American looking to learn more about Canada

[Speedy von Vloppen]

Hi, everyone. I'm doing research on Canada to help me decide if I want to move there. I'm frustrated with how extreme right the United States has gotten. I'm not going to make any snap decision, however. The choice to move to another country is a huge one, and so I want to be as well informed as I can be. I've read up on the Canadian Government's web site about what's required. It does seem that it might be tough to get a work visa, especially in this economy. If I go there, it will be with the goal of being a productive and law-abiding member of society. I want to fully pull my own weight and never draw any kind of welfare benefits. I would also want to get and stay there legally. I won't use any tactics such as fraudulent marriage.

I do work in computer forensics, that is, data recovery. I also do photography work on the side. It seems it might be tough to find a way to justify a work visa. However, I have not yet consulted with any immigration attorneys to explore all options.

In the meantime, I'm looking to get a good understanding of the country. I've found a documentary which was not shown in the United States to my knowledge. It's called Canada: A People's History (My link). Perhaps that would be a good place to start? I'm also considering a book titled The Penguin History of Canada (My link). If you know if these are good sources, please speak up. If you have any other sources you think I should look at, I'm interested. Thanks.

[wyly]

immigration-find a job first or invest by starting your own company are the best ways to qualify...

there was a survey done not long ago pointing out the differences in how canadians and americans view the their lives and world I'm sorry I can't recall the title but it was probably more revealing than most books you'll find, someone here may recall it...

for what it's worth my Texas buddy wanted to retire here he loved it so much, but his employer took him back to Texas, some of his kids refused to return...

[Shwa]

The best source is a visit for a few weeks. Preferably to a place where you would think you would like to settle. Then mosey around.

There are practically no differences between American and English Canadians to any significant degree. We might appear more liberal on the large, a little more insular with some subjects and despite all the hype we secretly appreciate Quebec and our Yankee cousins. (PS - all Americans are "Yanks" even ones from Georgia)

When you get breakfast ask for the HP sauce and you're in.

Also, if you come from a temperate climate, come up in the winter to get a sense of the cold. Wear a parka.

[wyly]

There are practically no differences between American and English Canadians to any significant degree.

surveys of how we each see the world would suggest there is...

[Shwa]

surveys of how we each see the world would suggest there is...

Produce a few. There might be differences, for sure, but not anything more significant that cannot be quickly learned as a form of etiquette. And that we can never seem to get Almond Joys up here.

[dre]

The US doesnt have Smarties. Thats one huge diference.

[wyly]

Produce a few. There might be differences, for sure, but not anything more significant that cannot be quickly learned as a form of etiquette. And that we can never seem to get Almond Joys up here.

the surveys are out there you need to search them out...one particular survey found major differences in religious beliefs which have significant politcal implications...

[Oleg Bach]

The US doesnt have Smarties. Thats one huge diference.

Nor do they have pop - they have this thing called soda.

[Shwa]

the surveys are out there you need to search them out...one particular survey found major differences in religious beliefs which have significant politcal implications...

I searched and couldn't find any. Since you make the claim, could you produce them please?

Just kidding. I am sure there are differences, as I have said, but nothing that etiquette can't cover off. For example, avoid discussing sex, religion and politics and the supper table.

But otherwise, pretty much the same kind of people by and large.

[Oleg Bach]

I searched and couldn't find any. Since you make the claim, could you produce them please?

Just kidding. I am sure there are differences, as I have said, but nothing that etiquette can't cover off. For example, avoid discussing sex, religion and politics and the supper table.

But otherwise, pretty much the same kind of people by and large.

The American system of early education should begin with real georaphy lessons...That's what I remember in our old Canadian system..we were taught about the world so we could be worldly and have an appreciation and some what of an understanding of the OTHER earthly inhabitants. America lacks in this - It's like a family buisness that the kids are brought into - they only know one thing...the family buisness..that is not enough.

[Speedy von Vloppen]

Nor do they have pop - they have this thing called soda.

Actually, it depends what part of the country you're in. In Texas and Louisiana, it's called pop. In other states it's soda. And some people call it soda pop.

[guyser]

Actually, it depends what part of the country you're in. In Texas and Louisiana, it's called pop. In other states it's soda. And some people call it soda pop.

And in the south its called Coke.

"What type Coke ya want honey?"

"Sprite, Mountain Dew Pepsi...?

Now that I found strange.

[Guest American Woman]

And in the south its called Coke.

"What type Coke ya want honey?"

"Sprite, Mountain Dew Pepsi...?

Now that I found strange.

That's a new one on me - I think you maybe just ran into a waitress that wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.

And it's "pop" where I come from, too.

[guyser]

That's a new one on me - I think you maybe just ran into a waitress that wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.

And it's "pop" where I come from, too.

She was a Flo look-a-like with half the cells working.

It was more charming /amusing than anything else. Some places on this continent do some weird things.

"hey Francois, I 'ave some curds leftover, what i gonna do?"

"fry some potatoes Helene "

In a New Jersey pizza joint I was yelled at for asking for a "pop" , old Italian guy had no idea what I was saying, but he lost it when I asked for a serviette ! (Circa 1972)

He yelled at me to speak english, in a thick Jersey/Italian accent which even at 12 I knew was to delicious to forget.

Edited August 17, 2011 by guyser

[Guest American Woman]

She was a Flo look-a-like with half the cells working.

It was more charming /amusing than anything else. Some places on this continent do some weird things.

That's the picture I had in my mind as I read your post.

"hey Francois, I 'ave some curds leftover, what i gonna do?"

"fry some potatoes Helene "

In a New Jersey pizza joint I was yelled at for asking for a "pop" , old Italian guy had no idea what I was saying, but he lost it when I asked for a serviette ! (Circa 1972)

Love it!

Your southern waitress experience got me curious, though -- evidently it is a southern thang!

coke: this generic term for soft drinks predominates throughout the South, New Mexico, central Indiana and in a few other single counties in Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. ‘Coke’ obviously derives from Coca-Cola, the brand-name of the soft drink originally manufactured in Atlanta (which explains its use as a generic term for all soft drinks in the South). link

[William Ashley]

Hi, everyone. I'm doing research on Canada to help me decide if I want to move there. I'm frustrated with how extreme right the United States has gotten. I'm not going to make any snap decision, however. The choice to move to another country is a huge one, and so I want to be as well informed as I can be. I've read up on the Canadian Government's web site about what's required. It does seem that it might be tough to get a work visa, especially in this economy. If I go there, it will be with the goal of being a productive and law-abiding member of society. I want to fully pull my own weight and never draw any kind of welfare benefits. I would also want to get and stay there legally. I won't use any tactics such as fraudulent marriage.

I do work in computer forensics, that is, data recovery. I also do photography work on the side. It seems it might be tough to find a way to justify a work visa. However, I have not yet consulted with any immigration attorneys to explore all options.

In the meantime, I'm looking to get a good understanding of the country. I've found a documentary which was not shown in the United States to my knowledge. It's called Canada: A People's History (My link). Perhaps that would be a good place to start? I'm also considering a book titled The Penguin History of Canada (My link). If you know if these are good sources, please speak up. If you have any other sources you think I should look at, I'm interested. Thanks.

If you want to avoid the US feel move to the South not the North. Canada is a lot like the US just Nicer, well it was niceness is fading to right wing conservatism as civil rights are being eroded and US mega corps are scuttling or taking over most of the employment.

Belize is an English country for example, a lot of people speak English in certain parts of Mexico. There are some really good English speaking Caribean Island, if you want laid back try Jamaica.

Edited August 17, 2011 by William Ashley

[PIK]

If you want to avoid the US feel move to the South not the North. Canada is a lot like the US just Nicer, well it was niceness is fading to right wing conservatism as civil rights are being eroded and US mega corps are scuttling or taking over most of the employment.

Belize is an English country for example, a lot of people speak English in certain parts of Mexico. There are some really good English speaking Caribean Island, if you want laid back try Jamaica.

LOL

[Bryan]

If you want to avoid the US feel move to the South not the North. Canada is a lot like the US just Nicer, well it was niceness is fading to right wing conservatism as civil rights are being eroded and US mega corps are scuttling or taking over most of the employment.

Belize is an English country for example, a lot of people speak English in certain parts of Mexico. There are some really good English speaking Caribean Island, if you want laid back try Jamaica.

I Belize that.