What Makes Canada a Great Place to Live?

[Smurf]

Yeap, everyone wants to come to Canada.

 

[JasonRox]

Yeap, everyone wants to come to Canada.

Why do they want to come here?

According to the survey's, Americans don't know **** about Canada.
One out of like every 100 probably knows how to spell Canada, and maybe one out of 10 000 knows where Canada is, and one out of 100 000 knows that Canada used to be similar to the US until a crazy man like Bush was running.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

and one out of 100 000 knows that Canada used to be similar to the US until a crazy man like Bush was running.

I would place the ratio closer to 48/100.

I first became aware of Canada's stance on freedom and liberty back in the late sixties and early 70's, during the Vietnam war. So the idea of Canadian liberty is certainly not new to Americans. Heck, I've even seen Sci-Fi that has Canada as the last stand for freedom in a world losing the battle with "Big Brother". In other words, to an extent this valid perception of Canada is part of our culture. Like I said earlier, Canada has long been the land of the free for those oppressed in the land of the [once] free.

 

[kat]

hmmm, I've been curious about how Canadians view their own Patriot like laws as well as other new "anti-terrorism" laws?

 

[check]

hmmm, I've been curious about how Canadians view their own Patriot like laws as well as other new "anti-terrorism" laws?

To be honest, I haven't looked into it and I don't think it's been in the news all that much. Must not be a sweeping, radical change. I'll read up on it though when I get a chance and post my thoughts.

 

[xck]

Ivan Seeking

thank you so much for starting this thread. I've only made it to page 8 so far, but wanted to thank you now.

Since 5 my heart has longed for Canadian Mist or something.

Canadian-s-hip has finally happened. Nothing to do with Bush but maybe a lil something to do with Oz.

I recently bought a new car last summer. I was going to put a Canadian Flag on it, but a good friend of mine suggested I wait and think it through. So I did.

Thank goodness for dear friends. On America's last 4th of July weekend I had the Canadian Flag tattoed on my right arm. I love it. No stickers on my car, close call, though. Besides my license plate coincidentally has a Canadian name on it

When Canada snips ties (maybe never) with the Queen, I'll lay\buy some roots. Until then, oh oh Canada, oh oh Canada.

great thread, lots of good info, thanks all!

 

[Smurf]

What? you got beef with the queen?

 

[Ivan Seeking]

To be honest, I haven't looked into it and I don't think it's been in the news all that much. Must not be a sweeping, radical change. I'll read up on it though when I get a chance and post my thoughts.

It seems to me that Canadians are more worried about Bush than Al-Qaida.

 

[kat]

It seems to me that Canadians are more worried about Bush than Al-Qaida.

Well...maybe if you weren't so blinded by your phsycotic anti-bushism fanatacism you might recognize how important it would be to view how terrorism (or the fear of) has eroded civil rights even in liberal freedom loving Canada (haha). I believe...don't quote me, but check for yourself..the there was a patriot like bill pushed through with little to no debate. Actually I've heard the term "rammed" through in reference to the "anti-terrorrism bill" C-? and I think B-47..d-47, something like that. My understanding at the time was that it dropped the need for pressing charges before arresting and holding someone who was suspected of having an association with terror. I don't believe it required actively being a terrorist..but also included direct and indirect aid. Also, I remember a buzz about judges being able to coerce testimony from the accused against theirselves amongst other things.
I don't know why it wasn't all over your news, conspiracy perhaps?
I don't have time to search for specifics, but really, I am interested in Canadians views, knowledge..input etc. on the subject as I would expect Ivan would have been...*shrug*

 

[tumor]

To be honest, I haven't looked into it and I don't think it's been in the news all that much. Must not be a sweeping, radical change. I'll read up on it though when I get a chance and post my thoughts.

You would be suprised what Canadian Government is doing to innocent people.
Ernst Zundell, rings a bell? in jail for almost 2 years.
There are many others.

 

[Smurf]

Who is Ernst Zundel? and why is he in jail?
http://www.jabpage.org/posts/zundel.html
Anti-Terrorism Act: Official Site
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=M2ARTM0012675

The two most controversial measures in the act are so-called preventive arrests and investigative hearings. The arrest power allows police to detain a suspect without a warrant if they deem it necessary to stop a terrorist action. The power to compel individuals to testify at secret hearings is designed to make sure authorities can collect vital information on terrorist activities. While government is required to report annually on how these two extraordinary tools are used, it has done so only once since the law was passed, reporting that neither power was exercised in 2002. No report for 2003 has yet been released, prompting criticism from civil liberties advocates. But federal officials said the report for 2003 is being "fine-tuned" and should be made public soon. So far, only one use of the investigative-hearing power has come to light, in a Supreme Court challenge brought by a reluctant witness who was being forced to testify about the 1985 Air India bombing (the court ruled last June that the provision does not violate the Constitution).

http://www.911review.org/Wget/scienceforpeace.sa.utoronto.ca/Special_Activities/Galati_Page.html

 

[Smurf]

Regarding the Canada vs USA argument that always seems to come up; I think that anyone who arrives at the conclusion that Canada's crimes are worse than USA's needs to re-examine their own history in a more "Liberal" fashion.

 

[kat]

Regarding the Canada vs USA argument that always seems to come up; I think that anyone who arrives at the conclusion that Canada's crimes are worse than USA's needs to re-examine their own history in a more "Liberal" fashion.

Well...does it always have to be a comparision, can't you give YOUR opinion of YOUR anti-terrorism laws?


BUT, speaking of "their own history" I noticed the map Ivan put up earlier in the thread had Maine as part of Canada...I can assure you that my French Canadian ancestors on my mothers side are ROLLING in their graves..and I personally find it somewhat offensive and culturally insensitive considering many of my ancestors on my mothers side walked for weeks to reach Maine and escape persecution in Canada in the mid 1800's. So please..Leave Maine out of your Canadization plans...thx@puleeese.com

 

[tumor]

Regardig Zundell inprisonement, he was thrown in jail for writing books!
Books about very controversial topic, but books nontheless.
What country does that? Saudi Arabia, China ? No! Canada beacon of freedom and liberty.
USA is 100 times more free and liberal than Canada, even under the Bush and Co!

PS. Who is behind Zundell inprisonement? Jewish lobby of course,and majority of spineless Canadians do nothing.HOW PEOPLE HERE CAN BE SO DUMB?

 

[Smurf]

Well...does it always have to be a comparision, can't you give YOUR opinion of YOUR anti-terrorism laws?

Kat express my contempt for my own government so many times. However I do believe that Canada is much more liberal than the USA, if I ever see an effective argument disproving that assertation I will only welcome it, but I havn't heard anything to even put Canada on par with the crimes of the US.

 

[ek]

HOW PEOPLE HERE CAN BE SO DUMB?

I suppose english is your second language, but that sentence is very ironic.

 

[Smurf]

I suppose english is your second language, but that sentence is very ironic.

 

[Gonzolo]

It seems to me that Canadians are more worried about Bush than Al-Qaida.

That's not far from the truth. Although Canadians don't approve of Al-Qaida's actions, Al-Qaida never did attack Canada (yet?). I feel much of the newer security measures in Canada are there to help the U.S.

Some Canadians are worried that Bush policies mean the US will try to run Canadian natural ressources in the future. The pre-emptive strike policy is quite contrary to Canadian values.

US's lumber and cow embargo probably hurt Canada more than Al-Qaida ever has. (Although perhaps they are indirectly due to US's problems with the middle east.)

 

[xck]

where's the beef

Smurf

I have no "beef" with the queen. I simply don't understand why she is Canada's icon in abstentia, right? She resides in England, no?

I thought the Canadian governement severed ties with England (with their blessing of course) and gained their independence (governmentally at least) back in the 60's or 70's, I think the 70's. I am unable to access my brain file on that this second.

I am unable to think of the word, the group of countries that Britain had it's grip on like Australia and the others (i never took history and have flunked every IQ test for a good reason), and if I remember correctly it was as if Britain said, "Okay you are set free from us, but our finger you will always pheel" It reminded me of those who leave street gangs, they still walk with the tattoo, but are disconnected from the gang. I remember when I did some digging a few years ago on Canada I was mighty surprised.

The Queen reminds me of a ghost. Gone, but lingering. Hovering still over Canada.

I love Canada. Maybe one day I will live there (dreams are real). I have a plate that came to be (in an odd way) from Canada. It says Victoria, BC, Canada and is a lovely blue plate which matches my Blue Willow set. I'm preparing to just jump on an Amtrak in February, and head north. I'm in California so it would be a nice train ride North. I hear I would have to take a pherry from Seattle to BC. I guess I 'll have to wait and sea

Many things Canadian have found their way to me. Where I live now, there are some Canadians that are in and around. I :!) it.

My brother is marrying a Canadian gal next September, but I think she is from Ontario or Toronto (doesn't count, altho I will see New Foundland one day). I wonder if Canada would consider a citizenship swap. I'll gladly give her my American-whatever, on the condition that she give me hers. I better hurry and meet her before she sells her house to move to Cali. Maybe unlike most, if I buy, I could have a vacation home in Canada, and Cali and never pay taxes

My desire to go to Canada, possibly live there IF they'll have me has NOTHING to do with President Bush. He's doing his thing, and I"m doing my thing. Like I stated in my other post, since I was 5 while other girls were dreaming of Paris, or wherever, I was dreaming of Canada.


I would have to return to Cali to purchase books. My goodness ... the other day I purchased a book, it was 39.00 and in Canada it was 69.00 or 79.00 If a book catches my interest I'll pay whatever to own the book short term to receive the information, but to pay almost double what I am able to buy here for half? Wow. I would like to live close to the Northern border so the trip to the bookstore in WA wouldn't be far. Oh yeah, I guess it would have to be close to the pherry. I never believed in phairies till I was told one would definitely have to get me into Canada.

It's cool if Queen is still kickin' when I arrive there. I love green. My love for Canada makes no sense at all, and it doesn't have to. I do love the low-low crime rate. Wow, we Americans could sure learn a lot from yous. I better brush up on my English before my trip I red French and English are your country's *- languages and are taught in schools. Sometimes I wonder why America doesn't follow suit and just get over it and make Spanish/English America's languages. Afterall this used to be Mexico

Thank you for asking your question Smurf. I was able to arrive at a conclusion, without compromise, in me mind that has escaped me till now.

!Wait a minute, you are from BC Please pheel free to correct me on anything that is crooked in my response. If you care to, please email me at Oaracal@aol.com if you are up on custom's laws. I have read some, and all I know is I need to contact some outfit in San Francisco to make sure neither of us (myself and the Mr.) have no border problems.

I was recently married, and we are going to moonhoney in Canada. If he can get across the border it will be wei, and if not then it will be me. Probably just for a few hours if he is unable to pass customs. If you don't "do" email that's cool. Someone will, no problem. If he is unable to get across the border, he'll just have to wait in WA

 

[Smurf]

I would correct all your spelling mistakes.. but.. but... there's just too many of them. Let's start with 'pheel', it's feel, not pheel. ok now I'm off to school.

-Canada gained an independant government in 1863 but england remained in control of various aspects such as foreign affairs, after ww1 we gained control of our foreign affairs and were recognised by the world as fully independant.

Edit: the queen only has symbolic power and all positions appointed by the queen (such as Governor General) don't have any power and pretty much have to do what they're told.

Edit2: ok really have to go to school now

Edit3: I'm glad your inffatuated with Canada, makes a nice change from the usual crap we get from Americans.

Edit4: Crap I missed my bus.

 

[Gonzolo]

xck, I feel like keeping your post and mail it to some of my Canadian friends. As for books, I am wondering whether the book prices you saw weren't in Canadian currency. Only a few years ago it was valued at about 66% of US currency, so the difference wasn't so bad.

As for the Queen of England, there probably isn't enough pressure or motivation to boot her completely, it's not anyone's priority. As long as she does (and only does) what Canadians tells her to do (what the prime minister advises her, such as naming the Governor General), she's cool. The whole gouvernment system is based on the British one after all.

 

[iansmith]

I thought the Canadian governement severed ties with England (with their blessing of course) and gained their independence (governmentally at least) back in the 60's or 70's, I think the 70's. I am unable to access my brain file on that this second.

Canada gained full control of its constitution in 1982. This usually view as the year Canada became indepent. Prior to 1982, to change its constitution, Canada had to go to england and request changes. In 1982, the constitution was brought back to Canada, and now, the Canadian government can change the constitution when ever it wants with the aggrement of the provinces. England (i.e. the queen) has no constitution and legistative power in Canada since the Canada Act in 1982.

There is also the 1931 Statute of Westminster, where all self-governing dominion of the British empire, which include Canada, gained legislative sovereignty. This is also viewed by some people as the independce of Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Canada

 

[Gonzolo]

iansmith, I am not sure I understand your signature, (in relation with your avatar?). Do you have that radio channel in Halifax?

 

[lucifer]

hmm.. I'm a HS senior and considering going to school in Canada. this is interesting. since there are so many people from Canada that are reading this thread I'm just going to throw this out there: would it be that hard for me be able to get into Canada if i just want to study? and what are some of the good schools(i've heard about some like U of Toronto, McGill but can't really find too much info about how good they are... ).

and yes i don't like the direction we are going in right now but I'm for the most part, politically apathetic, so that's not my main reason...

 

[iansmith]

iansmith, I am not sure I understand your signature, (in relation with your avatar?). Do you have that radio channel in Halifax?

If you have the internet, you listen to that radio station. I am not from halifax. I am studying there.

As far the relation goes, if you are Canada you probably heared the CTRC decision about closing CHOI 98.1 in Quebec city. The logo is from that radio station and the signature is the song by Les pistolets roses called "Liberté" that was written few before the CTRC in relation to the situation with the radio station.
http://www.lespistoletsroses.com/liberte.html

 

[iansmith]

hmm.. I'm a HS senior and considering going to school in Canada. this is interesting. since there are so many people from Canada that are reading this thread I'm just going to throw this out there: would it be that hard for me be able to get into Canada if i just want to study? and what are some of the good schools(i've heard about some like U of Toronto, McGill but can't really find too much info about how good they are... ).

McGill and U of Toronto ranking in the top 100, and often in the top 50, for the university in the world. Someone posted link to website that had the ranking.

the place is limited for american student but if you are in the best applicant you go get in without much problem.

 

[check]

hmm.. I'm a HS senior and considering going to school in Canada. this is interesting. since there are so many people from Canada that are reading this thread I'm just going to throw this out there: would it be that hard for me be able to get into Canada if i just want to study? and what are some of the good schools(i've heard about some like U of Toronto, McGill but can't really find too much info about how good they are... ).

and yes i don't like the direction we are going in right now but I'm for the most part, politically apathetic, so that's not my main reason...

I go to UWO (University of Western Ontario) and it’s consistently ranked among the top 5 schools in Canada for medical (3rd this year: http://www.macleans.ca/universities/) as well as this year, grads from Western ranked their overall university experience higher than any other school in Canada. It’s a great school, not just for medical, but overall.
www.uwo.ca

As for how difficult/easy it is to study here, I’m guessing it’s pretty easy considering how many foreign students attend my school. Just check out a school website and find ‘international students’. That should give you all the info you need.

 

[ek]

Smurf

I have no "beef" with the queen. I simply don't understand why she is Canada's icon in abstentia, right? She resides in England, no?

I thought the Canadian governement severed ties with England (with their blessing of course) and gained their independence (governmentally at least) back in the 60's or 70's, I think the 70's. I am unable to access my brain file on that this second.

In 1982 Prime Minister Trudeau and Finance Minister Chretien along with the Queen signed into effect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, effectively severing ties with England.

I am unable to think of the word, the group of countries that Britain had it's grip on like Australia and the others (i never took history and have flunked every IQ test for a good reason), and if I remember correctly it was as if Britain said, "Okay you are set free from us, but our finger you will always pheel" It reminded me of those who leave street gangs, they still walk with the tattoo, but are disconnected from the gang. I remember when I did some digging a few years ago on Canada I was mighty surprised.

The word is Commonwealth. And I don't quite get the gang comparison.

The Queen reminds me of a ghost. Gone, but lingering. Hovering still over Canada.

I love Canada. Maybe one day I will live there (dreams are real). I have a plate that came to be (in an odd way) from Canada. It says Victoria, BC, Canada and is a lovely blue plate which matches my Blue Willow set. I'm preparing to just jump on an Amtrak in February, and head north. I'm in California so it would be a nice train ride North. I hear I would have to take a pherry from Seattle to BC. I guess I 'll have to wait and sea.

I live in Victoria, the place where your plate is from. And yes, if you wanted to come to the city you would have to take a ferry from either Seattle or Vancouver. Vancouver and the rest of BC, however, can be accessed from land.

Many things Canadian have found their way to me. Where I live now, there are some Canadians that are in and around. I :!) it.

My brother is marrying a Canadian gal next September, but I think she is from Ontario or Toronto (doesn't count, altho I will see New Foundland one day). I wonder if Canada would consider a citizenship swap. I'll gladly give her my American-whatever, on the condition that she give me hers. I better hurry and meet her before she sells her house to move to Cali. Maybe unlike most, if I buy, I could have a vacation home in Canada, and Cali and never pay taxes

My desire to go to Canada, possibly live there IF they'll have me has NOTHING to do with President Bush. He's doing his thing, and I"m doing my thing. Like I stated in my other post, since I was 5 while other girls were dreaming of Paris, or wherever, I was dreaming of Canada.


I would have to return to Cali to purchase books. My goodness ... the other day I purchased a book, it was 39.00 and in Canada it was 69.00 or 79.00 If a book catches my interest I'll pay whatever to own the book short term to receive the information, but to pay almost double what I am able to buy here for half? Wow. I would like to live close to the Northern border so the trip to the bookstore in WA wouldn't be far. Oh yeah, I guess it would have to be close to the pherry. I never believed in phairies till I was told one would definitely have to get me into Canada.

You can drive into Canada there homeslice. As I said above, a ferry is only required if you want to go to Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.

The Canadian dollar is around .80-.85 right now. Those prices would not be nearly as severe anymore. The dollar used to be around .60-.65.

It's cool if Queen is still kickin' when I arrive there. I love green. My love for Canada makes no sense at all, and it doesn't have to. I do love the low-low crime rate. Wow, we Americans could sure learn a lot from yous. I better brush up on my English before my trip I red French and English are your country's *- languages and are taught in schools. Sometimes I wonder why America doesn't follow suit and just get over it and make Spanish/English America's languages. Afterall this used to be Mexico.

French is not really taught that much in our schools. I took eight years of it, but it is only required you do one year I think. And it's not in depth at all, I can't speak french worth a damn, even after eight years. It is an official language though, and it is on all of our cereals, beverage containers, laundry detergents et al. It is not, however, on street signs and stuff like that. The only province that is truly bilingual is New Brunswick, where stop signs say both "Stop" and "Arret".

Thank you for asking your question Smurf. I was able to arrive at a conclusion, without compromise, in me mind that has escaped me till now.

!Wait a minute, you are from BC Please pheel free to correct me on anything that is crooked in my response. If you care to, please email me at Oaracal@aol.com if you are up on custom's laws. I have read some, and all I know is I need to contact some outfit in San Francisco to make sure neither of us (myself and the Mr.) have no border problems.

I was recently married, and we are going to moonhoney in Canada. If he can get across the border it will be wei, and if not then it will be me. Probably just for a few hours if he is unable to pass customs. If you don't "do" email that's cool. Someone will, no problem. If he is unable to get across the border, he'll just have to wait in WA

I just have to say you have some of the worst spelling and grammar I've ever read. Oh well.

Hope that helps.

 

[tumor]

I wonder why would anyone come to Canada to live here in this frozen wasteland? Australia,New Zealand would be much better choice, and you have your Quenn still in place.
Except province of Quebec rest of Canada is wild,uncivilized and crude.One thing I like here and my reason for living here is spectacular nature, sadly trees are being cut in most pristine places, oil scraped from thousand of hectares of praries etc, in other words it is going downhill fast.

PS. if you guys decide anyway to come here,learn some karate or kung-fu, because people here are very short tempered and dangerouse and you must be ready to fight those Canadian yahoos!
I have been assaulted verbally and physically here without any provocation and almost beaten recently, since then I carry 10 inch kitchen knife in my backpack all the time! I know it is illegal to carry knife, but I rather be alive!
One more thing; watch for your possessions /valuables, thiefs are everywhere they stole even my old rusted street bike,couple years ago I lost new m.bike(i'm still in shock over loss of that brand new bike ) my friend was robed twice, and so on and on.

 

[Gonzolo]

I wonder why would anyone come to Canada to live here in this frozen wasteland? Australia,New Zealand would be much better choice, and you have your Quenn still in place.
Except province of Quebec rest of Canada is wild,uncivilized and crude.One thing I like here and my reason for living here is spectacular nature, sadly trees are being cut in most pristine places, oil scraped from thousand of hectares of praries etc, in other words it is going downhill fast.

PS. if you guys decide anyway to come here,learn some karate or kung-fu, because people here are very short tempered and dangerouse and you must be ready to fight those Canadian yahoos!
I have been assaulted verbally and physically here without any provocation and almost beaten recently, since then I carry 10 inch kitchen knife in my backpack all the time! I know it is illegal to carry knife, but I rather be alive!
One more thing; watch for your possessions /valuables, thiefs are everywhere they stole even my old rusted street bike,couple years ago I lost new m.bike(i'm still in shock over loss of that brand new bike ) my friend was robed twice, and so on and on.

So every Canadian should have his 10 inch knife...eh? I'm actually not sure how serious you are here. I probably haven't been in those areas where you use kung-fu, but you won't convince me that Canada is more dangerous than New Zealand, Australia and especially the US. Canada's cold only part of the year. Eastern Canada is equally civillized, Quebec or not. And if the Queen is more in the shadow than in NZ, and Australia, it's in great part because of Canadian bilingualism and multiculralism; she just isn't any more meaningful to the Francophones than any other present random monarch.