How does Canada make my life better? (Part II)
(You may listen to the audio by clicking on the Play button.)
The delay of this post
By the time you read this post, we would already have done the second tent camping adventure for this summer. And there are two more to go, for the months of August and September. Tent camping is just one of our many favorite activities here in Canada, from June to September. Sometimes we do it twice in a month. As they say, there are at least two things you can express your being in the “True North Strong and Free Country” – camping and hockey.
For the past ten years we have been doing this, and we look forward to doing it for the next ten years, at least. And over the years we have become better and better at doing it. So too is the way we choose our camping gear and equipment, in terms of their practicality and functionality.
The significance of the rope
There is one thing that is very essential to us: ropes. And they vary according to their utility: polyester twisted ropes, nylon ropes, abaca plant ropes, and synthetic ropes. We pitch our tent in the forest under those huge trees, so the ropes play a very crucial role in making sure our experience in the wild is as safe (from the elements as well as the wildlife like bears and raccoons) and a little comfortable. From rigging an oversize tarp atop the tent, to hanging leftover food and trash on tree branches at night (out of reach of wild animals), ropes are the king.
No wonder we always bring a lot of extra coils of different sizes. Since we stay the whole weekend in different camps (Ontario Parks and Parks Canada) we never know how our camp site would look like. How many trees around? How close or far are they from each other? Is rigging possible?
So, when people (especially those not familiar with tent camping) ask us why so many ropes, I always tell them “Better come extra prepared for any scenarios than be sorry”.
This is the second of the 3-part series
In one of my latest posts about immigrating into Canada (“Is Canada the better country for me? Wrong question!”), I mentioned that I would write a three-part series on that topic. And this is the second part.
I posited in that first part that before asking whether Canada is the better country for you, it is better to ask first this question: Who am I? Once you have made the honest assessment about what you have, and what you want to do with what you have, then you investigate whether you (together with your dreams) and Canada are a perfect match. However, it is not enough. You may need to bring extra “ropes” with you.
You really never know what is awaiting you in Canada until you get there. What you hear or read about Canada may not be telling the real and whole picture.
The scope of this article
But let me clarify the scope of this article. Immigrating to another country is influenced by mainly two circumstances: the necessity to get out of one’s home country, and the freedom to look for a better life. The key words are “necessity” and “freedom”.
Those who haven’t much choice
Some people did not dream of leaving their native country, but because of the decline in even the basic standard of living (due to political chaos, civil war, absence of peace and order, poor governance, different forms of persecutions, etc.) these people are left with no choice but to find a country that offers these basic necessities of a decent life.
Those still with choice
Other people, on the other hand, do still have that choice, the freedom to stay and enjoy what their native country has to offer. Meaning, life is relatively good. Yet, they choose to uproot themselves to have a “better life” in another country.
Canadian immigration system
A little background on Canadian immigration set up. Basically, there are 4 pathways to become permanent residents in Canada: Family Class, Refugee Class, those who fall under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and Economic Immigrant.
The latter group of people is the scope of this article. These are the ones who qualify to become permanent residents for their potential to contribute to the country’s economy, fill in the labor market needs, or even invest in a new start-up business.
Now, let me try to create your own profile and see how it matches with Canada, the Canada that I personally experience.
Is this your profile?
You are an Economic Immigrant. And you come with an impressive resume, a solid university degree and on top of it a splendid work experience. You have in your hand a pile of awesome recommendations from previous employers.
And you have a young family, or about to start a family.
Your hardworking background has always been your golden ladder towards promotions. And with a likeable personality to boost, you have proved time and again that you are an asset to any team you find yourself in. You are ready to rumble, mentally prepared to handle any curve ball thrown at you.
And, notedly, you have the freedom to decide which country you want to immigrate to. There are potential options – Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the US, to name a few.
Everybody is welcome!
However, the hottest one right at the moment is Canada. The prime minister himself has made a very public announcement to the whole world that everybody (!) is welcome into the country.
When you hear the word Canada, what comes to your mind is a country so beautiful and welcoming, full of many possibilities and opportunities. That it has a much higher standard of living compared to your home country. And most importantly for a young family, healthcare in Canada is among the best in the world (if not “the best”), and the affordability and quality of its educational system. Its diversity and multicultural hues are an added plus.
There are just so many good things about Canada
While you are giving a significant consideration of Canada, you found out on social media, and testimonies from relatives and friends, that Canada is the right choice indeed. Everything about a “better life” checked out. Ice and snow are easier to get used to, according to the majority.
Another plus factor that you heard about is that in Canada, when it comes to chasing your chosen career, things are based on merit and qualifications. This sounds so enticing, given the prevailing condition in your own country – the “who-you-know” system.
So, given all of these very positive reviews about Canada, how can it not be a better country for you?
And, oh, by the way. It is impossible to escape your notice, too, that in Canada the government is giving free money to each child under your care. Not to mention the other generous financial programs and assistance both from the federal and provincial (or territory) governments.
It has become so obvious to you by now that Canada, indeed, is the best choice to be in. So, yes, Canada is the better country for a new economic immigrant like you.
Caution
But wait! Before you start selling your assets and spreading the word around that you and your family are going to Canada, you may want to listen to what I have to say about Canada.
As I have mentioned, I have known Canada as an immigrant myself for almost 20 years now. And I have witnessed the rapid evolution of the country. Most significantly just for the past five years.
Wait for the finale
In the last part of this three-part series, I am going to discuss the highlights of what make Canada a great country. They may reveal the right direction the country is heading, toward becoming a much better and greater country. Or a country going backward, away from the one I fell in love with almost two decades ago.
So, stay tuned.
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