Emigrating to Canada?

[andrea81]

GMTV did a piece this morning on emigrating to Canada.

My sister looked into it but decided that the kids would miss the family too much, but are regretting it now! But for the first time I'm actually thinking I could go!

A friend of mine emigrated about a year ago and it's the best thing they ever did!

Would you go? What is keeping you here? Is life better out there?

[Lakitu]

I'd happily leave the UK permanently, but the furthest I would go would be mainland Europe. I can get a flight and be home in a few hours if there was anything wrong.

[andrea81]

Both me and my hubby have professional qualifications and at the moment we are luck to still have positive equity on our home! My little ones are still very young and would be a lot easier to uproot!

It's wishful thinking I think! But it�s made me really think today for some reason!

[LoftyLottie]

Like Lakitu, I would go to mainland Europe, but not further afield. I love Europe and feel european and like the fact that I can experience so many cultures in so many countries very easily and quickly. Southern Portugal would be the best for me.

Anywhere else and I would feel very alien! Loved Australia to visit but could never live there, don't fancy the States at all and Canada does not appeal although I have lots of relations over there.

[mrs_overall]

Oooh, those long Canadian winters. No thanks.

[jno]

Canada's nice, though pretty empty, but most of it is very cold in winter, which would put me off. (Vancouver's okay but damp.) Southern Europe is too hot for summer, at least for more than a couple of weeks' holiday. The temperatures in Britain are about right, if only the sun would come out once in a while.

[Ethel]

I thought this was an amusing and insightful article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-103066 3/No-wonder-local-beavers-bite-wotsits-Why-man -wont-joining-rush-to-Canada.html

But at least it is multicultural:

Among the different nationalities living in Alberta are Chinese, Germans, Spanish, Ukrainians and Filipinos.

But why Brits imagine they are welcomed with open arms the world over is beyond me. For holidays when you are spending money earned elsewhere, yes. But I'm fot so sure about emigrating Brits.

[alponce]

Canada is looking for people with trades (as reported today) it seems that a lot of countries are doing this ie poland.
My local radio station painted a very good picture of ,Canada,
however make sure thats what you want simply because of what i call "apron strings " hope that helps

[sleepy1]

if your really want to go go ...i would love to leave the uk ..lots of people are now ...this country is a right mess .

[betterman]

With the UK in the state it's in now, just imagine what its going to like in 10 years time.
If you think you can, then go for it.

[LoftyLottie]

The grass is always greener on the other side. There are no 'wonderful' places to go to. Yes, we've a lot to moan about in the UK, but research the other options well - we are still reasonably well looked after; and you may well not like other cultures or feel totally alien.

However, if you are young and go with an open mind then you have nothing to lose and can always come back.

[sandmaster]

I had the opportunity many years ago and decided against. But I am encouraging my children to go to Canada or Australia.

[Paul22118]

Would the last person out of Heathrow kindly turn the lights off please.................

[Paul22118]

PS Andrea

Do it. You will only regret it. Remember you can always come back.

[edukes]

I would be gone in flash, but i have children from a previous marriage and my ex would'nt sign the childrens right to leave papers.
You only have one life, and it is too short to be regretting and thinking what if?
Go, do it and if you really hate it you can always come back.
But remember to give yourself at least 2 years to settle and get used to the new culture.

[andrea81]

Thanks for all your relpies, It's very easy to imagine having a new life and a fab time in a country that looks as if is willing young families to go! But the reality might be very different.

Our friends who are over there now have no regrets, but the thought of not having my famliy around is the only reason I hold back!

I look at my kids and worry about what life will be like for them here in 10 years time and think I can provide a better life over there..... but that might not be reality at all.... maybe staying in lovely Wales is for the best... maybe it's not all THAT bad here???

[heas1]

We moved to Prince Edward county Ontario 7 years ago.
no regrets at all apart from missing family, we have been back twice and usually a brother or sister has been here at least once a year, although it's not the same as being there email and cheap long distance calls help.
There is currently plenty of work around (I am in construction) although, don't expect to walk into a 'good' position straight away, unless you are very lucky, but prove yourself and progression / acceptance can be pretty quick.
I have found a small minority of longstanging 'immigrants' who class themselves as native canadian do resent 'newcomers' but these are the exception and most canadians are friendly.
cheap housing also helps together with a lot less people (we moved from south london) much clearer roads and lower speed limits, cleaner air and warm dry summers all adds up to a pretty good package.
yes the winters are colder with more snow, but everything is geared up to cope here 3ft of snow is 'light' and the roads are generally cleared early in the day and throughout the day. the air in this area is much drier in the winter than the damp we were used to in the UK
so although we will always miss aspects of the UK, for us it was the right move.