USA or Canada? (homes, university, price)

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by dramamama

having grown up in Canada and been part of the education system with all it's experiments on us, I can say Canada's education is no better than the education my daughter is receiving in a good school district in the states. And there is way more opportunity here than in Canada. IMHO Canada, particularly tne north/west is still very blue collar. I've had people look me in the eye and ask why I want to send my daughter to college in the states when she could make 60,000 or more up in Ft. McMurray on the oil fields (as if I'd expose her to that crowd--grew up in Northern Canada and it is a PIT)

What you said about education and work opportunities vis-a-vis Canada and the US is spot on. And salaries tend to be higher in the US. Taxes are lower in the US, especially when you buy a house and can deduct your mortgage interest and property tax.

I think it boils down to what works best for the individual. None of us can tell this person which is best, only they can decide as everyone has different goals.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by Miborn

Wondering where your information regarding most Americans have a 6th grade level of education comes from do you have anything to back that statement or is it just your opinion?

You're right, it's probably lower.

[grmike]

Canada's gdp per capita was higher than every G8 country, Australia except the US.

number of billionaires Canada is 8th in the world with 25. the other countries in the top 10 have at least 2 times more people than Canada.

nuclear energy India, China, South Korea have candu Canadian nuclear reactors that they use to make nuclear energy

US trade partners
Canada 566 billion dollars
EU 693-694 billion dollars

the 7 best universities in the world outiside of the US 2 are in Canada (the other 5 are in Japan,UK,Switzerland)

I think Canada has a better public education system and ranks higher in freedom of the press.

the toronto stock exchange is the 7th largest in the world.

you can't just look at Canada's 33-34 million people.
in exports, gdp, universities, stock markets, nuclear power, cities (2 best north american cities were in Canada, if Canada used large areas for metro areas Toronto would have 8 million people and Montreal might have 5 million people), billionaires, currency value Canada does just as well as any developed country with 15-30 million more people.

[Galloway]

USA is better than Canada

[ionlife]

Having lived in both countries, I find the stereotypes ridiculous. Most Americans aren't dumb, war mongering, criminals. Sheesh. They are good, kindhearted, giving people. What I've always admired about the USA is it's can-do spirit. It's so strong here. This country is filled with immigrants or the offspring of immigrants--many of whom came here to forge better lives. There is an optimism here that is amazing. Even during these past few weeks of Wall St. turmoil, political mumbo jumbo, and roller coaster global finances, most people still carry an upbeat attitude that says, well it might get worse, but it will get better.

And instead of bashing other countries to feel better about themselves, most of the Americans I know are just so interested in the world and its peoples. They don't need to bash other countries to have an identity.

I am unabashedly proud to be an American. I couldn't wait to get my citizenship.

[ionlife]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

You're right, it's probably lower.

Just rude to say that... a lot of Canadians don't get University degrees because of blue collar big bucks--and they pay the price later when their bodies no longer allow them to do that back breaking work.

Every American family I know here sends their kids on to college or to secondary education. The teens I know here, in VA and in AL, and in TN, and in TX etc., are bright and think things through and can articulate their beliefs very well.

This 6th grade education b***s*** is so media driven...

[scoutfinch87]

In Canada, there is at least, the feeling or idea that we owe each other something other that what is stipulated by contract law. I think it might be the difference between a nation born out of violent revolution and one born out of negotiation.

I have to say that this is such an astute observation!

I don't mean to be pessimistic, because Americans still enjoy a qualify of life that many other countries will never experience, but out of the two, I would choose Canada. Canada has the vast benefits of having universal healthcare and generally sound governmental officials. I have experienced the course of direction the U.S. has taken, and well, it isn't very pretty, I have to say. After living in America for so long, you become very aware of the issues that plague the nation, and whether or not they can be realistically overcome. The strife, chaos, race and class divisions in this country will likely not be diminished in the near future, and it is not because the U.S. is not capable - history has proven that we are capable of progress - but the fundamental mindset of this country has not changed. America’s lack of unison will continue to hamper it until a miracle by God interjects! 10-20 years ago I would have said that absolutely, moving to the U.S. at least gives you a good economic start and a good shot at a solid future, and yes, many people who immigrated since then have reaped tremendous financial rewards, but as you and everyone else in the world knows, the U.S. has markedly digressed even since then. The feeling of hope is something that is quickly diminishing in this country, and I think anyone considering a move here who is still idealizing about the American Dream should be completely aware that this is not the climate Americans today are facing. I think people deserve a sound start in a country that will nurture them lifelong. The greatest flaw in America is that it simply cannot do that.

[ionlife]

And that revolution began in direct rejection of unfair taxation on the citizens. Sigh--but VIOLENT--yes for those who fought as for any who fight. But Canada's early history is not much better. Please, Canada has violence as well. And racism, prejudice and inadequate housing for its poor and indigent. I've seen drunks passing out in downtown Winterpeg after bars closed and pissing on walls. Seriously, the homeless in Vancouver are a huge group of people. I remember giving part of my tip money to a mentally ill person standing at the bus stop near where I worked after all my shifts. The mentally ill in Canada, the natives not able to hold their alcohol, and the construction workers who fell off of roofs, filed for disability because they had NO SECONDARY EDUCATION are all hanging otu at the street corners... asking for help. Where is the gov't??

And the first settlers who came to this land, Jamestown and Plymouth, came to escape religious persecution and find a new life, a peaceful life. And the volunteerism here is amazing. People give and do care tremendously for those less fortunate.

[dreameyes]

Originally Posted by Lillietta

Canada. Education much better and safer. Think children.

Statements like this and the one about the US being better are totally apsurd. I would much prefer to raise my kids where I live now in the states then where I grew up in Canada. IMO it is much safer.
Canada and the US are both huge, extremely diverse countries and you can't really compare them on a whole. It all depends on where you live.

[Galloway]

Originally Posted by RufusHeston

I think the US is more dynamic and offers more in the way of opportunity. Canada, however, is 'kinder' somewhat and treats it's less fortunate moderately better. In Canada, there is at least, the feeling or idea that we owe each other something other that what is stipulated by contract law. I think it might be the difference between a nation born out of violent revolution and one born out of negotiation.

There is no such feeling whatsoever, i don't feel that i owe that homeless bum struggling to survive 1000 km away from my location anything. But the government still takes my tax dollars and gives it to him so he can go buy some more crack.

except my family........i dont owe anything to anyone.