Is Canada a nice place to live (compared to the U.S.)?

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fleurpixie

Well, depending on what area of the country, Canadians are far less paranoid, and far more open. And by depending I don't mean West vs East vs Central. Every area of this country has bigots, racists, and sexists. But that's also a generalisation isn't it? So, to your questions.

1) The media. It's true. National news in Canada is far less sensational and biased than in the US. There's more of a focus on information giving, rather than information telling. Print media is a little different. Some papers are crap, but all of them will have either a liberal or a conservative slant, it will all become evident the moment you read the editorial section.

2) Health care. First off, it isn't free, not really. Each province has it's own health care system, (OHIP in Ontario, MSI in Nova Scotia etc.) and one does not qualify to be covered by them until you have lived in that province for a certain length of time. I'm not 100% sure on what would apply to you if you move here. It may depend on whether or not you become a Permanent Resident etc. (You may want to check out the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website about that)

And it is true there can be long waits. It does depend on what service you need, and the urgency of the issue. It is loosely based on a triage model. If you go to a hospital for something that should be covered with your primary care physician, you will wait a long time. This isn't so different from the US. What is true is that you won't be denied medical attention. Many Canadians have supplementary health care eg Blue Cross that they get through their employers. An excellent idea especially considering things such as prescription drugs are definitely not free. My suggestions for you would be to find yourself a GP if you move here. This is more easily said than done if you choose a rural area. Bit of a medical shortage there, again, not that different from the US.

3) The prevalence of nut cases. In the sense I believe you are asking, true. The sheer number and extremes of the right wing are far less here. I suspect it's due to our lack of a bible belt. Same sex marriages, for example. As well the influence of lobbying groups akin to Focus on the Family is considerably weak.

4) Good schools. Hell yes. And you can find them in every province. And while we find tuition rates obscene here, they are more on par with state colleges than with Ivy League.

I am Canadian, and have spent a considerable amount of time in the US. And my sister just moved back after living and working in NY for 3 years. :)

rhythm.nbass

Most of what you've heard is true. I am a Canadian living in the States right now, and there's a lot I miss about home. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of amazing places in the US, but I think the overall mentality in Canada is a lot healthier. As for schools, there are definitely amazing colleges. It depends on what you're looking for. I went to an amazing little art school in Calgary, where my tuition and fees were only about $5000 a year. You can get a lot out of a small school like that, but if you're looking for a big-campus type of school, places like Western University in Ontario and McGill in Montreal are on par with the Ivy League schools. Hope to see you in the Great White North!

jim m

COME ON UP and just check us out , you won't want to go back that's a promise

James Brown

Yes, Canada is a nicer place to live compared to the US. To comment on all of your points

-Canadian's (at least where I am, Ontario) are more open to race and religion, mostly because we are so multi-cultural and diverse. There isn't an easily visible racial or religious demographic

- there is no truth in your comment about the hospitals. if you call 911 they will send an ambulance to you and they will treat you as soon as they can (however soon that is, is dependable). they have no choice whether to treat you or not. You are a tax-paying citizen for their services, and will not be denied them

- Canada is a very sane country. You will stumble upon the occasional nut or fanatic, I suppose, But I have never met them.

- Um, yeah there are lots of amazing universities/colleges in Canada. However, I guess it depends on what programs you wanna take

Canada rocks

M A D

Being a natural born Canadian - I would have to say after living in your U.S.of A. (as well as Russia and Australia), we do have it fairly good here - but remember no matter where you go all countries have there good and bad.

There are Universities here that are know around the world; but it would be hard to suggest one to you as I don't know what you would like to study.

Hamish

Our health professionals are second to none. If your colitis flares up go to any Hospital emergency room and you will be seen almost immediately and treated or if necessary hospitalized. Like another answerer said "Come on up" You will notice the difference and then judge for yourself. I wouldn`t want to live anywhere else in the world.

Just a nice guy

Canada is great and don't listen to Lori B. What part of Canada would you be considering. The US is not as tolerant as we are. The Universities and colleges are great, the social Net like health care and education are good plus the opportunities for employment are good if you want and have entrepreneurial spirit.

Lori B

The people of eastern canada tend to be a little ruder than people on the western side, they are also more racist. It is a little more expensive to live in canada. healthcare is great

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