Question about relocationg to Canada

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

Basically, I'm looking for a place that's more in the country, but yet close(within two or three hours) or a bigger city. As dumb as it may sound, it has to be near a minor league or NHL hockey team.

Heck, in Ottawa you can live five minutes from Scotiabank Place and be in the country!

[GrrlGoalie33]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

I have heard of cases where you had to swear to give up ur current citizenship if u want to emigrate to the US.

I think it has more to do with your country of origin. Certain countries do not allow dual citizenship.

The US may also require citizens of certain nations to relinquish that citizenship before being allowed to become American citizens.

Before my gf's parents got their Canadian citizenship, Holland required them to relinquish their Dutch citizenship.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

There are a few things that I'm most interested in. First, how are immigrants recieved? There's definately a stigma in the States about people immigrate from other countries.

So much of that depends on how the individual presents himself. You will likely get some good humoured ribbing about being an American; and by good humoured I mean the type that one buddy would give to another buddy.

The big thing for fitting in is the fact that you not only "like" hockey, but you follow it closely. That and I seem to recall you mentioning good taste in beer. Are you sure you aren't Canadian already?

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

There are a few things that I'm most interested in. First, how are immigrants recieved?

I think immigrants are welcomed here for the most part. Being an American brings a whole other dynamic to the situation. I'm a dual citizen who has lived in both countries and I'm still taken aback at times by the anti-U.S. sentiment I encounter in Canada.

[Aeneas]

Do you find that sentiment directed at you personally as an American; or directed at some in your government, or thier policies?

[SportsJunky]

Never at me personally. On the whole I find Canada to be more tolerant than any other country that comes to mind. It is one of many reasons why I choose to live here.

[Drunk Skunk]

Heck, in Ottawa you can live five minutes from Scotiabank Place and be in the country!

But then I'd have to watch the Sens all the time I've been there once, that was enough for me.

So much of that depends on how the individual presents himself. You will likely get some good humoured ribbing about being an American; and by good humoured I mean the type that one buddy would give to another buddy.

The big thing for fitting in is the fact that you not only "like" hockey, but you follow it closely. That and I seem to recall you mentioning good taste in beer. Are you sure you aren't Canadian already?

I'd expect that, and it wouldn't bother me. I'm pretty laid back, not much gets under my skin. Oddly enough, I've had people ask, since I like both hockey and my adult beverages, if I'm from Canada.


I wouldn't be against moving to Alberta. It's farther west enough for my liking, and if I believe Arrogant Worms, it's the only good province in Canada I Google Mapped it, and it's only 25 hours from here to Calgary, which in the grand scheme of things isn't that bad of a drive. Much more reasonable then Alaska(which I'm also considering).

:EDIT:

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

Never at me personally. On the whole I find Canada to be more tolerant than any other country that comes to mind. It is one of many reasons why I choose to live here.

I've heard that same thing from a couple people that have chosen to live up there. Another thing I've always been impressived with is the amount of patriotism shown by Canadians as a whole. It's something to be jealous of.

[metal_geek]

What about a trip to vegas, There are lots of girls from calgary down there on trips. What about getting hitched, in one of thoes express wedding chappels... If they already have their own place to live in calgary you've got it made!... someone needs to start up Immigration 'R Us

On a serious note.. if you married someone from another country... do you like swap citizenships?....
________
Lovely Wendie

[ZDogg]

Lethbridge sounds like a good option for you. Smaller city, closer to the US Border, WHL team, 1.5hrs from Calgary, housing construction booming and a good supply of University Students in the Fall/Winter to keep a Bartender busy .

One requirement for immigrating should be that for every male you must bring at least 1 female. We seem to be getting quite the Sausage Party in Alberta (based on that thread from last week).

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by fotze

My wife is American and at parties (the polite boring ones) it is amazing how many times you hear phrases like "Americans are so stupid" and then go on to talk about the genious of Michael Moore.

It is odd, isn't it. For all its flaws, the U.S. is a country that produces some of the greatest minds of our time, some of the most cutting-edge research, some of the greatest newspapers an magazines, many of the greatest writers of all time.

Yet we Canadians insist on perpetuating the stereotype that Americans are stupid. The U.S. is kind of a stupid country--in terms of its political culture, health care and so on--but Americans are no stupider than anybody else.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan

It is odd, isn't it. For all its flaws, the U.S. is a country that produces some of the greatest minds of our time, some of the most cutting-edge research, some of the greatest newspapers an magazines, many of the greatest writers of all time.

Yet we Canadians insist on perpetuating the stereotype that Americans are stupid. The U.S. is kind of a stupid country--in terms of its political culture, health care and so on--but Americans are no stupider than anybody else.

I think by and large that assumption comes from the fact that many Americans are not very knowledgeable about geography or world affairs. I should perhaps clarify that in my experience, that is what I have noted the most about Americans. And when talking with a lot of them, it becomes painfully obvious. And by and large, that is a product of their education system.

I dont think stupid refers to their actual mentality or learning curve.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by redforever

I think by and large that assumption comes from the fact that many Americans are not very knowledgeable about geography or world affairs. I should perhaps clarify that in my experience, that is what I have noted the most about Americans. And when talking with a lot of them, it becomes painfully obvious. And by and large, that is a product of their education system.

I dont think stupid refers to their actual mentality or learning curve.

A fair point. And I should clarify that I've had my share of that kind of experience. I teach American literature courses here, and have on more than a few occasions been alarmed at the lack of civic education that people get in public schools here. There's a two-tier education system, though--private high schools tend to produce much more worldly and knowledgeable students.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by redforever

I think by and large that assumption comes from the fact that many Americans are not very knowledgeable about geography or world affairs. I should perhaps clarify that in my experience, that is what I have noted the most about Americans. And when talking with a lot of them, it becomes painfully obvious. And by and large, that is a product of their education system.

I have also found it to be a bit of a cultural thing. There are many Americans that have never left their own state; and if you never go any where else I can see why learning about other places may not be as important to you.

When I was down last year for a friend's wedding; I was shocked at how many people I met that had never left the state.

[Drunk Skunk]

Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan

A fair point. And I should clarify that I've had my share of that kind of experience. I teach American literature courses here, and have on more than a few occasions been alarmed at the lack of civic education that people get in public schools here. There's a two-tier education system, though--private high schools tend to produce much more worldly and knowledgeable students.

I completely agree. I went to a private school from pre-school until graduation. After high school, I went to a community/public college. I don't mean to insinuate that I'm smarter than anyone else, because I don' think I am, but the difference in educations was amazing.

Originally Posted by ken0042

I have also found it to be a bit of a cultural thing. There are many Americans that have never left their own state; and if you never go any where else I can see why learning about other places may not be as important to you.

When I was down last year for a friend's wedding; I was shocked at how many people I met that had never left the state.

Again, that's something I agree on. I love to travel, and have been through many states and into Canada. I don't think it's that big of a deal, but some people are amazed. Among quite a few people, there is a certain contentment to just stay in their state, or their area, and not explore at least the country.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

I Google Mapped it, and it's only 25 hours from here to Calgary, which in the grand scheme of things isn't that bad of a drive. Much more reasonable then Alaska(which I'm also considering).

My dad works in Anchorage. He likes Calgary much, much more.

[Drunk Skunk]

Well, it turns out that I may be moving to Canada a lot earlier then I had thought ... as in the second quarter of '09, or even earlier.

From the sounds of it, the unemployment rate in Calgary is very low. Tonight, I heard that they're paying upwards of $15 for fast food places, and that if I had a year's experience as a machinist, I could find a job very easily. I'm actually getting really excited about this - I would be moving up there with my father, after he retires, and he was offered a post-retirement job tonight as well.

[Claeren]

^ Getting a job would be the least of your worries.

Getting the papers/status to allow you to take that job is the key.



Claeren.

[Montana Moe]

Congrats Drunk Skunk!

Thanks for reviving this thread, I've considered moving up north a few times myself. There is some good information for me to digest here.

The only concern I would have is recertification for all of my Fire/EMS titles. Sounds like Calgary is in the process of hiring a ton of Firefighters ( I think I read 200+). Very tempting indeed.

[SebC]

NOOOO!

(I'll miss your farm team reports, but congratulations on making it to the big leagues of fandom!)

[Calgaryborn]

Drunk Skunk You should look at moving to Radium Hotsprings in B.C. It's a couple hours from Calgary and is the playground for the oil executives. Tons of work and definitely in the country. Most construction outfits have years of work lined up. Great elk hunting as well.