The exodus to Canada

[mrgorth]

OK, please don't kill me for this. After all, I'm a rookie. I don't know if I can take 4 more years of the shrub. More, I don't know if I want to raise my kids in the kind of country that would elect the shrub. I'm seriously considering moving to Canada (I like the cold anyway) and wondering if anyone else here is or if this makes me some sort of turncoat quitter. Remember, it's 4 more years and he won't have to worry about being reelected. Think of the damage. Thanks...even if you rip me.

[HEyHEY]

1. MAN YOU ARE A ROOKIE!!

You know how many people on this site have sworn they are moving to Canada?

Anyway, it's not that cold here. IN the Winter in most of it yeah...where I live it rarely goes below freezing.

edit: welcome to DU

[indigo32]

3. got any tech jobs up there ;)

just askin... no reason... nothin to see here.

[HEyHEY]

6. Well EA is based in Vancouver

There isn't a lot of tech in Vancover other than web-design and a few small things. Checkout google and type in "Job search Canada" and a good site usually comes up.

[no name no slogan]

16. Hey Indi, what field are you looking in?

If you've got the tech skillz you may qualify to to enter the country w/o an offer.

I took a short online test at Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) and came pretty close to meeting the minimum for emigrating. The test accounts for specific skills they are looking for, and apparently there's quite a few in demand. I trust the site because it is connected w/ the Canadian government and seemed fairly legit.

And being a Minnesotan prepares you for most of the "bad" winter weather you'd experience in the Great White North, too ;)

ON EDIT: I see they changed the pass mark from 75 to 67 on the test, effective September 18. That means I would now qualify. I bet you would too Indi!!!

[indigo32]

33. I'll check that site out

thanks no name no slogan and Heyhey for your input.
In all truthfulness I'm not at a point where I'm ready to leave just yet... but it's interesting to think about cuz who knows whats gonna happen... and if I wait till then...

[no name no slogan]

37. I hear you there....

I've thought about it in the past, and if the 2004 election gets stolen again, I'm selling the house. My wife is completely open to the idea of living in another country for a while. Of course she wants to live in a German-speaking country as she speaks fluent German, and I'd prefer an English- or Spanish-speaking country as I speak decent Spanish and "passable" English! :P

[MrPrax]

42. A few..

these guys http://www.rangerinc.com/ do lots of work for the RIAA and intelligence groups in Vancouver...and ATT Startek call centers dot the country...

;-)

[elfwitch]

2. Dont feel bad...

I have been considering the same thing myself. I live in Texas and it couldn't be much worse already. I cannot imagine what happens if Chimpy McBunnypants and his band of Brownshirts steals another election. I have a two year old son that I don't want offered up to the endless wars that they will start. I am also afraid that in the neo-con evangelical New World Order, there isn't much hope for a family of liberal Jews.

Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean they are not really out to get you!

[Racenut20]

8. My understanding of Texas

from over 50 years of observation, would make me wonder how a family of "Liberal Jewish" persuasion could be in Texas for a vacation, least of all live there. You are a stronger person than I.

[elfwitch]

24. No piece of cake...

It is not easy. Most of the time we just keep our opinions to ourselves. We used to live in San Antonio which was a little more tolerant of things. San Antonio is more like Noth Mexico rather than South Texas. Now we live in Dallas. It is not safe here. We pretty much hated it from the day we moved here. We came here so my husband could attend school. Once he graduates we are bailing this stinking hole of a city and fleeing the state as well. I was born and raised in Texas. I sincerely do not know how I managed to not be a narrow-minded redneck.

[Jazzgirl]

59. LOL!

Elfwich I don't know how you managed not to be a Texas redneck either. :-) But seriously, I live in the metro too and I just keep my mouth shut. Being a small little black female with lots of opinions too, I've had to learn to keep my thoughts to myself. I usually call my Mom or a friend of mine in Minnesota when I have to vent and can't take it anymore. I'm appalled at how people treat you when you disagree with the chimp!

Jazzgirl

[liberalhistorian]

23. You're a

"family of liberal Jews" in TEXAS?? Yee, gods, I'm sure glad I'm not you, lol! How in the hell do you all manage to survive?

[elfwitch]

25. Jews in Texas

Most people think that Texas Jews are a urban legend like Bigfoot or Nessie. oddly enough, there is a pretty large population in Dallas and in San Antonio (where I am from). It isn't easy though. we make do the best we can and try to stay under the radar.

[alexwcovington]

4. I dunno what I'll do

I'm counting on North Dakota being relatively isolated from the rest of the nation -- and willing to start facing some of its problems...

I don't plan on leaving if things are merely rough, but if they're outright dangerous, Winnipeg is only a few hours away.

[quinnox]

I take the opposite tack normally

used, I encourage those who want to move, to move. But a couple things, first, it is very difficult to get the necessary papers to move to a foreign country. You have to be a professional like a doctor or lawyer, or have some specialized skill that is in demand. Even then, there are waiting lists and so on and it is a long process. Second, the easiest way to get in a foreign country is if you have a lot of money, so that basically if you set a business up in a foreign country they will let you in easily.

[qwertyMike]

5. Ireland

My birthplace. I already LIVE in Canada - a great country - but waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy toooooooooooooooo close to the Regime.
Taking my 15 year old son and enrolling him in my old Garammar School - BELFAST HIGH!!!!!!

My daughter on the other hand graduates high school next year and is heading to the US of A!!!!!!!!!
She's artsy, adventurous.
And a WOMAN of course :(

[HEyHEY]

7. Why is she going to the States?

[qwertyMike]

10. For the Action

She's an air-head
Apolitical

[HEyHEY]

11. Sometimes that's a good way to be

[tom_paine]

20. Only when the Old American Republci was healthy and free

Neither of which can be said now, if the Old American Republic is even alive at all.

Many of us have paid the price for that attitude during the Last Days of the Old Republic in the 1990s.

The price being, to be occupied by Totalitarian Monsters (though "kinder and gentler" for the moment and if we do not resist.

[mrgorth]

9. From Canada...

To Belfast???:wow: I'd ask your politics but since you referred to Belfast as "Ireland" I might assume they're similar to mine.:toast:

[HEyHEY]

12. Belfast is in an economic boom right now

That town is making huge changes.

[qwertyMike]

15. Belfast

Oh I know - I get letters . . . .

[rucky]

21. Galway is Booming, Too

Hi-tech industry is big there, and last i checked they were looking for people with skills. Pretty city & nice people to boot.

[liberalhistorian]

27. Yes, I've read recently

that, for the first time in history, people are now emigrating TO Ireland from the States and other countries, instead of the other way around, mainly due to the economic growth.

Being Irish myself (and I think there are 5,000 reasons to be proud of being Irish, but maybe I'm just biased!), I once did a research paper on Irish immigration for a college history class, it was absolutely fascinating! Maybe Ireland would be even better than Canada?

[qwertyMike]

14. Born in Belfast

So dual nationality (UK/Ireland)
3 passports if you include my Canadian one.
:)
I'm IRISH - but was born a Protestant (go figure)
Married a few catholics too (My granny is SPINNING in her grave)
My kids (born in Canada)are being brought up Catholic.
mostly I'm IRISH - the world loves us!!!!!!!! But depends what country I'm in. Sometimes it's convenient to be Canadiam.
In the USA , Irish is good.
English when I need to impress border guards - not so much today.

I'm a frickin' child of the Universe!!!

[mrgorth]

19. That's cool

I just hope all Ireland is free and independent some day. More power to ya lad.:yourock:

[Maple]

13. Immigrants are very welcome in Canada

and we've just changed the rules because we want more of them.

I live in the banana belt of Canada, southern Ontario, and haven't seen a winter in years. This is also a high tech province.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html

Welcome to Canada eh...:D

[gully]

18. I was just in Thunder Bay !!!

:)

[liberalhistorian]

30. But what about AMERICAN immigrants?

Seriously, what's the scoop on that? Would we be as welcome as other immigrants? And what about jobs? I'm a paralegal now, but I also have a B.A. in history and sociology and have research and writing experience.

[_Jumper_]

45. Americans would probably be more welcome than other immigrants

Due to the cultural similarities between Canada and America.

[no name no slogan]

36. I saw that on the site...

I took the test previously, and scored a 73-- almost, but not quite. But now they've dropped it to 67, so maybe it's time to try again? :D

A good part of southern Ontario is farther south than Minnesota is, and you've also got the moderating effects of the great lakes, too, and then there's the awesome ICE HOCKEY (which runs in the blood of 98% of native born Minnesota males, believe it or not!). And I also know more than the first line of Oh Canada, too :)

Hope you cannucks don't mind your noisy southern neighbors too much. We'll try not to wreck your country like we've done to ours.

And, as Michael Moore has said about Canada: It's a lot like the US, but without the stupidity!

[SidDithers]

58. Up here, we just call it Hockey...

Everything else gets the qualifier (street, roller, field)
:)

Sid

[gully]

17. Hell yes, I've looked at real estate and taken the online immigration

quiz...

:)

We'll have a DU caravan if shrub is elected. In addition, I'm with you, just thinking about my child. If not for her I'd stay and fight to the bloody end.

[liberalhistorian]

22. No, you're not alone.

I've said many times before on here that, if Shrub and the Bushistas are still in power in January of 2005, I'm taking the kid and moving to Canada, I don't give a damn if I have a job or not. I'm in Cleveland, not too far from the border, I've been there several times, and I love it. Politically and socially, it's much closer to my own values and belief system (I know they have their own wingnuts as well, but they're not as numerous or as bad as ours). The people are generally so much better informed and aware.

And I will NOT live in a country that votes for the likes of the Bushistas and that stands by apathetically while he destroys and trashes this great country, and that calls ME the traitor because I work with groups trying to stop him. And I will NOT finish raising my son in a country whose leaders consider him to be nothing but cannon fodder for their own political and egotistical gratification and imperialistic ambitions. I'm getting tired of fighting. I have a B.A. in history and sociology, and a paralegal degree, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find a job.

[elfwitch]

28. sons in the line of fire

My biggest worry is for my son. He is the only child I have and I will not let him be sacraficed for a bunch of evil rich assholes who don't have sons of their own in danger.

[liberalhistorian]

34. Same here!

I'm a never-married single parent, my son is 12 years old, and is the only child I will ever have. To say that we are close is like saying the ocean is big.

[Greyskye]

35. That's my wife's and my position as well

Just took the Canadian 'skilled worker' profile. I'm eligible! If it looks like our son will be in danger of being drafted, we'll be on our way...

[woofless]

26. We live 5 miles S. of the border now.

We decided to move here after being riffed by a major corp. specifically for the proximity.I would not qualify for emigration though, I don't think. My lady might due to her many years of experience with Verizon. Anyway it is an option we have been thinking of and would pursue if pushed.

[HEyHEY]

29. They wouldn't have to push to hard....and you'd be here

Maybe a good shove would do it? :-)

[JohnyCanuck]

31. Don't put all your hope in Canada, I'm not.

Canada has relatively plentiful but diminishing reserves of oil, natural gas and lots of fresh water. All items that will be in increaingly short supply in the coming years. If things really go to hell in the US and the purported terrorist threats along with natural gas shortages (even oil shortages might occur sooner than many expect, see www.hubbertpeak.com www.dieoff.org www.peakoil.net) and water shortages (in the south west) lead to a state of martial law being declared, do not count on the bastard, amoral sons of bitches to leave a free, democratic government on their northern border, especially one that controls desperately needed natural resources and might feel an obligation to use the resources to benefit their own population rather than US based multinationals and the elite puppet masters pulling the strings of the Bush gang.

[Cascadian]

43. I wonder about the next election up there.

I wonder if the White House spin doctors are going to try to help the Conservative/Alliance Party to win? If they did, they would have a more compliant government in place in Ottawa. One that would push for Patriot Act style legislations and give the U.S. more resources and even put more troops into Canada. I won't even put it past some Canadian right-wingers to call for a U.S.-Canada "Anschluss" merging the two countries.

If Bush wins in 2004, I will be willing to make a dash across the border but if they do take over Canada, Europe would be my next stop.

John

[Mari333]

32. I cant leave yet...have to fight to keep my son from being

deployed...f*cking bastards..
I wish I could talk all my sons into just leaving with me..I dont want to leave them here .

[magnolia]

38. Take a deep breath.....

...I love Canada. But, it's different, but not necessarily better. Right now they have a Liberal PM...they could just as easily get a Conservative one in the next election. There's plenty of Canadians in the praires who want just that! Don't kid yourselves...there are many Canadians who would love to have their very own George Bush.

Secondly...the U.S. is the most powerful force in the world...if we leave it to the Republicans there won't be a safe place on earth to run to. Better that the opposing forces stay and fight...to keep the whole world a safer place.

[Liberalboy]

39. Don't feel bad...

I scored a 76 on the online entrance exam....enough to get me and my partner in the door. I have thought of even taking a few classes of french to boost my score up. I don't think its out of line to think that way. I will stay and fight for my country at the ballot box, but at the end of the day if shrub weasels his way into office again I am scared as to what will happen to our country. I don't think we've seen his true potential yet.

Besides Vancouver is a beautiful city.

[sleipnir]

40. Any Canadian know this one?

I hear that if you're a Canadian, it's much easier to get the soon-to-be-ultimatly-desired EU citizenship? Is this true? With Canada and the whole semi-British protectorate thing? For a American, it's nearly impossible outside of a job offer (now, quite rare) or marriage. I think in the next decade, the best citizenship option is in the EU. Not to go bouncing between citizenship countries, but it's a thought. Any thoughts?

[HEyHEY]

41. More than likely it will be

Because it is already easier to get a UK citzeship...so the EU one may follow along as well.

[Cascadian]

44. IF Bush wins....

I will seriously consider moving to Canada. I like Vancouver and would feel right at home there. I am also considering Europe as well (Amsterdam, Berlin, or Prague....) I don't think I could handle another four years of Bush.

John

[liberalhistorian]

61. Well, as a single gal, I guess I'll just have to hit the Canadian

bars on the weekends (even though I don't drink) and find me a nice, liberal, Canadian guy to "sponsor" my emigration, lol!

[wabeewoman]

46. I'm with you.

I'm doing everything I can to prevent bush from being re-elected but if the people in this country select him for 4 more years after the last 4, then I must concur I would be better off in Canada. I lived there as a child and have some relatives up there. I don't want to give up on America but I sooooo disagree with the RW 'religious' repugs. It's move or join and underground revolution movement so I'm chosing moving. Of course, I'm hopeful the American people are more aware and smarter than to elect bush-after all they didn't elect him last time!

[Loyal]

47. You and everybody here, buddy.

I must see at least 2 or 3 "I'm moving to Canada, I can't take this anymore" threads a day, but no one ever goes there. I think we have it a lot better here.

[Cascadian]

48. But for how long?

I am seeing more and more homeless people on the street than I did four years ago.

John

[sweetheart]

49. do what you gotta do

I left several years ago, as i had already endured a neocon media hit on my religious group that left me only with job prospects outside the USA.

As my spouse is european, we decided on europe instead of canada where i would have gone were i single and not able to emigrate to europe. Since i've been in europe, my life has been really brilliant and i do not regret leaving in the least... for that matter, i should have left earlier.

Canada is a great country. Find a place where you can make your home for decades and build a life... as there is no point on building a structure on a footing of clay. Good luck to your emigration efforts.

best regards,
-s

[wadestock]

50. Yes of course

I've previously posted information about how the buzz about Canadian health care as being not up to snuff is basically a bunch of BS.

I can take my government retirement there....so I'm really thinking about it.

Spent a whole summer camping there....the people are simply great....and I spend hours trading email with some of my favorite Canadians....they have a peace of mind that the average American just doesn't seem to have anymore.

Long term problem is they are being indoctrinated by American business and they are going the same road as America in terms of the rich getting richer....just not at a completely ridiculous alarming rate like it is in this country.

But in terms of lesser of evils.....OH CANADA.....

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

51. Vancouver!

I'm considering moving to Canada. It doesn't have anything to do with Bush. It has a little bit to do with Arnie and a LOT to do with the economic situation here in the bay area, where I will never afford to buy a house.

Vancouver also looks like something I designed in Sim City 2000 when I was in high school... I just love that.

[Cascadian]

52. Vancouver...how can you argue with this pic?

John

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

53. More!

It looks like a combination of Chicago, Miami, Manhattan, and
Hong Kong.

Not embedded due to large size...

Mmmm...

http://www.arbutuslaser.com/images/vancouver1.jpg

http://rmmla.wsu.edu/images/Vancouver/Skyline.jpg

http://www.westendrentals.net/images/WestEnd/images/View_5_jpg.jpg

http://rmmla.wsu.edu/images/Vancouver/Aerial.jpg

[_Jumper_]

54. Is it more tolerant than Toronto?

I'm probably going to move to Canda to escape racism against South Asians here and will settle near these two cities. Is there a major difference in tolerance between the two? Vancouver certainly is more beautiful!

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

55. not sure

It would stand to reason that Vancouver would be relatively tolerant. It's one of those west-coast "pacific rim" cities, and there are a lot of asian immigrants. I know a lot of folks from Hong Kong settled there in the late 90s before HK reverted to Chinese rule. Alas, I have seen a lot of racism towards and between different Asian groups here in the bay area, so I don't know what you should expect.

[Liberalboy]

56. Very tolerant

at least when I was there last year. Clean, helpful and polite too!

[HEyHEY]

67. Yeah it's quite tolerant

Lots of diversity in fact I think the asian community now makes uo a quarter of the population. I have lived all over Canada and can't yet find a place as great as my hometown.

[screembloodymurder]

57. Let's go!

Lovely.

[in_cog_ni_to]

60. We're looking at Costa Rica

We vacationed there and just love the country. Crime there is my big "issue". You have to be on guard a lot. Never leave things in your car, never leave the car unlocked and never leave your house unlocked or unguarded. Pretty much like living in any big city...which I don't but, I'm still mulling it over in my mind. It's such a beautiful place. I just cannot deal with 4 more years of the shrub! My blood pressure can't take it! :mad:

[Atman]

62. Costa Rica is awesome

That would also be my choice. Plus, I have an in there already, having worked for a travel agency with big contracts and ties to the Costa Rica Marriott hotel chain. And the surfing is awesome!

That, or Barbados.

But I did get an 84 on the Canada immigration test. At least I have choices.

Have any of you got passports ready? I mentioned it to my wife, and I think she thinks I'm losing it. Nobody can believe Bush is as bad as he is...it just doesn't sound real. Now might be the time, as I can certainly see Bush doing something to stop people from leaving if he declared marshall law after all hell breaks loose upon his stealing the 04 election.

[in_cog_ni_to]

68. We renewed our passports

last year when it looked like things were going downhill. I can't remember how often they need to be renewed. Every 8? 10? years? I'm ready.

[RapidCreek]

63. Bush wins....I take my money to another country

I've given enough to this asshole already. I ain't gonna tell you were I'm going....it's a secret. Suffice it to say, they speak English, Have some of the best kayaking, diving, fishing, surfing, skiing, biking, Mountains, Jungles, Deserts, Beaches and Coral Reefs in the world. They have true socialized medicine and retirement services...and a predominantly left wing mindset. There school system is far superior to that of the US. They recognize the importance of conservation and actively seek to persue alternative sources of energy....though they abhore the nuclear variety. Best of all they have absolutely NOTHING the US wants and are inconveneintly located.

RC

[Cascadian]

64. Australia?

eom

John

[RapidCreek]

65. Yer aweful dang close

:)

RC

[quaker bill]

66. Canada

I was checking out this possibility the night Gore v Bush came down. From discussions over the next week, most of my friends were doing the same.

Welcome aboard.