Close Reading

I'm very curious where you're moving to! I was living in the UK for a few years, and then Ireland. I moved back home to Canada two years ago. I'm glad I came home, life is getting very difficult there too, and I get to spend more time with my family. I'm actually doing better financially now in Nova Scotia. I feel like it all depends on your personal circumstances. The grass isn't always greener. I wish you all the best abroad! ?

We just left Canada 2 weeks ago. Now we’re in the US. Canada has gotten worse for the last few years or decades according to some. When we applied for Canada, all the prosperity was promising. It was like second or third option behind the US and UK. And now, after 7 years, we have decided to really act and do what’s best for our family and the future of our kids. The main reasons why we left Canada, it’s the high and doubled taxes, the very slow healthcare, you get to start to zero despite your decades of managerial experience, they don’t honor your diploma cuz they have their own standard even if your education or work is US standard, the housing and rentals are skyrocketing. Imagine if the rentals are increasing every year by $50-150 is insane. It’s just so inhumane. Back in my birth country in the Philippines, if you’re poor or low income family..the government don’t tax you. You get a high percentage of healthcare assistance and you also get some free social services including monthly allowance from the national government and another separate assistance from the local government. Canada is beautiful if you have money with all the good and kind people around, but the expenses, it’s gonna kill your pocket.

Canada is a disaster. I live in Detroit area and the economy here is the best in USA. And it’s only a 4 hour drive to Toronto

I've lived in Canada since the late 1980's, starting in Quebec, then Ontario and since 2010 Alberta. I've seen the decline and really don't like where this has gone. However, there have always been ups and downs and the recent pandemic has caused problems for every country. I still like living here, but I love travel as well. So for now we're snowbirds, exploring different locations in South and Central America each winter. I also have ties to Germany, but so far life in Canada suits me more. All the best for your new adventure!

I left Canada over 14 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. Wow what a joke of a video.

I left canada in 2015 and never never never going back to canada, canada have changed from best to worst, currently canada is a 4th world country period.

An alternative might be to stay and make a difference as Canada needs intelligent people like yourself to be the solution. On the other hand at 33 I understand that you can't wait for things to change as it is a turning point in your life. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours.

I don't blame you, a lot of my friends from Canada have left for Asia or Latin America because of the extreme high cost of living, housing prices skyrocketing as well as taxes. Watching your other videos, Asia, Thailand? ?. I wish you the best!

Canada is really still not that bad of a place to live. I am 38 years old suffer with epilepsy own my own house, I am married. My job is Medicore paying and very hard work. Me and my wife have plenty of disposable income at the end of the month to do what we want with or save it. A lot of people need to learn how to budget money. Stay away from credit cards, personal loans , expensive cars basically useless shit. Yes canada is expensive but there ways around it. Example stop living in expensive cities. Find skill sets around your job if you want extra money trust me there many of them. I make more money just on my hobbies then I do working, guess what tax free. Health care not the best but it is still really not that bad yet. Point being if I can handle Canada you can to trust me I am nobody special. I just live within my means and have hustles on the side with just high school education.

I was born and raised in Canada, 3rd gen on my Dad's side and 2nd gen on my Mom's side. I'm retired and would move abroad, but am impoverished now. Canada is a tragedy that is still happening. There are no good reasons why we are where we are now. This country has very little resemblance to the Canada I grew up in. It's a disgrace, and it's still getting worse. Alina, do not apologize for being able to see the reality here. Most of us do, and only the fools can't see it. Go where you are treated best, and don't look back.

It is interesting how much I've heard this from Canadians in recent years. Growing up in America's dull, dingy, squalid Rust Belt it was always a thrill to visit cities like Toronto and Montreal. The strip of water separating Windsor (itself not exactly Paris) from Detroit might be starkest line between two countries this side of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. But I was only ever a tourist in Canada and perhaps it's true about the grass always being greener. Best of luck in your new home.

Thank you Alina for your video. I have lived in Canada for more than 2 decades now. Wish you the best luck for whatever you plan to do. I think it will be interesting to see video which countries you think is good to move to, comparison, advantages and disadvantages, and so on! I am waiting for your next videos!

I left fourteen years ago because I saw it coming. Best decision of my life, except I do miss the Canada of my childhood... it's gone now.

I wish I could leave. I have stage 4 breast cancer so I’m stuck in Canada. Best wishes Alina on your move!

Bye bye. Having travelled the world Canada is the best country to live. Covid and the world was hit with financial issues etc. look at history and you will see the good and bad times come and go.

Sorry Alina that you leaving Canada. All the best in the future wherever you decide to move to. Take care and be safe.

This is a moment in time, it's been caused by a combination of inflation and a lack of housing, which was exacerbated by a flood of immigrants and refugees. It's already starting to ease, but it's going to take a change of government to cut the immigration numbers and encourage housebuilding. Literally no one recommended raising the immigration quota to 500,000 per year and on top of that there is the Ukrainian refugee programme and student visas. Anyway, speaking as someone who used to work as an immigration consultant, the best place for a YouTuber to live is Mexico. It's easy to immigrate, you're in the same timezone as most of the English-speaking audience (that makes the most money per view) and Mexico (and Canada) have extremely comprehensive tax treaties with the US and endless MOUs and so on, which make dealing with Google and the IRS super easy. I think you can even use a US bank account with AdSense. Удачи вам.

Although things have changed since the pandemic, I still feel safe in all the major Canadian cities. I’m doing OK, but unlike a lot of people I don’t take vacations, don’t own a car - I hate driving - and haven’t needed to use the medical system for awhile. I’m optimistic about the future, and am content with most things about Canada. Well, maybe not the weather.\n\nBut I can understand moving abroad to explore other options. I’d probably set my sights on northern Europe or Iceland and a university degree there.\n\nIt’s definitely about the journey. And the best journeys are the ones that are adventures. The best of luck on yours.

Living in Canada is living as a slave. You earn just enough to exist, but not to flourish. Canada is the best country in the world if all you require to be happy is to exist, to breathe, and nothing more. But if u dream of home ownership, of tending your garden in your backyard … well then forget it, unless you’re rich.

My impression is that Canada has few opportunities for immigrants. They have to have local experience before they can get a job in their fields, but that creates a Catch-22 situation. Also, the Canadian economy is not doing too well, with low productivity, minimal investments in research and development, and an over-dependence on extractive industries and real estate. I think your family emigrated there at the right time, when Canada was at its best.

I like how well balanced and reasoned your video was. Canada certainly isn't the same country it was barely 10 years ago - many, many, many people are saying this. Like yourself, I too am planning on leaving, and like you, am awaiting processing of paperwork by a foreign bureaucracy. All the best to you. I look forward to hearing where you will be moving to, and based on your vids that I have seen, I suspect that you will make a success of things wherever you end up.

Nothing new with things changing over time and Capitalism and overpopulation is making every country change for worse. The best we can do is chase the light of dead stars and go somewhere that's not so bad YET. That's what drove me to move from Brazil to Canada and that's what's driving me to move from a big city to a smaller town. I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks for sharing your decisions on your move I do wish you all the best moving forward, I've been following the channel for some time now. \n\nWhen you mention about Hasting Street at 3:20, I was just thinking... where did I hear that street? Now memory came back to me when I was in Vancouver for 3 days and enjoyed my time over Canada in 2015 for a concert, Canada was the first country I've visited outside of the United States I'll never for get it the people where amazing very polite there was a moment in my life that I wanted to move to Canada now thinking over my decision after some years later I'm glad I didn't. I can't believe how bad it has gotten I'm now sure its gotten worse now. Respect your decision I glad to see your doing it, I would love to experience life for us... we only live once it'll be amazing for anyone do what you are doing, I have been thinking of going over doing content about traveling because it is about the journey and if for some reason If I like then.... go for it! Can't wait for more to come up, Cheers to you!

If you can move to the US, do so. While there is tension down here, it is by far the freest nation. Look at Europe, they're going down the fascist route, same with Australia, NZ. And Canada unfortunately is entering that realm whereby your rights are going to be extinguished. Even with a change of government, when you are beholden to an inbred, foreign crown, it gets harder and harder. South America is no different. Don't kid yourselves, places like Costa Rica sound like an idyllic place but there is crime, poverty, nasty insects. Moscow on the other hand is not bad, it's like the 1980s in the US there, sure the infrastructure is sub par and they do have crime but aside from the proxy war going on, it's an option if you are of Russian decent. Your best bet is still the US, if you can wait the years, pay all the fees, jump through all the hoops, unless of course you are an illegal, non-white and a potential Democrat voter.

The harsh winters in Canada have always been a negative living here but the quality of life used to help make up for it. Sadly, that just isn’t the case anymore. \n\nWe were able to buy simple family home on 1 acre of land back in the 80s with only one income. But the ever rising cost of real estate has made home ownership out of reach for many young people today. Burdened with high student debt, astronomical rental rates, and the high cost of living, most young people are living paycheque to paycheque. It’s a struggle just to keep one’s head above water, let alone build any savings for the future. \n\nI have two adult millennial children who find themselves in that position. They both have decent jobs but they’re just getting by, not getting ahead. I’ve encouraged them to look for opportunities abroad but with friends and family connections here, it’s difficult to consider leaving. \n\nWishing you all the best in your journey, Alina, wherever you’re headed! ? ? ?

For me i don't think Canada is really bad at all i know everything is becoming expensive but not everything yes the house is expensive but for me right now i am already retired I'm 66 years old my house i already paid off i live in milton just outside of Toronto the only problem is my two sons but both of my son have a good job my oldest son he worked as computer software developer and my youngest son he worked as computer data in downtown Toronto now my plan i want to go back to my birth country Cambodia for my retirement from November to March April I come back to Canada to see my childrens and grandchildrens this is just plan but remember Canada still the best country to live compare to some other countries good luck to you Alina . Take care bye from milton Ontario Canada ??

Hi Alina ? I'm from a 3rd world country willing to relocate since few years and still trying and praying.\nI know Canada isn't the right place for everyone ? and if I want to advise anyone about Canada is that:\nIt'll very soon going to lose it's Passport ? value and this includes the USA, Australia, NZ, and some other Large Landmass countries (Smaller countries manage themselves better). \nYou should think about getting another citizenship that'll be your future Home ? \nI guess you like East Asia and Eastern Europe ?❓ But still love to see you relocating soon.\n\nI wish you the Best of Luck ? \nGod Bless You ?

This exact video could have been made by someone from the USA! Sad times, but not limited to the US and Canada. I think we are in transition and the future will be better. So excited for your new adventure! Thanks for these videos and all the best to you and yours! ?❤️?

Canada is the best country in the world, but Canadians have to all strive and work together to keep it that way.

My research, cause a lot of us have thought the same thing, is that it is not much better around the world. Much of the same issues that are destroying Canada are global and although some countries do it marginally better it is the same most other places. Don't get me wrong I wish you luck and the best but I just don't believe the grass is much greener elsewhere.

Canada is no longer great. As a third generation Canadian, I was always so proud of my citizenship and thought I was lucky to have been born in the best country in the world. Well, I no longer feel that way. This country is turning into a third world shithole. I want to leave sooo bad but where would I go? I'm 59 but If I were younger I would leave. Can't wait to hear where you will move to.

Take Me. I have also lived and loved Canada for many years but feel like there could be a much better quality of life to be lived elsewhere. I wish you the best and look forward to your upcoming video series. I have visited 22 countries hunting for the right one but will travel to South East Asia (Philippines, Thailand) for the first time this winter before making any real decisions. Best of Luck, I hope your first choice is a winner.

Left Toronto this year and now live in northern BC. Best decision I made. The cities in Canada have completely fallen apart. Small town life in Canada is still good though, and much more affordable. But you have to enjoy small town, country life. If you want to live in a city, Canada is not it.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you get your visa to make your next move! I am born and raised in Victoria, BC Canada as a Canadian citizen at birth. Since my mother was German when I was born, I just recently found out that I'm also a German citizen from birth through descent through my mother. I've been living here in the US since high school when I moved from Victoria to Tucson, Arizona. I eventually got my US green card (permanent residency. I then moved to Madison, Wisconsin and became a US Citizen. At this point, I am a dual US and Canadian citizen in addition to being German citizen as well. I am applying for my confirmation of German citizenship through the German consulate in Chicago which would then allow me to obtain a German passport for access to live and work freely in EU and Schengen countries. I went to The Netherlands last January and I really feel in love with the Dutch culture and lifestyle. I am planning on spending at least a few years there as soon as I get my German passport. \nMy relatives in Canada keep telling me how lucky I am to be a US Citizen as they all say how terrible the situation has become in Canada. I am surprised since I've always considered Canada to be one of the top places to live in the world. I haven't lived in Canada for a long time and I've been doing relatively good here in the USA. I enjoy the US overall but we definitely have our share of issues here as well.\nAnyhow .... I wish you the best on your next location.

It's all fine and well that you want to leave Canada but where will you go that's any better? After all it is your choice. The problems we see happening around the world are a global problem. There are at least 2 major wars going on. Inflation is rampant in most countries in the world and we ARE heading for a global economic depression that will dwarf anything that we've seen in the 1930's. Speaking for myself my roots are here in Canada which is not the Canada I grew up in anymore. Sadly. Used to be a really great place to live until Trudeau and his band of thieves ruined it. I may as well make my last stand here. If I was going to move where would I go. The EU? Absolutely not! They're tanking. America? No effing way! The American empire is collapsing. Along with the FED note. South America? Don't think so. Most S. American countries are iffy at best. Australia? No. They're nuts. New Zealand? No. They're struggling badly and people are leaving there in droves. Africa? No way in hell. So that doesn't leave very much. Antarctica? Little on the cold side. Few amenities. ;) May as well stay where I am and take my chances. Better the devil I know than the one I don't. If you're serious about moving out of Canada be sure to do your due diligence and research about your target country. Grass always looks greener on the other side but many times isn't once you get there. One place that I AM attracted to is the Azores. Beautiful place. Friendly people. Good climate. One drawback is that I don't speak Portuguese. And I would have to be independently wealthy. After a certain amount of time out of the country I would lose my Canadian pension. It's said that where we are is where we're supposed to be. I may as well take my chances, make the best of a crappy situation and stay here. There really is no better or worse place than Canada. The majority of the countries in the world are struggling with their own problems. I'm not willing to jump from the frying pan into the fire. One of the biggest reasons I want to stay in Canada is that if it does come to a nuclear shooting war it would be very unlikely that Canada would be attacked. So here I'll stay. For better or worse. The LIberals won't be in power forever and if people have the smallest amount of sense, so few will vote for them in the next election that the Liberals will lose party status. I fervently hope that happens. ;)

Dear Alina, at 70 years old, I hope you return to Canada. My late father was from Ukraine. I wish you the best. God bless us all!

Best of luck Alina. I used to watch you before coming to Canada. Came to Saskatchewan spent 5 years and left recently having understood what is canadian experience we should have as new immigrant. It is sad you leaving the country you grew up but same time happy you looking forward to a progress.

I see alot of doom and gloom. But Canada is still one of the best countries to live in. Alot of Millenials and Gen Z think that becuase we are born in this country we are entitled to certain standards of living without sacrifice. You have to live below your means. You have to be willing to relocate to a part of Canada that may be looked down upon by others. You have to be willing to start at the ground floor of a company and work your way up ecrimimentally even if you\n just start out by cleaning toilets. Immigrants come to Canada without a dime to their name yet become millionaires through hardwork amd determination. You have to find a partner that is willing to sacifice too and stick with them through the ups and downs. Love and challenge your children to be better. Live below you means and invest the difference. You have to be patient this will not come over night but in decades and if you continually build little by little you will suceed. You can do it. Dont submit to stormy seas.

Best of luck to you, Alina. I hope you'll have a better life outside Canada.

OMG! STOP CRITICIZING CANADA WE ARE ONE OF THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. WE NEED HOUSING FOR OUR OWN NATION BEFORE LETTING ANYONE IN !

Hi i wish you all the best with your move! I want to move too permanently because all the reasons you have said! This not the canada i have lived and grown up in. I want to move to the US but at 38 cents on the dollar it would be hard, so likely stuck in canada. Maybe when Trudo is out it will get better!!

l Support your new dream of living a better life , l made that same choice in 1993 . As a fellow traveller you see how other cultures deal with life. Canada started going backwards when the Conservatives enacted the GST , like we needed more taxation . Canadian government is self serving just like the USA. New immigration policies have exasperated the problems Canadians endure. Wishing you the best of luck . PS my dad's Parents came to Canada during the first world war to the Winnipeg area.

Canadians are paying a deep price for their naivete electing a self-serving narcissist to run the country. Everything collapsing in your face. Once the government changes next year, everyone will realize that the situation is likely 10X worse than they thought. Leaving Canada is certainly sad but good decision. Best wish to your future endeavor!

Same problems in US. I wish you the best journey to your new “home.” I know you will always love Canada! ??

Try London England, you’ll find it’s 3-4 times more expensive than Toronto. Or try living in Congo or Palestine, it’s a lot safer than Canada. \n\nSeeing fellow Canadians complain like babies when we have it so good compared to other places makes me EMBARRASSED. Life in Canada isn’t that bad! The cost of food is the same as England £4.50 for strawberries ($8.00), £3.00 ($6) for milk, and £5.50 ($9) for cheese but gas £2.90/L ($4.10/Litr) way more costly in England. It seems like it’s mostly Canadians who ONLY know Canada and immigrants who expected life to be magically easy and handed to them… ? ?‍♂️ I had to learn to be grateful living outside of Canada, the whole world is facing inflation right now! Europe and North America. But Canada isn’t as bad as many places. But then again, I’m not a quitter. The best way to survive is getting a good education and a stable and high in demand career. Nurse, doctor, teacher, lawyer, dentist, psychiatrist, etc etc. Then you will find you might complain a bit less ?

I am sorry to hear this. I am in the same boat. I moved here around 37 years ago and found this country much better compared to my old country, especially when the army killed students. I decided to stay in Calgary, Canada. What makes me sad is seeing Canada going down the drain. While seeing everything getting worse, my old country becomes a prosperous, advanced and powerful country. My classmates back there were mostly high-level leaders, and some of them became elites. As the best student in the class, I could not get position even close to theirs. Only good thing is that I have been making a lot of money due to my strong technical knowledge and the capability to do difficult work. I hope I can at least maintain the same living standard when i am old, but it looks less and less certain. If I realized this at your age, I would have moved back.

I started making plans to leave Canada back in 2013. I left in October of 2021, during the Covid insanity, where the people and Government of Canada revealed who they truly were. It was the best move I ever made for my family and I. We are much better off being out of the shit-hole that is Canada.

Hi Alina . I remember you had a bad experience in Colombia. But I live there 6 months a year now. I hope everything is fine with you . Your a very nice person. I intent to get a Visa in the city of Pereira Colombia. it:s affordable I pay 360 a month for rent and meals are like 4.50. It's ok for me I'm retired. Canada is in a sad state now. I wish you all the best .

I lived for 8 years in Canada and then moved to Singapore three years ago. That was the best decision I ever made. I came back to Toronto this year, and was completely shocked by the cost of living, the drug problem on the street, and the huge amount of immigrants from one single country taking over the whole Canada.

Canada, the country where dreams and prosperity go to die.\n\nIt's so sad, best of luck on your journey.