Dear Canadians: When a citizen of the States moves to Canada what is the general opinion of them?

Question

Positive, because those who move tend to be better educated, more liberal and frequently against the current regime.

Or

Negative, because... well because we are "Americans".

Answer 1

Don't really care as long as they aren't waving the American flag in our faces.  Then you will get "If you liked the States so much then go back there!"

I get that "why don't you go back where you came from" from some of my colleagues who know that I'm from another country but these clowns are my friends and they are only joking (I think)  naaaa they are just pulling my leg.

Answer 2

We hate dirty american

Answer 3

I think that you'd receive the 'benefit of the doubt' from those you meet when you move to Canada.  Canadians really don't have anything against Americans as individuals, most of the anti-American sentiment is directed at your government.  Dubya is probably the most disliked president in my lifetime.  (I'm pushing 60).  We do tend to get frustrated at American's lack of knowledge of Canada and Canadians.  

I lived in Virginia for four years during the 1980s.    My neighbour across the street who was a well educated, articulate woman from Minnesota told me one day that to her Canada was just a black hole north of the border.  She knew absolutely nothing about us.  We find that irksome.  Some of us do tend to consider ourselves 'superior' due to a more liberal social structure but I don't think that's really the majority (notwithstanding some comments you've read in response to your question).  Anyway if you're thinking of a move to Canada, you'd be welcomed by most Canadians.  Remember your mucklucks, toque and mittens, it gets cold at night in those igloos.

Answer 4

You'd probably find the same response if you moved from your home town to another part of the USA. It depends on how you interact with people.

As I've lived in both the USA and Canada (I'm Canadian) I feel we are a little more laid back, are not in your face all the time and more reserved. (Yankees call us boring)

Basically you won't find much difference.  Here's one for you:

Canadian:  Looks and talks American but has health care and is unarmed!

By the way, Kantana - get real.

Answer 5

Open to them.

Americans are just like us, just from a different country.  Our countries were built on welcoming immigrants, so there should be no reason why that should change now.

Answer 6

Generally, we think they are all addicted to Yahoo! Answers.

he, he, he, he...

Answer 7

Just another person - "Hi, nice to meet you..."

Answer 8

From what I have seen, we treat them like anyone else coming into our neighbourhood.

We may refer to them as the new neighbours who moved here from USA, and once we got friendly and more comfortable with them, I hope we would have a good enough sense of humour to joke with each other about the stereotypes and the politics of our countries.

Of course, you have to remember that Canada is a big place, and attitudes in Alberta will be different than in Ontario or the Atlantic provinces. If I had to pick a place where you might feel less welcome, I would say the province of Quebec, since we are mostly French here and you may be treated as an outsider more because you cannot speak the language rather than because you are American.

But in general, we are very accepting of any nationality, lifestyle, or race.

Answer 9

Suspicion.

Answer 10

I don't think most Canadians take exception to "Americans" in the particular.  So, most would be open and willing to give you a chance, just like they would an immigrant from any other country.  Beyond that, your own attitudes and behaviours will determine the opinions formed about you.  I've known the well educated, liberal types you speak of and they can be delightful.  I've also known the ones who can't wait to get back to the U.S. where everything is done properly and who are all too happy to explain why it's done wrong in Canada.  Not so delightful.