Close Reading

Pierre Poilievre’s Immigration Hypocrisy: A Study in Convenient Principles Disguised as Conviction Pierre Poilievre has never met a border he did not want to fortify, a refugee claim he did not want to scrutinize, or an irregular crossing he did not want to turn into a national morality play. For years, he has warned Canadians that the country is being overrun by “illegal border crossers,” “queue jumping asylum seekers,” and “abusers of the system.” He delivers these warnings with the solemnity of a man announcing a biblical plague, not a handful of exhausted families walking across a ditch in Quebec. In Poilievre’s political universe, Roxham Road is not a rural footpath. It is a symbol of national decline. It is chaos incarnate. It is the place where the rule of law goes to die. It is, in short, the perfect stage upon which he can perform his favorite role: the lone defender of order in a world gone soft. At least, that is the story he tells the public. The private story, as publicly reported, is considerably less heroic. The Public Record That Refuses to Behave: According to reporting from The Breach and the National Observer, someone described as the uncle of Poilievre’s spouse has an immigration history that reads like a greatest hits compilation of everything Poilievre claims to oppose. The reporting outlines that he entered Canada and made a refugee claim. That claim was refused. A deportation order was issued. He later re-entered Canada through Roxham Road. He then filed a humanitarian and compassionate application. Poilievre’s spouse reportedly helped prepare that application. This is not fringe gossip. This is what journalists documented through correspondence, interviews, and immigration records. In other words, the exact pathway Poilievre condemns as “abuse of the system” is the same pathway publicly reported to have been used by someone connected to him. And suddenly, the man who treats Roxham Road like a national security breach becomes quieter than a library at midnight. The slogans stop. The outrage evaporates. The border, once a sacred line, becomes a flexible suggestion. The Rhetoric: A Symphony of Outrage: Poilievre’s immigration rhetoric is a carefully orchestrated performance. He warns that irregular border crossings undermine the rule of law. He insists humanitarian and compassionate applications are loopholes. He claims the system is being gamed. He declares that Canada must “take back control.” He delivers these lines with the moral certainty of a man who believes compassion is a gateway drug. In his speeches, asylum seekers are not people. They are symbols. They are props. They are the raw material from which he fashions his political identity. He is the sheriff. They are the threat. The border is the battleground. And Canada is the damsel in distress. It is a compelling narrative. It is also a narrative that collapses the moment it becomes personally inconvenient. The Reality: A Study in Elastic Principles: When someone connected to Poilievre uses the very same system he condemns, the rules change with breathtaking speed. Irregular border crossings are no longer a crisis. They are a misunderstanding. A technicality. A regrettable but understandable choice. Humanitarian and compassionate applications are no longer loopholes. They are legitimate pathways. Necessary tools. Evidence of a compassionate system. The border is no longer a sacred line. It is a suggestion. A guideline. A flexible concept open to interpretation. It is a remarkable transformation, like watching a man insist that jaywalking is a crime against humanity until his friend does it, at which point it becomes a misunderstood act of civic expression. The Political Convenience of Shifting Standards: Poilievre’s political identity is built on the idea that he alone will restore order. He alone will enforce the rules. He alone will protect Canada from the chaos of irregular migration. But the moment the rules become inconvenient, they are no longer rules. They are preferences. They are vibes. They are whatever he needs them to be in the moment. This is not a minor contradiction. It is a fundamental collapse of the moral architecture he has built his political brand upon. If irregular crossings are a crisis, then they are a crisis for everyone. If humanitarian applications are loopholes, then they are loopholes for everyone. If the system is broken, then it is broken for everyone. But Poilievre’s version of justice is not universal. It is conditional. It is situational. It is deeply, profoundly personal. The Broader Pattern: Institutions Are Sacred Until They Are Not: This is not the first time Poilievre’s principles have proven to be more flexible than advertised. He has attacked the Supreme Court of Canada when its rulings do not align with his political needs. He has accused the justice system of being too lenient when it suits him and too harsh when it does not. He has framed himself as the defender of institutions while undermining them whenever they become inconvenient. It is a pattern. It is a habit. It is a worldview. And it reveals something essential about his politics. For Poilievre, institutions are not pillars of democracy. They are tools. They are props. They are instruments to be used when helpful and discarded when not. The Satirical Truth: A Philosophy in One Sentence: Pierre Poilievre’s immigration philosophy can now be summarized with clinical precision: Canada must crack down on irregular border crossings, except for the ones that are fine. And he will decide which ones are fine. It is a stance that bends so far backward it could qualify for a gymnastics medal. It is a stance that reveals more about political convenience than national security. It is a stance that exposes the gap between what Poilievre says and what Poilievre does. And it is a stance that makes one thing abundantly clear. Polievre's Hypocrisy

When did Canada become so unwelcoming? They are students that want a better life. Let them stay, this isn't who we are as Canadians. We all are immigrants legal or illegal. Come on guys shame...

Very well done video & Thank YOU for showcasing the point of view from "real Canadians". As an immigrant who came to this country & fell in love with its culture 40 years ago, it's appalling to see how our beautiful first world country is quickly becoming a gutter. The newcomers these days are the privileged ones. All of us need to speak up, especially those of us immigrants who retain our original accents &/ non-white because our white fellow Canadians are accused of being racist whenever they do (though many could learn to be more eloquent. ie. go back to your country does NOT help)! I see it as my Canadian duty to remind "misbehaving" newcomers the reason they left their country in the first place. ie. You chose Canada for a better life, so why try to change it into the one you left? ie. Help me understand your logic? Why not leave your hate & war at the border; just like normal folks won't bring stinky garbage into their new homes. Life is challenging enough when you uprooted to a new country (especially our unforgiving cold Winter). So, just focus on the positive things in your new country & leave all your miseries behind... ie. Learn to adapt & enjoy your new country. Canada is a great country because of the love & effort of those before you, so now you are the beneficiary. Join the legacy by enhancing this beautiful country & its culture, so you can pass on this century old legacy for later newcomers to enjoy, like you do now. What dignity do you have & what kind of life lessons to your children by bullying your culture & religion into Canada at the expense of other Canadians? This will fracture Canada if everyone does that. Do you want this country to become so fractured & terrible that your descendants have to leave for a better country, like you did? Is that what your religion teaches you? Does it state it's perfectly fine to satisfy all your whims & wishes at the expense of others? Are you striving for Canadians to think badly of your race/culture? Are you being a good ambassador to your race/community/culture/religion? Canadians are so friendly & helpful, if you need help, just ask, please don't demand. Learn the language & it's ok to speak broken/pigeon English with gestures to communicate. No one expects you to be an English scholar; you gain respect for trying. Apply some basic Canadians manners, which goes a long way... Please & Thank You, Smile doesn't cost you anything, besides it's good exercise for your facial muscles. I worked my entire career with the public, I very seldom encounter negative feedback when I do the above. If they get nasty, I tell them that's definitely not the Canadian way to make friends & wish them Good Luck! I also make a point in telling the wealthy ones "Tax Avoidance is legal (I'm more than happy to show them), but Tax Evasion is not! Then reminding them....Canada will be bankrupt eventually if everyone don't pay their fair share of taxes. ie. You may not suffer, but your children/grandchildren will. Worst Case scenario, you didn't get the necessary medical care when you most needed it!!! We should lobby for a mandatory course that all newcomers have to take & PASS a test about Canadian culture & expectations. If they fail, no citizenship for sure! But that would be another hornets nest because our parliament will debate over definition of "Canadian Culture" for decades. Welcome to Canada!😂

I heard why the government did the immigrants wrong. I was talking to an uber driver and my pharmacist. They told me the promises of luxury in Canada has and offered for them to live a better lives. They didn't know after they came here for work and or college/university they become in major debt. They said that they're in a luxury debt and never getting out of debt knowing that they're stuck in Canada and can't be allowed to leave unless they pay off the debts. That's 100 % wrong to do that to people when they know they don't feel welcomed and want to go home. I'm a metis Canadian and I had to leave Ontario to find affordability and miss my home. GOVERNMENT THIS IS YOUR FAULT AND YOU KNOW IT! Let them go home in debt. You made this mess. FIX IT! Including the baby boomers that made the problem started 8 % rate interests to buy houses. That was a mistake that should be bought 1 house and nothing else. I forgot to add something. The uber driver told me that india doesn't know that it's a debt luxury trap that you can't leave unless you pay your debt. He felt alone and found some people and the internet to make himself feel better temporary. TEMPORARY! He hates it here, but he respects Canadians. He feels sorry for the new ones that are coming to become debt trap. It's the same for the pharmacy. She got into college to be a pharmacy and bought the store. She is on low income but doesn't qualify for any supports like benefits to pay off her medical things. The reason she can't because they'll see the pharmacy store is income. Wait what? So she doesn't quilify for benefits because she's making income to pay off her massive loan to do her job. It's not enough to live by as what she told me. She also does misses home, but also traped in luxury debt. This is what I have learned so far. I went through a car accident and coudln't get out of the car. I thought in Brampton, Ontario was the rudest people on the planet, but was saved by the angels of indian people saved me out of the vehicle from the smoke. I still thank you! There is still good people out there and some are stupid people out there. Keep it up because being kind gets you to be positive to others and make things better when the world is fcked right now.

So, everyone's favorite leader of Canada failed negotiations with Trump and decided to go public by putting pressure on the American people who are paying for the whole buffet. Since when did politics and diplomacy become such an ugly mess?

The ChiComs, working with their Liberal minions, have made sure that any election will be rigged. Trump is trying to save Canada because he will send Troops into Canada to eject the Chinese military. He wants to do it with laws by getting Canada to join the USA. If that does not happen, he will use the military to do it, and Canada will be seen as the enemy of the USA allied with China. Trudeau admitted that without the welfare the USA has been providing to Canada, your economy will collapse. The Bank of Canada is bankrupt. The Canadian dollar is about to collapse. How will you feel next year when you need two dollars to buy what one dollar buys now? And plan on having fewer dollars to start with because your carbon tax, your sales tax, your income tax are all going up. WAY up. This is what happens when you decide to compete with a USA that is unshackled. The USA can produce more of our own oil than we can use, and we will sell the extra to YOUR foreign customers cheaper than you can produce it. Then you will be BEGGING for a pipeline. So Trump invited Canada to become a member of the most successful and powerful union of sovereign states in history, something that even our own territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and all the others do not have. An invitation to be a bona fide member. Why do you think that is? Minerals? The USA has all the minerals we need. We have more oil, coal, and natural gas than any nation also, and we can produce and refine it cheaper than any country can. So Canada was invited to become a state so Trump could peacefully eject the ChiComs from North America. And did you accept? No. Did you say no thank you? No. You gave us the finger and said f&$k you to Trump. We hear you Canada. But now is not the time for pain, that comes later.

You know I'm so sorry this idiot did this to you when I'm from the United States and I'm really sorry you're right the world's going to go crazy and it's going to be the United States it's going to pay for it and you know maybe one day we can all move to Canada where we can have a better life than to Trump's out of office if he doesn't become a dictator you never know what could happen in life he already is a dictator I finally got away from all that and we all came in the United States for peace not for what we're going through right now I'm sorry Canada sorry Mexico I'm sorry the rest of the world but I voted the right way and other people voted the wrong way and some people are understanding what they did and some people are still sticking by what they did so hopefully somewhere else could be some peace for some Americans in some way or another

Justin Trudeau, you did this to Canada. It’s so disrespectful calling the sitting President Donald. Why don’t you go raise carbon taxes, send our money to Ukraine and bring in another 10,000 Sudan’s when your people are sleeping on the street. This speech is a joke, look at yourself in the mirror and say all this to yourself. Also, stop lying that only a small percentage of fentanyl go into the states from Canada! You’re lying and need to stop holding our country hostage so the conservatives can clean up YOUR mess just like they’re doing in the US! Thanks to you many Canadians are excited and wish to become the 51st state because you’ve made Canada such a threat to the US National Security. You brought in millions of unvetted immigrants, terrorists and allowed so much crime. CNN shame on you. You’ve fed these poor people so many lies they have no idea of the corruption going on. Thank God Justin is gone. Bye Bye Governor Trudeau.

The problem is not international students themselves; the problem lies with students who cheat the system to become international students.\n\nSecondly, no international students are promised permanent residency (PR). There is a pathway to PR, and the government should ensure it is followed. However, if a student's study or work permit expires, they must leave as they declared when applying for the permit. Canada understands that individuals from developing nations may not want to return home, and that is understandable. But the proper process must be followed.\n\nI agree that the Canadian government has made mistakes. However, international students also took advantage of the system, which I can understand. The government should never have allowed international students to obtain work permits so easily. They should have been required to complete their studies, secure a job offer, and only then apply for a work permit. This would be the point at which their PR process could begin.\n\nWhat the government did instead was detrimental to Canadians. By allowing international students to get work permits immediately, bring their spouses, and provide work permits to them as well, they created challenges. Students should focus on studying first, graduating, and then finding a job—just as it used to be.\n\nThe government should create regulations requiring all publicly funded colleges and universities to cap the fees charged to international students. These institutions should only be allowed to charge a maximum of 15% to 25% above the fees for local students. Charging exorbitant amounts was essentially a form of robbery, exploiting international students with the false hope of permanent residency (PR), which is never guaranteed.

I was born in Canada in the 80s. My parents are from India. So call me racist if it gets you off. My ass is browner than yours probably. \nMy parents, and my uncles and aunts who came here in the late 1970s had to work their asses off to prove they were worthy of even ENTERING Canada, let alone to live in the country. ALL of my older male relatives who came to Canada at that time had a PhD in a science related field or was a medical doctor. EVEN then, they had to go through years of re-training in Canadian schools in order to have a shot at PR. And they persevered and did it, and did well. \nNow, anyone and their dog is allowed in, and it's kind of an insult to all my relatives had to accomplish in order to build a life here. They had to earn doctorates and medical degrees TWICE (once in India and again in Canada).\nWell, that generation did well, and now we're the kids who are grateful and enjoying the sacrifice they put in. What will the kids of illiterate, minimum wage workers be like? Probably not so good.\nCanada's probably done. But does the average Canadian have any desire to do anything. Nope. They used to value hard work and ambition when I was growing up but Canadian culture has become lack of ambition, and entitlements just for existing. \nSo, at least I was raised with the idea of working to no end and sacrificing in order to accomplish something in life. Now, I have the resources to live where I like and do. Canada's just a place I visit now if I feel like it.\nThose of you who like to sit at Tim Horton's every weekend with your beer and weed every night complaining about how your employer should pay you more obesity privileges, enjoy being served by the migrants who WILL take over as you approach the counter in your government funded scooter. You all reaped what you sowed. Most Canadians WELCOMED socialism and their wish came true. Peace.

I am watching this video from Canada and I have 4 words for you - “DO NOT COME HERE!!!” Everything that was mentioned in the video is absolutely true. Canada is facing many problems, unaffordable housing, broken healthcare systems, homeless people, drugs. I am always scared to walk in downtown at night when I’m returning from work. And the worst part is, you cannot even defend yourself here if a homeless person is attacking you. If you do that you will be prosecuted saying that why did you touch that homeless guy and it is a violation of human rights, which is stupid. So does that mean that we should just let a random homeless person kill us?? How does that make sense?? My friend who was having an asthma attack had to sit in the emergency room for 8 hours. If something would have happened, who would be responsible? And the list just goes on. And what does the Canadian prime minister do about that….? Let a guy be a girl and a girls become a guy? What does that even mean??? I have nothing against the LGBTQ people. That’s your life do whatever you want, I don’t care. But there are so many other issues going on in the country and the government is focusing on allowing people to change their genders !! \nAnd the worst part is that a portion of the tax we pay from our hard earned money goes to the homeless people. And what do they do? Buy drugs and start attacking random people. I really feel sorry for this country and the people of this country. \nI always respected my county, India but now I really feel that the sense of security, belongingness, our culture is amazing !!! \nIf anyone is planning to come to Canada for studies, please think again. And if you have already booked your flight, all the best….its going to be extremely tough.

Canada is a corporation and I guess the more immigrants WE have then the GDP looks better. I am a Canadian and my mother was born here and my grandmother came to Canada in 1907 from the USA when she was 7 years old. I was born in the 1940s and brought up in rural surroundings. Back then We had traditional beliefs and I had farming background. Connection of relatives and helping our neighbours were how We lived. I became a schoolteacher. I saw that in 1954 when I went to school that learning was not natural and it was fear based. Then I completed a dip. of ed psy and then I decided that if I ever wanted to help change the system that I would require at least an m. ed. - leadership. I knew the university I went to would not be able to say no to me when I applied to get into this program. However, I was too much of an negative influence on the younger students and had to finish the last couple of classes at home and which I did. Today, the families have been divided, people do not connect or communicate properly and I have to question what living skills did I learn? Instead, my head was filled with propaganda which sadly, I've had to relearn. I say, stay in your own country and fix it there. Indian has some wonder ancient wisdoms for healing and health. The OWNERS of our nations like the banking families realize that when new immigrates come in that they assimilate more, and the older generations begin to question what THEY were taught and why. I remember when say a barn burned down or one had to be built that neighbours would help build the barn for the farmer. Then we would all celebrate and the women would get together and cook the food and we would have a barn dance. Life was simple then, but connection was authentic and we didnt lose ourselves. We must know ourselves and our history or we are lost and so many people live in chaos and ignorance. Learn to become our Divine selves. Learn to understand that WE are living in a fictional world when We are educated to be who we are not.

I'm all for immigration to help a country grow however, what Canada has done is first, bring in too many at once and not INTEGRATED the new comers. \n\nFact is, if you want to go to a country because of their freedom and job opportunity then don't come and try to change the country into what you just fled from!!\n\nAnd this is what has happened. Canada has allowed our laws and even speech change to cater to a foreign culture and political idea. Canada became great for what it was and ways it was not for socialism and other country politics. We've got road sign in Pakistan and some in Mandarin and some in blah blah blah. Too many languages creates divide and this is the other issue. Our own country, a country that designates french or English has signs and communities designated in foreign languages. This is not acceptable and is a cause creating divide. You come, you learn the language and INTEGRATE! We loved our country, you wanted to come for what our country has so don't try to turn it into the country you fled! And stop alienating the people who were here before you. \n\nSo, these are the two BIG ISSUES Canadians complain about. Rightfully so. \n\nI myself don't live in Ontario but find Alberta has become a foreign country and I feel like I am in danger now in my own lands. Integration is so important, and Trudeau bringing in millions in a short time line did not integrate but now caused a great deal of violence and many new comers confused and hateful to Canadians when they simply don't understand that what they have done is not integrate but are overtaking and we feel at war with them.

You explained this so well!! My partner and I moved to Canada 3 years ago just as we got approved for H1B. We had to chose between moving to CA or staying there in an uncertain limbo for 2 decades waiting for a greencard. You did a good job talking about the downsides of moving such as a lower salary and higher home prices. We bought a small townhouse for the price we could have paid in the US for a detached house. Many people I know in similar situations leave CA and move back to the US once they get their Canadian citizenship. However, I do think that there are many reasons to stay such as the political climate. The US has become very regressive banning abortions, making gun laws more lenient and it’s not as accepting when it comes to diversity and inclusion (be it POC community or Lgbtqia+) unless you live in a big city which is expensive. These are the reasons we chose to stay, especially if we have kids as school shootings are getting more and more common there.

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.

You've explained it very well. For people like us who have gone through both systems, details about it are like second nature to us, like breathing. But I really want to correct that express entry in Canada is very varied and you don't necessarily need to have a job offer. A combination of your degrees, or the years of work experience you already have could likely already be enough to be approved. It's a very transparent point-based system that you can calculate on your own. Another thing to mention you forgot to mention is Green Card is still not citizenship. You need to have a green card for 5 more years before you can apply for US citizenship as opposed to only a few years in Canada. I moved from a very high paying job in the US (after studying in a US university) for exactly this reason to Canada. I took a large pay cut (still 6 figures), but I was express entry approved in 1.5 years. A year has passed since, and I'm eligible for citizenship in less than 6 months. \n\nIt is a game-changing system for Canada and it will have massive benefits down the line as skilled talent from the US drains to Canada. It will not be apparent yet, but it will become apparent in the near future. I plan to start many businesses and employ people. Canada took me in when the US did not, and so I will definitely start businesses in Canada instead and create employment here. A lot of skilled talent is reasoning along the same lines and a massive shift in the headwinds is coming.\n\nPS - The one thing Canada is not doing well, is housing. The system is set up correctly, but not enough housing is being built, cities expanded, or any coordination done to make sure people are settling in a more distributed manner. This needs to be fixed ASAP. The prices are becoming outrageous rivalling the US. Canada has always been so sparse, it's not prepared for this. It needs housing construction on war footing. I don't see the current government taking it seriously.

I see this done a lot but there's a big difference between correlation and causation. Your Rbc example shows the top people all white, including women I may add. It's very ingenuous to claim racism based purely on who has risen to the top. Would you call the NBA racist because blacks overwhelmingly are represented or did they get there because they were the best? It's really exhausting having to correct leftist talking points based on nothing.\nThis is the problem today, racism is used so much that it's become little more than name calling because people, usually on the left, call anyone they disagree with racist.\nYou dislike illegal immigration? Racist. You can be pro lawful immigration but have the wrong opinion and your a racist.\nHate crimes? These are incredibly rare and are often skewed politically, largely for reasons I just explained but if an indigenous man assaults an Asian lady, it's less likely to be labeled a hate crime as, say a white male doing the exact same.\nNot so common here but in the US, there are numerous examples of blacks assaulting Asians and orthodox jews and the media will cleverly imply it's whites by saying white supremacy is on the rise, then give the stats on hate crimes, most of which were not committed by whites. It's this kind of media manipulation that creates an inaccurate impression.\nNow, for the indigenous, yes, there is systemic racism. We have an entire governmental system treating natives differently with reserves, different taxes, hunting rights etc by definition it's systemically racist although many are a benefit.\nI also agree with your comment on Quebec with it's strong almost nationalist attitudes towards maintaining it's French heritage at the expense of individual rights.\n, please don't label someone or an organization as racist just because a bunch of white people occupy top positions without evidence that racism was the cause when it could just be they were the best candidates. Is it not best to not always assume the absolute worst before coming to a conclusion? It's like our legal system based on a biblical tale of choosing to let a 100 guilty go free than condemn a single innocent man. A founding principle to modern western countries that should apply here.\nBeing racist is a serious and nasty accusation that should be thrown only when it's established. I don't call someone a child killer just because I disagree with their politics and to do so is an a front to genuine victims. \nI'd argue Canada is one of the least racist nations on Earth. Name a country, you think is LESS racist, I'm curious, what would you suggest? I would counter that racism or xenophobia is far more common in non western countries.\nI would suggest countries in Asia, Africa and others with less multicultural populations harbor more racist sentiment towards other races. Visit Japan, very xenophobic but no one dares call them racist because it doesn't promote the leftist stereotype of white man racism.\nThere's a reason you never saw racism but had to be lectured by holier than thou self flagulating liberals about the scourge of racism, it's mostly a fabrication. These same people can never give a factual example beyond what you provide with the Rbc example. If it's that bad you would think they can provide real evidence.\nHave you actually met or seen racism in Canada? You probably have a better chance being struck by lightning.

Aren’t we fortunate in the US to have **none** of these problems!\n\nWe have no homeless here!\n\nTake a look at SF, LA (where all “solutions” are rooted in Bolshevism; “Hi, we’re from the government and will be taking over half of your front yard for homeless yurts (Ok, tents)--true story. Take a gander at any large, medium, and even a few small cities.\n\nHave you ever heard of Detroit (once proud home of my beloved Motown music), Baltimore (complete devastation), or Chicago (my home town—don’t make me cry)?\n\nThe entire homeless situation started when mental hospitals were snake pits and certain factions demanded that people be released.\n\nSure, it sounds humanitarian but they didn't bother to consider what would happen to mentally ill patients suddenly left to their own devices on the streets.\n\nThe do gooders actually were foolish enough to believe that the seriously ill patients (schizophrenic, bipolar, borderline, and plenty of others) would take their meds on their own. It doesn't work that way for patients who are not in contact with reality.\n\nNow we add extreme drugs (crack, meth, heroine, ketamine, whatever they hand out at parties, etc) and severe cases of PTSD/PTSS. It's obscene that we have veterans on the streets.\n\nHeath care--?. Pre Obamacare it wasn’t terrible but medicine had become a CYA project. We are so litigious (side eye to John Edwards ) that doctors practice defensive medicine and carry high limit malpractice insurance (guess who pays for that?). Every decision is driven by avoiding lawsuits, not proper patient care.\n\nPost Obamacare, US health care is an unmitigated disaster at every level. We’re short on doctors, too. Many quit and students are losing interest—medicine won’t pay enough anymore to justify $500K in loans.\n\nWe could repeal every bit of Obamacare tomorrow and still not be able to fix it. The leviathan grew tentacles that released toxins into every nook and cranny of the system. Now that they have buried themselves in critical layers, it would be impossible to yank them out.\n\nI have a good PCP who is booked 6-8 weeks out. Specialists? Hah. GI, neuro, and derm? Four to six month wait post referral.\n\nI never thought I would say such a thing but I would probably swap the Serial Sexual Predator occupying the WH for your Little Lord Fauntleroy.\n\nCan Canada compete with us in corruption? Government employees seriously tried to topple a sitting president and not only were there no consequences, they were able to retire on fat pensions that we citizens work hard to provide for them.\n\nOur government is run entirely by K Street lobbyists; our “representatives” don’t even draft legislation, that’s done for them by K ST.\n\nHow about crime? Do we even need to talk about it?\n\nHousing crisis? Prices were already too high when the regime (predictably) created runaway inflation and we saw the end of affordable interest rates. Even 0.25% increase will knock out many buyers; they won’t be able to qualify.\n\nWe are seeing huge jumps; young people have resigned themselves to never being homeowners.\n\nRacism? Again, look to the US. It’s nothing even close to what the make believe media caterwauls about. If white supremacists are behind every tree, where is the evidence? Surely, in 2023 has caught a cell phone video, right? Where are the videos? Show me the proof. There is plenty of footage of BLM destroying property and injuring, even murdering innocents. If we gripe about this behavior, we are raaayyyycccciiiiissssts.\n\nNo rational adult would claim that the US is not a violent country and becoming more so. Nor can we claim to have eliminated racism. That takes time; it cannot be done by force.\n\nOur economy went from smokin hot to dumpster fire in a short span of time. Pre election, head hunters were shaking the trees to find job candidates.\n\nOur unemployment is up as are our taxes with the stomping out of the tax cuts. \n\nDespite the endless sloganeering about how the Trump tax cuts only benefited “rich” people, it’s quite the opposite.\n\nHigh earners lost their pet deductions and lower income taxpayers were quite pleasantly surprised when they did their returns. The cuts were targeted to preserve wealth for the middle and lower classes.\n\nI could go on for another 100 pages but you get the idea and I get crabby writing for free.\n\nI will leave you with the caution that it’s best if you doubt and question any data and any stats coming from our government. Those are seldom legit. If the data comes from a study, always look to see who paid for it. And how large the sample size was; how were the participants selected? We are all on our own when it comes to ferreting out info.\n\nOh Canada!\n\nYou’re welcome.

I agree with most of your points, but as a person who immigrated to Canada 23 years ago, I am still happy that i did it, grateful for the opportunities that Canada offered to me, even though i had to work hard for everything. Few points i want to make for those who consider immigrating:\n1. Uprooting yourself from your country, and starting from the bottom in a foreign country is difficult, and not for everyone. Sometimes, when immigrants go back to visit their home countries, they try to present themselves as successful, and tend to exaggerate the positives. Having realistic expectations is crucial, do a thorough research beforehand, prepare yourself, and you will have better chances to succeed.\n2. I also lived in US for almost 2 years: US is better if you want to do business, or if you are highly specialized (IT, healthcare, etc.), but i wouldn't raise children there, even more so if i were a visible minority. \n3. If you are on top of your career at home, think twice before immigrating, unless you find a suitable position before arrival. If you are in a priviledged position, you have connections, doors are opened easily for you, you might find it difficult to adjust without these things. Many people leave their country because of corruption, they will find that they have more opportunities in Canada. \n4. There are some significant differences between provinces in Canada: Quebec offers low university tuition, Alberta offers the best ratio between average income and average housing costs. (You can buy a new house in Edmonton with about 300k) \n5. Canada might not be for those who want to become milionaires in few years, or for those who want a night life like Las Vegas or Ibiza... but if you are a young couple, motivated and hardworking, who want to raise children in a decent environment, to be able to send them to school without fear, Canada might be a good place.

I have to respectfully disagree with you girls on the tax system in Canada. You mention that you cannot be a millionaire or a billionaire. \n\nI really think that is the problem with our generation, excessive greed, everyone wants to be a millionaire/billionaire, but the reality is most of people in this world will only live an average middle class life or below, that has been the case throughout history in every country on earth. \n\nInstead of wanting to be a millionaire you should strive follow your passion and to master your craft, and if and when you do so, the end result maybe you achieving millionaire billionaire status \n\nThis how most rich people got their wealth, they worked at their craft and had passion and eventually they got the wealth that came along with it \n\nI agree with Canada's progressive tax system, the only problems we have run into since 2010 is that the government has been misallocating taxes collected and giving co-operate tax breaks. But the principle of the progressive tax system makes sense, because up until recently (2010ish) it prevented the nation's wealth from accumulating at the top and in the process increased the velocity of money.\n\n This enabled business to thrive because money was constantly changing hands instead of being concentrated at the top. \n\nThis had an overall effect of enabling most Canadians to join the middle class and in turn make Canada an attractive destination for many immigrants including your selves \n\nIf Canadian system did not have a progressive tax system, there would be gross inequality with all the associated problems (crime/drugs etc). \n\nI really think prospective immigrants should be realistic about their expectations before moving to Canada to avoid dissatisfaction. \n\nIf you could not be a millionaire in the country you were born in and of which culture you belong, but some how you believe that you can move half a world away and become a millionaire. \n\nYou know part of the reason you could not even achieve middle income statust in Africa (I am from Africa as well) let alone be a millionaire is because all the wealth in most African countries is concentrated in the hands of a few corrupt bastards in the government. \n\nThis concentration of wealth at the top is possible when there is no progressive tax system and ensures economic equilibrium in all sectors of the economy\n\nIt is the reason why there is no jobs or opportunity for young people in developing countries \n\nDo not get me wrong you can still be a millionaire in Canada, but you will have to really earn it, there is no shortcuts in life\n\nPatience, passion and perseverance is the key.

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

I will be leaving Canada within a year or so after declaring non-residency and bring my business with me. My view is that Canada is a good place to live a normal life. Healthcare covers your peace of mind, even if the waitlist is long and bureaucratic. Social benefit is not as generous as people suggest sometimes (at least in Canada unless you're on actual welfare where you can't work but you can't rise your way up easily and you're forever stuck in 1.5k CAD/month... which would be ofc much better than other struggling countries but immigrants often aspire for greater things than that. \n\nEven though I was an Asian immigrant, I never faced significant racism afaik (I could be socially naive however), but there are definitely limitations of opportunities. It's not too difficult to find entry to intermediate jobs, at least for me but that's probably because I did schooling here in Canada. And I was able to network aggressively and learned to be an extrovert, so that also helped. But still, Canadian living cost is high (and I'm saying this from Calgary... imagine what it's like in Vancouver/Toronto). Is it doable? Ofc. 50-70k CAD/year is quite doable ESPECIALLY in Calgary, Alberta. But it'd be difficult to achieve financial independence and true wealth. This is true everywhere ofc but more so in Canada compared to, say, USA where living cost is lower and wage is higher with more opportunities. It's a great place to live normally. If you wanna become exceptional (wealth, customized goods and services, etc), it become harder and costs more. \n\nEven now when I now own business after struggling to get here over 10 years that generates income that I need to achieve financial freedom, tax becomes frightfully bad. Alberta (that imposes lowest tax rate compared to other Canadian provinces (not including territories for obvious reason) is comparable to California in USA that is among the highest in all US states. And let's be real; Alberta is nowhere close of being California. Imagine the taxes in BC/Ontario shiver. \n\nOnce my tax rate becomes high enough to justify moving, I will pull the trigger. Still window-shopping where I wanna go and I have some lists but it's gonna happen especially as Canada will have to deal with their struggling economy, further distancing from US and their government mismanagement that continues to cost the society. I will not have any part in it. I may come back once in a while for visit or potentially retire depending on what the future looks like but right now, I just don't see my longterm future here.