My Calgary Home?

[White Doors]

I've got to say-- there are a few Canadians on this board who are definitely disproving the "Canadians are nice/polite" stereotype, the above quotes being the latest.

Oh, ok. Thanks for sharing your view on that subject.

I'm always happy when people can at least back up their arguments.

thanks!

[White Doors]

The fact that people who moved to Alberta are already moving back to their home provinces after making some money kind of supports the theory that people who are buying houses at inflated prices could very well find the value going down

Or have you considered the fact that people are moving back because they made so much money off their home that they could afford to?

You could count me in that category. I'm moving to NB very shortly. Have already purchased a home there.

I will miss Alberta, just like home best.

[jdobbin]

The fact that people who moved to Alberta are already moving back to their home provinces after making some money kind of supports the theory that people who are buying houses at inflated prices could very well find the value going down. It might be great that houses are worth a lot right now, but unless one is cashing in on it by selling their house right now, it's no guarentee what the future will bring, just like today's stock market prices aren't a measure of worth 10-20 years down the line.

One final comment on the lack of recruiting/encouraging Americans and Brits to move to Canada-- I wonder if it's because of a desire to make Canada more diverse? Do you think it would be in keeping with its image?

One thing Canada is fortunate for and that is we don't have anything like the sub-prime mortgages thingy that the U.S. It seemed extremely risky to me but it went on for a long time while ignoring the historic problems of rising interest rates and mortgages.

You probably have it right that it was diversity policy although I don't know that it was ever written down as such or advertised as such. There has been an increase in British migrants over the last years because of the provincial nominee program. Retiring farmers in Manitoba have no children willing to take over the farms in some case. British farmers have been big purchasers of land.

I don't even know if the recent influx of Americans into Canada is a policy or happenstance. I lean to think that it has become a priority with the new government.

[Guest American Woman]

What's a "sub-prime mortgage?" Interest rates for a 15 year fixed mortgage are about 6.5% right now. How does that compare to mortgage rates in Canada?

As for the new influx of Americans into Canada-- I'm betting the Bush administration has something to do with that.

[jdobbin]

What's a "sub-prime mortgage?" Interest rates for a 15 year fixed mortgage are about 6.5% right now. How does that compare to mortgage rates in Canada?

As for the new influx of Americans into Canada-- I'm betting the Bush administration has something to do with that.

This is what Wikipedia says about sub-prime mortgages.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-prime_mortgage

As with subprime lending in general, subprime mortgages are often defined by the type of consumer to which they are made available. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury guidelines issued in 2001, "Subprime borrowers typically have weakened credit histories that include payment delinquencies, and possibly more severe problems such as charge-offs, judgments, and bankruptcies. They may also display reduced repayment capacity as measured by credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, or other criteria that may encompass borrowers with incomplete credit histories."

Subprime mortgage loans are riskier loans in that they are made to borrowers unable to qualify under traditional, more stringent criteria due to a limited or blemished credit history. Subprime borrowers are generally defined as individuals with limited income or having FICO credit scores below 620 on a scale that ranges from 300 to 850. Subprime mortgage loans have a much higher rate of default than prime mortgage loans and are priced based on the risk assumed by the lender.

Although most home loans do not fall into this category, subprime mortgages proliferated in the early part of the 21st Century. About 21 percent of all mort­gage originations from 2004 through 2006 were subprime, up from 9 percent from 1996 through 2004, says John Lonski, chief economist for Moody's In­vestors Service. Subprime mortgages totaled $600 billion in 2006, accounting for about one-fifth of the U.S. home loan market.

We have nothing similar in Canada.

I have no idea if Bush is the source of migration. It could be a lot of factors. I sense that more Americans would travel the world and live elsewhere if afforded the opportunity or were recruited by other countries to do so.

[Guest American Woman]

I have no idea if Bush is the source of migration. It could be a lot of factors. I sense that more Americans would travel the world and live elsewhere if afforded the opportunity or were recruited by other countries to do so.

Thanks for the information on sub-prime mortgages. I can't really see how that would be a bad thing, to give people another chance-- although it seems as if it would be risky for the lending institution.

Regarding American migration to Canada and the Bush administration-- I've read that Canada's immigration site on the internet got a huge record number of hits after Bush won the last election.

As for more Americans traveling the world and/or living outside of the States if afforded the opportunity-- I think a lot of Americans choose not to travel outside of the U.S. by choice; seems to me a lot of them would have the opportunity, but choose not to. I question whether more would live outside of the States, too, because I don't hear a lot of discontent from people who would like to move but just haven't had the opportunity. I think people stay here by choice for the most part.

[jdobbin]

Thanks for the information on sub-prime mortgages. I can't really see how that would be a bad thing, to give people another chance-- although it seems as if it would be risky for the lending institution.

Regarding American migration to Canada and the Bush administration-- I've read that Canada's immigration site on the internet got a huge record number of hits after Bush won the last election.

As for more Americans traveling the world and/or living outside of the States if afforded the opportunity-- I think a lot of Americans choose not to travel outside of the U.S. by choice; seems to me a lot of them would have the opportunity, but choose not to. I question whether more would live outside of the States, too, because I don't hear a lot of discontent from people who would like to move but just haven't had the opportunity. I think people stay here by choice for the most part.

I think you hit the nail on the head. It was the risk. Mortgage companies are taking a bath on the defaults. Even today the market is diving because of the sub-prime problem. I don't know what we have seen the worst of it and it could lead to a recession since so much of the economy is based on confidence.

The Immigration site did get a lot of hit but there was not immediately an influx of people. It is two years later and after Democrat success in the mid-terms that we are seeing a large influx. I honestly believe it a stronger emphasis on recruiting Americans that is increasing the numbers.

Most Americans do want to live in the U.S. by choice. But I still feel that many Americans are adventuresome and would travel and work more if they knew about opportunities and were recruited for their interest and skills. I never thought it has anything to do with discontent in the least. Americans are all over the planet as teachers, doctors, nurses and business people. If Calgary was able to recruit 10,000 people from the U.S. more freely than they can do right now, I suspect some people in the U.S. would love being part of that boom.

As I said, it isn't about unhappiness per se.

[jbg]

I really like Calgary and I like Canadian culture. People are generally more open, less prejudiced, and dare I say it, better educated than the average American. I definitely prefer the Canadian system of government and that might be the number one incentive for me to move to Canada.

1. Beware the "grass is greener" syndrome; and
   
2. Learn the language before moving. Their CSL programs are not that good
   

[ft.niagara]

I'm pretty knowledgeable about government finance and municipal corruption (graft, kickbacks, bid rigging, etc.) so ... I think I can....

score big in that relatively untapped, resource rich, population poor place called Calgary.

[bush_cheney2004]

What was their answer, and I presume you are American, but where do you live to have Canadian colleagues?

The answer was typical of all immigrants to the USA...economic opportunity and disgruntled "westerners" from Winnipeg. I am surrounded by immigrants at work (Information Technology)....four Canadians, a half dozen Indians, and others from China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Russian Federation, South Africa (somebody has to support that ancient mainframe), and Australia. Most spend some time on the web trying to negotiate the maze of paperwork to extend H1-B visas or close the gap on the much coveted "green card" (which curiously, the Canadians are not bashful about advertising possession of, as if it makes them superior to the others without permanent residency status). And of course, the Indians and Pakistanis hate each other with equal measure.

It's a fun international circus most of the time, and nobody has any doubt about where they are and why they came to the US of A.

Edited August 30, 2007 by bush_cheney2004

[MC Squared]

Are you renouncing US citizenship, or hedging your bet with duality?

I'll go with "dual". and I'll begin working on my Australian, England, and eventually German & Russian (Ukrain) ones. If I loive long enough to do it <grin>.

Either way, good luck....for every one of you, there are four others going the opposite way to the USA. Seems they have already "learned" enough.

In 2006, there were over 10,000 Americans that moved up to Canada. Nearly as many in 2007. Many of those going South (to the USA) are "gold diggers" ... or "warm weather diggers". To each, her/his own.

[MC Squared]

Winnipeg has the lowest unemployment rate west of Alberta.

http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/lfss04h.htm

The crime rates aren't great, but they're better than, say, Vancouver or Victoria.

And there aren't a lot of homeless people either--probably a lot fewer than Calgary. It's easy to find a cheap place to live, and nobody survives the winter unless they have shelter.

The USA had nearly 30,000 muders in 2003, of a population of nearly 300 million. In that same year (Canada's highest homicide year), Canada (with 30 million) had 548 murders.

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/040728/d040728a.htm

Now, one would *think* that - with a population 1/10 the size of the "good 'ol USA", Canada's murder rate would have been 3,000.

Love the USA - that's fine; love Canada - that's fine, as well, but PLEASE, don't be an American and think you're "all that" - that your Country can do no wrong. In Canada, one can say *any* day"Canada sucks!" or "America sucks!", but in the USA, you'll get your butt kicked if you utter the latter. THAT is freedom of speech???

When I was in East Berlin & Russia, they had the same freedom as the USA in many, MANY ways. Some things were more free! One example I *love*:

In the USA, you can be a Rapper, and "sing" about killing Police or screwing [White] girls, but you CAN'T tell your Secretary "Hey, you look great today."

HELLO????? What's WRONG with this picture???? I'd say "the tail is wagging the dog" in much of the USA. But they STILL "think they're all that".

Rule #1: We're NEVER wrong.

Rule #2: When we think we're wrong, refer to Rule #1

[MC Squared]

Calgary has huge homeless issues.......

No offense, please, but if you want to see HOMELESS issues - look right there near MANHATTAN - ini the BRONX. Or right across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach, FL - in West Palm Beach!

Shall I mention East LA? West Chicago? Detroit? South Miami? Want me to go on???

Fix it? Naah - we're too busy fixing Iraq. And all the other countries overseas...

[bush_cheney2004]

The USA had nearly 30,000 muders in 2003, of a population of nearly 300 million.

Patently false...the US murder rate was 5.7 per 100,000 population in 2003, or about 17,000 for a population of 290,000,000.

http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/uscrime.htm

Canada's murder rate was 1.74 per 100,000 in 2003

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_count...y_homicide_rate

[jbg]

Love the USA - that's fine; love Canada - that's fine, as well, but PLEASE, don't be an American and think you're "all that" - that your Country can do no wrong. In Canada, one can say *any* day"Canada sucks!" or "America sucks!", but in the USA, you'll get your butt kicked if you utter the latter. THAT is freedom of speech???

Arrogant Worms, an Alberta group, has a different take:

Toronto Sucks Lyrics (link)

Artist(Band):The Arrogant Worms Review The Song (4) Print the Lyrics

I hate the Sky dome and the CN Tower too

I hate Nathan Phillips Square and the Ontario Zoo

The rents too high, the airs unclean

The beaches are dirty and the people are mean

And the women are big and the men are dumb

And the children are loopy 'cause they live in a slum

The water is polluted and the mayor's a dork

They dress real bad and they think they're New York

In Toronto, Ontario

"You know, actually I think I hate all of Ontario"

I hate Thunder Bay and Ottawa

Kitchener, Windsor, and Oshawa

London sucks and the Great Lakes suck

And Sarnia sucks and Turkey Point Sucks

I took a trip to Ontario to visit Brian Mulrooney

He beat me up and he stole my pants and he put me in a tree

I went to see the Maple Leafs and got hit in the head with a puck

"I don't even know how they did it, I was playing the organ at the time!"

Ontariio Sucks

"actually, now that I really think about it, I think I pretty much hate every gosh darn province and territory in our country!Except Alberta, yeah I love Alberta, lots of cows, trees, rocks, dirt"

I hate Newfoundland 'cause they talk so weird

And Prince Edward Island is too small

Nova Scotia's dumb 'cause its the name of a bank

New Brunswick doesn't have a good mall

Quebec is revolting and it makes me mad

Ontario sucks, Ontario sucks,

"Manitoba's population density is 1.9 people per square kilometer. NOw isn't that stupid!?"

Saskatchewan is boring and the people are old

And as for the territories, they're too cold!

And the only really good thing about the province of British Columbia is that its right next to us!"

'Cause Alberta doesn't suck

But Calgary does

[jbg]

Love the USA - that's fine; love Canada - that's fine, as well, but PLEASE, don't be an American and think you're "all that" - that your Country can do no wrong. In Canada, one can say *any* day"Canada sucks!" or "America sucks!", but in the USA, you'll get your butt kicked if you utter the latter. THAT is freedom of speech???

I'm not familiar with that happening aside from crises such as September 11, 2001. For my views on the "America Sucks" crowd, go here (link).

[jennie]

I don't mean to interject, but in defence of the province I and Maple Leaf Web call home, Alberta is not the white, redneck, racist province that some of these posters would have you believe.

Simplistic comments like these are not helpful,

It is really too bad that someone who is thinking about immigrating to Canada must be confronted with such ignorant and juvenile province bashing. Nowhere in easychair's original post did s/he ask for your opinions on which province/city/region is the best - so lets cut the petty behaviour out.

Also, I won't tolerate these types of generalizations, mistruths and insults about Alberta or any other province/city/region. If you can't debate with facts and respect, then I suggest you find some other forum to participate in.

Greg

Admin

easychair, Our American brothers and sisters are most welcome here. There is almost universal disrespect (putting it mildly) for George Bush here, but if you can handle that you are in!

Best of luck!

[jbg]

easychair, Our American brothers and sisters are most welcome here. There is almost universal disrespect (putting it mildly) for George Bush here, but if you can handle that you are in!

Best of luck!

Bush will be treated more kindly by history than by his peers. He has not governed with his wet finger in the pollsters wind.

As far as Yanks moving to AB though, there is the matter of learning the language.

[margrace]

Bush will be treated more kindly by history than by his peers. He has not governed with his wet finger in the pollsters wind.

As far as Yanks moving to AB though, there is the matter of learning the language.

Yes tough, they will have to learn proper English

[BornAlbertan]

Bush will be treated more kindly by history than by his peers. He has not governed with his wet finger in the pollsters wind.

As far as Yanks moving to AB though, there is the matter of learning the language.

whud langidge er ya ruferrin tuh pa?

Edited October 16, 2007 by BornAlbertan

[jbg]

whud langidge er ya ruferrin tuh pa?

Canadian, also known as "Chretiense" or "Dionian".

[mikedavid00]

I really like Calgary and I like Canadian culture. People are generally more open, less prejudiced, and dare I say it, better educated than the average American.

I disagree with that statement.

I know several Americans and most of the time they are considered Canadian becuase we are culturally similar.

Americans are the easiest immigration cases into Canada and if you want to come, you can.

I wish you guys had the same system so I can get out of Canada and move over there!!

[jbg]

I wish you guys had the same system so I can get out of Canada and move over there!!

I think we'd want you to learn our language first, and something about our heritage. Our countries are as similar as Syria and Israel are.

[Guest American Woman]

I think we'd want you to learn our language first, and something about our heritage. Our countries are as similar as Syria and Israel are.

You're joking, right?

[jbg]

You're joking, right?

Frankly, I have no idea what language Canada speaks or the degree of resemblence, if any, between the countries.