Close Reading

This is very true. Living in Canada means paying more for pretty much everything except healthcare than Americans. Just groceries are close to double US costs, as well as gasoline and telecommunications services

I immigrated to Canada in 2010, and here are my experiences inside and outside Canada. I am grateful for a good education; having a Canadian passport opened up many opportunities in other countries to build a higher-level career. However, if I had known the amount of stress, health, and financial damage that I had to endure, I wouldn't have chosen to come to Canada. I would have remained in the US or EU countries where I could achieve even more without suffering to the level I did here. \n\nMisleading immigration promotion: The government-sponsored Canadian immigration program oversells what Canada can offer. It withholds information on the cost of living, chicken-and-egg problems like Canadian work experience is required to get a job at the same level as you are in, Canadian credit history is required to rent a proper apartment, Canadian education is required to secure a high-level job, etc. \n\nHiring process: I knew the Canadian system was not ideal for immigrants over a decade ago, but it got so bad now that even the born citizens are unable to survive. The Canadian government and employers lack a basic understanding that ambitious, high-achieving people immigrate to other countries for high-level positions using proper channels. It's ridiculous to see that Canada uses a point-based system to choose highly qualified personnel to enter their country yet expects them to pursue low-paying entry-level or labor jobs just because they have brown/black skin. At first, I thought having a Canadian degree and experience might help me get high-level jobs, and I didn't think how I spoke or looked would matter when I had high credentials to show off. So, I got my masters & Ph.D. from the Univesity of Toronto, which consistently ranks #1 in Canada. I have a bachelor's from a prestigious university in Asia and had a high-competitive, well-paid federal government job in another country. Still, none of that was recognized in Canada, and I had to volunteer for over 6 months, 10 to 12 hours/day, in a research lab that led to a funded PhD program. I worked even harder during my Ph.D. with many accomplishments, like 40+ research and leadership awards, internationally recognized scientific discoveries, and innovative technologies. I checked all the above and beyond in various domains (research, teaching, leadership, business, engineering consulting, collaborations, etc.). Yet, employers couldn't see past my race, gender, age, etc., and refused to give me the opportunity at the level of my qualifications. Luckily, I managed to secure short-term work in the UK & the US, and it changed even how I see myself. I was highly respected for my credentials, given higher positions than I applied for, and paid 3-4 times more salary and benefits. Of course, bias is an integral part of every society, but my race, gender, age, etc., were not as big of an issue to begin my career at the mid-career stage in these countries as opposed to Canada. \n\nHealthcare: Access to healthcare was another big challenge for me. When I moved to Canada in 2010, due to extremely low temperatures, I developed hives all over my body, my eyes got red, and I coughed for many months. The doctor said there was nothing wrong with me and refused to give me any medication. It took us years to get a family doctor, and we got one through my personal network. In 2015/2016, I developed an autoimmune disease, and my eyeballs popped out. As of today, I did not get to see an eye specialist as they have only 1 specialist in the area, and the waiting time is for years for the first consultation. Every time the family doctor told me that I had iron deficiency, even when I insisted that they should run additional tests and they cleared, they were flagged. The doctor never diagnosed my autoimmune condition. Luckily, during my short-term work in the UK, I saw competent interns who completed my care. NHS is poorer than the medical system in Canada... they are understaffed, don't have hospital beds after surgery, or don't have stock of paper gowns, yet the staff are highly competent and caring. Within 1-2 years, they did complete diagnosis by sending me to various specialists, completed eye surgery, and even found a lifelong condition that was preventing me from realizing my full potential. Following, in the US, the doctors confirmed the diagnosis of all the conditions within 1-2 months and put me on two small pills for life. It has dramatically changed my life, and I have even more admiration for the medical profession. While in Canada, I suffered for over a decade, and every time, I was treated as a hypochondriac and never given a single prescription. \n\nQuality of life: Big cities like Toronto are mainly affected by high crime rates, overpopulation, cost of living, low employment, low salaries, etc. A few months back, there was a huge auto theft, and one of my contacts lost their Lexus car within minutes of parking. Despite being a scientist, I have no faith in politicians or individuals fixing these problems. The salaries are not increasing, but the taxes and cost of living are on the exponential growth curve. The ridiculous part is that Canada expects you to pay taxes even when you are not employed or living in Canada! I lived in London and Boston, and they offer a much higher quality of life and pay. \n\nGrowth potential: No wonder Canada, being a G7 country, falls at the bottom of the list in innovation, equal opportunities, economic growth, etc. It has a decent education system but, due to its inherent bias in the hiring process and monopoly of certain businesses, loses talented immigrants and highly qualified Canadians to the US, the UK, and EU markets. Unless there is a dramatic shift in policies, Canadians, especially new immigrants, cannot expect any positive experience in Canada except for being discriminated against and losing valuable time and money by being there.

Ah it is almost the same in my country, the Netherlands. Extremely wealthy, lot of immigrants to but we have a real reason to complain: we do not have the space Canada does have......let 's say a major difference? ? Anyway I will go to Canada just for vacation, hiking and travelling around ( I think will be Alberta or BC ) and put some of my well earned money in your economy. Greetings from the Netherlands, love your beautiful country and I will visit you. Life is short, make every day count even it is hard to pay your living costs, stay strong lovely people.

Moved to Canada 13 years ago, I own a House ❌ “A Mortgage” ✅ as well. It’ll take another 27 years to pay off the mortgage. Living below the means, but still it’s tough to make ends meet. Leaving soon, Canada is not worth living anymore.

Should investigate foreign buyers who buy Canadian houses and ppl aren't living in them\n\nOr foreign buyers who buy huge quantities of Canadian land and don't develop it.\n\nHow canada got to where it's at is just baffling, how the price of living in buildings that are paid for but regulated ppl to pay well over what they earn and struggle sound like Captilistism.

well I sure would not recommend to come to Canada or less you a doctor ! I settled here about 30 years ago and the opportunities where a LOT different then specially around housing. My family is still in France and for example you can still rent a 3 bd apartment close to a big city for 700 Euros that's about a third of what you would pay here !!

Well, you have to ask yourself. What are the incentives of staying in Canada? It is unlivable pretty much 8 out of 12 months, so that is more than half of your year spent suffering. Plus, you pay high taxes and high cost of living while your Government steals and give your tax money away to foreign countries. Plus health care is pathetic. Only idiots will stay and be slave to the Government. Life is too short to be staying miserable in this country.

Canada is a country for less educated , low class peope from India. Someone who has no future in India can feel better in Canada as every kind of work or blue collar job pays well which will be impossible for them to make in India. Real idiots are those who are well settled in India, or have good business or have good education but still chose to go to Canada

I graduated university in 2014 and despite applying aggressively, I could barely get a job interview. Jobs that could pay enough for me to afford housing, transportation, and food, as well as student loan payments, simply were not available to me. I moved to Beijing and stayed there for 9 years before moving to Malaysia earlier this year. I'm never going to live in Canada again.\n\nEven if my opportunities in Canada improved, the lifestyle I could afford there will always be worse than what I'd have somewhere else.

The only difference between Europe and Canada is the Language Barrier, 90% if not 95% of Africans in the Europe are the for the hustle , and they go for menial jobs, these guys have gone to Europe with business or tourists visas and they will not go back after the visa expires and they will try to blend-in in any form,thereby becoming illegal immigrants, what do you expect, you can’t compare that someone in Canada who spends a lot of money to go to school in Canada, Life in general is certainly easier for the rich simple, it doesn’t have to be Europe or Canada. If you spend close to 24000 euros in Germany for 2 years course, oga you will get a decent well paying job and your life will even be easier than those in Canada. All these guys that were telling us here that they have spent 10years or more here,how have you come to Europe, how many years have you studied , these guys came with 1 month visa from maybe Poland and moved to Germany the next day and began to do a whole lot of things, let’s forget it. To me it’s Europe. When the language is the problem, learn it. Traveling outside is not like moving from nsukka to nnewi. You have to be smart .

It’s been 5 years for me here and I honestly can say I have achieved nothing in my life yet. It scares me when I think I can’t return whatever my parents had invested in me. The fact is you’ll never have a good paying job in Canada being an immigrant. When I say this trust me I mean it. Most you’ll get is a minimum wage job which can make you survive the life here. Taxes are high definitely and what I feel is you’re working to make someone else’s life easier. \n(P.S: people who’ve stayed in Canada will understand who I’m implying to)\nNo one wants to be your freind, scope of socializing is zero coz mostly it’s cold round the year so everyone hardly come out, especially in Northern provinces like Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba.\nHealthcare is a joke. If you feel sick and not well and you wanna see a doctor be prepared to wait for hours and hours. I once had stomach infection and I had to wait 5 hours till someone could see me. I asked for painkiller at-least so I could bear the pain but they refused that as well. You might well see someone you love dearly and with whole heart die in-front of you and you could do nothing. (I’ve experienced it myself hence saying)\nYou’re a lone survivor who’ll always keep fighting. \nThe only person who can make money here is businesses and high paid jobs which are reserved to Canadians. That’s how Canada’s job market is. Canadians’ first and if there’s something left they’ll look at you. By the amount of money people invest here they can establish a nice business back in their country itself and earn accordingly on own terms. \nMost importantly you’ll cut yourself from all emotional supports like family, freinds etc.\nI was social person back in India who liked making new freinds and memories but it’s nothing like that here. \nAnd it’s the same life, no different.\nYou wake up, dress, eat, go to work, come back, eat, sleep. No different.\nNo fun and nothing. You actually don’t live in present, you live in an expectation of a better tommorow.\nYou’ll always have a smile when you greet someone but I guarantee you no one’s gonna check on you to if you don’t start a conversation even with a simple “Hi”. Mostly Canadians are nice but again some will systematically judge you and say nothing but you’ll see in their actions, the way they’ll talk in a twisted way etc.\nYes I’m not saying that Canada’s bad or it’s no good but trust me it will take forever to build a life here especially with the number of people moving here from round the world. \nIf you’re well off financially from back home Canada’s a paradise for you. Indeed it’s a beautiful country with lots of beauty and lots to explore but remember everything comes with a cost here. Everything comes with a cost. People need to stop believing in this fake illusion and come only if they got a purpose here. The only reason why they’ll let you in the country is for money and once you’re in you’ll have to keep spending, doesn’t matter if you’re broke or whatever you have to.\nOnce I earn I’ll happily give up my PR status and go back to India as i very well know what the situation is how it’s gonna be in future.\nSo just one piece of advise to every middle class person like me, guys please invest and spend your money wisely coz we know how hard it is to earn and it’s high time Canadians start appreciating what immigrants like us do for them by burning ourselves day and night and start realizing that their past generation once came from some other part of the world as well and settled here. Being white doesn’t make you a nice Canadian, you’re actions defines you more than your words. \n90% of this country is built by immigrants and that’s how it’s gonna develop in future, so if they keep treating us the same way good luck to them ?.\nAlso a plus note to anyone thinking that Asians are stealing your jobs, go get outside and have the balls to face them and take it away from them. Staying home and ranting and abusing us that we’re taking your opportunities and blah blah isn’t gonna work. We are so successful round the world because we are hardworking, honest and respectful to everyone. Even if we’re earning minimum and barely surviving here we always make sure we’re not burden on the government or anyone else and won’t keep crying.\n\nA big shoutout to all you guys who came here in the hope of a better future but are still struggling.\nKeep hustling and you’ll reach there, if not step down and go back and start your life again on your home soil. There’s no shame in experimenting continuously rather than sitting ideally and crying about future. \n\nAll the very best my people and lots of love to you ❣️

I like how no one cares about the people that have put years and years of tax paying into the country and don't get anything out of it. \n\nBut let's shovel all our tax paying programs to be used and took advantage of by all these fresh newcomers that haven't contributed to the country and only want to change the diplomatic processes in the country as well. \n\nliterally it's an attack on Canada. \nI'm waiting for the liberal flag to put a hammer and sickle in the Canadian leaf. \n\nTruly disturbing. \nI don't see how anyone can support an alleged communist style regime. \n\nGot to bring them in for voting time. They're literally weaponized immigrants for political votes

Canada is quickly turning into a 3rd world country because that’s where the majority of them came from, as refugees NOT IMMIGRANTS. Canada is no longer screening for EDUCATED, PROFESSIONAL people who can contribute to Canadian society. Canada has made it so difficult for those who are educated and are professionals to receive accreditation to contribute to Canadian society. Canada no longer ensures there is a Canadian sponsor who pays for the immigrant, to ensure that the immigrant is not a burden on society. When teachers can not make change while volunteering at a food stand for a local craft show, this explains that our education system is junk. Our health care system is run like a well oiled corporation where money stops at the top/administration and never finds it’s way to those who need health care. I was the first generation of latch key kids to go to school with Italian, Croatians, Serbians, Armenians, Jews, Palestinians, Asians and we never saw our classrooms full of sanctioned hate. We never saw the neighbourhoods of any of these ethnicities look like open toilets. There was no gang violence amongst these ethnicities. They had their own community centres, churches, synagogues and anyone was welcome. They were active in the community, they were fantastic neighbours. Decades later we have “no go zones” in our cities and rural communities because of the danger of some ethnicities. Churches and synagogues are locked. Their community centres are locked and monitored for entry. We have lost our way. We have allowed chaos agents into our country and we are paying the price and will continue to do so.

Canada is very bad now because the government invites many immigrants, before they build enough houses. The Canadian government needs to prepared well pay salaries and create enough jobs otherwise many lives will end up on the streets.

Yeah well in Canada the problem is for us fools who decided to do a STEM degree, we not only have to compete with our classmates in the job market, but also with all the immigrants who also have STEM degrees plus decades of experience. When you point out the wage gap, this is why and it is true in most STEM fields. \nI have met many engineers who gave up looking for work and took up a trade which all too often actually pay more than what they would otherwise using their majors.

I had exactly the same experiences in 2002 when I went(and came back) on PR to Canada. Getting into a proper paying job in your own profession is the most herculean task in itself. The necessity of a car due to extreme harsh weather most of the months and then initially affording only a basement with mostly indoor activities during non-summer months takes a huge toll on one’s mental well being. Most of the jobs are regulated in Canada so getting an equivalent clearance and compatibility for a job is no easy task at all otherwise you’ll end up doing only sundry manual help jobs around which too aren’t available easily. I found a lot of positivities and possibilities too in Canadian life but then be prepared to sacrifice a lot for many years and then maybe you realise you have a lot more to loose than gain! So as this blogger said Go to Canada first on say a tourist visa to friends or family, stay and spend some time and money too and then make a long term decision to come and stay forever or not. But in the meantime don’t quit your job or business back in India till you come to a final outcome?

I lived in the US for 30 years. I hated every year, except for having my sons there. My American husband is a staunch NRA supporter. At the 30 year mark, when I gave him an ultimatum. I gave him 30 years down there, and the time had come where he needed to do 30 years in Canada. We've been in Canada for 6 years, and he doesn't ever want to go back.\nI feel for the new mothers, who only get 6 weeks maternity leave (8 weeks for C-Section).\nCanadian Mums get a full year. Nurturing your new baby is necessary for a well-balanced child. You can't bond in 6 weeks. \nYour health insurance is nuts. We paid $1500/mo. just for our family. Then you have a $5k deductible first! Just walking into the ER is $500 and THEN add on labs, x-rays, meds, etc. My son was in mental health treatment and our insurance capped mental health at $25k for life. \nThe biggest slap up my head, was when I found out I CAN'T collect my SSI. I paid a lot of taxes, since we made 6 figures/year. So, now I'm screwed, since they won't pay a former Permanent Resident. Had I been a citizen, I could get it. My husband is a PR in Canada, waiting to take his citizenship test. If he applies for SSI, he needs to go down to the States for 30 days and nights, annually. \nI'm from Toronto, born and raised and I am so happy to have my feet back in my own country. My boys are still there, as well as my grandchildren. Thankfully, they fly up twice a year. You couldn't pay me to move back.

I loved living in the States. I loved the USA Patriotism of the ppl. (exclude the rare arrogant ones but I'm a tough cookie from Canada & arrogance can be found anywhere) I loved the historical federal buildings in towns/cities. So much well preserved history. Kudos to ya'all. On a negative note...Absolutley NO RESPECT for NY DemoRat Mayor Adams paying for bus loads & cab loads of ' illegals 'to walk into Canada! U piece of shite Adams!

Nice candid video Tyler. I have a good friend (a Jusey Gurl) who moved to Canada like 20ish years ago I think mainly because of an ex. I think she appreciates the health care as well with my talks with her over the years. She and I've been thinking this lately that Canadians have either changed or that Canadians are more friendly stereotype is going down .I think with more immigration, the cost of living and frozen pay and higher and higher taxes Canadians are increasing discouraged with politics and Canada in general. You noticed many of the woman mentioning health care and social programs as well? Police... We have a lot here as well maybe more so because of pay. The police are well looked after and paid well here. I think politics are getting more polar and more divisive here as well. The liberals have really really done a stellar job with two terms of sheer WEF CCP hogwash to destroy the country. Another general stereotype is that Americans are obnoxious and unpleasant isn't true as well. I'm in tourism and find most of the Yanks to be friendly and polite and GREAT TIPPERS. Ha many US servers don't like it when Canucks go over there because they're stingy. I think if everything works out without saying more, your country, like it or not , will ultimately start the big liberation finally of humanity hopefully for the better. You folks generally have a bigger love of freedom and you're ARMED. You have the mindset and the LEVERAGE to change the system. And we as Canadians are always looking and following the US why to the extent because things are a little different here I don't know... I await with hopeful yet bated breath with the big changes coming in the following years. Love, freedom and the pursuit of happiness good neighbors eh!

It's a misconception to assume that the US medical care is always better, or that the wait times in Canada are a lot longer.\nWhile there's no question the quality of care depends on where you live, rural areas in both countries don't typically have specialists or all the latest equipment. Major urban areas are much better served.\nAlso, the measured outcomes for many types of surgical procedures are often statistically better in Canada, with higher success rates and better recoveries for many types of procedures. The big difference is because more Canadians have regular check-ups, problems are typically caught sooner, before they become serious. That's a big reason why our life-span is several years higher, and our infant mortality is much lower than the US. Because of the extra co-pay costs or because they don't have insurance and cannot afford basic medical care, many Americans put off doctors visits until they're really sick. \nDuring a routine check-up I was diagnosed with a minor heart condition last September. Was able to see a specialist within 5 weeks. That specialist sent me to a heart surgeon a few weeks later who scheduled an Arterial Ablation day surgery in December. (I walked out 6 hours later...) Lots of pre-surgical and post surgical testing and follow-up. As it turned out, the other side of my heart also required the same surgery, and by March that was completed successfully too. Again, multiple follow-ups and tests, and I've got a totally symptom-free outcome.\nI had a hip replacement a few years ago that went well and resulted in a totally pain free hip that allowed me to return to normal activities I could no longer enjoy before surgery.\nTotal cost in the US for both these types of surgeries would have likely been well over $100,000. The most I paid was for the hospital parking...\nIs it better in Canada? - Absolutely...!!!

I'm Canadian. I was born here, raised here, and have lived here all my life. However, my parents are American (they came during the Vietnam war), and I have full dual citizenship. I could cross the border into the U.S., get a job, start working and live there for the rest of my life if I ever chose to do so.\n\nHowever, I will never live in the U.S. Why? The cost of healthcare insurance and healthcare in general is definitely a part of that, but another huge factor is the socio-political atmosphere down there that is very unappealing to me. Everything from politics, the gun issue, much higher violence than we have in Canada, more racism issues, the media, and from what I have observed from decades of visits to the U.S.: there just seems to be a lot more people that are on edge and hostile than I am used to compared to Canada as well. For me, the general culture and mindset is just not something I want to live amongst.\n\nThere are some things I enjoy in the U.S., and there ARE wonderful people there too. I have several friends in the U.S. (born and raised), not to mention my entire extended family is American. But for me, the U.S. is a nice enough place to visit, but it's not somewhere I'd ever want to live.\n\nNo matter what kind of trip I take to the U.S., whenever I get back home to Canada it's always like a deep sigh of relief. I feel safer. I feel more relaxed. I feel at home. No matter how good my trip was, when I set foot back on Canadian soil again I always get a feeling of humble gratitude that I live here. For me, other than the warmer weather and some of the sights the U.S. has to offer, I'm much, much happier in Canada. I feel very fortunate to live here.\n\nAs a side note, I have never found our public healthcare system here in Canada to be lacking whatsoever. Any healthcare I, or anyone else I know that has received any, has always been prompt, of excellent quality, and reassuringly delivered in a professional manner.\n\nAs an example, in 1994, my father had a seizure and it was discovered that he had a benign brain tumour that had to be removed. Not even a week later, he was booked for his surgery and he had his procedure. He was operated on by one of the top two neurosurgeons in North America at the time, he spent three weeks in recovery at the hospital, and he had months of rehab afterward. About 2 weeks later, he had another seizure (the last one he ever had), he stayed in another hospital for an additional two weeks.\n\nHowever, all of what I just mentioned, and I mean ALL of it, was paid for by our public healthcare system. All he had to do was show his healthcare card and sign a release form for his surgery, and that was it. Nothing more. There were literally ZERO bills, no insurance companies, no paperwork, no phone calls, and ZERO hassle. Nothing.\n\nAnd no, our family was NOT rich or privileged either. Just an average middle class family. However, my dad's neurosurgeon told us his surgery and all the months of care he received afterward would have cost $180,000 (in 1994!), and our family would have been out on the street if it wasn't for our healthcare system. My dad also had a very minor heart attack in 2007 which didn't require surgery, and he didn't have to pay a dime or do anything else other than show his healthcare card for that either. Since those two events, my father has lived a healthy, normal life thanks to our public healthcare.\n\nIn Canada, EVERYONE receives that kind of care, regardless of if they are a billionaire or they are homeless. Because that's the moral and ethical thing to do, and is just one of the many reasons why I plan on staying here.

I've traveled extensively through the US. It is a beautiful country only surpassed by the amazing people. Would I live there, no. Is Canada better? Well, we're not afraid of helping one another through taxation. Socialism is not communism, it's just where you pay that changes. Do you have the ability to opt out of paying....well sure, don't work, lol. Thanks Tyler! Your content is enjoyed and appreciated.

11 years ago a trip to the ER in Texas cost close to or more than the cost with insurance than a the cost for an ER visit in NS (for those out of country who are not covered by our provincial program). \n\nWe would pay $50 copay at the ER, then over. The next few days we would receive a bill for the physician, then from pharmacy, then from the facility, then from X-ray, etc, every separate department would have its own portion. \n\nAnd then there was the unpleasant surprise when the doctor who saw you in the ER was not an “in network” doctor even though the hospital was “in network”. Our insurance paid 70% of (approved) in network costs, but only 50% of out of network costs. Keep in mind that “in network” hospitals and providers had lower negotiated rates with the insurance companies. Which meant you would have coverage of 70% of a negotiated lower rate for in network but out of network was 50% of a higher rate.\n\nMy neighbours were lovely people. The culture was much different than I expected. The gun culture really hits you in face. For the first while it seemed to be so obvious - signs on pharmacies, hospitals, and schools that state that guns were not allowed, even with a conceal and carry permit. Very quickly, that became “normal”….\n\nFood was amazing. Gas was cheap. Politics was everywhere. Christian mega churches were everywhere - along with some very vocal overbearing people who force their beliefs and opinions on anyone who is near them. \n\nI was surprised with the number of people who felt it was appropriate to discuss religion, politics, and money with virtual strangers. A lot of very personal questions as well. I am guessing it is the difference between what is considered extremely rude in Canada, vs what is just a regular question in the US (or that area of Texas). \n\nAnd another very different thing was how hardly anyone swore. I had the bottom drop out of a bad carrying glasses when I was in San Antonio, the glasses broke, and I said “Shit.” I have never seen so many heads turn towards me. Most of the females looked at me with complete disgust and a lot of the males laughed. I expect that the American who heard me swear, were thinking I was the rudest person. One of my children’s friends was from Australia and when their mom came over one day, she said something to the effect of “so glad you are Canadian” because she sis not have to worry about offending me if she said fuck. That was a relaxing afternoon.

In Canada even with insurance you have to upfront payment for dental visits, optometry visits and mental health visits. Also for some medications as well, doctors note, and for ambulance ride. Only thing you don’t pay upfront for with or without insurance in Canada is clinic walk in visit. But can be very long wait times sadly.

well well .. i came to canada to study as a foreign student.. had to pay 3 times more tuition fee than Residential Canadian status people..and citizens.. ? \nfinancially .. poor but .. i could get into working which related \n\n\ninto what i studid.. 2 years later, could be a landed canadian residence.. \n\nthis documentary.. no more necessary to me.. cause .. not really for serious real foreign future citizen of smart younghoods… \n\ntheir choices..not that rational then\nbrain and harder worker?!? \nno wasting parents estates \n\nspoiled rotten bratts.. no dreaming in other world wasting parents

I can't talk from a point of experience in Canada but from a point of experience in Kenya. Yes things are tough everywhere but I believe things are tuffer here in Kenya, well unless you have a good job, good business or money to invest. I have done of research about Canada, Germany, UK and even Finland. What I have learnt is that opportunities are there as opposed to Kenya. Here in Kenya it's doesn't matter if you have a skill, or papers getting a job is not easy and even harder is getting a good paying job. Most people makes less 10 CAdollars per day which today 1000 or 30 per month minimum wage in Canada is i guess 14.5 in the less expensive provinces. If you work 14 hours per \nDay which I believe possible you have about uko na 20k in ksh, pay tax of maybe 30% combined you have about 130 cad per day work for 25 days in a month you will have about 3250 net stay in most affordable place(hujaenda raha) you can get 1250 in low cost province (not Ontario or BC though here minimum wage iko juu), groceries and expenses budget 1000 per month you can save about 100k ksh pm, save in Cad for few years stay like a student on the budget but work like a donkey. Come back home in few years lets say 5 with save coins probably CAD will trading at 150 coz the hit shilling is taking mind-blowing. You will have 6m to invest any interest or forex gain use them to cover your vacation here in Kenya yes land in Diani you will have missed such weather, enda masai Mara (you deserve it), go visit your parents and most importantly find an investment opportunity you can do real estate but find ideal location but only if you have enough capital ya kujenga and then find someone professional to manage the construction not sending money to your relatives wanapiga sherehe nazo unatumiwa picha za mjengo za nyumba za wenyewe. Pia farming is underated buy a farm land in cheap area ukambani, laikipia, kajiado, taita etc at max 200k per acre 10 acres ni 2m borehole 1.5m with solar and pump. Development such as fenching and service quarters driplines 1m. 1.5 m is working capital ,use it for labour fertilizer, seeds and seedlings. Divide the farm into 5 parts along the fence panda miti ya eucalyptus, other parts do high value perennial cash crops with less management cost like 2 acres of avocado, 2 acres of pixes oranges, lime, the other 2 plant seasonal rotational plants you can even maize, cabbages io ingine do livestock of your choice. If you want low risk investment buy government bond less stress and you are sure government can never fail to repay their local currency bonds ata ikiwa bankrupt coz they can always print more money. Now rates are very high assuming you can get 10% rates with your 6m your will earn 600k risk free income. Your vacation is over, now go back to Canada and work like a donkey because you went there to work, not a vacation. Sorry for the long post ni kukosa job uku Kenya bana, I am looking for legal way to migrate to Canada/US and I've high hopes in those countries. Hopefully next year I will be lucky.

I wanted to share some concerns about the current situation faced by international students in 2023. It appears that the financial burden on students has reached a point where it resembles modern slavery.\n\nStudents are required to pay a substantial $12,000 for the GIC upfront, followed by semester fees ranging from $9,000 to $10,000, with a total cost of $40,000 for their education. When you factor in taxes and rent, the financial pressure becomes even more overwhelming.\n\nWhat's even more troubling is that a significant portion of these students, up to 80 out of 100, are compelled to take on labor jobs to meet the requirements for Permanent Residency. This situation raises serious concerns about the quality of education and the well-being of these students.\n\nIt's crucial that we address these issues and work towards fairer immigration policies and more affordable education to ensure that international students are not subjected to such challenging conditions. Their contributions to our society should be valued, and their rights protected.\n❤❤❤ \n\nstudents in Canada ?

I have been in Canada for more than 20 years. The cost of living is very high. Housing in Toronto is very expensive, it is better in small towns.\n\nThe most important thing is to come here as a skilled worker. The Canadian immigration website has all the information. \n\nLife overall in Canada is not bad. The government really takes care of the people. Schools are free, and so is health care. The unemployment rate is very low. If you want to work, you will get a job.\n\nMy advice especially for those who are doing fairly well in their countries to stay. I think it is more suitable for young skilled people and those with young children. \n\nWe should also start paying taxes in our countries to develop infrastructure and start holding our governments accountable.\n\nThe young lady in the video is a bid overdramatic. She is earning more than the average worker. She should be managing fine except if she lives in expensive cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

I stay in a Kenyan America who works in Canada,all that is bullshit.They come here it's all roast on visitors visas,if you have papers it's extra fine but if you don't be ready to see Rutos face here.Those who are struggling here didn't come the right way.Those with brains can take household jobs that pay extra well,that's after acquiring the right documents, household jobs pat's extra well here.

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

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

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

Better opportunities in other countries,salaries are low and no real good jobs are here since the Americans are pulling out its too cold and RACISM rent is very expensive its very hard to make here and poverty is increasing no good opportunities are here for well educated people A lot of well educated people come here sponsor by company and they said they dont have any money to continue to pay them well qualify doctor he works in England and America and want a experience the hospital could not find work for him he was a highly qualify doctor even the refugees dont want to come to canada they said they hear life is very hard in Canada is when the top countries is full they reluctantly come here no real good opportunities is here a lot of people dont want to come here

The truth is, it's too expensive to do business in Canada and we're not making use of the incredible talent we have here (largely due to the government). As mentioned in the video, we need high capital investments to get businesses up and running. We have so many investment firms like Canada Pension Plan, Ontario Teacher's Pension that have billions but they're choosing to invest in businesses abroad because government regulations are not supportive - that's why so many move to the states. Don't get me started on the waste of talent - we take in so many talented immigrants, but instead of giving them support and help them get connected with well paying jobs that match their expertise, we're saying: hey start as an uber driver for 5 years and then well see...

US is far better for individuals who wants to grow and work on themselves. I lived in US for 2 years and I got the best education learned a lot and met one of the most ambitious people. I always was motivated to do more. US boosted my education and career. Unfortunately I couldn’t stay there due to immigration issues. I moved to Canada and I am here for almost 5 years now and I am still struggling just to make ends meet. Every day I am looking for ways to get out of here back to US or elsewhere. Legalization of drugs, prohibitably expensive housing, poor access to health care, lack of availability of well paying jobs, massive intake of immigrants, overtaxation and fewer businesses opportunities. Canada was great place to live back in 1990s and early 2000s. Everything is going downhill after 2018. Immediately they need to fix immigration, taxation, healthcare, housing, drugs, and support small businesses.Else, Canada will continue to be the place of broken dreams.

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

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

Be it Indian, or any other nationality, international students in Canada are treated with respect and dignity. More importantly, international students are treated equally as the Canadian students without any prejudices. When studying in a Canadian university, you can also be well assured of your safety.\nCost: International students often have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, which can be a significant financial burden.\n\nCulture shock: Moving to a new country can be a challenging experience, and adjusting to a new culture can take time and effort.\nToronto's unique social environment creates both opportunities and challenges, particularly around issues that include homelessness, food insecurity, access to healthcare, social inclusion, and violence.

You are very lucky to be so gorgeous and able to work/model/get sponsors to pay for your lifestyle, and not have to live in Canada. Canada as a whole, the Western capitalistic society, as a whole as become extremely greedy. The interest rates in the Western countries went down to almost 0%, causing all the capitalists to borrow this free-money and gobbled up all the real estate, and they now dictate the rental market. Corporations as well as individuals who bought real estate before 2010 used their equity and got into the real estate flip-game and ABNB, and they are all rich. And yet they still gouge renters because they can. I would also leave Canada. But I am stuck here because I am poor. Canada/Toronto will not change. Once you're used to eating filet mignon, you will never settle for meat loaf. These landlords will never lower their rents as long as they hold all the cards. 10 years from now, Canada's birth rate will be negative because people who pay $700,000 for 500sq ft condos do not have kids. Nor can they afford them.

The big difference is in cost of living vs earning potential in urban areas vs rural areas. Following is true for non farmers in India, Canada, or any other country. If you are highly educated, there are high paying jobs in urban areas, but the cost of living is higher as well. There are fewer jobs for highly educated in rural areas, but cost of living is low. Choices of lower educated are better in farming in rural areas. Choices for lower educated are lower in urban areas, but if you are young, then you can get college degree by part time education (easily available in urban areas), and then you can get a high paying job. In urban areas, owning a car can become optional with careful planning. So, the provocative title in Hindi that coming to Canada is stupid, is a terrible conclusion. You have to consider your personal assets (education, health, skills), and your liabilities. Then you can make an educated decision, whether coming to Canada (urban, vs. rural), is good for you, or India is best for you? Terming one choice vs another stupid is full of giving wrong information, and being a zealot about your choices, while you do not have the full picture yourself.

Kya baat hai.. self learning is the best learning. Your life experiences are the greatest treasure that one can possess. I would say true and honest explanation from you. I would say never give up on your struggles as they eventually build a much brighter future ahead. I am myself from Canada and I can say that sheer hard work and determination definitely pays you in longer term. Well done?

This is profoundly unfair review and comparison. How many in Nigeria receiving $1000/month salary? When did “time is money” became unacceptable? Maybe that’s one of the reasons the country not prospering because many are lazy and don’t perform their job? Where in this world the system pays you more money than you can handle? Why not give a specific example of that “systemic discrimination/racism”. Why is wanting to know your performance at work discriminatory? Why not be honest that there’s different approach to healthcare professionals in Canada? My question is why he’s not going back to Nigeria? People that are doing VERY WELL in Nigeria don’t ever think of leaving the country. They send their kids to study abroad and pay huge for that. We’ve been in Canada for over 10yrs now and no regrets.

If you do well back home don’t come. All you do in Canada is work and pay bills. You don’t get to relax

Dude is talking alot of crap...he is not being truthful at all. If Canada isn't treating him so well he better of go back home to his Nigeria like yesterday. Nigeria has even worse discrimination with it's tribalism, pay is a joke, the system in Nigeria is endemically corrupt, power cuts are a challenge there and don't forget crime with kidnapping is also a serious problem there.

He had 2 drivers and other domestic staffs in Nigeria but bet me and you he will be paying them slavery wage of 15 thousand Naira in a month,those are the kind of life he is missing in Canada cos there is dignity in labour there even if you want to do house help there they must pay you well and majority cannot afford it. I have come to understand that I don't need much in life once i can eat and pay my bills without knowing looking for loans to eat , pay school fees , accomodation what else .

Dil strong rakhna mushkilat ayiwngi canada m but allah tumahy kamyab krien . I howp tumahray parents tumahri fees waghira pay kriengay cuz student life is har dif ir doing job as well

I feel very safe in downtown Toronto because I am accustomed to it. I've never experienced any issue with the homeless and continue to talk to them, offer them food IFFFF they just happen to be pan-handling and often hug them to make them very SEEN. I feel safer in downtown Toronto at 3 am then I do when the 905'ers (suburban types) come to party in the entertainment district or around any French-separatist bc of how they are liable to treat me for my lack of decent conversational French. And IF guns are reported, I have to the thank the US for smuggling them in. \nFinally - as for health care - I believe its breaking down... our hospitals are beginning to fail us. The decline in health care is SO evident, BECAUSE anytime the Conservative party is in provincial legislative power they drop medical and education funding. I believe medical funding is being dropped purposefully to manipulate the population's thinking in order to have us eventually\nvote FOR privatization of health care. I NEVER MIND PAYING TAXES - WHAT I MIND... IS HOW OUR TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT... it all depends on the party in power. I would pay 40% income tax happily IFFFF our tax dollars were devoted to services mirroring the way Scandinavian countries do - they invest it WELL in their municipal services rather rather than blow it. \nOur federal and provincial bureaucrats are sucking. Fine... our municipal bureaucrats are sucking, too. Oh, Canada - I love you and wish Pierre Trudeau, or Joe Clark or Ed Broadbent were back in Parliament. I miss you Jack Layton. We would have loved to have seen you as Prime Minister. CANADA IS MUCH TOO INFLUENCED BY THE US... we are thankfully different, but your influence is\nmuch too prevalent. And as for the Canadian people - get your heads out of your asses and re-familiarize yourselves with Canadian CIVIC STUDIES. The shit was taught in grades 7, 8 and on.

I have travelled to the US often for work for close to 25 years, visiting client sites. While I live in Canada, I had witnessed so many experiences and differences that it became impossible to consider a move there. There are obvious tax advantages (most states, though not all, combined with fed taxes have a lower tax rate, as well as write off benefits of owning a house). Racism is a problem here too, towards black people (among others) and including violence and systemic racism towards our indigenous population (e.g. police and healthcare), but the level of systemic and societal racism in the US towards black people is difficult to comprehend.\n\nIn my work experience in the US over the years, my team was in Utah at the time of a mass shooting in the mall that we'd typically go for dinner. An employee at the company shot and killed his wife in the church parking lot. I've been at a conference in Nashville that had to be locked down because there was a shooting in the mall next door (to the Grand Ole Opry), which was across the highway from the restaurant were there was the shooting where a black man took down the shooter earlier that year. As an employer our company couldn't believe the costs the company had to pay. California was ridiculously high, but so even was Texas.\n\nWith Obamacare the US is making huge strides in healthcare. It's not just about the health insurance coverage, but the fact that the legislation is forcing insurance and healthcare providers to standardize their systems, and make the data flow much better. This will allow for more innovation, faster handling of transactions, and transparency of costs (an example is people not knowing their cost until AFTER going through the procedure). I believe the US will outstrip Canada (which is only in the middle of the pack of developed countries) in service for cost in about 10 years.

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.

A video by someone who isn't Canadian and it's extremely obvious. Were currently OVERWHELMED by immigrants from India cause there's no limit on how many people can apply from that country. So now we have a glut of Indians who create their own semi-enclaves and do not integrate with the community. \n\nAs well, the U.S. pays better, has more opportunity, the mixture of immigrants is better (less concentrated to one country) and lets not even begin with Canada's completely screwed housing market.