canada vs. us

[crazydog]

ive always been interested in canada and have even thought about moving there, but that was just a little curious thought. ive only been to niagara falls and that city (which was so awesome) but ive always wondered what canada was like when compared to the US.

maybe anyone who lives in canada point out some things like the difference between the two gov'ts, economy, society, etc.

i was reading tobylittledude's blog and she lives in vancouver, which looks soo nice from her pics.

 

[Tinaweena]

I don't know if I can compare the diffences but I can say that I will never live anywhere but Canada. I'm actually scared to live anywhere else.
The healthcare alone is worth it really. I don't know how I could handle being scared to get sick, and if I could afford the treatment. I think you'll find here that people are really friendly, and always willing to help out a stranger. It's a beautiful country, and it's great having all four seasons.

 

[Roxy's CD]

Please don't take offense if you live in the states:

Canda is the "baby seal" of the world. We are known to be extremely polite and peaceful.

I've gone to a couple of states on summer vacation and I didn't notice too much of a difference. Yes I talk extremely fast compared to most people in Virginia but the people there seemed just as friendly.

The main difference I noticed is while working at a telemarketing company. You guys don't say good bye! You just hang up! That's considered to be disrespectful! You always say good bye, sometimes good bye, see you later have a nice day! lol

The biggest difference I think is Government and Health Care. Obviously we get free hospital trips, free surgeries etc. We are also more lenient with criminals. (This is the part where I don't want to be flamed) The situation that the US is currently in overseas would never happen with Canada, well at least we wouldn't instigate it.

Canada and the US are similar in many ways but different also. The main difference that would affect me when moving anywhere would obviously be the health care. The whole, "US is governed by fear" statement I believe was true at one time but it's the same here just on a lower level. If you watch our news stations its the same sort of stuff; murders, rapists, terrorism etc.

If you break down in Canada somebody will surely stop to help. If you need directions no problem. Want the name of a good resteraunt? Sure. lol

I'm sure you can find people like this in America too, but I think it's just something our country is "known" for..

 

[Saje]

I don't think that health care in Canada is 'free' since we do pay more taxes but it is available to everyone and no one goes without. Those who have a low income don't pay taxes (they get it back after they file) and not everything is covered. Dental isn't which is why we get benefit packages at work - to supplement what we don't have covered.

One thing I've noticed about Canada is that it is more multicultural than a melting pot. We have different regions here (often within a city) where people practice their own beliefs and have churches and restaurants from their home country. There are some issues with that but generally people don't expect you to become "Canadian" once you move here since Canada is made of immigrants.

There are lots of differences and a lot of similartities. Canada is a very big country and there are a lot of different climates/governments.... we have old growth rainforests in BC and mild mild winters out there. If you live on the islands you can golf all winter. No snow there.

Biggest difference - there are a lot less people here! lol You can drive for miles and miles and miles in most of Canada without seeing a house let alone a town.

 

[crazydog]

wow now thats the info im talking about. that was really interesting.

also does anyone know a website where i can learn more about the provinces etc. because to be honest, i just now learned that BC is an island. LOL wow, sad.

 

[Saje]

No BC HAS islands. It's isn't all an island. It has gorgeous islands too.

Try these:

http://canada.gc.ca/othergov/prov_e.html
http://www.craigmarlatt.com/canada/provinces&territories/provinces&territories.html

For news:
www.canada.com


Hm, there was another one I really liked that had some great info. I'll see if I still have it bookmarked.

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I would love to live in Canada. I would actually like to end up there later on down the road in my life.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

I can't imagine living anywhere but in America. There are just too many things I love about here...and most of my family lives here.

 

[Saje]

Most people feel that way about their home country Gaddy. Have you ever been to Canada or have experiences with the differences for the OP?

 

[crazydog]

i just want to go somewhere new. to those of you who posted, do you think america has any big advantages when compared to canada? the same to the canadians.

 

[Saje]

Of course. Both have advantages and disadvantes. Depends on what you are looking for. What do you want where you move?

 

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

I love Canada. I live in a small community in New Brunswick, and everyone knows everyone, and if you ever need help someone is always there. lol.

Here are some pictures from around home:

These are off the bridge:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/river2.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/river1.jpg

This is in my backyard:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp1.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp2.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp3.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp4.jpg

In N.B there are no tornadoes, earthquakes, floods or horrible hurricanes, just a few thunder storms every once in a while, nothing too destructive, lol. Everyone is so friendly, and it feels like a safe place to live. We have all 4 seasons and lots of wildlife.

 

[Dreeza]

The main difference I noticed is while working at a telemarketing company. You guys don't say good bye! You just hang up! That's considered to be disrespectful! You always say good bye, sometimes good bye, see you later have a nice day! lol

Omg, that drives me NUTS...and i am american!! People on TV shows especially NEVER EVER say bye...they just are like "so, i wanted to tell you this.." and hang up, it drives me friggin crazy....its so rude!!! and yeah, customer service people almost never say "bye", im always like "ok, bye then...sheesh"

i didnt realize that was an american thing, lol

it totally depends on where you are... i mean, the south is super friendly...but if you go to manhattan dont expect to mutter a single word to a sales clerk or something...they give you weird looks if you say "hi" or try to strike up a conversation, lol. In Michigan, people are pretty friendly i think...its a happy medium here for everything i think. If you are in an antisocial mood, no one cares if you dont talk, but if you feel like being social many people will gladly participate, lol

but umm, ive always loved canada...i think canada/canadiens are awesome, and probably so much more well-rounded than americans who are soo self-centered

 

[Saje]

I've never been that far east but I'd love to. That and Yukon Have you ever been to maine? I haven't but I'd like to go there as well. I've been to most of the states though.

 

[Saje]

Omg, that drives me NUTS...and i am american!! People on TV shows especially NEVER EVER say bye...they just are like "so, i wanted to tell you this.." and hang up, it drives me friggin crazy....its so rude!!! and yeah, customer service people almost never say "bye", im always like "ok, bye then...sheesh"

i didnt realize that was an american thing, lol

it totally depends on where you are... i mean, the south is super friendly...but if you go to manhattan dont expect to mutter a single word to a sales clerk or something...they give you weird looks if you say "hi" or try to strike up a conversation, lol. In Michigan, people are pretty friendly i think...its a happy medium here for everything i think. If you are in an antisocial mood, no one cares if you dont talk, but if you feel like being social many people will gladly participate, lol

but umm, ive always loved canada...i think canada/canadiens are awesome, and probably so much more well-rounded than americans who are soo self-centered

I like to go to places where they aren't very social and say hi to everyone lol. When you go on the bike paths here and out walking everyone says hi or at least nods. Some places they don't do that lol so I always do. It amuses me the looks I get.

 

[Roxy's CD]

I was out in Saint John New Brunswick this summer... dirty old city.. :| But once you got out of the main city and around the outskirts it was really nice. The ocean's right there... nice cool breezes..

 

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

I've been to Saint John before. It's a BIG city compared to where I live, lol. It's about 5 hours away.

 

[Dreeza]

I like to go to places where they aren't very social and say hi to everyone lol. When you go on the bike paths here and out walking everyone says hi or at least nods. Some places they don't do that lol so I always do. It amuses me the looks I get.

hahaha yeah, when i am feeling overly social, ill chat it up with store clerks and stuff, especially when it is obvious they dont feel like talking...it is so funny

my friend was just telling me the other day about this disaster flight she had, where basically everything that could have went wrong did, so she was like crying (well, trying to hold back tears) to one of the people behing the counter, and the woman was like "aww honey, you look like you need a hug!!! and came around and gave her a huge hug!! and that was in chicago airport surprisingly...

 

[Saje]

hahaha yeah, when i am feeling overly social, ill chat it up with store clerks and stuff, especially when it is obvious they dont feel like talking...it is so funny

my friend was just telling me the other day about this disaster flight she had, where basically everything that could have went wrong did, so she was like crying (well, trying to hold back tears) to one of the people behing the counter, and the woman was like "aww honey, you look like you need a hug!!! and came around and gave her a huge hug!! and that was in chicago airport surprisingly...

awww that's sweet. lol You should go to the Calgary airport sometime. Calgary is fun to of course but the airport is quite amusing. The greeters where their red cowboy hats and laugh and chat with everyone. I came home from Japan and flew into Calgary and laughed my butt off all the way home. Culture shock!

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I love Canada. I live in a small community in New Brunswick, and everyone knows everyone, and if you ever need help someone is always there. lol.

Here are some pictures from around home:

These are off the bridge:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/river2.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/river1.jpg

This is in my backyard:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp1.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp2.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp3.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g294/AusDog30/rivercamp4.jpg

In N.B there are no tornadoes, earthquakes, floods or horrible hurricanes, just a few thunder storms every once in a while, nothing too destructive, lol. Everyone is so friendly, and it feels like a safe place to live. We have all 4 seasons and lots of wildlife.

Im gonna come live with you okay Aus? lol