide thing. We dont want to overflow our nation with immigrants as that would directly relate to higher housing costs (more people dividing the same number of houses makes costs go up) and it may not be 100% directly related but Canada's unemployment rate is about 150% higher than that of the US which could be due to the immigration, more research would need to be done. Lastly we have a big issue of illegal immigration and we need to get that under tighter control before we become top focused on fixing the other end. If you have a boat with a leak in it you should be more concerned with fixing the leak than if you have enough supplies for your trip.

I'm not sue what most of you are talking about Canada being safe ?? Gang shootings and killings everyday , car jackings. There are homeless camps everywhere. All the rest stops along hwy 1 in BC are full of people living in rv's and trailers, drug use everywhere. Our health care is free because its terrible. Every hospital is badly understaffed, patients have their beds in hallways. If you want anything done quickly you have to pay and get it done privately anyways. Oh cant forget our taxes. Gotta love the made up carbon tax. I pay 52% income tax. Food and gas prices are way higher because of all our tax. And last but not least real estate and rent cost. Average detached house in the greater Vancouver area is almost 1.3 million dollars and the average rent for a 2 bedroom in Vancouver is $3900. I was born and raised here this is not the same country I grew up in and was a proud citizen of. Our country has fallen.

Canada has been ridiculously good to me and for me, even as I appreciate that this is not the average experience. I came here 36 years ago, when there were jobs looking for people, and not the other way around. Back then we had the choice to skill up some more or go in full force in careers, which worked for many of us. I can see how tough it would be for new immigrants now, especially professionals who were already established back in Africa not wanting to get re-validated in order to practice here. That is a journey best played out by new engineers, doctors and other crucial professions where they have time on their side and not feel like they are giving up much to start from scratch. Canada is great but each person has to weigh their reason for wanting to be here. If the scales tip this way, then one has to fully commit to the move to make it work. Otherwise, truly look to make that success happen wherever you are ..... Africa, Asia or Australia. It IS possible!