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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.

Canada, ha you mean India, in the last decade 100s of 1000s of Indians have flooded to Southern Ontario (which by all measures is Canada) to the point that sometimes one feels like they are stranger in a strange land. Of the 2.2 million who arrived last year approx 500,000 are students They are huge profit centre for landlords and colleges and universities. And let's not talk about healthcare!!!\n\nThe other huge issue is healthcare - forget about getting a family doctor these days it's a choice between MAID or going to the US to get life saving healthcare (paid out of pocket of course). Long term not much will change - discussing immigration is still verboten in Canada and while I expect the Conservatives to form the next majority government thier policies mirror those of the Liberals.\n\nBTW it's not a half million per year it's well over a million new comers per year!

Many recent immigrants I have known have left Canada because the cost of living is too high. From my experience they work very hard, usually working 60+ hours a week. After some time they crunch the numbers and realize no matter how hard they try they will not get anywhere so they leave. For those born in Canada we find ourselves being chased out of our hometowns because it is too expensive to live there. For myself it was either stay in Vancouver, surrendering more than half of your income to rent or move out of the city to buy an apartment. In the major cities there is a mass exodus of young people and the strategy has been to replace that exodus with immigration. The problem is that is not sustainable as now new immigrants, seeking a better life are not finding it in major Canadian cities. For those who already own property in the lower mainland the selfish mentality is to do whatever you can to deny construction, thus maintaining the scarcity and value of what little land/housing there is in desirable areas. Zoning laws are beginning to change but progress is slow and municipalities have failed to keep up with infrastructure so the growing pains is going to be immense. It's beautiful here now doubt but if I had no ties and a solid financial footing I would have left long ago. Generations ago you could show up to Canada with no money and thrive if you were willing to work hard. Now hard work won't get you anything.

I think it's great that people who don't love Canada are leaving. We don't need you. I'm working to change things, to improve my life in Canada. One improvement is to reduce the crowding. If you're just here to economically exploit the country, then I'm glad you're leaving.

Life is tough here in Canada. Economy is stagnant, things aren't working, crime rate is up, healthcare is in decline, politics is abysmal. I can understand and don't blame Canadians who want to leave. But I have hope that things will change for the better.

Basically, Canada decided to wear shoes way bigger than its size. Accommodating so many immigrants without any robust planning and management was a gamble that backfired the country. While i understand a country with a weak demography requires young population to contribute ti fuel its economic engine, lack of job creation and superficially overpriced real estate are the ticking time bombs waiting to go off and go beyond control soon. \nOne thing that continues to amaze me is the tolerance and acceptance of Canadians towards failed policies of its government. The protest against vaccination gained traction, but no real voice against a problem stressing every Canadian on daily basis? \nCabada must stop comparing itself to the US that has a very well planned immigration system seeking the most talented professionals in their respective fields. Canada, on the other hand, doesnt care about the quality.\nPeople have started coming to terms that there's no merit in embarking upon a life changing or rather threatening misadventure to leave everything behind for Canada. It just doesn't make any sense

,.....we need to take care of Canadians first, you know the ones that built this nation, created a country of fairness and compassion? and here's a point that will enrage the uneducated woke: limit immigration from Islamic nations.....look at Poland, they are protectting their Polish identity and way of life, why do Canadians not see the same issue??? unless you want your country to look like France or Great Britain. This country has changed for the worse. And unfortunately Islam is not a religion/ideology that can be integrated into western liberal democracies easily. Read the Koran folks its not like Christianity....its not about equality and fairness unless you are muslim perhaps... their Prophet was a warlord killing thousands and enslaving thousands, he married a 9 year old and consummated that marriage when she was 12 and he was 54. If you believe in God , pretty sure he didn't send Jesus to earth to preach peace and forgiveness and then , an all knowing God Changes his mind and brings us Mohammed, who kills and enslaves?? And addressing current issues, Canadian passport holders who choose to live in Gaza, which has no rights for women, LGBTQ, and especially jews and whose leaders drafted a charter calling for death of ALL jews, sounds more like NAZI Germany, well they do not belong in Canada. There are plenty of surrounding muslim nations they can go to.

Good solid takes on life in Canada as it stands in the larger cities. My family immigrated in the late 80s when I was a young child to YYZ and the housing prices and quality of living was really solid back then. We moved to YVR in the late 90s and prices seemed to be pretty stable as well. Think things started to change shortly after my undergrad years in the mid 2000s. Unfortunately, the government wanted to increase immigration which is great, but forgot to build out the transportation infrastructure and develop the health care system properly. Foreign credential recognition is really the biggest bottleneck for newcomers. Newcomer employment expectations and what is available to them is not really matching up, I know this first hand as I've worked in the employment enabling sector. Weather as you mentioned is subjective, I prefer the cold, clean crisp air here in Canada, I don't do well in the hot humid polluted weather in most East and Southeast Asian countries. Crime has definitely been on the rise as many people around me have had personal experiences with this topic. Finally housing, to live comfortably in YVR a family income of 150K is probably bare minimum these days.

If you and your husband work online so it's better than you Settle down in ?? CHINA or ?? GERMANY and You can make over there MONEY too whenever you HAVE change you COMBACK IN CANADA ?? and again. Start TRAVIL TOURISM in canada enjoy life ?????? WAHY NOT. ??❤

For sure, things are getting more tough around the world but what really surprises me is that the people who have been living for 10+ years in Canada saying that things changed in Canada. Well, of course, things will change, its changing everywhere including where you immigrated from. I have been in Canada for 5+ years now and finally am a citizen and I can tell you that where I came from is even worse in terms of inflation and affordability. People compare Canada to Dubai (where I came from) and say dumb things about the luxuries available there forgetting they can get these luxuries anywhere if they have the money. Even Dubai now, is much worse than 5-10 years ago, so take a chill pill and know what you really want in life and if the style of Dubai or Bali suits you more, then go ahead, Canada is not holding you hostage :D

what has been shared in this video is nothing that people are not aware of. Everybody knows that you have to do all the work yourself,no maids, cooks, etc. like India.These facts have been there for years, nothing new about them. If people want to got there for further education, it is different, but then Canada is not all that good as far as higher education is concerned, there are better countries to choose from with better weather conditions and better lifestyle and high class education. Who would want to live in a cold and inhospitable country, payig through your nose. Here in India, if we fall sick even with just cough / cold, we can go to the nearest doctor and get medicines, sometimes we can even just ask the pharmaists to help us to choose some medicines for pharmasist here are half doctors.\nEven our standard of living has become so good, that we don't even feel like shifting to a new country. We have metros, good buses both AC as well as non AC, good trains, good resturaunts, hotels, what is it that we don't have here?\nIt is always better living as a first class citizen in our own country, than living like second class citizen elsewhere. The attraction and the charm of living abroad is no longer there.\nOur country has improved so much and so fast in the last 10 years, we have good bathrooms in schools and other public places, which was not there previously. Only drawback in our country is the traffic and infrastructure, which will also become better, but will take time, because of our country's population.\nIn fact you will find servants and watchmen all coming to work in a bikes or scooters, which was unthinkable some years back. Their life has changed for the better, they live in rented flats/or on lease, their children study in good schools and so on, and they dress also so well, that you cannot differentiate between them and the people they work for.\nMany of the so called advanced countries do not have many well educated people like our country, the children there are not as knowledgeabe like Indian kids, their knowledge is limited to the town they live in, they don't know anything about the world outside.\nAnd now with the Khalistani terrorist living freely there it is all the more dangerous. And on top of it, it is a country ruled by a dumb Prime Minister, who has to give asylums to all good for nothing, ( and all only for votes) uneducated people whose only job is to sell drugs to kids and indulge in terrorism and threaten people.\nGood thing, you have come back, for there is nothing like sweet home.

As a Canadian who has lived in almost all the provinces and territories, all my life, I can tell you that a lot has changed as I think the best time or era was in the 1970's and you may have come at the worst time as the worst appears to be now when everything has become too expensive. The other problem relates to Canada, its size, the distances to travel, the smaller tax base with a smaller population than that of United States or India. This is not intended to provide excuses but most people here do not even have a family doctor as many doctors find greener pastures in the United States where the dollar is 30 percent higher in value and salaries are not limited to government health care. It is hard to change when American influence dictates much of what transpires. Homelessness hasn't been a problem but the last five years has provided more hardship for many who find it hard to cope with how things have become.

It's glaring you are very ignorant of what you are saying; you better close that ur dirty mouth because what you are indirectly doing to to inform the IRC of the loopholes in the Visitors Visa: this is how the police office from Nigeria end up exposing the UK student dependent Visa; now another idiot is out looking for cheap clout; is a person who has already landed his/herself in Canada through the tourist that is solely waiting for regularization not a fool? What business does someone who those not fall into the category of skill and workers that Canada desire going to do in Canada using the tourist Visa? Over sabi have you heard of the IRC refusing a nurse who came into Canada with Tourist visa; and then successfully passed his/her NClex while there regularization before? When making analysis; better get your facts right and if you are intending to remind IRC of the weakness in the tourist Visa; You are a failure because no matter how you complain ; they won't change it because this alone has sourced them over 5000Nurses and doctors to fill their workforce shortage. You that as a Nurse or a Doctor got to Canada and refuse to take the appropriate exams to practice; is that person not a bigger fool for wasting his/her life savings for sight seeing? You better pull this anyhow and deceptive video down. Where and how did you get your demonic statistics of discouragement and failure? And what province of Canada are you currently?

Africans have been in America way before the age of technology...which we are in now. God Almighty well help us survive. Plus u live in the suburbs.....move to the city my friend......that will be different too. Nothing in life is constant but change. So if you don't like it move, but it's not that bad....ppl work alot just to survive the cost of living is different in America and so are the laws.

This is not just a canada Problem but is being faced world over. Its never easy to immigrate to a country. People fail to research and understand the challenges they would face and how to overcome them. They usually have a well paid job and decide to move to canada thinking its easy then cry about the smallest inconveniences. You are moving to canada to live a better life and turn your life around, start by changing yourself first to be more canadian and western ( ideologies). Let go of your old life and embrace the new and you will find canada a pleasent and joyfull place to live ( except winters cause it drains your joy and your heat?). \n\nP.S : The problems with inflation and housing is true for all economies now, if you find a country that has great jobs cheap housing and overall great qualty of life right now do let me know ill apply too.

I came here as a student back in 2017 it took me more than 5 years to understand the system.. I lost so many things after all this years.. Now things have changed for everyone.. My time has come to live my rest of my life in a better place...

My family came to Canada 30 years ago. My father and siblings worked very hard to build a business that provides services to the public. My spouse works harder now to provide half of what I grew up with. I wonder how they will provide for their families. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to live a decent life. It’s not the Canada I grew up in. It makes me sad my children are not growing up with what I had. The taxes are high and expenses are high. Trying to own a home is near impossible. It’s a challenge to keep going. I don’t have anywhere else to go let alone my kids. Hope things change for the better for our children’s sake.

Canada needs a change life is so expensive !!!

If Canada continues mirroring destructive policies of the U.S. it’s not going to end well for Canada long term. \nCanada is in worst economic shape when it comes to jobs, housing and healthcare. \nThe life is just simply not affordable and the lack of healthcare professionals, hospitals and housing is unacceptable, so is public schools and childcare. \nI’m not surprised that reverse immigration will be happening for immigrants who has been here long enough see the dramatic change and unfair immigration policies.

All those doing that, are abusing the system. They try to take benefits from Canada. I know so many Iranians who do that, they get free health care, they get child benefits, they get old age benefits and so on and so on .. so they draw on all of our benefits, don’t pay taxes and they have an exit strategy to move to Canada if Iran goes to dump. But until then, they will get the benefits that Canada has to offer and have a fantastic life in Iran. Why come here? Where they’ll actually have to work for an income? I think the rules have to be changed, so that such abuse is clamped down on and stopped.

AND TO TOP IT OFF THEY WOULD ALSO DO WELL TO LEAVE THEIR FLAGS IN THEIR COUNTRY NOT ARRIVE HERE AND START CRYING ABOUT OUR WAYS OF LIFE AND CHANGE EVERYTHING TO SUIT THEM, TIME TO STOP CATERING TO IMMIGRANTS SIMPLE AS THAT

HI Chokor, I really like your submissions.?\nHowever, I will excuse your level of knowledge about Europe as you have said that you have never lived in Europe.\n\nMy own submissions is that both Europe and U.S.A/ Canada has their goods and bads.\n\nFirstly, Europe pratice Socialist and Capitalist economy, meaning if you are working and fall on hard time due to recessions, or health challenges. \nEurope welfare systems will support you, until you are back on your feet, and if its terminal health challenges, the systems support you till death.\n \nPerhaps that is why European pathways to citizenship use to be so narrow, but its changing now,\nGermany has adopted, u.s.a type of Green card, currenty assylum seekers in Europe mostly received work permits after 9months.\n\nCritically, Europe still has more to learn from Canada in terms of integration and equal opportunities for immigrants.\n\nCritically, U.s.a and canada, systems are pure capitalist economy, If you are unlucky to fall on hard times, or health challenges, and if the person does not have full medicaid insurance, that person life is likely to be cut short. \nDue to lack of access to quality hospital care.\n\nEven, i watched it on CNN/CBS, how most medical insurances in U.s.a, and Canada ars refusing to cover persons with Diabetes.\n\nUsa and Canad has one of the worst homelessness in the developed world, most of them are not drug/alchohol addicts, rather persons with good works, and home owners who had fallen on hard times.\n\nConclusion, wherever God give us in abroad, one should just pray for mercies of God..?

M from Michigan. M also new in America. India apnasa lagta hai.Abroad paraya sa lagta hai.Its my opinion.Himmat jaruri if you are coming to abroad plus we have to accept new changes in life in positive way. First 1 month we all enjoy later on the real life start...kabhi kabhi apne comfort zone se bahar aana bhi bahut jaruri hai.than only we come to know where we stand actual

I was born here in America and I cant afford food. I cant afford rent. Im Not getting any help because Im not foreign or have 4-6kids under the age of 14. Thats right. Look it up!! Fix the PROBLEMS AT HOME POLITICIANS!!!! I HAVE PAID MY TAXES! SUPPORT YOUR CITIZENS!!! IM NOT SELFISH BUT IM SICK OF THIS,,, THIS WALL, THE LIES. THE FIGHTING, THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE LEFT N RIGHT. THE, THE LAWS BEING ALLOWED TO CHANGE SO DRASTICALLY THE WHOLE USA is hating each other. Whats happened to us. That song, One bad apple cant spoil the whole the whole darn world...or whatever ...is wrong...ONE BAD APPLE POLITICIAN SPOILED OUR LIFE AS WE KNEW IT AND WE NEED IT TO RIGHT ITSELF.....

I’ve lived near Toronto for the vast majority of my adult life. Around 2016 I was working there and started to explore the city a little bit more, living there for a short time. I think the draw and attraction was that it always was a little hectic. Always something to look at, so many different cultures. Also such contrasts, walking through the downtown core and then out to a neighborhood like Greek town. With parks and even forests to be found. It went from tense to a feeling of refuge and a sense of a natural oasis within a chaotic machine. I think the sense of calm which could be found has become a little more rare. Also a certain openness that people and cultures had towards each other has been fading. Discourse with other opinions morphed into the near impossible. It’s all by design and sad to see. It’s a tangible and significant change. When you zoom out at the infrastructure, social and economic level. It’s very hard to see a healthy recovery happening anytime soon. Mostly due to those being in charge not caring. Still lots of beauty there. I would never choose to live there again, but if anyone is still living there and reading this. My advice would be to explore the greenways, parks and forests to be found. The juxtaposition of city and nature gives a heightened appreciation to both realities, and really gives a more balanced/peaceful mindset to explore the good which can be found

Give 20 lakhs come to Canada work like slaves learn English and think life changed....\n\nEasily manipulated young workers brought to a aging white country with NO GOOD JOBS AND DOUBLE STANDARD WHITE PEOPLE

Give 20 lakhs come to Canada work like slaves learn English and think life changed....\n\nEasily manipulated young workers brought to a aging white country with NO GOOD JOBS AND DOUBLE STANDARD WHITE PEOPLE

As a person born in Canada in the 50s I have seen the change in Canada over the decade to now where this Liberal gov had torn the hell out of what once was a terrific place to work and live. This interview sounds very legit. I can see immigrants being treated poorly but you need to understand as things get worse so does the treatment of one on one. You can't expect things to go smoothly when you open the flood gates to immigration and do nothing else. Where are these people going to live. Where are the citizens that have lived in Csnada decades going to live because our government has made life intolerable. I feel sorry for the immigrants who have moved here only to find it is not what was promised

Depends on hands you landed on.' The motive that brought you here' the focus in a foreign country' the effort you put to change your destiny too to live a better life. Usa and canada is a place of education and business to grow. What is in your mind? There re alot of kenyans living great life in usa and canada. Those who follow ghetto behaviors like them we found' they copied those behaviors and their life become worse than in kenya. Again power of choice. I am a single mom living in usa. Brought kids here saw them through education and they re doing good. Your purpose will drive you to your desire. Many voices will be heard but life in foreingn countries is not bad. Some people go back home and after few years come back. Why is life is that bad

Life is hard if you're not flexible weather it's India or any other country. Even if you just change city or state in India only you have to make a lot of adjustment that's natural. Every place have it's own good things and bad things, we just need to decide where we can adjust and where not.

Love it here in Toronto, Im lucky though i dont pay crazy high rent even though im itching to move for some odd reason. Maybe because I know I cant be here forever, I live in an old building that wont last, isnt mine and will be forced to move out when soemoen else buys it, like I was at my previouse apartment, which is my only problem, all he condo development, basically kicking out poorer people, thats why rent is high, but they're going to have to live with no sun in the city when all those towers block it. That being said the areas is just so bueatiful, it feels like its nestled in a forest, then the lake, its a great spot. Got 4 the seasons, i hear ist the most diverse city in the world racially and its climate is just as diverse going from -30 some winters to well above +30 some summers and everything in between. That being said I am getting tired of the city life and looking for a change although i think Toronto has a lot more potential and is actually underrated right now and will just get better. Maybe not more cheaper, but hopefully politicians will wise up and stop selling out for short term profits for long term problems.

Born and raised in Toronto. I have lived here my whole life for over 50 years. The city has changed drastically and very rapidly. As my retirement approaches and my kids finish University, I am out of here. The crime, the cost of everything, terrible transit and roads that look like they have gone through a war. I live by the lake and we have homeless tent encampments and people living along the train tracks ( and this is the suburban part of Toronto, by the Rouge valley) These are only a few of the reasons why Toronto has changed for the negative ( and I do not see it getting any better)

That corner of Sherbourne and Dundas East ... I walked by it about 2 months ago and felt my life threatened as never before, not even in Latin American places where I have been ... TO has changed not for the best sadly

Couldn't pay me to live in Toronto.\n\nDon't come to Halifax either. Its face has changed drastically in the last 5 years.\n\nI've paid taxes my entire working life yet if I frequent a walk-in clinic, there may be 50 people ahead of me and 95% will be immigrants. Thanks, Turdeau, glad to see born-and-bred Canadians matter.\n\nI got on a bus one day a few months back. Out of a dozen people, I was the only white. Unheard of even two years ago. East Indians make up about 25% of our population in Halifax and outlying areas. Why are they here?\n\nHalifax has changed and it depresses me.\n\nCanada has been sold out by Turdeau and the like.

Toronto has changed drastically. Crime and homelessness is out of control. Traffic is only getting worse. Good luck trying to get around the city during the summer with road construction literally everywhere. Our transit system is out of date and unreliable. The cost of living is stupid. Yet somehow everywhere you look they continue to build condos as cheap and as fast as they can. It really makes you wonder who is buying them. Sadly there’s no real culture or quality of life. Basically work to survive. \n\nLove the videos Alina ??

Kenyans are hardworking but most think in a straight line, more like a copy-paste, the moment you start thinking outside the box and doing your own research opportunities start showing up ,Example majority of Kenyans will go to the Gulf to do Hotel,Security , Driving or House Managers work very few ventures into other High skilled careers which can be self-taught from the comfort of your home and earn a very good salary that can change your life

I’m trying to move out Toronto but I can’t sell my house because nobody has money. I lived in Toronto all my life. And Toronto has changed a lot \nA friend of mine sold his house last year and move to Calgary , then he used that money to buy a cheaper house in Calgary and all he owes on his new house is $100K. He loves it there. Thanks for the video I thought I was the only one. ❤

I am a South Sudanese Canadian who pretty much grew up in Kenya before travelling abroad. Life in Canada is not easy.. especially after Trudeau came to power.\nI make pretty good income in IT, but i pay like 30% in taxes...30% of my money is gone. I dont see it. I know others who pay more than me in taxes. The grocery is also high, as are the other bills. Rent is really high. In my city, an average house costs 800k. Even my cousins in the US are shocked at the prices of homes in Canada. My rent is much higher than the mortgages being paid by my cousins in the US. In places like Toronto or Vancouver, it is worse.\n\nI went back to Africa last time and saw so many opportunities, that i made my decision yo transition slowly back home. \n\nThe problem i find with most Africans is thinking of finding jobs in the government or private sector. If you are a Kenyan, or Ethiopian or South Sudanese, etc, think of creating jobs instead.\n\nThe opportunities for entrepreneurship in Africa are endless because alot of the problems in society have not yet been resolved. You dont have to have alot of capital to start farming for example. So many Africans have access to free ancestral lands that they can farm and make money from. But many want to spend time in the cities instead. A change of mindset is needed.

Sadly , IT IS TRUE... I came to Toronto 34 years ago, EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED for the WORST. Just like you, I love Toronto , BUT....for new immigrants , families students , refugies ... NOT THE PLACE TO START a new life.

Well, I immigrated to Toronto from Ukraine 27 years ago, and it was a good decision at that time. Learning English definitely makes more sense and easier than switching to a rural Ukrainian dialect, which sounds to me like a mockery of Russian. However, today Moscow looks definitely better. There are also plenty of immigrants from former Soviet Asian republics but no trace of homeless, drug-addicted and mentally sick people, very clean and well-maintained city. Just see some of Alina's videos from Russia. For me, the only problem is the cold climate. Toronto is way more southern, and I became too old to change my life. Perhaps when I retire I will go back to the former Ukraine if my Crimea will be a safe part of Russia by that time.

I agree with you Lyn,its hard to start life in Canada,changing visas to work permits is very expensive also &need to find a willing employer to start the process(lmia),not easy tho..my advise ,when traveling make sure you have a host on this end or atleast enough money to enable you stay in a hotel .. also people should avoid cities like Toronto which are crowded,personally am loving it here opportunities are many...

I immigrated from Africa to the US then I made my way to Canada 20 years ago. Life has changed from the time we first moved here. Before with 5k Canadian dollars you would put down for a mortgage and get into the housing market. From 2015 when the Liberals came in power housing market has gone downhill for most even those earning middle class income. \n\nIf you desire to come make sure you have the right paper work. If you are coming as a foreign trained professional. You are okay. Otherwise, make sure you have immediate family willing to help you untill you get on your feet. DON'T COME as a visitor without family to ask for refugee status. You will suffer. Most of those stranded in Toronto are those seeking asylum and shelters are full with those who came from newyork when the borders where shut.\n\nOtherwise if you can pay your bills in Africa just stay there, atleast you have morals. Our elementary schools ? are terrible here with those LGB****%$# stuff pushed on children.

There is also a housing crisis in Canada right now. Africans need to return to Africa ASAP coz everything is about to change and life in the Diaspora will be hell with no heating during winter, no electricity, very expensive food. Africa is going to be the BEST place to live in the world. Let those who have ears to hear use them.

Hi Lynn. First of, I would like to say that I'm such a huge fan of yours. Since you started at Tuko and still following to date. You are an inspiration to me and so many people out there. I love and respect what you stand for and your work. I completely resonate with everything you are about. Second, I've lived in Canada for over 30 years now. I am Eritrean and was born in Kenya. Moved to Canada when I was about 9 and have lived here since with my family. I have to say that for us, Canada has been a God Send. It has helped us in so many ways, and we are so grateful for the opportunities and life it has given my family. From health care to schooling and job opportunities. We also cane here in 1989. So times and cost of living was very different than it is now. Of course, times have changed now, and the economy and standard of living have too. There are pros and cons to everywhere we live in the world. Everyone is different and has different experiences. There are various factors that may affect everyone's perspectives and experiences when they come to Canada, whether it was a long time ago or recently. Some factors could be, weather, economy, feeling lonely ( no family), language barriers, support...etc. Change is not easy at all and can affect t your whole emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Social life here is also not like it us back home...just alot of factors. People here work and work to make it. My mom brought us here as a single widowed mom. My sister and I were very young. But she was determined to give us a better life and worked her whole life, and it has paid off. It depends on how you look at everything and what your goal is. My mother was determined and made it happen and has raised us on her own very successfully. She loves Canada and appreciates it for everything it has done for us. Everyone's experiences are different. You have to do your research before coming and come with an open mind. Overall... Canada for us has been a blessing. \n\nI hope that helps somehow. But again, everyone's perspective and experiences are just as valid and rightfully so. \n\nI hope to meet you someday. Love you, Lynn, From Canada ?? ❤️

Am a kenyan Canadian and living in canada is the best decision I have ever taken. Lot of kenyan are paying agencies to come to canada through visit permit. People should blame agencies who promise them jobs not canada government . When you come to canada through visit permit you need to change to work permit or study permit. Actually there are thousands of kenyan who have come through visit permit and they are claiming refugee status. Canadian Government is doing its part by giving all claimed refugees shelter and give the money for upkeep. When you have visit permit you can't work in canada but you can convert it to work permit which is not easy but an expensive process. You need to get a company that can process you lMIA that labour market Impact assessment . You need skills to get a company to apply you Lmia or uende China ya maji you pay Indians who have companies in kenya $30-$40 to apply for you lmia. Or you can convert your visit permit to study permit and universities here are damn expensive. Getting a Canadian to marry you for status is very hard. In short am trying to say if you do not come through work permit or landed immigrants life wil be tough use the money you are paying agencies to start something in your country. They are so many opportunities in canada if you have the right papers or status. As for me am a happy single mom who as accomplished alot here and I love canada .

I think it's a matter of where someone's blessings are. We have people who go there and are successful and probably live there, we have those who go there maybe for further studies but end up working in their home countries. We have others who don't go there at all they make it in life in their respective countries. I think one thing that people need to figure out is , if this dorbst work, what else can i do and where else can I go before I waste so much time on something that is not working. \nSi ata wewe Lynn ulikua majuu and here you are living your purpose in your own country...\nSo people should gree to make changes especially their beliefs that when you go to Canada you must make it there and therefore you stay there for so long and by the time you realize that place ain't for you, you've wasted so much and you start regretting..

Same here in Montreal used to love this city still do but post C19 everything changed like everywhere housing crisis, politics, the cultural center it user to be changed maybe its just looking at it now at the start of my 30s compared to when i moved here from Europe and Central Africa at the start of my 20s. Met friends i have for life, got great professional opportunities lived in nice places great food in the city. Now everything is just super expensive now and i know toronto is must be ever crazier. Im considering moving back to France or Switzerland to be closer to my family and friends and also be close to Gabon easier to visit than here constantly taking 4 plains round trip everytime i go back home. After losing my father last year getting divorced 3 years ago i think my time here is done. 14yrs here i became an adult here had amazing experiences, became a canadian citizen but its just not the same anymore. Time for a new adventure somewhere else. We used to live well even back as a student on minimum wage, now with a better career good salary we’re struggling. Breaks my heart seeing this all over canada.

You have to gain over 100k to afford a living here… Infrastructure is very bad with long commuting hours and transit worst in Canada. It’s very widespread and there is nothing to see in the city itself expect if you love skyscrapers… The only reason people move here is due to job and salary if you are really an indispensable professional with a career, more welcoming and open to immigrants and apart from that nothing to do there… very crowded.. unsafe.. and you don’t really experience the vibe of the city like maybe Montreal that has its own downsides as well!! But its worth a try if you have that desire for some change in your life considering those caveats above.

I currently pay $734.96 per month for my bachelor apartment in Parkdale, Toronto. All inclusive. I found the place in 2015, and it started at $660.00 per month. It's a smaller building where I know most of my co-tenants. Quiet neighbourhood most of the time. I've been one of the lucky ones for sure. I love this city! I'm from Peterborough and I will never move back. Some of the best memories of my life have been here. But you're right Alina, it has changed. Much like most other major cities in the world. The economic hardships being the #1 issue. Rent going up, wages staying the same, and inflation not slowing down. But with Toronto, the transit system is far behind the progress of cities like New York. Toronto should have multiple subway lines going east and west. Queen St. and Dundas lines for sure. The overall culture of the city is not as vibrant as it was during the 2010s. That could be Covid related. Or things are taking awhile to come back to pre-Covid form. But a lot of great venues and restaurants have been shutting down. And being replaced with the construction of condos. The real estate is insane here. It feels like things have gone downhill since the Raptors won the NBA championship in 2019. Because that really united everyone when there were a million people gathered for the parade. I'm hoping things turn around and there's more affordable housing for newcomers. I know I'm staying here for a while longer. Because of my cheap rent. And career attachments to the city. Great job on the video! ?

Yes actually I do have a comment or two. I think that Toronto has become the victim of either its own success as a multicultural, diverse and growing metropolis or the perceived idea that Toronto is the place to be. And what that brings with it? Yes, people who are interested in living the life and those who can afford it pay it. You said it very well, the city has become unaffordable to most people but the wealthy or at least those who are getting paid the best salaries and those who bank on real estate take advantage of this, be it the hype or reality since also, most job opportunities are still there. So to me the problem is with the lack of contro of the real estate market. And people who cant pay but for whatever reason live there just have to pay the price. The refugee situation is not surprising to me at all. We are struggling with affordable housing for crying out loud but we are also advertising to the world that we are that welcoming and peaceful society that those people can be part of. But at what cost. Toronto cannot continue like this if it will still be considered as a city for the people and not the wealthy and chronically increasing poor. No wonder they chose a progressive for a mayor and not a conservative or hard line liberal because people want change but not radically. People want to live in the best city they can having all necessary services and in peace and safety. So, there are so maby layers to pill here but again, the main reason why things have gotten the way they are is because they let real estate run unleashed. All the best, Alina.