Close Reading

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

@AbhiandNiyu : I’m a Canadian citizen of Indian descent. I agree with the issues you have highlighted but I disagree with the narrative you have presented. Here are my reasons why - \n\n1. Canada has always been a peaceful, prosperous, progressive and a good governance oriented nation. In the recent decade, too much of woke, radical left wing ideology has penetrated into policy and public institutions that have led to Canada’s current day crisis. \n\n2. This country has always welcomed talented immigrants who are willing to integrate with the Canadian society, embrace its values, traditions and culture. However, in the last 10 years, too many refugees and reckless mass immigration has put an incredible pressure on the economy, infrastructure and social cohesion. \n\n3. The political leadership has allowed reckless mass immigration without caring to boost the economy/infrastructure to handle the volume and hence the sorry state of affairs. \n\n4. Too many immigration consultants of Indian origin engage in outright VISA frauds (yes, this is unfortunately true) leading to ppl coming in as a tourist and then seeking asylum or converting their visa into a student visa (55 year olds from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat coming here as students).\n\n5. A significant chunk of people coming from India (esp. Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat) seeking a permanent residency in Canada are using student visas as a back door to claim eligibility for PR/citizenship. This is downright abusive and was never intended to be used like this. This has fueled a fake college diploma industry into Canada where “2-room” colleges have sprung up along the highways giving out fake diplomas and certifications for easy cash. Thus, the students, the immigration consultants and the fake diploma issuing colleges are all getting benefited from this scam. The internet is filled with such sting operations by Canadian officials exposing Indian students/immigration consultants. Do check them out. \n\n6. Unlike the past, the recent batch of immigrants in the last 3 years or so, make no effort at all to integrate into Canadian society and abuse the system, create law and order problem, drive recklessly, talk loudly in public spaces, litter everywhere, cross railway tracks like they do in India, steal liquor from stores, shamelessly collect food from food banks (as a way to save on groceries) that are meant for the elderly, disabled or those that are in utter poverty. It wasn’t like this ever before. In cities like Mississauga, Brampton and Surrey, the Khalistan movement + gangs involved in theft, drugs and human trafficking are from Punjab/Haryana and they have mushroomed here like crazy. A good 30-40% criminals in prison or on bail in these cities are of India ethnicity. \n\nIt is behaviours like these by Indians in the recent few years that has thoroughly infuriated native Canadians and now they hate the rest of us that have lived here peacefully and have been good citizens. There is a very serious, very real anti-immigrant (anti-Indian too) sentiment building up here. \n\n7. Lastly, the student protests that you have highlighted here is absolutely ridiculous! These students from India came to Canada under a student visa knowing fully well that they are supposed to go back after the completion of their studies, and now they are DEMANDING that they be issued extensions in work permits and be considered for PR. This is insane! This is because they never intended to return to India in the first place and were abusing the system as a back door entry. They are threatening to go on hunger strikes and what not. Legally, on a student visa, they are NOT allowed to participate in any sort of activism. \n\nNOBODY that comes to our country on a temporary visa (student, tourist etc.) has the right to dictate terms to us and demand that we change our immigration policies based on their preferences. No, that will not happen. \n\nCanada, like every country, has the sole right and privilege to decide who gets to become a permanent resident or a citizen based on our national priorities and strategic interests. I see nothing wrong in this principle.\n\nThanks for the video and I hope you will consider the other side of this argument as well. Canada alone is NOT at fault here. Immigrants and temporary visitors from India have some soul searching to do as well.

This was bound to happen. I don't know why Canadians are so confused and butthurt rn when they should've voiced their opinion at the time when policymakers were setting goals for the country which only immigration can solve. Get a grip of what immigration brings in to this country. Canada wanted to stay big boy in geopolitics and in terms of its economy. No way that's possible with only these many ppl in the country. And to be honest, there's no clear picture of what Canadian culture is. I'm sorry and that's the truth. Every immigrant lives the way they are left to live here. That's the bottom-line

Insanity that this man is allowed to stay in Canada after the havoc he reaked. It is not a matter of 'forgiveness' - it is to be held accountable for 'actions' taken -- he needs to go and should have been back in India shortly following the accident. I'm sorry, compassionate and humanitarian grounds belong to the huge number of people who lost their loved ones forever. May he find what he needs in India at the cost of their government and not from my tax dollars.

I’m one of those new immigrants, originally from China. I’d like to share my point of view on this subject. For immigrants, sometimes the number one reason to move to another country is the harshness of their home country. In my case, China is not a pleasant place to live - everywhere is overcrowded, housing is insanely expensive, and job opportunities are mostly concentrated on big cities. So, if a young person like myself stayed in China, my only option to make a living is to join the rat race with another million people, work 60 hours a week, all for a 2-bedroom apartment. The minimum wage in China is the equivalent of $4 Canada dollars per hour. I don’t earn the minimum wage, but this should tell you how underpaid workers are over there. I’m ok with working hard and I have worked hard my entire life, got two degrees before 25 while studying as a non-English speaker, but I can’t bear the thought of not being fairly compensated for my work. In a freer and more transparent society, at least worker’s rights are protected. I could have chosen other countries to migrate to, but Canada seemed to have the fastest processing time and highest chance of accepting at the time, so I took the opportunity. I’m sorry for the Canadians who got caught up in a poorly managed immigration system. All I am saying is, if you are in my shoes, you would rather take this chance to move here - this could be the one of a lifetime window of opportunity.

I’m sorry why else would they come to Canada if not for PR?

Sorry for my world but i am sick of this indian here Canada every location, work and travel you can see them I'm not blaming them to come here but please for the sake of God someone stop this is getting toxic now. ?

I'm sorry guys, i'm a little confused. what is the problem with there being a lot of immigrants from one country in one city of Canada ?

I'm a true Canadian born and raised I'm sorry to say this if we don't have Indian in Canada then sorry Canada will die slowly..there very intelligent understanding and they give all like us true Canadian...please stay thanks

Is there a smart they won’t come to Canada because even right now Canadians are on the street. It’s just not a good time. Canadians are good people it’s not their fault. It’s not the screw goes right back to Trudeau. All the cared about was making money and that is it charging immigrants so much you know what I mean and getting money from the government but it’s not going I believe to the migrants it’s not even going to the Canadian citizens. Mr. Trudo does not care. He only cares about himself and how to make a quick buck in the hell with anybody else. They should’ve been clear when you made a commercial and made it look beautiful on how you can kill yourself if you’re suffering depression. There was a young girl in her 20s, that’s a kid and because she had depression and why did she have depression? She was homeless and she had diabetes. She had no money to buy the diabetes medication so she killed her self with the assistant help of Canada. They were murdering people and then inviting immigrants in, how does that make sense?. And then no one‘s offering the immigrants jobs because there is no jobs but that’s not again the Canadians fault they can’t afford to put food on their own table. Canadians are hard-working and I know lotta immigrants are hard-working in regards to the students don’t come here maybe the United States will be best for you they offer lotta countries. Oh my God warm nice beautiful countries, I’m not country is sorry states you’ll probably be best for you to transfer over to somewhere there cause it’s just so many beautiful, warmer climate, and if people are used to coming from a warmer climate, it would just make more sense to me just an idea. I’m half of Canadians. I’m embarrassed of what is happening to the Canadian people under Trudeau and I’m embarrassed of what’s happening to the immigrants under Trudeau. Mr. Trudo needs a nonconfidence vote and sodas, the NDP, the broken laws both of them so both of them need to go make some very clear that a certain laws are broke doesn’t matter if he joins with an NDP throat people need to know the rights of Canada please Canadians look them up look up your rights, read them if you don’t understand them maybe it’s time we start having private groups and not on Facebook because Facebook rats. God bless Canada and God bless everyone is trying to make it.❤

I’ve known lots of international students and I’m sorry but they aren’t temporary, when they graduate they get a job and apply for full citizenship and they stay in Canada and don’t go back.

My ancestors got here a long time ago and I grew up believing that Canada is not only a place where so many could be happy and safe, but that people like me were better for it. I’m sorry to see you go — especially as I’m completely sympathetic to your last reason. Free Palestine. And I hope you come back.

Lived and worked in Canada from 2002-2007, in Toronto from 2004-2007 as an immigrant. I have Canadian citizenship, passport... Returned from Canada to my country of birth in late 2007. Those 5 years in Canada were the worst 5 years of my life, even then, when I was there in Canada - it wasn't as bad as today - today it is much worse (there is now a homeless camp five hundred meters from the block where I lived, it wasn't there then). Here, where I am now, I do not have a permanent job and a stable income, however, I live much better, much easier, with less effort, and most importantly, much healthier and peacefully than in Canada. I never even thought about going back there. Despite the false propaganda (because the Canadian state makes a lot of money from immigration - in order to legally immigrate to Canada, I had to spend 2000-3000 for administrative costs and show $10,000 in cash when entering Canada, plus a $1200 plane ticket) that Canada is one of the best places to live, my experience is that it is one of the worst places to live (and I have lived in both Germany and Cyprus and in my native country which has been devastated by Western sanctions and NATO bombing. Never in the 16 years since I left Canada have I thinking of going back there. I'm sorry, my experience was extremely negative.

Lived and worked in Canada from 2002-2007, in Toronto from 2004-2007 as an immigrant. I have Canadian citizenship, passport... Returned from Canada to my country of birth in late 2007. Those 5 years in Canada were the worst 5 years of my life, even then, when I was there in Canada - it wasn't as bad as today - today it is much worse (there is now a homeless camp five hundred meters from the block where I lived, it wasn't there then). Here, where I am now, I do not have a permanent job and a stable income, however, I live much better, much easier, with less effort, and most importantly, much healthier and peacefully than in Canada. I never even thought about going back there. Despite the false propaganda (because the Canadian state makes a lot of money from immigration - in order to legally immigrate to Canada, I had to spend 2000-3000 for administrative costs and show $10,000 in cash when entering Canada, plus a $1200 plane ticket) that Canada is one of the best places to live, my experience is that it is one of the worst places to live (and I have lived in both Germany and Cyprus and in my native country which has been devastated by Western sanctions and NATO bombing. Never in the 16 years since I left Canada have I thinking of going back there. I'm sorry, my experience was extremely negative.

M SORRY BUT ALL INDIANS WANT TO COME TO CANADA

Really BBC? I didn’t expect such a bias and poorly reported piece from you guys. What editor for the reputable BBC would even sign off on such a direction? \n\nYES it’s normal to see a drop in citizen application when the government made it much more difficult for permanent residents to do so. There was an intent there to naturally filter out what had become a burden on government funds and resources. I’m sorry but if you are living in Canada’s largest city [Toronto], don’t be shocked that cost of living is ridiculously expensive. The same will apply to every other western nations largest city. And yes Canada’s second largest city [Montreal] is ridiculously cheap, but good luck trying to get in when you not only need the Canadian federal governments approval for citizenship but the Quebec provincial governments as well where fluency in the French language is now a requirement. \n\nAt the end of the day, your education abroad provided you with tools and resources that helped implement your vision. It allowed you recognize the changing dynamic of the global economy, the bygone era of easy opportunity and progress in the western world and the significant leaps and growth that your own “developing” nation has made, allowing you to easily break into your own market with much success than struggle surrounded by red tape, by laws, bureaucracy, expenses and competition while balancing yourself in a culture with societal norms and customs that are unfamiliar and new to you.

I’m Canadian, my parents didn’t have $28k to give me to go to university. So I’m sorry these ppl think that going to school in Canada is some magic ticket to a successful career making great money, but why should Canadians feel bad for these ppl? Yes u were sold a lie, that North America is some magical land of hope, it’s not, there are millions of ppl in the west who can’t afford university, and have to work their entire lives as janitors and labourers with no savings for retirement, nothing to offer their children, I don’t feel bad thst these ppl are being mislead by Canadian universities, so are we, so many college and university programs are a scam,

Most people are not saying no to immigration. We do need some level of immigration. \n\nHowever, we need to slow way down to catch up and make up for the massive immigration of the past 6 to 8 years. Bringing more and more people, when we don't have the infrastructure or the economy to support them, is doing no one a favor (except big companies and landlords). Immigrants come here with the promise of a better life but end up stuck paying 2700$ per month for a closet in Toronto, working three jobs and 55 hours a week where they make 3400$ a month. The housing situation is the worst it has ever been. Rates are high, average cost of house in Canada is now above 750k CAD while the average salary is around 54k. Those are not sustainable figures. We cannot keep accepting 500k people a year, with hundreds of thousands of international students on top of it. \n\nI'm sorry if it ruffles the feathers of some liberal thinkers, CEOs, big slumlords and university boards but this is not a sustainable model. We've been going down in standards of living, despite paying heavy taxes. Something needs to change.

I'm sorry but we should not support international students from any country. Canada is suffering taking care of its own people. If any international student reads this, please do not come.

Sorry to say this, folks, but the degradation of city living is happening in all cities in Canada. Brace yourselves for worse things to come. I'm not in a city anymore.

I'm sorry to hear that you wish to leave Canada. I understand the problem with winters. I think inflation is a world problem that you can not escape. I don't believe that the government is doing anything more than trying to be inclusive to all of the 'others' of our society but then I am an old man living in a very isolated place. My children were raised Muslim but not of the 5 prayers a day. My disappointment with the Canadian government's and opposition's stance regarding the genocide in Gaza is huge and it is the best reason you have given. Canada as with Germany in Namibia has its own problems living up to the genocides we have committed in the past. If you go to Malaysia I hope you become sensitive to the 'others' that live in that country.

Leaving Canada for some 3rd world country for the sake of kids? Sorry guys, that sounds insane to me. And I’m a world traveler. You guys are exaggerating your childhood indoctrination, i.e. religion, to the extent of diverting reality. You’re screwing your kids’ future for your faith? That’s so selfish. What kind of parents are you?

I’m sorry you chose to move to this dump. When Canadians are leaving Canada, you _know_ things are bad and you should avoid coming here. Think about how many people want to leave, but can’t.

I'm so sorry to hear what you guys went through. I always thought Canada was the best when it came to nice people but I was wrong. \nAs for country options, definitely check out China, it is such a beautiful and peaceful country. You will deal with little to no racism there. \nCountries to avoid: America ?

the issue with new immigrants coming to canada is they don't know about shit, there is so many services available you just have to know, i'm sorry that nobody in your circle helps you maybe cause they themselves don't know either but have faith, i'll help you if you want, my family has been year for only 200 years, i don't know everything but i can at least point you in the right direction

I see some racist comments\nBut here is the thing, why are u mad? Were you ambitious enough to start a business? Work very low paying jobs? Are u hustling? \n\nHow can u be mad at proactive people. Brampton tons of Indians.. ok.. so u have Indians who want to make a good life for themselves and their families? They invested and started businesses bringing money into the city and country?\n\nHow can u complain about them taking ur jobs, when u don’t want those jobs in the first place.. do I want to serve Indian food? Work at an Indian job recruiting office?\n\nI’m sorry.. but I really hate seeing blind racism assuming everyone is a freeloader. Starting business in Canada is beyond expensive. Don’t be mad that people are willing to grind.\n\nYou be busy putting up rainbow flags and yelling at each other about pronouns, vs others keep their head down and work hard open businesses and just hustle.

On behalf of this white Canadian born woman, I know exactly why you are leaving Canada and I'm so very sorry. I don't want your children to be in danger here either and we all know...they are. It's getting worse everyday. Much love and I pray you have an easy journey.

Sorry but none of the reason you shared are enough to make you leave your country. I'm a Muslim and I travel the world, today Canada is the best place to be.

I'm really sorry to hear you feel that way about living in Canada. I'm always happy to see you guys pop up on my feed and even happier to learn you were based in Canada. But I respect your point of view. I really hope you feel happier and safer where ever you go. Safe travels!

No offence to new immigrants but if you came here past 2018 you should not be allowed to buy a house until house prices get back to sane levels. I was born in raised in a small town surrounded by farmland in Ontario and the average cost of a home is now 700k. 20 years ago it was 150k. No one I grew up with can afford a home, I'm sorry but Canadians first. Other countries seem to care way more about their own people waaaay more than here. I feel like Canadians are constantly the ones who just have to suck it up. Its absolutely nonsense. Either something has to happen or I, and many Canadians in the same position will leave. Canada sucks at the moment, do not come here! Almost everyone I talk to who is born here agrees, lib, con, ndp, doesn't matter what political party they usually vote for, they want immigration to stop, and homes to be built. We're at the breaking point.

Oh, well... I've been thinking about moving abroad and Canada had been my No. 1 choice for a few years, but after seeing this I'm sorry to say: Canada is now off my list.

I’m sorry, but that is really disgusting. We do not need more immigrants. Our infrastructure and medical system is already burdened. Not to mention the government often pays for everything for them for the first year so they think they’ve got it good and suddenly when they can’t get a job, because Canada may not recognize their degrees, then they are struggling again. And sadly, if they are Muslim, sometimes they just don’t want to integrate they just want to live their own ways here, but have a better life in our country, and that’s not fair to us. That’s just my big overview and don’t get me wrong in every day life, I have some friends who are Muslim.

I’m sorry but Canada isn’t taking care of People here stop Enough. Start taking care of people that already live here no more people

I married my spouse and moved to the United States from Canada. Before, I didn't give the US much thought and merely loved travelling to a few of the locations. Having said that, even after spending five years there, I have never witnessed a country and a population as divided as the US. You proudly display your flag, yet you're so racist, illiterate, and a bible-thumper that it disgusts me. The United States is not the most free country in the world, despite what the public believes and thinks. In reality, it is also depressing to observe how the healthcare system handles people. The social safety net is completely missing, and by that I mean that most jobs don't pay for maternity leaves or vacations unless you work at a senior level or for a high-end company. The political system is so rigged that it is understandable why people are tired of voting every two years, and perhaps even every year. Most certainly, especially since your elections begin almost exactly when the previous one finished. I suppose I could go on forever, but I'll stop here. Although Canada is not perfect, is not free from controversy or problems, and is not the best at everything, we are able to concede defeat, acknowledge that someone was wrong or that we might have done better, work together with one another, and express that we are SORRY. Yes, it is a word that is never used in the US, and that is also the issue. I'm pleased to be back in Canada, where I belong, and I regret ever leaving. Yes, returning to Canada feels peaceful and inviting compared to travelling to the US, where every trip involves an interrogation to ensure that you don't remain too long. There is no need to worry because I won't be returning to stay, only visit, as previously.

Koi khas reason nahi bataya aapne. Yeh sb normal hai. Only 1 saal aapko wait karna tha. 2 mahine me aap wapis agayi. Wahan b aap jugaad doond rahi thi. I m sorry Canada tabhi tou advance country hai. Hamari jugaad wali country ki haalat b dekh lo. Actually mehnat har kaam ka pehla step hai. Ab alladin ka chiraag se pehle he jinn nahi ayega ki bolo mere aaka???????

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.

Oh I'm sorry Alina I'm from Canada to but I've never been to Toronto but I would love to go and visit there despite all the changes

A lot of them I'm sure were well aware that they cheated their way into Canada. They were only sorry that they got caught. If these shady agencies charged an 'arm & a leg' in comparison to their competitors, then there must've been an indication that something's wrong!

Sorry to hear that your guests had to struggle a lot in Australia. Everyone has its own journey, so let's not be judgemental. The essence of their story - Act, Learn and Imorove and keep moving ahead in life. They have examplified determination, resilience, hard work. Skills are important but not everything, they prevailed through their attitude. The cherry on cake Ashar supporting his wife Sana to continue her studies, a great leap of faith and the guy kept saying - I beleive in being together with my family, support parents, and siblings. I'm glad that they got PR in Canada and are liking it. Every place has its own challenges and goes back to my first thought - everyone has its own journey, and no two orbits are comparable, so one shouldn't be judged. Keep it up, guys, and once again - a Candid cast. ????

I’m sorry about the negative experience of these ladies. Most young children bring their parents for housekeeping and babysitting. Once the children are in school they are on their own. Sounds like they shop at low end stores. Farmers Markets exist in all communities city wide. Specialty stores have food from all countries as do restaurants and same is with clothing! You can call a cab any time! Don’t blame Canada for lack of social life it is what you want and do! There are resources available everywhere including volunteering and making friends. ??

Are you AI? I find it hard to believe that someone could keep up this level of annoying conversation. This is the first time I'm seeing you. Also the last. Sorry, you're just not my cup of tea. \nBTW, there is nothing in this world that could convince me to move to the U.S. NOTHING...I don't even visit there anymore. Don't hate you guys, don't even dislike you, but I love my home. I'll stay right here in Canada.

I think the US system is a bit too strict, but having been to Toronto and Vancouver, I’m sorry but the degree of immigration there is too much to allow for assimilation of cultures into a monolithic Canadian culture (which is essential for a nation imho). The US has a stronger unified culture despite being multiethnic - plus it’s services/housing are not under strain like in Canada.

Sorry but no. You can’t excuse racism as a geographic thing. Maybe you have not personally noticed or experienced overt racism as a white male, it does not mean it is not occuring. Racism is so systemically embedded in our culture and instutions. I’m not saying Canada is better but please don’t disregard it as a personal experience thing.

Québécoise here. We Canadians seem to forget that there is as much racism in Canada as in the US. We just like to hide it behind a smile for some reason… I’ve lived in northern Michigan for 4years when I was in high school and college. I preferred the kids in the US over the kids in Switzerland by a lot! But I admit that shooting exercises in school were very weird. A lot of kids were dying in car crashes too… \nAlso, as someone with French as first language, that was pretty horrible catching up. I attended summer class with a bunch of kindergarten, and the teacher told in front of the whole class how me and my siblings were so bad at English even though we were teens. Well I’m sorry I can only write a college level paper in French but not in English yet! Thanks for belittling us in front of toddlers when we’re trying very hard to catch up before actual classes start! I was thrown into English Senior classes during second semester and did pretty well thank you very much! Went onto creative writing in college. Someone told me they though I was mentally retarded until I told them French was my first language…

Tab berrr knack!\nShort for Tabernacle, it's a common term used in frustration in Quebec.\nIt insults the Catholic church, yet I found most of the French speaking people that I spoke to and asked about this were actually Catholic. It puzzled me. Like being frustrated and insulting their own beliefs. \nNo, sorry, I am happy to live in Canada and visit my friends and family there. \nYou have so many fabulous things to be proud of as an American. I have seen most of the states and would love to do it over again. I have met many, many wonderful and warm decent people there.\nBUT irresponsible gun ownership, mass shooting increasing to the point that other countries are recommending that people not visit the US!!A country divided politically and violently by ignorance of the minority, and allowing people to lose their houses when they lose their health? And women dying from poor pregnancy outcomes although predicted by their doctors....And the gay right thing, and school curriculum foolishness going on in Florida? I'm glad I visited Florida so many times before that craziness. Yey more people keep moving there. 31 million now!Why? I hate the heat an hour and a half above the border! And hurricanes! And massive tornadoes. And Malaria now!\nCome up to Canada. Bring your family too. It's safer. Less people equals less danger.\n\nKeep on keeping on! ❤

Sorry. I'd never move to the US and I'm considering my options to not travel for vacations either. Canada is breathelessly beautiful. I'm following your political situations closely, and I am flabbergasted at how the GOP treat fellow Americans. I hope for you guys.

I live in Canada (Quebec), and I dont think I would move to the US, not even sure I want to visit...\nAnd the thing is, if you would have asked me maybe 20 years ago, I would have loved to live there, in NY even.\nMind you, I dont have any firm confirmation of how it is, but if we listen to the media, it seems like simply walking in NY is risky, thieves and mentaly ill people at every corner. What I'm getting at is that the picture drawn by the medias is one of complete insecurity, dirty and almost evil place, fill with mostly good people, but surrounded by madness left unchecked (sorry for my bad english, still learning).

Just for fun of comparing our countries, since gun violence and violence is usually mentionned a lot I just looked at some weird stats. First of all, in Canada around 13% of the population own a gun and 22% of household at least have one gun compared to the US which 32% of the population own a gun and 44% of household at least have one gun. The other weird stats I looked, after finding that out, was the methods of homicides in Canada and the US. It's supposed to be stats by compiling the police repports and could be not completely accurate but it is still different how they are stated. For exemple in Canada in 2021 the number of victims by shooting 297, stabbing 242 and beating 130. For the US it's not by shooting, it starts with the victims by handgun 6012, then firearms which the type is not stated in the repport 4740, then knives and cutting instruments 1035, personal weapons (hands, fists, feet etc.) 461, then rifles 447, other guns 227 and shotguns 152. The scary thing about the US is even if Canada is 11.53% the population of the US, 11578 victims by shooting compared to 297 seems a lot. To have the same rate of violence as the US our victims by shooting in Canada would have had to be 1004. Which means in 2021 there was 71% less homicide by shooting in Canada compared to the US. Another thing I found, I live in the second largest city of Canada, it's not the 2nd but the 27th most dangerous city in Canada and if we consider only the cities which have a population of more than 1million, it's actually the 3rd safest city of Canada. So yeah I'll stay in Canada, even though I live in sin city it's still safer, there's a better health care system and we have a good multicultural diversity. Sorry for the long text, it's 4am and I write as much as I talk, which is a lot when I'm tired.

I’m sorry if we offended you with all these comments, nothing personal. I wouldn’t move there, even though the shopping is good, cheaper cost of living, etc., it’s too crowded and there are too many crazies running around. However, we have a horrible federal government right now in Canada doing their best to destroy our economy and control the media and the people. No place is perfect as we all know. I enjoy your podcasts. Thank you

I have two brothers living in the states. The one in Wisconsin is my big brother and he means the world to me. He does have his foibles about race and he tolerates me bringing him to task for some of the things he's said. He was brought up in Kentucky. He seems to be seeing the light now. I have spent time with him and my sister-in-law, and my nieces and nephews in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana. We are close now despite being brought up worlds apart. My next oldest brother lives in West Virginia. I haven't seen him on over 30 years. He had a habit of moving without telling the rest of the family. I didn't know he had divorced and remarried. I worked for the Canadian Military as well as some of the American contingent where I worked. I had to renew information for my Security Clearance just after 9/11. He refused to give me any info because Rush Limbaugh was telling Americans the terrorists came to the U.S. from Canada (they actually were taking flight training in Florida). I suppose I could easily take up American citizenship since our mother had dual citizenship but I think I'll decline. I'm too much of a Canuck to change now. I don't think I could get used to politicians winning an election and immediately starting a new campaign. The process seems exhausting to always be bombarded with things politic. Here our electioneering is held to 6-8 weeks before the election and strict limits are placed on funding and contributions. Besides, I live in a small city of 58-60 thousand (North Bay, Ontario). In the close to 70 years that I've lived here, I can recall only 3 murders, so you'll under if I find mass shootings shocking and abhorrent and truthfully scary. I'm a little long winded today....Sorry.