NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm considering seeking residency in Canada in large part because of the healthcare benefits and a better economic future. I don't think it would be too hard to get a job in something. It would also be nice to smoke pot without worrying about the police. So I ask the Canucks here; what should I expect to be different from the US other than less crime, better laws and governance and proper spelling?

I'm considering seeking residency in Canada in large part because of the healthcare benefits and a better economic future. I don't think it would be too hard to get a job in something. It would also be nice to smoke pot without worrying about the police. So I ask the Canucks here; what should I expect to be different from the US other than less crime, better laws and governance and proper spelling?

You know, if we had another round of Nationstates awards, I'd nominate you for most changed.

Also: How's your education, and employment opportunities?

its full of damn colonials!;)

I read somewhere that Canada had the best city in the world um let me find where i saw it...sorry can't find it, but i can give you a BBC country profile on Canada, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1198865.stm.
My sis went there for her holiday and loved it.
I wouldn't mind going there too, one day.

Right now, it's snowy. ;)

I live in BC, which is absolutely gorgeous. Public transit is driving me insane, and healthcare, while free, offers epic waiting lists as well. Cities like Calgary are growing at a huge rate, which means jobs all over the place - you can walk into a store and get a minimum wage job for $10 an hour, easy.

(Also, if you're a waitress, you still make minimum wage - plus tips. I find it bizarre just somehow, they justify paying waitresses less than minimum wage in certain places in the States.)

And as for the city, I'm fairly sure you're thinking of Vancouver. In 2005, the Economist had a list of the most desirable cities in the world in which to live; Vancouver was number one, and Toronto and Calgary were both in the top ten.

I read somewhere that Canada had the best city in the world um let me find where i saw it...sorry can't find it, but i can give you a BBC country profile on Canada, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1198865.stm.
My sis went there for her holiday and loved it.
I wouldn't mind going there too, one day.

If you mean the Happiest city, that would be home sweet home for me. :D

If you're gay, don't go to Alberta. It's like the Kansas of Canada, eh, no doot about it.

Calgary is awesome, but the weather is terrible from what I hear, and very prone to shifting from extremely cold to overly hot and humid literally within a day - still, due to the massive oil deposits in the area, it's going to be rich for a long time yet.

Also: How's your education, and employment opportunities?

Education- Meh, depends on the province
Alberta- Not enough schools, the ones that exist are falling apart. I go to a wealthy school in Calgary and it takes an hour and a half to get there and two to get back. They teach (at the high school level) for the diploma exam too much. Not enough writing (one essay in English class all year and it was an in class one for the final exam, and last year I also wrote one that I got no feedback on) and too much multiple choice. Good techers, though. Really nice, fun teachers.

Ontario- Better funding, better classes but they required the wrong classes. I had a manditory class in which I learn (it was about other things too, of course) about Art Deco and Art Nouveau and had to make a necklace however they didn't feel it was nessecary to require History/Geography past grade 10, they didn't require any world history.

Employment- Again, depends on where you are. In Alberta places have gone out of buisness due to lack of employees, but prices are high and unless your rich you live in shitty conditions. (Two thirds of our homeless are working homeless.) I would not suggest going to the Maritimes in search of employment.

We also have shitty mental health care, annoying accents and revolting chocolate. We screw over our aboriginals and we are faily apathetic. Although we are slightly better off than the USA our leadership still sucks (on all levels).

Yeah.

Right now, it's snowy. ;)

I live in BC, which is absolutely gorgeous. Public transit is driving me insane, and healthcare, while free, offers epic waiting lists as well. Cities like Calgary are growing at a huge rate, which means jobs all over the place - you can walk into a store and get a minimum wage job for $10 an hour, easy.

(Also, if you're a waitress, you still make minimum wage - plus tips. I find it bizarre just somehow, they justify paying waitresses less than minimum wage in certain places in the States.)

And as for the city, I'm fairly sure you're thinking of Vancouver. In 2005, the Economist had a list of the most desirable cities in the world in which to live; Vancouver was number one, and Toronto and Calgary were both in the top ten.

Do you know if York or London are nice cities? I'm thinking of heading there or Toronto.

.

Though FYI, pot -is- illigal here XP
Yes but from what I've heard it's not enforced and British Columbia has some of the finest pot around.

It's cold.

Other than that... It depends where you go. Canada is a big place. Winters tend to be miserable wherever you go. You're either half drowned with rain or snowed in.

Health care is free... when you get it.

Education is pretty pricey.

It's generally safer, our politics are less exciting, country is beautiful, if you like that sort of thing. Beautiful cities too. Lots of space, fair economy.

Though FYI, pot -is- illigal here XP

our politics are less exciting
Excellent!

Yes but from what I've heard it's not enforced and British Columbia has some of the finest pot around.

It's not that it's not enforced, it's that the cops generally won't come looking to see who has it. Usually. Sometimes they do. As long as you keep it hidden they won't have reason to come looking.

So yes, it's illegal, and it is enforced. They're just not going to come after you unless they think you have it.

Canada is nice..but unless it's French-Canada...most of Canada does not strike me as that different from let's say..the Mid-West and Pacific-Northwest...which is not a bad thing. It's nice there.:)

Anyway, people tend to be nice...and generally the same. I have a positive view of Canada in general but also of America.

Do you know if York or London are nice cities? I'm thinking of heading there or Toronto.

Winters are bloody cold. Otherwise, I have no idea. I'm a Western Canadian girl. ;)

It's good, just stay out of Alberta. Sure the economy is doing doing but the cost of living is highest there. It is also the least tolerant province. If you want a good, tolerant city, Vancouver and Toronto are the places to be. Vancouver has warmer weather overall, whereas Toronto at least sees more sun and there's lots more to do here.

I'm from bc...but I guess i'm different from my fellows here, I love the snow. You can ski/snowboard/ice skate/ ice fish/ downhill skate(its a new thing). so many things to, I just love the winter. If your moving to BC then the vancouver area offers you a lot less snow, but a lot more rain. Towards alberta more you get tonnes of snow...but again. I love the snow. The cops toward pot down here varies...if your growing you'll get in trouble, but if your smoking a joint and they catch you the worst they can do is give you a slap on the wrist (a fine at most) it is de-criminlized here (under a gram or two I cant remember.) But I walk around smokin J's all the time so it really isnt a hassle.

The scenery is some of the best of the world...if your an outdoorsy person than this is the perfect place...jobs a plenty all around Canada...just all in all a lot less stressfull.

I dig it.

When I'm not digging snow out of the driveway.

Right now, it's snowy. ;)

I live in BC, which is absolutely gorgeous. Public transit is driving me insane, and healthcare, while free, offers epic waiting lists as well. Cities like Calgary are growing at a huge rate, which means jobs all over the place - you can walk into a store and get a minimum wage job for $10 an hour, easy.

(Also, if you're a waitress, you still make minimum wage - plus tips. I find it bizarre just somehow, they justify paying waitresses less than minimum wage in certain places in the States.)

And as for the city, I'm fairly sure you're thinking of Vancouver. In 2005, the Economist had a list of the most desirable cities in the world in which to live; Vancouver was number one, and Toronto and Calgary were both in the top ten.


<ahem>
I live in Calgary and i have yet to find a job that is offering minimum wage and a hiring, you must show me where these are!!!;)

The economy in Canada is currently strong in the west (Yukon, British Columba, Alberta, Saskatchewan), but fairly stagnant in the more populous middle of the country (Ontario, Quebec). If you stay in the western third of the country, you should have no trouble finding a job.

The biggest difference you'll see between the US and Canada is cultural. Canadians are significantly less friendly than Americans. People are less likely to start conversations with you unless they have a specific reason to do so. This point was made quite well in Bowling for Columbine, where a visitor from Detroit said that he liked visiting Windsor because people there "leave you be".

Most electicity in Canada is generated from hydro-electric dams. CARMA.org has good data on this.

Many Canadian provinces have the bulk of their population in one urban centre, with the rest of the province resenting the political power that urban centre has. The obvious exceptions are Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, which are small areas with a number of similarly sized cities, Saskatchewan, which is a huge area (just smaller than Texas) lacking cities of appreciable size, and Alberta, which has the bulk of its population split between two large cities which don't agree on anything.

The climate in the major cities is:

Vancouver: temperate rainforest - mild damp summers, cool rainy winters.
Calgary: temperate arid - hot dry summers, cold dry winters, erratic
Edmonton: temperate arid - hot dry summers, very cold dry winters
Winnipeg: temperate - hot summers, very cold winters
Toronto: temperate - hot humid summers, cold snowy winters
Montreal: temperate - warm humid summers, cold snowy winters

Do you know if York or London are nice cities? I'm thinking of heading there or Toronto.
York is great.

York is great but my favorite city is Sarnia, and Port Huron in America on the other side of the Bridge.

Let me negate all the bad talking about Alberta by pointing out that Alberta has me.

Let me add a bad point by informing you that it's currently -40 (that's the same in C and F) with the wind chill.

Canada has low crime rates, passable health care, passable education, etc etc. The weather sucks ASS though.

<ahem>
I live in Calgary and i have yet to find a job that is offering minimum wage and a hiring, you must show me where these are!!!;)
Food service jobs in Calgary were paying $15/hour as recently as mid-2007. The change to the oil royalty structure (stupid government) took some of the boom out of the economy, but it shouldn't have happened that quickly.

I've heard that the really long waits for healthcare are mainly for non-emergency conditions, eg, I had testicular cancer last year. If I lived in Canada, would I still be waiting for a doctor's appointment?

Canadians are significantly less friendly than Americans. People are less likely to start conversations with you unless they have a specific reason to do so. This point was made quite well in Bowling for Columbine, where a visitor from Detroit said that he liked visiting Windsor because people there "leave you be".

I wouldn't say that we're less 'friendly' per se, just less likely to strike up a conversation with strangers. People can live next door to each other for years and never say anything to each other. I found myself quite surprised the first time I moved someone to the States and saw the next door neighbour swing by and welcome them to the neighbourhood.

However, that's mostly regional. The exact opposite happens in the Maritimes, where they will quite literally invite complete strangers into their homes.

Let me negate all the bad talking about Alberta by pointing out that Alberta has me.

Let me add a bad point by informing you that it's currently -40 (that's the same in C and F) with the wind chill.

Canada has low crime rates, passable health care, passable education, etc etc. The weather sucks ASS though.
The weather's awesome. I loved walking to school while I was growing up in Lloydminster. There's nothing like -38° (that's air temperature, not wind chill) to discourage sloth.

The weather's awesome. I loved walking to school while I was growing up in Lloydminster. There's nothing like -38° (that's air temperature, not wind chill) to discourage sloth.

Bite me.

I wouldn't say that we're less 'friendly' per se, just less likely to strike up a conversation with strangers. People can live next door to each other for years and never say anything to each other. I found myself quite surprised the first time I moved someone to the States and saw the next door neighbour swing by and welcome them to the neighbourhood.

However, that's mostly regional. The exact opposite happens in the Maritimes, where they will quite literally invite complete strangers into their homes.
I'm not saying it's a bad thing. The distinction I usually draw is that Canadians are polite, sometimes to the point of being unfriendly, while Americans are friendly, sometimes to the point of being impolite. It can be quite off-putting.

Albertans tend to greet even people they know only with a curt nod.

Albertans tend to greet even people they know only with a curt nod.

Or a tip of the cowboy hat. *nod*

<ahem>
I live in Calgary and i have yet to find a job that is offering minimum wage and a hiring, you must show me where these are!!!;)

McDonald's is paying $13 as a starting wage in Edmonton. At the one I go to in order to drink endless refills of coffee while my kids frolic in the playplace, they've had to hire 14 year olds to work the cashiers, because they can't get any one older.

Calgary is passing as the economic power of Alberta. The oilsands are north of Edmonton and the main natural gas pipeline hub is east of Edmonton. Calgary is getting our arts scene, while we rake in the money. I'm not sure it's a fair deal.

Do you know if York or London are nice cities? I'm thinking of heading there or Toronto.

Damn, they have a London too? I knew they had a York. Stop stealing our place names you damn colonials :p

Although if you are thinking of the other side of the pond, York is a gorgeous city, though finding a job is ... questionable depending on what you're looking for.

I've heard that the really long waits for healthcare are mainly for non-emergency conditions, eg, I had testicular cancer last year. If I lived in Canada, would I still be waiting for a doctor's appointment?

The biggest problem I've seen is that, in Alberta for example, most of the 24 hour clinics were forced to close when King Ralph cut the funding to healthcare, and a number of hospitals were closed down as well. So now, you have a situation where if you inconveniently have a terrible ear ache after hours, you have to go to the emergency room. And you wait. And wait. And wait.

As for long waits for surgeries etc...it really depends. Some things take a long time if there aren't many specialists in the area...other things can be quite quick. I've never known anyone with cancer to be put on a long waiting list for squat...their appointments are regular and often. My mother had ear surgery two weeks after her problem was diagnosed...I was scheduled to have a bunion removed the day after I visited a doctor (though I decided to try other things first)...I mean, I know there are horror stories about waiting months to see a specialist, but I've never actually run into someone who has experienced that.

It's good, just stay out of Alberta. Sure the economy is doing doing but the cost of living is highest there. It is also the least tolerant province. If you want a good, tolerant city, Vancouver and Toronto are the places to be. Vancouver has warmer weather overall, whereas Toronto at least sees more sun and there's lots more to do here.
I live in Vancouver, now. The cost of living is definitely higher here than in Alberta.

Real estate runs about $500/sq.ft, and that's if you don't live downtown. Downtown it's closer to $800/sq.ft.

I'd also like to point out that while BC has the highest proportion of areligious residents (27%), Alberta is second (24%). All points further east feature more religious people. In my experience, the only thing of which Albertans are especially intolerant is socialism...

...okay, and gay people. I'll admit that. Albertans are a pretty homophobic bunch.

Another advantage of the colder cities is that you'll see fewer homeless people there.

I'm in Victoria, BC, and it's pretty good here, health care is alright, it only gets really cold and snows maybe once a year, though it rains a lot, city's a bit boring, transit usually runs on time, minimum-wage jobs are aplenty (KFC about 15 minutes from here is hiring and has been for as long as I can remember, $10.73/hr starting wage) only problem is housing: house prices are sky-high and rental places are hard to find.

McDonald's is paying $13 as a starting wage in Edmonton. At the one I go to in order to drink endless refills of coffee while my kids frolic in the playplace, they've had to hire 14 year olds to work the cashiers, because they can't get any one older.

Calgary is passing as the economic power of Alberta. The oilsands are north of Edmonton and the main natural gas pipeline hub is east of Edmonton. Calgary is getting our arts scene, while we rake in the money. I'm not sure it's a fair deal.

Isnt it magnificent about the oilsands, being finely used for oil, and the massive income that is coming to the area. Well im 18 and need money for college at MTU next year, so thank you for the tip.

Isnt it magnificent about the oilsands, being finely used for oil, and the massive income that is coming to the area. Well im 18 and need money for college at MTU next year, so thank you for the tip.

Actually I think it's shit, because they're using 4 1/2 barrels of water to produce one barrel of oil, drying up the Athabasca River, the oilsands are strip mined meaning there are massive pit mines marring northern Alberta, we're burning up our natural gas reserves to produce the fucking oil and we're putting a pittance into the Heritage Trust Fund (not even one year's worth of oil royalties) to supposedly tide us over once the oil sands go belly up. We've got maybe 15 years more of this before our entire economy goes bust, and people buying shitty little 1000square foot houses for half a million dollars now are going to be sitting there 15 years down the line cursing their bad fortune.

The biggest problem I've seen is that, in Alberta for example, most of the 24 hour clinics were forced to close when King Ralph cut the funding to healthcare, and a number of hospitals were closed down as well. So now, you have a situation where if you inconveniently have a terrible ear ache after hours, you have to go to the emergency room. And you wait. And wait. And wait.

As for long waits for surgeries etc...it really depends. Some things take a long time if there aren't many specialists in the area...other things can be quite quick. I've never known anyone with cancer to be put on a long waiting list for squat...their appointments are regular and often. My mother had ear surgery two weeks after her problem being diagnosed...I was scheduled to have a bunion removed the day after I visited a doctor (though I decided to try other things first)...I mean, I know there are horror stories about waiting months to see a specialist, but I've never actually run into someone who has experienced that.
The wait times that get measured are usually the waits between seeing a specialist and getting the treatment they order. Or waiting for diagnostic medicine (like MRIs). Plus, they only measure non-emergent cases. Emergent cases naturally get treated right away, and elective cases don't matter if they have to wait, so only non-emergent cases get measured (non-emergent being treatment you need, but you don't need it right away).

Like a radical prostatectomy. According to the 2007 Fraser Institute waiting list report (http://www.fraserinstitute.org/COMMERCE.WEB/product_files/wyt2007rev2.pdf), a guy in BC will generally wait about 7 weeks between his proctologist ordering the surgery and actually getting the surgery, while someone in Quebec would only wait 4 weeks (and someone in Alberta would wait 10 - if I'd used the non-radical prostatectomy instead, Alberta would only be 6 weeks, but BC would be 16).

Well, shitty as it is, I'd rather wait and get the treatment for free than have to sell my house and sign over my children's organs in order to get treatment at all.

Actually I think it's shit, because they're using 4 1/2 barrels of water to produce one barrel of oil, drying up the Athabasca River, the oilsands are strip mined meaning there are massive pit mines marring northern Alberta, we're burning up our natural gas reserves to produce the fucking oil and we're putting a pittance into the Heritage Trust Fund (not even one year's worth of oil royalties) to supposedly tide us over once the oil sands go belly up. We've got maybe 15 years more of this before our entire economy goes bust, and people buying shitty little 1000square foot houses for half a million dollars now are going to be sitting there 15 years down the line cursing their bad fortune.
No one has put any significant money into the Heritage fund since Lougheed. Getty did a terrible job of managing the province, and while Ralph actually put Alberta in a great position to prepare itself for the future, he then didn't bother.

His balancing the budget and wiping out the debt was great, but once he did that he didn'y go any further. He either should have gutted the tax system (maybe a $50,000 personal exemption), or jacked up the Heritage fund so it could produce sustainable income and do away with income taes altogether. The fund could have even paid annual dividends like Alaska's does.

But he threw away the opportunity.

No one has put any significant money into the Heritage fund since Lougheed. Getty did a terrible job of managing the province, and while Ralph actually put Alberta in a great position to prepare itself for the future, he then didn't bother.

His balancing the budget and wiping out the debt was great, but once he did that he didn'y go any further. He either should have gutted the tax system (maybe a $50,000 personal exemption), or jacked up the Heritage fund so it could produce sustainable income and do away with income taes altogether. The fund could have even paid annual dividends like Alaska's does.

But he threw away the opportunity.

OR he could have dispensed with his heavy handed vote buying, and NOT have handed out the series of $400 per person 'prosperity' cheques...and instead put THAT into the Fund. Or perhaps into building some decent fucking infrastructure in this province. Of course, that would go against his plan which was to gut everything, declare an emergency and then privatise as much as he could before retiring to work as a consultant in those newly privatised areas.

Yeah. And people complain about US political corruption.

We would need a 20% provincial tax to match the revenue from the oilsands right now.

Well, shitty as it is, I'd rather wait and get the treatment for free than have to sell my house and sign over my children's organs in order to get treatment at all.
Of course. At least in some provinces you can do either - your choice. BC and Quebec were the first to have two-tier systems.

Damn, they have a London too? I knew they had a York. Stop stealing our place names you damn colonials :p

Although if you are thinking of the other side of the pond, York is a gorgeous city, though finding a job is ... questionable depending on what you're looking for.
Finding jobs here isn't really that hard, to be honest. Loads of office work around, especially with Norwich Union. Quite a lot of jobs in the NHS, architects and engineers are always in demand (especially by Shepherd) and there are a couple of game development studios here, too.

Not really any factory work around, what with the chocolate factories shutting down (:() as well as the Sugarbeat place, too.

Quite a lot of science-based work. We have a place called CSL on the outskirts which deals with major outbreaks of plant and animal diseases, research work at the University, and, indeed a fair bit by private firms.

Good place to be if you're educated, and housing in Selby or any of the other villages around York is fairly cheap, and it's easy to get a train from them into the city centre, which is nice.

OR he could have dispensed with his heavy handed vote buying, and NOT have handed out the series of $400 per person 'prosperity' cheques...and instead put THAT into the Fund. Or perhaps into building some decent fucking infrastructure in this province. Of course, that would go against his plan which was to gut everything, declare an emergency and then privatise as much as he could before retiring to work as a consultant in those newly privatised areas.
A lot of that privatisation worked really well. The liquor stores, for one. The electricity market.

Those prosperity cheques came in the period after he'd fixed everything. That's exactly the sort of think I'm complaining about.

The oilsands do contain a staggering amount of oil. Plus, Alberta has 33 quadrillion tons of high-quality coal under it. There's no looming energy shortage.

The oilsands do contain a staggering amount of oil. Plus, Alberta has 33 quadrillion tons of high-quality coal under it. There's no looming energy shortage.

The bulk of Alberta's energy wealth actually lays in natural gas, not in oil. By all accounts, both natural gas and oil production have already peaked here. Yes, we have a shit load of oil...but it is not going to last forever.

People are looking already at coalbed methane as a stop-gap measure, but we really aren't building anything more sustainable or long term yet. Oil oil reserves will last what...another 35, 50 years? And then what? No, no looming energy shortage...if you look only to the next 5 years or so. In the meantime, we are causing unprecedented environmental damage in our desperation to produce as much as we can, as fast as we can...the results of which will be felt for many generations. Not to mention that this province is pissing away its opportunities to use that massive oil revenue to invest in infrastructure, and the inevitable future without oil.

Just to counter all the guys from the western half here.

Nova Scotia is a great place. Halifax is a great city, very multicultural, lots of tourist attractions, low prices for quality housing, good jobs, and the healthcare system is undergoing a major overhaul even though waiting lines arn't that long.

The scenery is beautiful too, lots of rural areas. Tonnes upon tonnes of tourist attractions and shops. Lots of local stuff avalible. And on top of that all everyone here is really freindly (Except me).

The only downside to living here is the weather sometimes. Being stuck out in the middle of the Atlantic means our temperature ranges from -40 to 40 celcius over the year on a good year, and the weather can change completely in five minutes. But we get lots of sun, and lots of snow in the right times of year, and there's plenty to do.

The bulk of Alberta's energy wealth actually lays in natural gas, not in oil. By all accounts, both natural gas and oil production have already peaked here. Yes, we have a shit load of oil...but it is not going to last forever.

People are looking already at coalbed methane as a stop-gap measure, but we really aren't building anything more sustainable or long term yet. Oil oil reserves will last what...another 35, 50 years? And then what? No, no looming energy shortage...if you look only to the next 5 years or so. In the meantime, we are causing unprecedented environmental damage in our desperation to produce as much as we can, as fast as we can...the results of which will be felt for many generations. Not to mention that this province is pissing away its opportunities to use that massive oil revenue to invest in infrastructure, and the inevitable future without oil.

High-quality coal like Alberta's isn't actually the best for coal-bed methane production. Saskatchewan's Lignite reserves are going to kick our ass on that one.

And I don't think the environmental damage is that bad. The open-pit mines are recoverable (some of them are already being used to graze bison), and I still don't think the co2 is a big deal. Those tailings ponds are a problem (Mildred lake is scary), but that's the only real issue I have.

When your plant produces aqua regia in its waste water, you have a problem.

Just to counter all the guys from the western half here.

Nova Scotia is a great place. Halifax is a great city, very multicultural, lots of tourist attractions, low prices for quality housing, good jobs, and the healthcare system is undergoing a major overhaul even though waiting lines arn't that long.

The scenery is beautiful too, lots of rural areas. Tonnes upon tonnes of tourist attractions and shops. Lots of local stuff avalible. And on top of that all everyone here is really freindly (Except me).

The only downside to living here is the weather sometimes. Being stuck out in the middle of the Atlantic means our temperature ranges from -40 to 40 celcius over the year on a good year, and the weather can change completely in five minutes. But we get lots of sun, and lots of snow in the right times of year, and there's plenty to do.

Hey Dartmouth! Hali here. And I agree. Nova Scotia is a great place.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Flag_of_Nova_Scotia.svg/800px-Flag_of_Nova_Scotia.svg.png

:D

Life in Canada is amazing :)

Life in Canada is amazing :)

where do you currently reside?

I'm considering seeking residency in Canada in large part because of the healthcare benefits and a better economic future. I don't think it would be too hard to get a job in something. It would also be nice to smoke pot without worrying about the police. So I ask the Canucks here; what should I expect to be different from the US other than less crime, better laws and governance and proper spelling?Depends which province you move to. Like the states, things very from area to area. Do you have a specific province in mind? Based on what you mention, BC or Ontario would be your best bet.

Isnt it magnificent about the oilsands, being finely used for oil, and the massive income that is coming to the area. Well im 18 and need money for college at MTU next year, so thank you for the tip.Find yourself a place to live now. There won't be one waiting when you get there. The hotels are all full of people too (of people living there permanently, I might add). Rent starts at $1000 a month (starting wage in the mines is about $1300 a week) and that will only get you a room which you are not allowed to leave. You might be able to dip below that if you are willing to share said room.

Depends which province you move to. Like the states, things very from area to area. Do you have a specific province in mind? Based on what you mention, BC or Ontario would be your best bet.

I'm leaning towards Ontario, in one of the cities I mentioned earlier(York, London, or Toronto). I say that because I would like somewhere close to the US border( so I could visit family easier) though outside of Toronto I don't know a lot about those cities as far as housing and employment prospects.

High-quality coal like Alberta's isn't actually the best for coal-bed methane production. Saskatchewan's Lignite reserves are going to kick our ass on that one.

And I don't think the environmental damage is that bad. The open-pit mines are recoverable (some of them are already being used to graze bison), and I still don't think the co2 is a big deal. Those tailings ponds are a problem (Mildred lake is scary), but that's the only real issue I have.

When your plant produces aqua regia in its waste water, you have a problem.Bison that are not fit for human consumption!

Follow up question. What tax rate should I expect to pay if I earn say less than $30,000 a year? I'm having a hard time finding a total percent number.

Federal Tax:

Less than 37,000$ pay 15% tax
37,000$ to 74,000$ pay 22% tax

Finding jobs here isn't really that hard, to be honest. Loads of office work around, especially with Norwich Union. Quite a lot of jobs in the NHS, architects and engineers are always in demand (especially by Shepherd) and there are a couple of game development studios here, too.

Not really any factory work around, what with the chocolate factories shutting down (:() as well as the Sugarbeat place, too.

Quite a lot of science-based work. We have a place called CSL on the outskirts which deals with major outbreaks of plant and animal diseases, research work at the University, and, indeed a fair bit by private firms.

Good place to be if you're educated, and housing in Selby or any of the other villages around York is fairly cheap, and it's easy to get a train from them into the city centre, which is nice.

Ah yes, the Norwich Unitron, a lot of my friends work there. It's why I said it's variable, depending on what you're looking for. From experience from friends (being a perpetual student myself and thus not needing to look), clerical office work and retail, there's plenty of it. Graduate level jobs are more difficult, not because they don't exist but because there is a lot of competition for them.

Living costs are lower than the South, but still high for the North, although if you're lucky, you can find places just outside the city walls for not that much, although yes, the outlying villages are cheaper (and very picturesque). I love the place and I'll be sad when I end up having to move, I have to say.

Federal Tax:

Less than 37,000$ pay 15% tax
37,000$ to 74,000$ pay 22% tax

Well that sucks. That means I made just enough money to pay an extra 7% income tax. That blows.

Damnit, I want a flat tax!!

Well that sucks. That means I made just enough money to pay an extra 7% income tax. That blows.

Damnit, I want a flat tax!!
I made just enough to pay taxes in the first place. That blows.

On the nice side, I paid in about 40% last year, so I can expect a nice check this year.

where do you currently reside?

Very close to Toronto, it's great here at least

I'm leaning towards Ontario, in one of the cities I mentioned earlier(York, London, or Toronto). I say that because I would like somewhere close to the US border( so I could visit family easier) though outside of Toronto I don't know a lot about those cities as far as housing and employment prospects.

I just moved a few months ago to London from Hamilton, it's pretty sweet. Not too big, yet not too small, and generally friendly. just thought i'd throw that in there. good luck, mate

Find yourself a place to live now. There won't be one waiting when you get there. The hotels are all full of people too (of people living there permanently, I might add). Rent starts at $1000 a month (starting wage in the mines is about $1300 a week) and that will only get you a room which you are not allowed to leave. You might be able to dip below that if you are willing to share said room.

What mines? Do you know if working there poses any health problems? I need to save money too this summer. 1300 bucks a week sounds pretty sweet. Min wage in NS is just 7.50/hour.


Well that sucks. That means I made just enough money to pay an extra 7% income tax. That blows.

Damnit, I want a flat tax!!

:(

I need your taxes for my college loans. I should pay you back when you are retired.

But I also think that the change in tax should be more gradual. Like 16% for 40k and 22% for 74k. Whats the tax rate btw for incomes more than 74k?

What mines? Do you know if working there poses any health problems? I need to save money too this summer. 1300 bucks a week sounds pretty sweet. Min wage in NS is just 7.50/hour.




:(

I need your taxes for my college loans. I should pay you back when you are retired.

But I also think that the change in tax should be more gradual. Like 16% for 40k and 22% for 74k. Whats the tax rate btw for incomes more than 74k?


I'm not against taxes, quite the contrary. But because I made $500 over the arbitrary line, due to working overtime, I have to pay an extra 7% of my income? That's just kind of counterproductive for me. (Not to mention that large portions of my income went towards paying a bankruptcy trustee, but that's another story.)

In my mind, a single flat tax for all income tax makes the most sense. I would increase corporate taxes (which are the lowest in the western world to my knowledge) and increase sales taxes to make up the difference. Why penalize people for working harder?

I'm not entirely sure what the tax rates are for the 74k+ crowd are though.

I'm not against taxes, quite the contrary. But because I made $500 over the arbitrary line, due to working overtime, I have to pay an extra 7% of my income? That's just kind of counterproductive for me. (Not to mention that large portions of my income went towards paying a bankruptcy trustee, but that's another story.)

In my mind, a single flat tax for all income tax makes the most sense. I would increase corporate taxes (which are the lowest in the western world to my knowledge) and increase sales taxes to make up the difference. Why penalize people for working harder?

I'm not entirely sure what the tax rates are for the 74k+ crowd are though.

I think it makes sense in principle that richer people should pay more. Since they can afford more.

Maybe we should tax luxury items more. Instead of a flat HST. But that may be counter productive for luxury item manufacturers which may cause more losses than the gains due to tax increases.

I think it makes sense in principle that richer people should pay more. Since they can afford more.

Maybe we should tax luxury items more. Instead of a flat HST. But that may be counter productive for luxury item manufacturers which may cause more losses than the gains due to tax increases.

Well, people who make more already pay more, since it's a percentage of income. What graduated taxes do is essentially 'punish' people exponentially for being more successful. The current system tries to reward the taxpayer by offering them the opportunity to invest in RSP's, and reduce their current tax base. So, if I had done that, then yes, I'd be paying 15% of my income, rather than 22%.

No, I would go with a flat tax on income, with a negative income tax to bolster people who are under a designated poverty line. I would create tarriffs to protect local industry and add to government coffers. Thus, rather than someone paying yet even more taxes, they can invest that money by spending it in the local economy (or by purchasing foreign goods at tarriff-increased prices.)

While creating tarriffs on imports, I would lower the taxes that foreign investors have to pay when investing in Canadian business. I know that doesn't please Free Trade types, but with the increasing cost of fuel, I think local is the way to go anyway. In the future, local will be the economic choice, and it makes sense to invest in that now (in my mind.)

Well that sucks. That means I made just enough money to pay an extra 7% income tax. That blows.

Damnit, I want a flat tax!!
You'd only pay the extra 7% on the bit over $37,000.

I'm considering seeking residency in Canada in large part because of the healthcare benefits and a better economic future. I don't think it would be too hard to get a job in something. It would also be nice to smoke pot without worrying about the police. So I ask the Canucks here; what should I expect to be different from the US other than less crime, better laws and governance and proper spelling?
w00t!

Have fun... Please don't come back.

w00t!

Have fun... Please don't come back.

How nice of you.


Jerk.

You'd only pay the extra 7% on the bit over $37,000.

Really? Well that's a bit better.

What graduated taxes do is essentially 'punish' people exponentially for being more successful.

No they don't.

Let's transport ourselves to Hypothetistan. Hold on tight.

Okay, we've arrived. Here in Hypothetistan every time you hit $10,000 the tax rate rises by 10% up to a maximum 40%.

$5,000 is taxed at 0%
$15,000 is taxed at 10%
$25,000 is taxed at 20%
$35,000 is taxed at 30%
$45,000 is taxed at 40%
$85,000 is taxed at 40%

If you earn $11,000 you do not pay $1100. You pay $100.

Likewise, if you earn $35,000 you pay $4500 and end up with $30,500

Whereas if you earn $100,000 you pay $30,000 and up with $70,000

It's an odd kind of punishment that ends up with you earning more than twice as much as someone who didn't end up in the top tax bracket.

That's how a progressive tax works - you can spare more of your 10th $10,000 than of your first because your first goes on essentials and the 10th goes toward a speedboat.

Education- Meh, depends on the province
Alberta- Not enough schools, the ones that exist are falling apart. I go to a wealthy school in Calgary and it takes an hour and a half to get there and two to get back. They teach (at the high school level) for the diploma exam too much. Not enough writing (one essay in English class all year and it was an in class one for the final exam, and last year I also wrote one that I got no feedback on) and too much multiple choice. Good techers, though. Really nice, fun teachers.

Ontario- Better funding, better classes but they required the wrong classes. I had a manditory class in which I learn (it was about other things too, of course) about Art Deco and Art Nouveau and had to make a necklace however they didn't feel it was nessecary to require History/Geography past grade 10, they didn't require any world history.

Employment- Again, depends on where you are. In Alberta places have gone out of buisness due to lack of employees, but prices are high and unless your rich you live in shitty conditions. (Two thirds of our homeless are working homeless.) I would not suggest going to the Maritimes in search of employment.

We also have shitty mental health care, annoying accents and revolting chocolate. We screw over our aboriginals and we are faily apathetic. Although we are slightly better off than the USA our leadership still sucks (on all levels).

Yeah.

we ought to deport you to africa, you must not have any idea how bloody good we got it here, show a little pride buddy

It's an odd kind of punishment that ends up with you earning more than twice as much as someone who didn't end up in the top tax bracket.

... yeah, I understand the idea behind progressive taxation.

However, progressive taxation effectively means that increased effort results in diminishing returns; thus the punishment.

... yeah, I understand the idea behind progressive taxation.

However, progressive taxation effectively means that increased effort results in diminishing returns; thus the punishment.

That's not punishment. 60% of a lot is still a lot. There's no reason to suspose that people in the top tax bracket will work for 80% but not for 60%.

Well, people who make more already pay more, since it's a percentage of income. What graduated taxes do is essentially 'punish' people exponentially for being more successful. The current system tries to reward the taxpayer by offering them the opportunity to invest in RSP's, and reduce their current tax base. So, if I had done that, then yes, I'd be paying 15% of my income, rather than 22%.

No, I would go with a flat tax on income, with a negative income tax to bolster people who are under a designated poverty line. I would create tarriffs to protect local industry and add to government coffers. Thus, rather than someone paying yet even more taxes, they can invest that money by spending it in the local economy (or by purchasing foreign goods at tarriff-increased prices.)

While creating tarriffs on imports, I would lower the taxes that foreign investors have to pay when investing in Canadian business. I know that doesn't please Free Trade types, but with the increasing cost of fuel, I think local is the way to go anyway. In the future, local will be the economic choice, and it makes sense to invest in that now (in my mind.)

If you are going to claim that a progressive income tax system unfairly punishes the rich, then we can make the same argument about property tax and the middle class, or sales tax and the poor. Each tax system unfairly burdens one of these groups. This is one of the reasons why Canada does all three.

I agree with investing locally. Even imported food can be bought from a locally based distributor (I need my coffee...).

If you are going to claim that a progressive income tax system unfairly punishes the rich, then we can make the same argument about property tax and the middle class, or sales tax and the poor. Each tax system unfairly burdens one of these groups. This is one of the reasons why Canada does all three.

I agree with investing locally. Even imported food can be bought from a locally based distributor (I need my coffee...).

Well, I'm not using the words 'unfairly punishing the rich', but I hear what you're saying. However I still feel that a flat tax is not only fairer, but has the potential for creating a stronger and more vibrant economy; provided there are incentives for investing and spending that money locally.

Well, I'm not using the words 'unfairly punishing the rich', but I hear what you're saying. However I still feel that a flat tax is not only fairer, but has the potential for creating a stronger and more vibrant economy; provided there are incentives for investing and spending that money locally.

It's possible that a falt income tax has the potential for creating a stronger and more vibrant economy, but I wouldn't want to have people suffer for the sake of the economy. The economy is here to serve the people, not the other way around.

And I still think it would unfairly burden the poor, as we would have the majority of our income taxed twice. Once when we purchased necessary goods (the GST), and then again at tax time.

The rich, on the other hand, spend a smaller percentage of their income on things purchases covered with GST, so they would only get dinged once, at tax time.

It's possible that a falt income tax has the potential for creating a stronger and more vibrant economy, but I wouldn't want to have people suffer for the sake of the economy. The economy is here to serve the people, not the other way around.

And I still think it would unfairly burden the poor, as we would have the majority of our income taxed twice. Once when we purchased necessary goods (the GST), and then again at tax time.

The rich, on the other hand, spend a smaller percentage of their income on things purchases covered with GST, so they would only get dinged once, at tax time.

Well, I don't tend to think of the economy as an entity seperate from the people; the economy IS the people in action. Thus, a more prosperous economy equates into a more prosperous people. The question lies in how much you protect the most vulnerable. I would use a negative income tax coupled with a flat tax, and bolster the working poor to an accepted median level.

The question then is, will switching to a flat tax from a progressive tax create a strong enough economy to to create a tax base big enough to support a negative tax, plus other government programs? I think if you make efforts to keep the flow of capital in local economies, quite likely, particularly if you can attract foreign investment and others inclined to move to a more tax-friendly atmosphere.

Also, I never supported taxing essential goods, which the GST brought in spades.

What mines? Do you know if working there poses any health problems? I need to save money too this summer. 1300 bucks a week sounds pretty sweet. Min wage in NS is just 7.50/hour.

The oil sands mines, aka the only reason there are people in Fort McMurray. As for health problems, it depends on what you do. For a summer job, you'd probably just labour....

So um, shitty air, really bad tap water (I'd recommend taking four or five bottles of water to work a day).

Whats the tax rate btw for incomes more than 74k?

I was being taxed near 40% when in Fort McMurray. They do leave room for a tax refund, but its prolly only a few percentage points off.

I'm not against taxes, quite the contrary. But because I made $500 over the arbitrary line, due to working overtime, I have to pay an extra 7% of my income? That's just kind of counterproductive for me. (Not to mention that large portions of my income went towards paying a bankruptcy trustee, but that's another story.)

In my mind, a single flat tax for all income tax makes the most sense. I would increase corporate taxes (which are the lowest in the western world to my knowledge) and increase sales taxes to make up the difference. Why penalize people for working harder?

I'm not entirely sure what the tax rates are for the 74k+ crowd are though.I'm more the opposite. I'd get rid of the federal sales tax, and keep corporate sales tax where they are.