Differences betweeen Canadian and American life?

Question

When I graduate I'd like to relocate for a job in the hopes of getting higher pay and living in a more interesting city. Some Canadian cities, like Toronto, look like they would suit me well, since I like snow and I like being able to access everything I need without driving.

I know that I can earn up to US $90,000 without paying American taxes as long I don't spend more than 3 weeks or something in America for the year. If I find myself in Canada and enjoy it, though, I may consider changing citizenship.

I'd like to hear what you feel are the differences between American life and Canadian life; in particular, what's different about being a Canadian citizen. I'd really like some input from people who have lived in both countries.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

First you would have to get working papers from Canada, they would only give you the permit if they feel you have skills that are so desperately needed and that a Canadian citizen doesn't have.  The taxes are a lot higher in Canada, they are much more of a socialized country, socialized health care for example.  Sounds great, but if the government is paying then they decide if you really need that operation  Best thing to do is take a couple of weeks vacation up there and see for yourself.

Answer 2

I am and American living in Mississauga,the town

just above Toronto.With the U.S. Dollar almost equaling

the Canadian buck,it makes it kind of tougher.

You pay more taxes in Canada,and that goes to cover

health care.

If you are well certified in your career,it could work for

you.I am on disability,and I still have to leave one month

out of the year.

The best you could do is get dual citizen ship.

Answer 3

differences??  Well, get ready to pay more taxes.  I am an American and I have been living back and forth between the Us and Canada now for almost 8 years.

Currently, my husband and I have a home in Edmonton, Alberta.  Beautiful city, lots of green space, excellent public transit, low crime for such a large city and good job market currently.  On the downside, regular 3 bedroom home 375,000$,  long winters,  cost of living is pretty high compared to what an American is used to paying.

Sorry, but I am not a fan of living in Toronto.  Great to visit though.

Sure the socialized health care is great but there are drawbacks.  I have been waiting 5 weeks to see a specialist.  My doctor just called today and my appointment is booked for the end of November.  I guess I'll keep waiting.

Honestly, if you are looking for a "different" lifestyle--Canada probably won't excite you too much.  Day to day life goes on here in pretty much the same fashion as it does in the good ole US of A.

As far as the winters go here, it is great that you like snow as you will see plenty of it.  You might need to prepare yourself for the sub zero temperatures that continue for days on end.  We had 19 straight days here last winter where the daily high temperature never even reached freezing.

You will need to accustom yourself with the metric system if you want to live here.  The temp is given in Celsius (I am still not used to that and find myself constantly converting it to Fahrenheit) and gas is bought in litres and distance is in kilometers.    

Well, I guess that about says it all.  You should visit the CIC website for everything Canadian concerning immigration.  www.cic.gc.ca