• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Living in Canada

G

gutharius

Golden Member
I am thinking of emigrating to Canada and wanted to get your opinions on what it is like as compared to the US. I have particular concerns about:

-Socialized medical care pros/cons (I do have need for regular blood work)
-Can you simply bypass the socialized medical system and pay to see a doctor?
-I have heard that you cannot eat beef in Canada? Is this true? Is there a ban or something?
-If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
-Can you recommend any books or resources on the subject?
 
Originally posted by: gutharius
I am thinking of emigrating to Canada and wanted to get your opinions on what it is like as compared to the US. I have particular concerns about:

-Socialized medical care pros/cons (I do have need for regular blood work)
-Can you simply bypass the socialized medical system and pay to see a doctor?
-I have heard that you cannot eat beef in Canada? Is this true? Is there a ban or something?
-If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
-Can you recommend any books or resources on the subject?
Click to expand...


Answer to # 1 -- Medical system is subsidized by your taxes, you don't pay to see a doctor.
Answer to #2 -- Private medical clinics are beginning to open where you can bypass the system and go see a doctor immediately.
Answer to #3 -- Thats bullsh|t.
Answer to #4 -- Wouldn't know, I'm canadian, but beware theres alot of animosity in Canada about Americans right now.
Answer to #5 -- I don't know.
 
Originally posted by: gutharius
I am thinking of emigrating to Canada and wanted to get your opinions on what it is like as compared to the US. I have particular concerns about:

-Socialized medical care pros/cons (I do have need for regular blood work)
-Can you simply bypass the socialized medical system and pay to see a doctor?
-I have heard that you cannot eat beef in Canada? Is this true? Is there a ban or something?
-If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
-Can you recommend any books or resources on the subject?
Click to expand...

1. It's pretty much free. Hurt your leg? Go to the doctor... that's free. He says he wants to see an x-ray? No problem, I've always gone in the same day (within an hour) to the x-ray place... that's free too. Go back to the doc later and see him about the x-rays... that's free too.

It's great for "kinda sore" this and that, and for all the peripheral stuff, and for dire emergencies. However, if you have something wrong and need to go to the hospital but aren't in any serious danger, then you'll probably wait a while in line.

I needed regular blood work for a while there too. No problems. I just made my monthly appointment, showed up on time and walked right in. Oh, and that was free too. 🙂

2. I'm not too sure... I don't see why you'd want to. The way it works here is everyone basically gets a government issued credit card that's good at all doctor's offices and hospitals. You go in, give it to them, and you never see any charges or anything. At least I've never had to.

3. Ha. NOT. And thanks for mentioning it. I'm gonna have my Alberta grain fed t-bone later tonight... I was trying to decide what to eat 🙂

That mad cow scare was a single cow that may or may not have been born here from a cow that may or may not have spent time in the US and that made it over the border. It's all wishy washy. I think the US still has a ban on importing Canadian beef, but that just means there's more for us 🙂

4. Citizenship and Immigration Canada
 
1. Pro- Most things are free but you may have to pay for some items depending on which province you live in. Cons - Sometimes you have to wait a long time to get specialized sugery and procedures
2. No it goes against the whole concept of universal medicare. Of course that doesn't mean that it does not happen.
3. No
4. Watch the South Park movie 😉
 
Originally posted by: RyanSengara
Originally posted by: gutharius
I am thinking of emigrating to Canada and wanted to get your opinions on what it is like as compared to the US. I have particular concerns about:

-Socialized medical care pros/cons (I do have need for regular blood work)
-Can you simply bypass the socialized medical system and pay to see a doctor?
-I have heard that you cannot eat beef in Canada? Is this true? Is there a ban or something?
-If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
-Can you recommend any books or resources on the subject?
Click to expand...


Answer to # 1 -- Medical system is subsidized by your taxes, you don't pay to see a doctor.
Answer to #2 -- Private medical clinics are beginning to open where you can bypass the system and go see a doctor immediately.
Answer to #3 -- Thats bullsh|t.
Answer to #4 -- Wouldn't know, I'm canadian, but beware theres alot of animosity in Canada about Americans right now.
Answer to #5 -- I don't know.
Click to expand...

Based on another post in this thread it sound like I should not be too worried about getting my regularly needed blood work and such.

I heard Canada is having a rather strong economic upsurge right now? Is this true?

As far as animosity I as an american have alot of animosity "read disgust" towards americans. So I feel I would fit right in. <My patriotism for a nation that does nothing in light of Abu Ghraib, Invading inncoent nations and killing civlians of those nations, valuing religion so much the nation feels compelled to elect the person because he "prays", feeling it is ok to take and give rights based on religously motivated moral principle, etc. etc. etc. has taken my level of patriotism and pride in this country and turned it to gut wrenching embarassment and disgust.>
 
In regards to paying for bypassing the system to see a doctor, as mentioned above, it defeats the purpose entirely, and currently in Ontario at least, it is illegal to open any such practice. Canada does not have a two-tier medical system, everyone is entitled to the same level of medical attention regardless of socio-economic status.

--Mark
 
Originally posted by: SaturnX
In regards to paying for bypassing the system to see a doctor, as mentioned above, it defeats the purpose entirely, and currently in Ontario at least, it is illegal to open any such practice. Canada does not have a two-tier medical system, everyone is entitled to the same level of medical attention regardless of socio-economic status.

--Mark
Click to expand...

My main concern with this was that if I needed to goto a doctor about a medical contdition but would end up having to wait in line or somthing. As an american I have heard some rather scarey claims made about socialized medicine. This is all part of trying to balance those claims with fact and truth.
 
Originally posted by: gutharius
Originally posted by: RyanSengara
Originally posted by: gutharius
I am thinking of emigrating to Canada and wanted to get your opinions on what it is like as compared to the US. I have particular concerns about:

-Socialized medical care pros/cons (I do have need for regular blood work)
-Can you simply bypass the socialized medical system and pay to see a doctor?
-I have heard that you cannot eat beef in Canada? Is this true? Is there a ban or something?
-If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
-Can you recommend any books or resources on the subject?
Click to expand...


Answer to # 1 -- Medical system is subsidized by your taxes, you don't pay to see a doctor.
Answer to #2 -- Private medical clinics are beginning to open where you can bypass the system and go see a doctor immediately.
Answer to #3 -- Thats bullsh|t.
Answer to #4 -- Wouldn't know, I'm canadian, but beware theres alot of animosity in Canada about Americans right now.
Answer to #5 -- I don't know.
Click to expand...

Based on another post in this thread it sound like I should not be too worried about getting my regularly needed blood work and such.

I heard Canada is having a rather strong economic upsurge right now? Is this true?

As far as animosity I as an american have alot of animosity "read disgust" towards americans. So I feel I would fit right in. <My patriotism for a nation that does nothing in light of Abu Ghraib, Invading inncoent nations and killing civlians of those nations, valuing religion so much the nation feels compelled to elect the person because he "prays", feeling it is ok to take and give rights based on religously motivated moral principle, etc. etc. etc. has taken my level of patriotism and pride in this country and turned it to gut wrenching embarassment and disgust.>
Click to expand...



uh oh here wer go.....

THE FLAMES THEY ARE RISING
 
Originally posted by: gutharius
Originally posted by: SaturnX
In regards to paying for bypassing the system to see a doctor, as mentioned above, it defeats the purpose entirely, and currently in Ontario at least, it is illegal to open any such practice. Canada does not have a two-tier medical system, everyone is entitled to the same level of medical attention regardless of socio-economic status.

--Mark
Click to expand...

My main concern with this was that if I needed to goto a doctor about a medical contdition but would end up having to wait in line or somthing. As an american I have heard some rather scarey claims made about socialized medicine. This is all part of trying to balance those claims with fact and truth.
Click to expand...


While I myself have never been in such a position to use our healthcare system to that extent, frankly I barely even make use of it as it is... but from what I've heard, is that yes, say you have a medical condition, and if there's a waiting line for treatment etc.. then you'll be placed in that line, you're no better than anyone else.

Although this is only what I've through other's, I can't really speak from experience, but this seems to be one the main gripes with socialized medical care.

--Mark
 
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: gutharius
Does the Canadian government provide Educational subsidies to students? Like student loans pell grants?
Click to expand...

Yep. Ontario's version is OSAP. Keep in mind they are still loans.

- M4H
Click to expand...


Yeah, I just finished my applications for my Winter 2005 term.... the only good thing about them is that they give you a grace period after you COMPLETE your degree/program before they start tacking on interest.

--Mark
 
Originally posted by: Slappy00
Originally posted by: gutharius
Originally posted by: RyanSengara
Originally posted by: gutharius
I am thinking of emigrating to Canada and wanted to get your opinions on what it is like as compared to the US. I have particular concerns about:

-Socialized medical care pros/cons (I do have need for regular blood work)
-Can you simply bypass the socialized medical system and pay to see a doctor?
-I have heard that you cannot eat beef in Canada? Is this true? Is there a ban or something?
-If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
-Can you recommend any books or resources on the subject?
Click to expand...


Answer to # 1 -- Medical system is subsidized by your taxes, you don't pay to see a doctor.
Answer to #2 -- Private medical clinics are beginning to open where you can bypass the system and go see a doctor immediately.
Answer to #3 -- Thats bullsh|t.
Answer to #4 -- Wouldn't know, I'm canadian, but beware theres alot of animosity in Canada about Americans right now.
Answer to #5 -- I don't know.
Click to expand...

Based on another post in this thread it sound like I should not be too worried about getting my regularly needed blood work and such.

I heard Canada is having a rather strong economic upsurge right now? Is this true?

As far as animosity I as an american have alot of animosity "read disgust" towards americans. So I feel I would fit right in. <My patriotism for a nation that does nothing in light of Abu Ghraib, Invading inncoent nations and killing civlians of those nations, valuing religion so much the nation feels compelled to elect the person because he "prays", feeling it is ok to take and give rights based on religously motivated moral principle, etc. etc. etc. has taken my level of patriotism and pride in this country and turned it to gut wrenching embarassment and disgust.>
Click to expand...



uh oh here wer go.....

THE FLAMES THEY ARE RISING
Click to expand...

No flames necessary. REALLY! I probably shouldn't have said it but it was simply an expression of frustration.
 
Originally posted by: SaturnX
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: gutharius
Does the Canadian government provide Educational subsidies to students? Like student loans pell grants?
Click to expand...

Yep. Ontario's version is OSAP. Keep in mind they are still loans.

- M4H
Click to expand...


Yeah, I just finished my applications for my Winter 2005 term.... the only good thing about them is that they give you a grace period after you COMPLETE your degree/program before they start tacking on interest.

--Mark
Click to expand...

Sounds neat. Do they give you living allowances and such or is it the same as in the US, learn by day work by night?

Edit: Yes, I know they are loans, I have no intent of making Canada anything like the States. After all that is the precise reason I want to move to Canada, "ITS NOT THE UNITED STATES".
 
I heard Canada is having a rather strong economic upsurge right now? Is this true?
Does the Canadian government provide Educational subsidies to students? Like student loans pell grants?
If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
Click to expand...

-Yes, we've been doing pretty well for the last decade or so. Last month there were 42000jobs created here, vs 96000 in the US. Mind you, the US has 10 times more people.

-Yes. They give you enough for tuition, and you don't have to repay them as long as you're a full time student. There is a 6month grace period after graduation, then you have to start repaying, and they start accumulating interest.

-Same as everyone else. You become a permanent resident (landed immigrant) which gives you all the rights of citizens, except voting and running for office. Once you've lived here for 3 years, you apply for citizenship, it takes about 8 months to process and its really just a formality (ie, you have to take a test that a 7yo can pass, take the citizenship oath etc).
 
Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
I heard Canada is having a rather strong economic upsurge right now? Is this true?
Does the Canadian government provide Educational subsidies to students? Like student loans pell grants?
If you were originally an American how hard was it for you to become a full Canadian citizen?
Click to expand...

-Yes, we've been doing pretty well for the last decade or so. Last month there were 42000jobs created here, vs 96000 in the US. Mind you, the US has 10 times more people.

-Yes. They give you enough for tuition, and you don't have to repay them as long as you're a full time student. There is a 6month grace period after graduation, then you have to start repaying, and they start accumulating interest.

-Same as everyone else. You become a permanent resident (landed immigrant) which gives you all the rights of citizens, except voting and running for office. Once you've lived here for 3 years, you apply for citizenship, it takes about 8 months to process and its really just a formality (ie, you have to take a test that a 7yo can pass, take the citizenship oath etc).
Click to expand...

Marty,

Where you orignially an american?
 
As a person who moved from the States to Canada, I have to say I'm pretty amused at how uninformed the OP is. Nothing personal, mate. But trust me on this - we have an excellent health system (as any civilised nation should, and most do), the society is much more open and allows free exchange of ideas, there is no "cult of the leader", and there is much less of a "dog eat dog" mentality. Once you pass from the U.S. into Canada, it's like a great pressure was lifted off your chest - you can do whatever you want, your horizons expand and you learn many things about cultures you never even know they existed before.

As for the immigration process. You can apply for immigration while you're in the States, or you can do it from within Canada. The process takes about five to nine months until you get the permanent residence status (which is the equivalent of the U.S green card) - it helps if you do things very exactly, you give them al the data they need, make sure they get it and so on. Then it takes three years until you become eligible for citizenship - the process to actually become a full citizen takes another nine months to a year.

Now, citizenship may be a moot point for you, since it's not really needed, unless you want to vote in Canadian elections, or hold public office. You can work like any regular citizen while being only a permanent resident. There are people I know that never bothered to get their citizenship...

The school loans are convenient, and appear to be slighly less of a hassle than in the U.S.

The only "negative" point you'll see here is that the government taxes you more - but only if you're above a certain level of salary. And in any case, it helps to know that the tax money goes back into the healthcare system, education, culture and research, rather than weapons and foreign wars. And there's more respect for privacy, while at the same time, a better sense of community and belonging, and less violent crime.

And if you come here and stay, and one day decide to have a family, you'll be amazed how great the child care system is, and how the government helps families with children.
 
If you go up to Canada, do not even joke about Dunkin Donuts, or even Krispy Kreme for that matter. The hosers take their "Timbo's" very seriously. If you get caught with American donuts, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will lock you up and sodimize you.
 
All i have to say is sexy canadian girls....com. ehhe.... (hint, try it as one word)....

For those that live in Canada?...do they all look like that?
 
Originally posted by: Garuda
If you go up to Canada, do not even joke about Dunkin Donuts, or even Krispy Kreme for that matter. The hosers take their "Timbo's" very seriously. If you get caught with American donuts, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will lock you up and sodimize you.
Click to expand...

'Yeah, right.

FYI, Grand &amp; Toy, a smaller office supply chain store, is having a Krispy Kreme sale in Ottawa, and all proceeds go to charity.
 
As for student loans, here's how it works where I am.

1. Go on the internet to the provincial loans site. Fill out application (yeah, it's pretty much all done on the net). You print off a page, sign it, mail it to them.
2. You get your assessment. My minimum required contribution for this year was $5000. The rest was covered ($8500). This comes in a few pieces. $5000 from the feds, and the rest from the province. It used to be that you'd get a grant (don't have to repay) as part of your loan, but they stopped that this year (although I heard if you got >$7k loan, you don't pay back a good chunk of it).
3. You remain interest free for the period of your studies + 6 months after. You then pay prime +2.5% (in my case).

From what I've heard from other people, if you can't make a payment, just phone them up and let them know. They'll be cool with it. People have told me that they're really easy to pay back and they don't hassle you much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top