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My wife, my 3 kids and I used to like Vancouver but not anymore!!! The weather is why we plan to leave for good but also the expensive rents! I also heard about horror stories at many hospitals (and yes, I have worked in Africa and to be honest, Africans hospitals are way more functional than the ones in Canada in terms of human aspect… there they care, Canadians do not give a shit about anyone!!! And I am saying this as a Belgian!!! I have some African colleagues at work here and at least 80 percent of them either want to go back to Africa (one is actually going to start an Afro business there and build his own house) or move to Europe (one of them plans to live to my homeland Belgium and two others in France as apparent the pensions there are way better than the Canadian one) as soon as they get enough experience in canada! None of us at work , including me, want to retire or get old here in Canada! For me personally, it is the Canadian extreme loneliness and lack of willingness to open to others that really shuts me down… I am fed up and and tired of paying taxes in a country where some (not all) hospitals and some retirement homes treat patients like … objects, not human beings! I now understand (as before I did not) why even some of my African colleagues are looking forward to go back to Africa or to some of them, immigrate to Europe! .. none of us want to be left alone and depressed in this so highly individualistic and unfriendly, falsely “cool” country called Canada… a country that claims America and France are racist countries when not even one CEO in Canada is coloured! I am also fed up of Canadians being cool!!!! Cool???? Yes, their humour is crap and they are all too serious… not astonishing why so many end up being depressed or on meds to be able to function! \nLast: I am fed up with 1. The stupid credit score system which makes North Americans anxious and frustrated!!!! Stupidity does not even exist in France or Belgium where I am from! 2.food is Canada is … not good…lol… really close to being bad! 3.the country is boring… reason… people are so disciplined and nothing happens!!! I just miss Europe even if we are far from being perfect and I prefer our imperfections to the Canadian perfect society which end up making people boring and annoying!!! 4. Canadians are shallow compared to us Europeans 5. Their transit system sucks if compared to Europe 6. Health care system is nothing comptable to what we got in Europe!!!! \nResult: I leave Canada years before retirement as The last thing I want for me is to remain in a country and get “sunk” Into Canadian depression, Canadian loneliness and Canadian “coolness”. \nOhh just as an indicator, it is really rare to see someone who is happy in Vancouver BC these days… the city just looks like a factory to make people work, make Canadian banks richer and pay taxes! Apart from that, I do not give a damn about the beautiful scenery and lakes as long as everyone around gets scammed with unjustified and ridiculous high cost of living!!!

I'm from the Philippines and I want to thank you so much for your explanation, I now understand better what I should do! May I ask, if I'm an international student in a publicly funded school planning to do AIP, where do I submit my documents for PR? Is it also the same process as the skilled workers? I can't seem to find where I need to submit my documents online like my proof of study and etc. Thanks a lot!

In the U.S., for healthcare, you would pay something like $7,500 for a 'bronze' package, $11,000 for a 'silver' package, and $17,000 for a 'gold' package. In Canada, on average, citizens pay about $7000 in taxes which covers it all, only does it for everyone. You'll hear people complain about government mismanagement, but most of the countries in the world do a damn good job of it. Much better than the heartless system the U.S. has. My father collapsed and went to have his heart-valve replaced at the Heart institute in Ottawa. I paid for parking and needing a place to stay, they allowed me to stay at the doctor's onsite residence. That was it. My father-in-law had his knee-replacement surgery pushed back because more critical needs were placed on the operating room. Healthcare in Canada is a team effort, so treating things like Covid with respect was done much more diligent. Canada had less deaths than places like Florida or Texas. Don't understand where this 80% coverage statement comes from.

Canada is like 3 countries in one, so it really depends where you are, especially if you wish to talk about culture. Im guessing you are in western Canada because that part is one of the youngest parts of Canada, it doesnt have much culture. Tho if you are in central Canada (Ontario) you'll most get a blend of american and english culture. The place where hawaiian and canadian pizza invented. Ontario is obsessed with pizza. \nTho the Eastern part is where Canadian culture is at its strongest AKA French Canada. Thats where most Canadian traditions like the Rigodon music and traditional food comes from such as: Pâté Chinois, Tourtière, Poutine, Donair, Poudigne Chômeur, Tarte au Sucre, Tarte au Fraise et Rhubarb and so on. French Canada even has its own version of french, its so different from the rest of the world that when a when they meet they wont understand half the words each sides say. French Canadian is based on the old french of the French nobility tho it completely disapeared in France during the revolutionary era because everyone that spoke it got executed. So french Canadian is basically a unique language now, i can totally see it getting rename as Canadian the language of Canada in the future especially of the west does indeed seperate. But right now its called the Joual. \nI hope i helped you fineeladies in having a better understanding of Canadian culture. \nIn a nutshell: English Canadians dont have a culture while french Canadians are extremely cultural.

Like I don’t understand how long are we looking at before this country fails! The cost of living and housing is mind-boggling!!! I moved here. It’s been three years. It’s been all struggles and trying to catch up and then prices rise again…i’m literally tied to work just like majority of the immigrants and majority of the middle class Canada…it’s the best country to live in if you’ve never ending amount of money…like can you imagine that you get one life and majority of it’s spent on work…wouldn’t it be amazing to have a normal job and get paid good and have reasonable time off and go to bed without worrying about finances? In my opinion, a country where teachers, nurses, and people running this country can’t find a house or live happily, that country is bound to fail…i’m planning to move to USA…i can’t do this anymore

Oh this is how every Indian official gov workers behaves, at least 90% of them. While we don't know the full version here, I'll share mine.\nI've waited for hour outside the entrance door along with others where we don't have waiting chairs so had to sit on steps where people pass by even though we all came at the right time that was written on our papers. Then I had to wait about 3 more hours for my appointment chance and then they checked my docs and decided that I don't have two particular doc which isn't even that important these days, but he didn't say that at once, we got first doc and then he said I need another doc. so I had to wait for 3 more hours to get mine as (we had to go to school and get that doc) while all other people like those grandparents, job applicants and farmers got their passports and visas. *sighing*\nI still remember the attitude of that officer, It's like he was just there and I was just waiting his time, and he was just reminding me that his work time was about to be done and that he needs to go. \nI don't understand how the gov offices works, we have tons of population and of course tons of applications that needs to be done for work, yet the gov office working hours just 6-6.5 hours? And they work at sloth speed as well. Software workers have it way hard *taking deep breaths*\nNo use in ranting about how it works in our country

Nice summary of the main challenges. Reading some of these comments leads me to believe that if one is motivated solely by money, Canada is not a great choice for you as an immigrant. The number of commenters hoping to move to the US from Canada due to greater opportunities to make money while ignoring the real and substantial disadvantages of living south of the borders just emphasizes this. My family are immigrants from the US and we didn’t face the same challenges as immigrants from countries further afield but I do understand the differences between the two countries very well and can state unequivocally that moving to Canada was the best decision our family made. Lower crime, better health care (yes even with the wait times), a fairer system and a “boring” but sane political system more than compensate for the few extra dollars I would make south of the border. In terms of where better prospects going forward for children and grandchildren, with the looming threat of climate change, Canada wins hands down. Extra income means little if you have to spend all of it on personal security and health care deductibles. So if you are only motivated by top line items like gross annual salary, Canada might not be for you and you would be better off looking elsewhere and leaving that immigration spot open to someone who can appreciate the more balanced offering that a new life and future in Canada can offer.

Aslaamo alaikum\nDear Ashir i have listened you carefully but the thing i think is, how can a man like me get migrate from Pakistan to Canada?\nI am a driver now, before this i had spent 50 years of my life in jobs since i was 19. I got my education upto F.Sc., due to separation in parents i had started to do jobs and still in struggle to make my kids educated. When you disclose the reality about difference between two countries please think 1% or may be sum bit, people like me feel that they are failed by the word KISMAT and you understand who make Kismat. I feel heavy heart while i had struggled for better but never got success just because i am from those who are really poor and more over belongs to a community which never been stoped to be discriminated. I am very much upset in trying to be truthful just to see most of whom had a corrupt money or ethic they get success and rate it by adding that Pakistan left no values nor else what. I know Allah is every where and sees every moment for his creature spent in living a life without any luxury or normal and always put in struggle with an end of this life. I request you to tell the truth that don't make decisions as one wants but remain calm that Allah will give you better in after life. If you feel that you didn't understand what i want to say you can mail me, my id is mfarooqaslam1@gmail.\nPlease don't feel bad i am v much sorry if so. I have pain and waiting for end of this as per Gods will.\nRegards and gratitude\nFarooq.

Don't want to return motherland is the most shameful answer and then comparing that area to India's Punjab only on the basis of crowd is foolishness . Our punjab is real and they left for their privilege and in future they would do again for extra privilege by moving another country . Where ever they go they will be recognized as indian . This like that, leaving own mother and loving adopted once for money and wealth . One gentlemen accepted that he is supposed to get only 10000/- for his labour . So, i can understand the class of the work he knows ( driving vehicles ) . Why should he get 1.5 lac whether he is scientist or engineer . By the by leave the matter and I don't want to insult them but making negetive remarks and projecting wrong to own mother is not acceptable mind it .

I hate my POS country, govornment that couldn't care less about their population, only votes... They promise shit and never fallow through. I'm so done....\nCanada seems like a beautiful country, with similar climate to my own country and from what I understand the norms are also similar. I don't see myself staying here, but all my family and friends live here.... I'd leave everything behind. I don't know what to do. Staying where I am is not an option (long term atleast), but moving away from my parents and siblings would be hard as well...

I know it won’t be easy but, Toronto has a lot of resources for immigrants and even undocumented immigrants. I worked for a shelter and although it was the only one that takes undocumented families, you learn there are resources out there. \nIt’s about aligning yourself with the right community support Center, finding the people who will fight for you. There are so many people here who welcome and want to help all types of immigrants. No matter your background.\nThe people who work helping these communities they are ruthless in their fight for citizenship, or at least finding you a job and home, they will guide you through the system. Social workers, ones in community resource centres, not government centres, will be your best friend. They know where the red tape is and the resources available to you. \nYou could even go to a specific shelter to t all out your options and where you could go to get help.\nI understand this is not ideal. \nBut, if you want to be here, your best friends are non-profits, finding a center that aligns with your story, your background, because they will fight for you. We have people here from every country and resource centres geared towards your own language, religion etc.\nAnother big way to set yourself up for success. Churches, rich churches to be specific. \nMy mom works in a very rich church and it helps them feel better about themselves helping people, you could be nice enough to alleviate their guilt through their wallets, and connections. Under the table work, shelter, space for your family, set you up, they might even have the lawyers you need pro Bono in those rich churches. Church shopping, do not be above it if you don’t have resources. You don’t just get help, you build a community and support system through a common bond, the church. \nI know these aren’t revolutionary tips, but without specifics of your background it’s hard (for me specifically) to give specific advice online as to what services could be provided for you.\nIt’s kind of like a doctors appointment. You need background info to diagnose the resources for you and how to access that help.

Originally from the Philippines here and once a homeless man told me to go back where I came from. I'm actually surprised he said that, I’m just a passerby.\n\nIt hurts a bit but then I moved on. I think racism is everywhere. People just don’t have the time and mental energy to understand and know each other, I guess.\n\nThat is why I’m telling my son to have a good solid ground of resilience (aka not be to be a snowflake). Life is too short to wallow on this. We came to Canada as immigrants, do not except everyone to treat you like a first class citizen. But the way you act, the way you do, and how you treat people around you may earn you respect regardless of your color, race or creed.

Psychology student here. In the interest of accurate information, I would like to point out some flaws I find with some of the studies in this documentary and question the conclusions reached. I understand that CBC Marketplace are not personality psychologists and therefore cannot be expected to produce the same quality of work as a scientist. However, I think it is worthwhile to think critically about the information in the media that we consume. I am also open to anyone who wants to engage in debating the contents of this documentary.\n\n\nThe following are some notes I took while watching the documentary outlining the individual hypotheses of the studies I think are flawed and descriptions of their respective accompanying errors. \n\n\nThere are three possible research questions, and thereby dependent variables, being answered by the apartment hunting studies.\n1. If there is no discrimination between the white man and the first-nations man, then they should get equal treatment, including quotes and availability, when apartment hunting. \na. Could the gender of the landlord be a confounding variable (perhaps men are more discriminatory than women)? \n \n2. If there is no discrimination between the white man and the first-nations man between Toronto, Montreal, Regina, and Victoria, then they should get equal treatment, including quotes and availability, when apartment hunting. \na. Could total apartments visited be a confounding variable? (4 in Toronto, 3 in Montreal, Regina, and Victoria) \nb. Could the gender of the landlord be a confounding variable (perhaps men are more discriminatory than women)? \nc. They only showed the black man apartment hunting in some of the trials. I am considering him out of the study for consistency purposes. The first-nations man is the only one who got unfair treatment in the footage of apartment hunting. \n \n3. Possible hypothesis: If male landlords/agents are more discriminatory than female landlords/agents, then the white man and the first-nations man will get different treatment at different Canadian apartments in equally diverse cities. \na. Don’t know all the information about the genders of the landlords/agents, not all the footage is shown, but the ones where they get ripped off are male. The others shown are female. The remaining interactions are not shown.\n\n\nThere are also some factors that may have influenced the racial bias survey and, in my estimation, rendered it scientifically unreliable.\n\n\n1. The bias survey and accompanying tests at the CBC attributed the differences between the studies to unconscious racism. What if it was just due to familiarity with certain racial groups over others? \na. The black participants had no bias between European-American and African Americans, supposedly indicating no racism, while the white and first-nations participants did, supposedly indicating racism. Is it possible that another interpretation of this result is that bias is a function of familiarity: that we are comfortable with the majority demographic in the geographical location we live in, as well as our own kind. Therefore, the black guys are less biased against black people due to being both black and living in a white majority demographic? \nb. The participants took the survey knowing the objectives of the researchers was to study racial discrimination. They might have influenced the answers they gave \nc. Whether the participants agreed with identity politics or not was a confounding factor that was not controlled . You can only be racially unbiased biased if you think that racial identity is a means of accurately viewing the world. People who do not believe in the existence of identity politics may answer the questions quite differently, which could be a different reason for the results.\nd. I took the study myself. The words that participants were required to match were a mix of adjectives and nouns. It is known within psychology that nouns have higher levels of imagery. This was not properly controlled and therefore is another confounding variable. \n \nAll the other studies looked fine to me. I welcome any discussion on my observations.

I understand one thing if they miss their homes so much why the fuck are you here go back home why are you making someone else’s country you’re on the mend a country like that’s ridiculous and that’s not racist that’s just literally affects you coming to someone else’s country and make it your own country where the fuck did you come here at the first place

I used to live in Brampton and this is the city where I first landed. No hatred for the city but people have ruined it. I'm a brown guy myself so I can't be racist against my own people and tbh, some of the best people I know in Canada are Sikhs but even they accept the fact that there is a large number of bad apples in their community. Sikhs have played a major part in both positive and negative way, to make and break this city.\n\nInsurance scams in Brampton cost their citizens to pay one of the highest premiums in the country. Generally, drivers in Brampton have no fuckin' idea how to drive because the licences were literally bought. \n\nA large number of people of our brown community always hell bent on abusing the system, wherever they go. We bring the same back home mindset here in Canada rather follow the system. \n\nThe only thing mostly brown community is focused on is how to make money and that's all. Don't try to learn the language, don't like to mix with people, don't care about the laws or anything. They only like to have nice big houses, show off their leased fancy cars and that's all.\n\nI left this city for good and don't regret my decision at all when I see numerous videos about the bad situation in Brampton. I'd love to move back to Ontario but cannot live in this city anymore. One thing really pissed me off when I was there that most people expect every brown person to speak Punjabi and when I used to tell them that I don't speak or understand Punjabi, you could see the surprized looks on their face.

I have zero issues with immigrants seeking a better life in another country, being one myself, but a few things about some immigrants baffle me always. How do people expect to be welcomed and accepted by the folks of another country when they don't even bother to learn the language. This guys been in the US for 15 years and can't speak any English? Its not the worse case , I've seen people live far longer 30 or 40 years in countries like the UK where I'm from and they cannot speak a word of English because they choose to live in a self imposed microcosm of the country they came from. \nThey have to understand that it's very insulting to native people and citizens of a country that you want to be treated as a citizen yourself but won't make efforts to adapt to the language and cultures of the country you have chosen to live in, I cannot think of a better way to ostracize yourself than failing to learn the language.\n It would be far easier to have sympathy for your cause if you are able to show that you have integrated and intend to be a citizen of that country 100% and the easiest way is to be able to communicate your cause yourself.

America is not all about war war war and guns just because we have a big military jeez! And not everyone here has a gun, there are some people that just don't like them for different reasons.\n If you come to a place like Texas yea just about everybody here has one I do, but there are still people even here that don't like um. You can't be an expert on another country by being there 100 something days. And I don't understand where everybody has this impression that all Americans are fat. Americans come in all shapes and sizes the same as everywhere els and other parts of the country are more health conscious than others. In every state you will find hundreds of gyms and plenty of muscled up fit Americans.\n As for the health care thing, I don't get it either but that was Obama momma and his stupid ideas, he was trying to destroy this country on purpose you know he's a muslim and we will never let one of those bastards sneak their way in office again. Now that Trump is in office he is trying to fix that or make it better some how. I have often wondered why can't we have a healthcare system like Canada's but America spends all of it's money on so many things in the world because of our position on the world stage we just can't work that out, thats what happens when you're the world super power.\n Most Americans have health insurance through their employer, a certain amount is taken out of our paycheck every month and if I get sick or have an emergency I pay a small co pay at the doctors office which is 35 dollars and emergency room co pay is 150 the insurance pays the rest.

it's not the religion.... it's the mac's convenience and the corner stores selling tropicana juice for 6 bucks a liter. It's the family oriented hiring policies and the rural area stores being bought and not offering fishing bait, ice or firewood but instead offering dollar store fishing lures for 20 bucks. it's the electronic stores that sell tape decks and old CD players. The stuff that really makes a bad impression is when a muslim family buys a Pizza Pizza or a subway and then changes the restaurant so that there is no where to be seated and the food is processed by someone who won't look me in the eye once and speaks a language that I can't understand to an employer about my sandwich and i will never know what the problem was. I feel like my spanish and native friends treat me the same as them. I feel like the scottish guy who hates me for not waking up at 5 in the morning is only mad because i'm not working as hard as him. I'm saying that maybe a lot of muslims don't want to be our friends and maybe some do... but it seems like they don't want to be my friend but will message a pretty white girl on every single facebook post with paragraphs of physical praise. i probably get a lot of facts wrong... but that world may be too far away for us to acclimate into each others societies. I'd like it though if we could all live in such a manner where we could feel like we aren't all gunning for a chunk of the world.

The thing I don't understand is that when people come to our country to live and enjoy our way of living, why can't they just follow our beliefs and not try to change them... I will never change my culture to make any immigrant feel more like home, if they don't like it then they can go back to where ever they came from... I personally don't mind immigrants, but they have to start excepting our culture and not try to change...

Though I am not a Muslim, I understand that Islam stands to correct the pervasive western Marxist-Consumerist-Mainstream-Cult the moral majority just will not subscribe to but must succumb to understood rules for homosexuals where men are emasculated, women dress like whores and fatherlessness is the fashion.

I can understand how these countries allow women to cover their face like that? \n\nYou don't have a right to do whatever you want, it is limited with rights of other people, in this case my right to be able to identify a person who was participating in/witnessing a crime or an accident or whatever. If you are on public grounds you have no right to conceal your identity and covering face does exactly that. \n\nI personally think their religion is oppressing women and that this is not really a choice for them as they fear hell, or their family abandoning them or worse, but regardless of that, their religious freedom stops where my, and rights of other people begin.