Is Canada really better than the United States?

[usregimechange]

Poll question: Is Canada really better than the United States?

Thinking of moving...

[The Sheik]

1. Really depends.

Would I feel safer in Canada? Probably.

Would I feel that there was as much opportunity to move forward (and backwards) in Canada? No, not really.

[usregimechange]

3. In terms of social and economic mobility?

[The Sheik]

4. Economic, yes. Social-Tie.

[V. Kid]

10. i'm confused

What sort of social mobility? What do you mean by that; you'll need to expand on it -- cause your being far too cryptic.

Do you mean going from poor to middle class? Working class to middle class? that sort of thing? Or do you mean social relations with regards to issues like 'race' relations, religious relations, gender relations, sexual oreintation relations (straight folks 'vs' gay/lesb./bi folks)? Because I think Canada's social safety net allows more of the right of opportunity something I strongly believe in. And I think there is less ethnic, religious, gender, sexual oreintation strife than in the US or Western Europe, in fact I think Canada is one the best place in the world when it comes to that (not to say we're perfect - we have plenty of problems that still need to be worked on).

Economically there's less massive in-equality between rich and poor in Canada -- when compared to the US -- but it's not as equitable as it is in Western Europe (minus Britain).

Short answers for both are yes, but it's kind of a strange question, imo.

[iverglas]

14. absolutely

Because I think Canada's social safety net allows more of the right of opportunity something I strongly believe in.

There are all sorts of little ways this can be seen, if one looks.

Some time ago, in a discussion of universal health care, a USAmerican DUer pointed out how the structure of the health care system in the US discourages entrepreneurialism.

An individual who has a job with reasonable benefits (a health care plan of some sort) will think long and hard before leaving that position to open a small business, particularly if s/he has family to think about or any kind of medical problem -- or even to take a less secure job with an innovative start-up company, for example, thus discouraging new entrants into the market. The cost of paying for health care or insurance, or the risk of losing it if the new company failed, could very well be the deal-breaker.

The same would be true, of course, for an unemployed individual who is eligible for medicare in the US having to decide whether to take a crap job without health coverage. Things like the availability of child care subsidies would also affect that decision.

Another example is unemployment insurance coverage. Employers here have the benefit of employees who can take parental leave under that public insurance plan so that, if the employer wants to retain experienced employees whom it has invested in training, it can do so without paying the employees who take such leave.

There are all sorts of social programs that place a lower burden on employers and entrepreneurs in Canada, for individuals' and employees' common basic needs. They thus both allow for greater individual mobility and provide a more level playing field for employers, in which their employees' personal characteristics do not expose them to as much expense -- and thus, of course, to create more opportunities for individuals whose personal characteristics might have put them at a disadvantage in the labour market ...

[V. Kid]

15. This is true

...but it seems like a vague question. I think our social safety net could be increased in far more intellgent ways. I think the national day care strategy is a good example, it's just too bad that Quebec and Alberta are so obsessed with being power hungry and insistent upon making sure they control it -- because it would be so horrible should we work together...(sarcasm of course -- although at least w/ Quebec they already have a day care system).

Very good example though, I think it needs to be used with regards to those who want to increase privitization in our health-care system. There's a reason our health care system, is theoretically at least, supposed to be public. This is a good one that you've highlighted.

[liberal43110]

I voted yes, YOU are better

because I'm in the States.

[liberal43110]

2. self-delete

[orpupilofnature57]

Not better, just north.

[yvr girl]

5. It depends on what is important to you.

[tuvor]

6. Yes it is. Now, anyway.

There was a time when I entertained the idea of moving to the states. Haven't had that idea since, oh five years ago.

[cyclezealot]

7. It does not have to be that way.

But the Canadian constitution guarantees the Canadian government is set up to promote human values and civility.
I recall going to Europe during the VietNam war..My dad was born in Canada and I feel half Canadian...The country takes much better care of its own...Believes in foreign aid over foreign intervention..More likely is the recepient of US empire over promoting its own empire.
The country is more civil, less coarse...Respected throughout the world...
So to not be hassled in Europe when visiting I wore t shirts with Canadian flags on them...One can be proud to be Canadian...Canadian military normally wears UN blue over Bush red...
In spite of US hatred of US policy..When Europeans or South Americans meet you individually they forgive the fact that you are American...It is not my fault the US sticks it noise into other's business , when it should stay home.
Health care. Less violence. Cheaper education..a cleaner environment...Yes, Canada has many advantages for its citizens over what we get.

[ailsagirl]

19. I agree-- the media aren't corrupt, the gov't isn't fascist...

the people are sharp (i.e., are very aware of what's happening in their gov't, unlike so many of ours who are effing sheep).

Definitely better.

[ConcernedCanuk]

21. Canada - "Believes in foreign aid over foreign intervention"

.
.
.

well said :thumbsup:

Unfortunately, that is one of our attributes that pisses off the WH

But then again - should we care? (what the US WH thinks)

On the other hand, there are too many decisions made up here in Canada that are influenced by individuals/companies that fear the loss of American Trade

I say to heck with the American Trade, if they want to use it as a pressure point

There is a vibrant growing economy in China, who are more than willing to purchase our products, and even invest in (shhh) oil exploration and development in Canada.

Oh, just an aside

China has never tried to invade Canada

And

To the best of my knowlege

China has never threatened us or chastised us unlike our southern "neighbours"(I mean ur Government)

So ya

Canada gets the thumbsup :thumbsup:

[ChrisPhx]

8. Canada doesn't have dumbya

Enough said?

At the moment it is better.

I haven't had thoughts of moving for oh maybe a few days or a week.

:bounce:

[Hand]

9. Yes, except for New Brunswick (Province of Swine)

:hi: from Nova Scotia, which is not New Brunswick (Province of Swine).

[Cascadian]

29. What's wrong with New Brunswick?

A bit of a inter-provincial rivalry going or what?


John

[achtung_circus]

11. If you want a 1-word answer- yes.

There are variables, but on the big things, like health, life expectancy, infant mortality, murder rates, then Canada wins IMNTBHO hands down.

If you are talking about the "right" to bare arms I have to advise it can get nippy here during the winter, bare arms are contraindicated. We do have several weeks when the dog sledding is downright mediocre.

However, you can get used to hanging, if you hang long enough.

on edit: IMNTBHO= in my never to be humble opinion.

[Swede]

12. Good people governed by bad people.

Because money controls their government,branches of that government poke their nose where it doesn't belong. Chile comes to mind.

[Siyahamba]

13. Having lived in Canada for 25 years and the US for 6 months now

So far, I have to say, yes. The cost of living seems lower here on the surface, but you have lots of hidden costs - mostly health-related - that are covered by the higher taxes in Canada. Not to mention the repressive conservative atmosphere.

Oh, the things one does for love...

[MADem]

22. Siyahamba, where are you living in the US?

That can make a difference in costs. What expenses do you find onorous in CA? What seems to be a bargain in the US? I'm quite interested in this on a personal level--thinking about making a move, in fact.

I hope the love lasts!! If not, I suppose you could move back.

[Siyahamba]

24. Michigan

I'm living in Michigan, and I'm from Manitoba. Everyday things that are significantly cheaper here are groceries and fuel.

For more expensive things, health care is a big kicker. First you have to keep up with the insurance payments - I'm going to school here and it's $359 a semester, and I'm told that's one of the cheaper plans in the area. Then, any time you want to visit a doctor, you have to pay a copay of $30 or so, then medicines are $10-$20 for a one-month supply. I guess if you didn't need medical care on a regular basis it wouldn't be so bad, but when you need three different prescriptions it adds up. In Manitoba, I paid up to $100 worth of my prescriptions, then I was covered for the rest of the year. And doctor's visits didn't require a fee.

Another thing is telecommunications. Telephone, internet, and cable television are all more expensive here. In Manitoba, I could call anywhere in Canada or the US as long as I wanted after 5 PM on weekdays and all weekend and holidays for $15.95 per month. The best I could find here for calling Canada was a plan for $3.99 (on top of the regular "domestic" long distance plan) that gave 10 free minutes per month, then 6 cents per minute after that.

I guess if one was making a sizable income things like this wouldn't matter as much. But currently the only way I can be in the US is on a student visa, and I'm very fortunate that my partner can help me pay for tuition, but just barely - it's tough making ends meet. On a student visa one is limited to working less than 20 hours per week, on campus - the best I could find was a casual position that gives me about 20 hours total per month for $7 per hour.

Hope this helps!

[Spike from MN]

27. This is really sad to say but your health care plan

is a lot better than what many (most?) have here in America. For example, I know people that pay $400/month with an annual deductible of $2000 and they're considered lucky because they have coverage. It's pretty atrocious, especially for someone like you coming from the Canadian system.

As for the OP, I voted that Canada is better because I'm in the US and Canada is better in soooo many ways IMHO. I have been wanting to move there for a few years now and I'd say the bankruptcy bill Congress just passed is the final nail in the coffin. I have an excellent credit rating and have never even remotely considered filing for bankruptcy but the fact that I can be held responsible for bills run up in my name due to identity theft is incomprehensible, not to mention downright scary. This country is seriously headed in the wrong direction and with rigged elections, I don't expect that to change anytime soon. I just need to get out before Canada closes the gates. ;)

[Wat_Tyler]

16. No. It's impossible to reduce differences between nations to 'better/worse

It all depends on what you want out of it.

[HEyHEY]

17. Yes - of course my latest experience was Omak

[ailsagirl]

18. Canada is not a fascist state-- right there, it wins

[KurtNYC]

20. Visiting Toronto recently, I noticed

what I think was a shift from 10 to 15 years ago. There was in the past, a kind of inferiority complex. Now it feels much more like "thank God were not the USA." And I don't think that is just from the US getting worse, it is Canada getting better also.

Canada is one of the most universally respected countries on the planet. And on my scorecard, you've earned it.

[Phil214]

23. Versus WHAT PART of the USA?

I think that's the fairer question to ask. The South took over the Republican Party to a great extent. THEY are the ones (along with Mormon Utah) who tend to be socially conservative.

So let me rephrase it this way: Which is better, Canada or a "USA minus the former Confederate States?"

[Siyahamba]

25. Still Canada

I live in Michigan, which most would say is a fairly blue state, I still find it very conservative in comparison.

[tuvor]

26. I'd put it this way.

I remember when I was a kid, I envied Americans and wished I could be one, too.

I remember taking a bit of pride in the fact that my grandparents were born in the USA.

I haven't felt like that since bush got comfortably ensconsed in the Oval Office.

[Cascadian]

28. It pains me to say it but the truth DOES hurt!

Canada is by far the best country in North America. America maybe powerful but by no means better! Canadians are respected and liked around the world! You also have a better and more affordable health care system and you seem to have your priorities straight. Now if you can just keep Harper and his band of righties out of government!


John

[NinetySix]

30. An American says yes.

The question is a bit non-specific, so I must assume you mean in an all-around sense.

The ideal set forth by America's Founding Fathers is one whose principles outstrip those of any other nation by leagues, but America has always fallen short of its ideal, no matter how closely it approached with the progress it made (as any ideal can never be actually achieved).

However, in recent years, especially since Reagan took office in 1981, it has been backsliding. By today, 2005, it is as far from its egalitarian foundations as it has been in well over 100 years. Canada more resembles the American ideal than does the United States itself.

Therefore, in answer to your question, Yes: Canada is really better than the United States.

My only caveat: right now. One day, America will get back on track; the question is how much damage will be done to her image as a fount of human dignity and liberty until she does.