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The main advantage of the USA is a better climate than Canada. We are also have more diversity of people and our economy is more diverse. Canada is more homogeneous, has les crime, and has pretty good schools.
As an American, here's where my belief that Canada is a better country stems from. If you want to refute any of these claims, you can go ahead. But right now I have an inferiority complex.
Firstly, you guys pay the same amount of taxes and get way more benefits than us. Can't say I disagree.
Toronto is a megacity IMO from what I've heard. It's more important globally than Los Angeles I would imagine, and it may even be comparable to New York(Think New York lite). (I haven't been to either city so I may be wrong.) I think you're overselling Toronto here. I've heard a lot of good things about it but it is a BIG step down from NYC. I'd say Chicago and LA are a step above as well. Maybe I'd lump Toronto inwith SF and DC.
The lack of climate diversity is an overstatement. In Bc, you have areas pretty close to desert. So that ends the debate over temperature diversity. Canada also has the arctic sea. The United States doesn't have the arctic sea. Sure, we have beaches. But the number of climates is about the same I have a feeling. Plus, I heard that the Turks and Caicos may be a part of Canada in the future.We do have that tiny piece of land in the arctic...what's it called? Alaska? Add Hawaii and the southwestern deserts to the list and I just don't think there's much of a comparison. A large percentage of Canada's land area is frozen wasteland much like Siberia.
And about the secessionist movements, one thing I've always envied about Canada is that if you want to move to or visit another nation (not a country, a nation.), you have Quebec. The United States is extremely homogenous in a lot of aspects so you don't get that kind of variety that you have in Canada.I suppose Cajun country and Maine can be considered 'distinct' regions. There are significant cultural differences amongst regions, maybe not to the extent of legitimate succession movements but that's probably a positive.
Plus, you have pretty bias free media in the CBC. Down here, you have bias in everything. Considering the fact it's all privately owned.I agree. The media is so obnoxiously politicized in the states. Tell me what happened. Let me make my own interpretation considering the facts. Infotainment is not my cup of tea.
Canadians seem to be able to coexist more peacefully and the lifestyle seems a little more laid back.
As a Canadian, who has lived and worked in the USA , on a number of occasions ( military exchange tours of two years duration , times 3 ) I would say the major difference between Canada and the USA is FEAR.
Americans are afraid of each other, and it shows in their daily lives. Canadians are not.
If being armed to the teeth was the key to having a safe place to live.........American would be the safest country on earth. It isn't.
Political murders in the USA, from Lincoln onwards to the Kennedys. Canada has no history of such a thing. We don't kill our leaders. The Prime Minister, Stephen Harper attends hockey games in Ottawa, with his son, or his wife, and sits in the stands, alongside ordinary citizens. With two plain clothes RCMP escorts, one of whom will usually be a woman.
On the subject of women. Canada has 10 Provinces and three Territories. At this time, five of the Provinces have female elected political leaders. How many US States have female elected leaders ?
Americans complain bitterly about taxes, at all levels. Despite what your media tells you, taxes in Canada, for the average Canadian are no higher than in the case of the average American tax payer. Of course Canada doesn't maintain overseas military bases in 107 foreign countries. The number one line on our national budget is health care, followed by public education. About 47 percent of adult Canadians hold at least one four year University degree, and many have more than one. Canada is the most educated nation in the world.
In summation, we are different, and we like it that way.
I really like that Canada seeks out immigrants with skills they need instead of trying to see how many unskilled and uneducated laborers they can bring in while making it more difficult for the skilled and educated to immigrate like in the US.
Toronto is a megacity IMO from what I've heard. It's more important globally than Los Angeles I would imagine, and it may even be comparable to New York(Think New York lite). (I haven't been to either city so I may be wrong.)
Well yes, you are incorrect in these assessments. Toronto is not considered to be a "megacity" on a world scale. New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago are considerably higher than Toronto on most standard global city rankings.
Toronto has a ranking that is generally between Washington DC and San Francisco (although these can change from year to year of course). The Greater Golden Horseshoe also has a population that is somewhat less than that of the Wasington DC - Baltimore combined statistical area.
Another few things to add regarding something Canada seems to do better than the U.S is distribute wealth more equally among the masses.. There seems to be less of a stark difference between the rich and poor in Canada vs the U.S.
Paid Maternity/Paternity leave is also a big plus and generally speaking, cheaper post-secondary education..
On the other side, Canada seems to be relying too much on being a resource based economy.. I'd like to see it become more innovative and it can take cues from the U.S in this regard.
Can such a wealthy country like the USA be more equal in terms of wealth?
I knew what he meant but what he wrote could be misconstrued.. It was a minor clarification. To be honest, diversity of landcapes between the two is not extraordinarily stark for those familiar with Canada.. Though I would indeed give an edge to the U.S and even more so for diversity of climates.
Can such a wealthy country like the USA be more equal in terms of wealth?
Well I agree, it is more difficult to distribute wealth when there are 315 million vs 35 million.. You notice that countries that seem to do well in QOL always have typically less than 40 million people.. There is a reason for that it is easier. The U.S does well for a nation of such size but lets face it - the gaps are more stark... Travel through the U.S and Canada and get back to me with confirmation
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