Close Reading

Assalamualaikum,\n\nWe are in the absolute same boat as you, from UK and mirror the reasons you have expressed.\n\nWe have intentions to make Hijra to Malaysia, as there are really good expat packages and it is not necessary for a dual income household to provide adequately for a family. A single income can provide a decent living. We have twice enjoyed holidays in Kuala Lumpur and feel this Hijra is absolutely necessary to protect the imaan of our future generations.\n\nMay Allah bless your family with good health, happiness and harmony…..Ameen

I respect that your intentions are pure and you want the best for your children. I’m an Australian convert and have lived in Pakistan and Saudi also. There were positive and negative in all 3 of those places but by far feel that Australia is the best place to raise children. In Pakistan, twice while wearing full black abaya and hijab I had men try to grope me. I have a teen daughter and she enjoys certain levels of freedom here but I wouldn’t let her walk out of the house in Pakistan. Saudi was safer than Pakistan but had its own issues. You likely won’t agree with all the governmental decisions in any country you go to. I don’t agree with the government decisions of any of the 3 countries I mentioned above, if that’s a reason to leave a country then it’ll be a problem everywhere. Sorry it’s counter to your point but just sharing my experience. The grass isn’t greener. Oh and one other thing o noticed, in these countries your kids witness “Muslims” doing terrible things and it’s really difficult to explain.

Im a syrian , my country originaly is one of the best places which you can enjoy literally 4 seasons , mild winter and mild summer compared to other countries in the middle east , sytia also has a lot of natural and archaeological sites to whom is interested ..however two major factors are making me think of moving to another country -mainly are the wars inforced on syria to capture the rich mineral sources we have .\n-the inflation caused by the war , made it uncomfortable struggling to keep a least standard of living which becoming impossible to retain .\nTherefore , im also thinking of hijra ,hopefully to a country where ill feel safe and confortable to retire there..\nTop country id like to live in is malaysia , but im not sure how are the laws regarding foreigners getting residency etc..\nMay Allah help you and family , me and family getting the best as HE almighty knows what n where ..

Rich people -- like those who can afford to decide which country they want to live in -- can always prosper anywhere. If you don't like it in Canada, please do feel free to leave and exploit some other system. Canadians will figure our own fate out somehow.

I lived in Pakistan for 5 years for medical school. As much as I appreciated it, I knew I could not settle there. You will appreciate all the little things once you move. You can get ripped off by utilities company over there. Unless you know someone in power you don’t stand a chance. The inflation there is much higher than here. Some days you can’t find any meat or other foods. Almost everyone is trying to rip you off. Also safety is an issue. I was young and dumb. I was never targeted but it happens to locals all the time. As a westerner they can spot you a mile away even if you dress like them. You’re complaining about the cold, wait till you feel the heat. Electricity goes out all the time. You need to know people and have family in these countries. You can’t get things done independently like you can in the west. Also there are very few jobs that allow for the standard of living you are used to. If you are willing to sacrifice 90% of what you have now then you might have a chance. Lastly, you will most likely have to put your children in an American school when you get there because they don’t speak the language and they will act like westerners. And hide your wife from YouTube for God’s sake. If you had a billion dollars would you broadcast it to the world?

As a Canadian, born and raised, I am much more proud to be a Canadian than if I were to be a U.S. or U.K. citizen, given the way they are regarded in most of the word. I have travelled Europe extensively, Central America, as well as parts of SE Asia. \n\nCanada is indeed expensive and has become moreso because we too easily accept the rising prices, just so we can feel good being a Canadian. Tipping culture is ridiculous, even for bad service, many feel the need to tip 15% because of fear of being regarded as a cheapskate or avoiding offending the service provider. Companies should be paying their staff a better wage where 20%+ tips are not expected for every restaurant, cafe or delivery service. We're helping corporations make more profit by subsidizing their staffing expense. This isn't the case in most of the world. \n\nMy eyes were opened when I saw how you can live an equally good life at a third or less of the cost and I have grown open to the idea of living elsewhere once I have enough money to retire early (I'm talking around 55) and enjoy life without feeling cash-strapped. World class private medical care can be found for prices that are unbelievable and without the multiple appointments and wait times.\n\nI will always be a Canadian first, but there is room for a second citizenship or a backup plan should living in Canada become an impossible place to live or retire, unless you begin with a financial advantage. By no means am I poor, either. I got lucky with both real estate and stocks. Yet, I feel like I am working to just get by, while being taxed well beyond what I am getting in return.

Its like the west and their supporters are devolving and we all know why when it comes to how many people are on the streets now days or broken. \nMuslims haven’t done anything to humanity. \nWe never had a Democratic nations. We were all lied to. \nI feel like I’m a Palestinian and a proud one even tho I’m a Western European \nMy parents came too for a better life but they were lied to guys. We wouldn’t have had to leave our homes if we were all free to govern ourselves. \nMay Allah bless ur journey ur lives ur children ur future always MashAllah and thank u for producing quality content for children.

Enjoyed your video and yes, you are likeable and skilled enough for sure. And what are the most popular countries they 'flee' to? We are Belgian, living on Vancouver Island since 2000 and I do feel you, many good points and we are certainly considering the 'leaving' option. Portugal comes to mind cause we do mis 'real' people, as you mentioned, hard to make deep, long lasting friends. Here I learned that every moment, encounter and meeting is unique and so to are the people you get to know, they vanish if you don't keep up. Back to Europe, not back to Belgium.

I would never speak for a whole huge group of people like this. I'm 100% sure many would like to at the very least temporarily move. I definitely would. When where you live doesn't look or feel at all like home for me it isn't home anymore. For many like myself this whole world is just a temporary home, and nothing compared to our an eternal home of peace. ?✝️

As a Christian in Canada I feel pretty much the same. This country has gone downhill morally. It’s awful. Plus I hate winter as well. And cost of living. But I’m not in a position to leave. I would if I could.

The Arab elites give their children the very best of western education, the sort not available to most Westerners. This guy is living proof. \n\nMeanwhile, the average Joe in the West was raised to feel superior to everyone else by default, based on nothing but ignorance and false narratives.

May Allah reward you with Jannah, it is a 100% correct decision, knowing that the Prophet Alayhi Salam forbade living in an environment where the call to prayer is not heard. \nBe ready for trials, because whenever a person says he believes and does something right, Allah tests how sincere he is in that act. Maybe your next home will be smaller, and your salary will be lower, and maybe you will think that you should never have left Canada, but those thoughts are definitely from shaytan. So be determined and persevere on your way to Jannah. I also left England and never regretted it. \nI would suggest Novi Pazar in Sandzak, Sarajevo in Bosnia or a city you like in Turkey, if you can't settle in Saudi Arabia, which is a haven for a religious soul. \nIf you need some help with those places, feel free to contact me. \nSalam Alaikum

I understand you. I’m christian and lived 5 years in Turkey. I was a minority and missed a lot being in a Christian community. I live now in Canada and feel home. I believe that there is more option for muslim people (specially woman that must feel concern about hijab etc).

I have lived in many different countries as a Muslim. I have found the perfect balance of Islam, freedom in my day to day life to do things, finding halal, masjids 10-15mins within where I live with programs for my kids and social/educational events. I homeschool my kids and the laws for it are very easy. I absolutely abhor the government though and your no. 1 reason would be mine to leave. However as I explore other options I don’t see options for Muslim country that is easy to naturalize into. \n\nI have joined groups to make future changes through congress and government and trying to learn how I can help with these efforts. I try to imagine what would happen if all the Muslims left these colonizing countries. Boy do they need us yet make us feel like we are powerless. I try to imagine well what if we unified more and kept working for change? While being able to live and practice e Islam how we want. Anyways. Just mumbling some of my own thoughts. I wish you guys the best though and make istikara prayer. Wherever you land may you find baraka there for your life.\n\nAlso surprise: I live in USA Florida.

Human beings never satisfied … that’s natural… couple of years on the new environment… start complaining… that’s what happens … no surprise… no place is perfect period.\n\nThey complain for things that other ppl don’t feel the way they feel. Period. That’s life. \n\nOther ppl would never imagine live under a Muslim regime as they don’t imagine live in a country like Canada. Period.\n\nIt’s called life choices …

I am an American Christian, and you seem like such a lovely couple. I lived in England with two babies 1980nand I felt culture shock, so I feel compassion for how you feel living in Canada. I also attended University 4 years, NY near the Canadian border (30 deg below zero Fahrenheit in winters) so I understand how the extreme cold is hard to live through.Most of all, the Western world culture is beginning to push beliefs which even Christians can't tolerate. I wish you all the best for your future.

I like what she says about her grandchildren, in future years, may have to leave wherever they go now… alluding to the possibility (I believe) that perhaps there is no permanently perfect place… I can understand how they would appreciate living somewhere where the daily prayers are announced 5 times daily over loudspeaker. I often feel so very isolated in myself in MY way of life here in Canada (which doesn’t happen to be as a Muslim). After all, we are the “cultural melting pot,” and so many people of different cultures have come here and tried to make a life work for them. Canada is seen as “a land of dreams” by many, but it depends on what our dreams are, for real. For instance, what were many immigrants hoping for when they fled Europe after World War II? This family is telling us what they dream for their family, and Canada is not a good fit for what they value.

Canada, is a democratic, Western, multi cultural society, if you are uncomfortable living in that environment, then you should go to an Islamic Country/society, living in a democracy gives all people equal rights, it's totally your choice, not to agree with certain aspects, but you also need to be aware that Canada, is obviously not an Islamic Country run by Sharia law. So, go were you feel comfortable.

I am Malaysian currently living in Alberta. If I may add 1 more point which made me feel strongly not to move to Canada is the healthcare accessibility. \n\nIt is very important to me and my family and we do not see it getting any better anytime soon. To those who are thinking of coming (settling down) into Canada, please seriously consider this factor before you made the jump. At least you shouldn’t be surprised.

I lived in Toronto with my wife between Oct. 2021 and Oct. 2023. Despite earning six figures as a software developer plus my wife earning more or less the minimum wage and despite being very lucky to have a ridiculously low (for Toronto) rent of $1350 for a 2-bedroom apartment we decided to move back to Poland. We wanted to stay in Canada for longer, but with everything around being so expensive we weren't able to get a similar standard of living that we can easily afford in Europe. The fact that we didn't feel particularly safe in the city didn't help.

I’m thinking of leaving the UK for good because of the influx of Muslim men coming to live here. It now feels like a third world country because they’ve brought their archaic religious beliefs with them which belong in the dustbin of history.

I am hoping to leave Washington state at some point. Though I feel blessed to live in a state that has mild winters. And definitive seasons. And has beautiful landscapes. I am a Christian. And I also know my Muslim, and other religious people feel similar to me. That we are having our rights of worship are being slowly taken away. We are marginalized because we our faith. So know I understand your why's. I wish you luck and hope you find what you are looking for.

If a country opens its borders to Palestinian refugees, they facilitate Israel’s objective of flattering Gaza and ethically cleansing the land to allow for further expansion and illegal settlement. Israel want to get rid of Palestine and all its people, chasing them out and killing those who are too slow. By standing their ground, the Arab world are forcing the west to see what they have supported and see what Israel are doing and encouraging them to change and to act and to stop the genocide. But it is also at the expense of tens of thousands of lives and an entire nations facilities. The Arab world are letting the bodies pile high until the west can't look away any more. I understand both sides of this and dislike both options, letting Palestinians die, and letting Israel take Gaza by accepting refugees. I can't say I support Saudi Arabias actions, but I also would feel the same if they opened their doors to refugees. Neither one are the right solution, and only we westerners can make this stop. And believe me, I am trying to do my part. I have signed. I have shared. I have donated. I have protested. And I will continue to do so until there is a free Palestine

sadly in less than 4 years our country has declined at a rate I feel like isn't really seen in any other western country. It feels like we are in the death throes of corporate strangulation while being led by people who truly do not care about Canada, Canadians or new immigrants. It's so expensive and inconvenient to live here now it feels almost like some sort of sick financial prison. The government wonders why Canadians arent having kids...

I am Turkish-Canadian. I don’t practice Islam but I am Muslim. I believe in one god Allah. We left Canada and live in California now. After all these unfairness to Palestine done by USA, I don’t want to live here. My husband is Pakistani-Canadian but he is also not practicing Muslim. We still though feel unfairness to Muslim people here. I believe Canada was a little bit better than USA. I don’t see myself living all of my life in USA. I would love to return to Turkey or live in Dubai. My only concern is my children’s education.

Never mind. For one that leaves there are 50 in line waiting to immigrate to Canada. In a globalized world you can live where you feel more comfortable. Some Canadians and immigrants move because they can not stand those looong winters. Some move because they think Canada is too liberal. But at the end of the day , you must adapt to Canada. Canada, its weather and polices will NOT adapt to you.

I feel the same way and I live in the USA looking for a place too

I just stumbled upon you guy's channel by accident, because we are looking to move out of our country as well and Canada was actually a possible option. (not likely now) \n\nI am not muslim, I am just a regular western white girl, with priveleges I never knew I had until a few years ago, and looking at the world with increasing disgust and sadness. \nI completely understand why you'd want to move away from there, and even though I am not muslim, some of the points mentioned here are also reasons we want to leave where we are now (Netherlands). \nSociety is falling apart, people pointing fingers, our government is a ****show and puts the entire world's needs before taking care of our own problems. I don't feel safe and welcome anymore in the country that I once called home. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you two, raising kids, in the world how it is today, where people are using Islam in ways it was not intended and how it has played out to put the western population to turn against an entire group of people that also ultimately like everyone else, want to live their life in peace and safety. \n\nI wish you both the very best, stick to what you think is right! Your children couldn't have asked for better parents :)

I am American white girl revert 17 yrs. My Husband is Jordanian/Palestinian. We have four kids. I feel just like you. I am having trouble living in America for all the same reasons. I am thinking of leaving as well, Inshallah. Best of luck to you❤

I am indonesian, but i’ve lived in Japan and the US for study purpose, and i relate to your experience. Eventhough i had a strong moslem community when i was in Japan/US, and halal food was accessible there, i was still feeling uncomfortable that as a moslem i couldn’t express my identity freely. Whenever i wanted to go for a roadtrip or place outside of my city, i need to search if halal food was available in there or not, while in Indonesia i don’t have to worry about halal food, almost all food are halal, the restaurant usually inform us if their are not halal. Another experience is that in non-moslem country, they didn’t provide many prayer rooms or mosques, that’s also sickening for me. I mean i don’t mind to pray in a random parking lot, or in a park, or in an emergency stairs, or in changing room in mall, or any random places; but i really missed my country where prayer room is available anywhere, you can find prayer room in gas station, in a restaurant, in the mall, in airport/bus station/train station, etc. Also mosques are everywhere too. You are easily going to find mosque after walking around 200m, well yeah there is a reason why Indonesia is a country with the most number of mosques in the world. Another thing is islamic class. When i was in Japan, i could only join an islamic class where people gather to listen from syeikh (or we call it as “pengajian”) once in every other months, in the US was better, mosque in mu place held islamic class every other day. However, in Indonesia, islamic classes are everywhere, it’s like every mosque held their own class, until to the point that i am confused what should i follow because there are so many options ?. The last is that, in moslem country or at least in my country, finding moslems outfit is very easy. So yeah, overall, i prefer to live in moslem countries. Alhamdulillah i was born in moslem country, and alhamdulillah my country’s situasion, eventho not perfect, is peacefull.

As a westerner (Australian) I have lived in 4 different Islamic countries in one of those countries although they were devout muslims they were welcoming and friendly. That country was Oman the other countries I wont name but I will say that at no time did I ever feel completely welcome or safe. There were definately people in all them who were tolerant of westerners but there were plenty more who were not. Oman is a wonderful country its full of history including the Arab wotlds oldest Souk located in Muscat and as a bonus its only a 2 hour drive over to Dubai and the Emirates it does get quite hot in summer but for us it was a nice place to live.

Be living in Toronto for over 20 years. I feel it is getting worse every year.\nCanada is well known for high salary, good benifit and health card. That attracts immigrants from all over the world especially third world countries. \nBut the living cost is insane compare to early 2000s. If government can't handle the housing problem, they should not open border for more immigrants. More ppl squeezed in a city will get rental higher and higher. If you don't have a good job with decent pay, what gonna happen? Homeless or crime rate increase.....\n\nThe government officials are so dumb no matter which party, they are selfish and stupid, they dont give a f about true tax payers and hard working ppl.

I am a resident with Muscular Dystrophy in a wheel chair. I am exhausted! I work 5 days a week 8-10 hours a day and I do not feel well at all. I have no choice but to work because I cannot afford to move - What I pay for rent in his city is insane already. There is no where for me to go and there is no way I can find a cheaper place. I feel like I am living a nightmare to be honest. It just getting harder and harder and it seems like the people in Toronto are getting colder and colder. There are no social programs with enough funding and disability income is impossible because it doesn't even scratch the surface of rent costs. Food is completely out of control too. It just feels like I am circling the drain and the will end up homeless eventually. People with disabilities are treated very poorly in this province but in Toronto it is especially cruel and cold.

So you are concerned about your people in g. which mostly support ham as? Why are you gurys not going there to support them? You live in a western country and complain about western culture, feel free to move to an m. country. bye bye!

Four generations of my family have lived and been born in Toronto but I feel zero ties to what it has become. I see many videos now listing the serious issues with living there but the icing on that cake is the crushing taxes on everything from income to groceries to every service. Yes there are other western cities with problems, but the taxes you pay to for the privilege of living with those problems in Toronto are extraordinary.

I think if you feel uncomfortable then you should be in a place where you feel comfortable. That's really important. As a person who lives a very different life i feel that canada is a place i would like to live

It's a Christian country. What did you expect? How do you think a Christian would feel living in Saudi Arabia?\nStop playing the victim card.

60 y.o., born and raised in Canada. My wife and I left for Turkey. We had to leave because it became apparent that we would be living in poverty come retirement. In Canada, if you don't have a union job or a government job, your life will end up in a dead end like ours did. If you worry about the future, your feelings are probably justified and you should start looking for a way out as we did.

The Mexican government lets this happen as it releases them of a poverty /population problem and these people clamoring to enter the YSA at any cost will be sending dollars back to Mexico to the families they left behind. Shame on the Mexican government for not wanting to better the lives of their own people. I feel VERY sorry for the customs officers in the USA trying to keep them out. They need reinforcements. I’m certainly NOT pro trump but I do wish Biden would be more decisive about the border control.

I don't understand why strict islam believers choose non islamic countries to settle in. There are so many countries in middle east, feels like half the countries have a muslim majority. Why not be comfortable living there. At the end of the day it is important to feel safe and also have a sense of belonging to where u settle down. How can a muslim ever feel that when prayers over loudspeakers are also banned. I feel like many muslims dont value their religion enough to settle in a muslim country and then when they face backlash in non-muslim country they start behaving like a victim. One cannot expect to be in an entirely different cultural environment and still force a different culture to their children. It restricts the children from integrating well in the country. When a parent from a different culture decides to raise children in a country which have a different culture, it is obvious that children will be exposed to this other culture. If that is not okay to parents, then they should not do children in a different country but rather in a country where they are blessed with their own culture. There is a choice for most people, and I am glad that you all chose it. Its beautiful to see people living in peace and in harmony with their religion. I love watching you all and hopefully you are able to encourage more muslims to choose an Islamic country to settle in, rather than being victims or having to fight in Non- Islamic countries due to western influence. Great decision guys, keep posting ❤

The current rate of immigration in Canada is 1,600,000 people per year based on the last quarter.\nIt is the reason for all of this, and it is an intentional government policy.\nI've lived here all my life and my home has been destroyed. I can't describe how I feel about it without violating the terms of service.

I'm a Malaysian living in the UK for education purposes, and I can definitely relate to what you guys are experiencing. I do feel like I'm a walking target, given that I'm wearing the hijab. I do miss the adhan, I have it on my phone for maghrib and isha cus I love listening to it. I miss home. I miss alal food everywhere. I say your decision to move is the best decision, and I would do it at a drop of a hat if I were you guys. <3

the moment that living in Brazil doesn't feel so bad anymore lmao

You seem disgruntled when you're talking about the product availaties? I feel you, I'm living in Korea..very isolated here too. How about Chinese products? Are there not enough Chinese products in Australian market? I mean non brand products

I think your reading of the situation is slight from the wrong end of scope. \n\n1> the job of the Canadian gov is to look after Canadians. (Yes they allow immigrants but that is for the benefit of Canadians and not the other way around. \n\nThe house prices are intentionally kept high. The reason is because it makes existing citizens richer. (Year on year) these people vote and the gov would like their vote) . Creating huge supply of housing is going to crash the market and that will end up people feeling poor. (Values will drop : demand and supply) . Falling values mean people will feel poor and then less likely to vote for the current administration.\n\nI am based in UK which is experiencing record amount of immigration. \n\nTaxes here are high.(I don’t mind high taxes as long as there are good public services to show for them) \n\nGood roads \nHigh speed internet \nGood infrastructure \nHospitals \n\nSo the job of the gov (in western hemisphere) generally is to keep the voting public happy. \n\nThat involves \n\n1>Good public services (most are social states and people accept high taxation as a trade off for good public services) \n\n2> rising house prices. (Voting public wants to feel richer and owning your home is like your retirement and pension pot. Most of the wealth in uk is stored in property. (I guess same in Canada to some extent ) \n\n3> control of immigration. People want immigration but want good immigration l. People who will come and contribute to society. Too much of it can be an issue for existing citizens and also immigrants themselves selves.\n\n\nOn a separate note. People deciding where to settle always remember. Long term the proximity to the world matters . Europe is still the centre of the world. Cross east to Asia and west to Canada and USA etc. living in Canada (west coast specially is like the edge of the world just like living in NZ ) \n\nPopulation matters. \nThe Canadian population and Australian population is less than of Uk (as far as I know ) and the land mass is huge. It is not a big market compared to some of the countries compared to Europe. \n\nMore people = more demand = more big companies want to compete =lower prices for consumers and less inflation .\n\nJust some thoughts on this last day of 2023z happy new years all .

High taxes, high cost of living, housing woes, limited opportunities may be valid reasons ( add to that cold weather ) but crime, government and inablity to make friends ? Crime may be up but it is nowhere close to make people feel insecure. Try San Francisco. Government works and is relarively corruption-free. Only problem are polricians who make bad policies. If you can't make friends, have you ever checked yourself ? 4:59

As someone who moved Canada 3.5 years ago, I agree with all the reasons mentioned. There are many things government could have done better to fight against the inflation, housing crisis, high cost of living and rise in crime and homelessness. I don't even want to mention about the taxes. Like I am almost giving half of my salary to the government yet they are still taking %13 more on what we spend on, yet I've never seen a single place where that money was used to address any of these problems. One of the reasons I moved to Canada was to have a better life style, more buying power and better future for my future kids. But at this point I feel like I am living in a zombie land. High skilled workers will have some other opportunities elsewhere but refugees and low skilled workers will be stuck in Canada and it will get only worse with the current policies.

I live in NYC, and have been to Canada at least four times, but the last time I was there was quite some time ago. I always had a good thought about Canada, because it seems like some of the problems we have in this city, Canada also has in some way. Right now the city is a complete mess; at post pandemic and with a bit of a recession and a noticeable increase in groceries to basic things like cat food and tissues. That's not the biggest problem, it really is the legislation or lack of for people who not care for themselves. Those homeless people are almost not helpable and I don't feel threatened by them, but other people definitely do. The way the government has handled these undocumented migrants is a complete disaster and couldn't have come at a worse time. We have a serious housing crisis as well, and people can end up paying for high rent, for not the best places, but they want to live in a certain location. The migrants are coming in at about 60k in the last two weeks. You see mothers with little kids or babies selling candy all over the trains and it's becoming too much. Many see it as a form of child abuse or exploitation and we do not respect it at all. I think they feel we are weak and will just pay double for something we don't need. At one station today I must have be approached 3 times and interrupted 2 times while using my phone. It's just too much and we already have a lot of immigrants here, so I'm not sure where these people believe they will find any meaningful employment and the cold is coming. I wasn't born here, but came legally as an infant. I think the border situation is a disaster and it's obvious to a lot of people that the government lets things happen that will definitely effect citizens in the next couple of decades. The city is crowded enough and I do not know where this is all going, people do not want undocumented migrants house a few hundred feet from a childrens school. I just don't understand how they let this happen....I guess this is how Biden does things and all the groups that cheered buses pulling in when it first started are dwindling down....they just want them passed on to someone elses responsibility, but wouldn't want them as neighborhors necessarily. It's a lot of hypocrisy here. Canada seems better in some places, and the same in others.

We moved to Istanbul 4 months ago. I feel like I never lived in Germany although I spent 30 years of my life there. The feeling of beeing among muslims here is indescribable. Dont want to go back, not even for visit.

Interesting video! Here's my perspective:\n\nI'm from Quebec City, of Chinese descent, born and raised in Montreal, where I lived for 21 years. I've also lived in Vancouver for 3 years, Toronto for 5 years, returned to Montreal for another 3 years, and have now been in Quebec City for 15 years.\n\nAs a Quebec City resident and business owner, I find the city amazing. During the pandemic, there were many programs and subsidies available. I even wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the CEBA program for businesses, suggesting some changes to the eligibility criteria. They followed through, and Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau sent a detailed response, signed by him but likely written by his staff, explaining the revised criteria and suggesting other potential programs. Provincially, my MP's staff guided me through various programs. Ultimately, I received nearly everything I needed to survive and potentially thrive through the pandemic (to be confirmed in 2024).\n\nTaxes are high, but I feel safe in Quebec City. Crime rates are low, and I've experienced little racism, possibly due to my fluency in French. Starting a business here has been easy, with minimal costs and bureaucracy.\n\nAs a gay man, I've never felt endangered. I can comfortably express affection for my spouse in public without feeling judged.\n\nHealthcare, including access to medication and doctor consultations, is extremely affordable. Super Clinics offer next-day appointments at no cost.\n\nI own a commercial condo for my business, which cost significantly less than it would have in Toronto or Vancouver. My rent for a one-bedroom apartment is CAD 755, and electricity bills are remarkably low.\n\nWith the shift to online business, I've accessed international markets while benefiting from a low-cost, safe environment. I received a CAD 2400 subsidy from the Canada Digital Adoption Program, among other government-funded programs, to expand internationally.\n\nAlthough homelessness exists in Quebec City, many supportive programs are available, and most homeless individuals here are polite, likely because they face less stigma.\n\nI believe it's crucial to explore different locations when moving to Canada. Many smaller cities offer great opportunities, which works to my advantage.\n\nRegarding the judiciary system, it's not perfect but feels less biased compared to the Supreme Court of the United States, such as in cases like Roe v. Wade.\n\nMy advice to immigrants is to learn the local language fluently for effective communication. Utilize all available federal and provincial tools, like legal aid, and don't hesitate to contact your MP. In my experience, they've been very helpful.\n\nAll the best, Febby!