I Am Canada (and So Can You)

Item No. 75 on the satirical website StuffWhitePeopleLike.com is "Threatening to move to Canada."

"Whenever they are presented with a situation that seems unreasonable to them, their first instinct is to threaten to move to Canada," it says. "For example, if you are watching TV with white people and there is a piece on the news about that they do not agree with, they are likely to declare, ‘OK, that's it, I'm moving to Canada.'"

Of course, the site continues, "They will never actually move to Canada."

We made the same threat for years, but it turns out we must be different from most "white people."  Last June, we moved from Minneapolis to Victoria, British Columbia.

For years, as long as I've known him, my husband, Bob McIntosh, wanted to move to Canada; he claimed to be a Canadian trapped in the body of a U.S. citizen.  In 1980, I first said it ("if Reagan is elected . . .").  Unfortunately, at that time, you needed to have specific job skills to successfully immigrate to Canada, and we possessed none of the skills the Canadians wanted.

So instead, in 1981, we moved from St. Louis to Minnesota, figuring it was the next best thing ... similar political and geographical climate. That might have been true for a while, but things changed over the next 26 years (I went to William Mitchell, then worked 20-plus years as a public defender; Bob was a copy editor for the Pioneer Press; our son, Alex, graduated from St. Paul Central). We grew increasingly despairing as we saw too many conservative Republicans elected statewide, the growing political power of the religious right, increasingly harsh treatment of criminals, especially juvenile offenders.  George Bush's re-election in 2004 was the last straw - at least for me.

"That's it," I said. "We're moving to Canada." And this time, I meant it.

For those who are considering it, the process is long and somewhat arduous.  But it is possible, and I highly recommend it.  Life IS better here.

 

THE PROCESS

Canadian immigration is based on a point system.  Points are awarded for age, education, work history, adaptability - i.e., speaking English or French - and the like.  You need 67 points out a possible 100.  To calculate your points, go to www.cic.gc.ca.  We applied together and had exactly the minimum score (advanced degrees, long work history, English speakers, but too old - mid-50s - for any points for age). 

If you need extra points, you can take a French language exam, assuming you speak/read French.  (If you're applying as a couple, note that Canada makes no distinction between married, co-habiting, gay/lesbian/straight.) 

We had to collect college and law school transcripts, marriage license and birth certificates, get fingerprinted, undergo an FBI check and more. It took a few months just to assemble all the documents we needed, and in June 2005, we sent off an inch-thick envelope to the Canadian consulate in Seattle, where our application would be evaluated.

Then, we waited.

We heard nothing—nothing—for about a year. Finally, we got a letter telling us that we had to take a medical exam. That was good news; we knew it meant we had passed the first hurdle.  The Canadians have specific doctors who are approved for the exams; there are two in the Twin Cities.  Immigration's concerns were clearly that we did not have a contagious disease or long-term medical condition that would put an undue burden on the national health system.  Once we passed (after waiting another couple of months for the results), we received notice that we had been granted permanent resident status.  That means we can work, get health coverage and ultimately (after three years of residence) become citizens.

We celebrated by going to dinner at La Belle Vie ... and getting maple leaf tattoos. 

Once you are approved, you have to "land," which means just showing up at an immigration office in Canada with your papers and proof that you have $10,000 in the bank (so you won't be on welfare as soon as you get to Canada).  We decided to make a vacation of our "landing" and took a weeklong trip to Toronto. At the Toronto airport, we proceeded to a special office where immigrants go for processing. There we were, along with many other immigrants mostly from Asia and Africa, all wearing colourful native garb (for us, jeans and sweaters). 

"Landing" does not require an actual move.  After you land, the government issues you a social insurance card (like a Social Security card), which allows you to work. Then you must actually move to Canada within two years, or start the process all over again. 

We arrived in Victoria, on the south coast of Vancouver Island, on June 2, 2007, almost exactly two years to the day from when we mailed our application packet to Seattle.

 

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

First, the good . . .

• Canadians ARE really that nice.  There is a totally different ambience here.  It is much more peaceful and friendly, much slower paced.  The clerks in stores all want to chat, no matter how long the line.  People say, "excuse me" or "I'm sorry," even when they aren't at fault.  Drivers wave other drivers in ahead of them.  Nobody pushes in line.  "Minnesota nice" (kind of a derogatory term in the first place) can't hold a candle to this.
• Universal healthcare.  Michael Moore was right about that.  Despite what the anti-reformers in the States say and despite some complaints from Canadians, mostly about wait times, very few people here would agree to a drastic change, and nobody wants a system remotely like that in the U.S.  Tommy Douglas, the original architect of Medicare (the national health system), was voted the most admired Canadian in a CBC poll.  As a couple, we pay $100 a month for coverage of everything except prescriptions (and there are supplemental policies available for that; plus, drugs are much cheaper).  If you cannot afford it, coverage is still available to all.  Our experience has been fine - as good or better than we had with Health Partners.  Despite being warned it would be difficult, we found a family doctor right away.  We've gotten in quickly for appointments, plus there are walk-in clinics everywhere.  You just show up with your insurance card.  We've waited longer in Minnesota, even with appointments.  When I needed to see a podiatrist, I got a referral from a clinic and got in the same day-cost $30.  Bob got referred by our doctor to a dermatologist for a pre-cancerous skin lesion and got in within days (no charge).  Dental care is not covered, but many employers have coverage available.  Plus, dentistry is much cheaper-and excellent-even if you have to pay.  Canadians are astonished that people in the States are not covered or have to pay so much.
• Peacekeepers.  The Canadians invented the concept of the military as peacekeepers, rather than invaders or occupiers, and take it very seriously.  Many are uncomfortable with the country's current mission in Afghanistan, and the death of even a single soldier is a national tragedy and flags fly at half-mast.
• Abortion rights.  It is now a given that abortion is covered by Medicare.  In fact, there are no laws limiting abortion rights.  Recently, Dr. Henry Morgantaler, who spearheaded the fight for abortion rights in the ‘70s, was given the Order of Canada.  While there was, of course controversy, and an outcry from some, it was much less than one would expect in the States (aside from the absolutely unthinkable idea that someone like that would ever be given such an award there).  Even Dr. Morgentaler said he was surprised there wasn't more opposition to his nomination.
• Same-sex marriage.  The Supreme Court of Canada recognized it as a right under the Charter (the equivalent of the Constitution) several years ago.  It has been controversial, but again, not much.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives ran on a platform not to try to change the law, but merely to allow an open vote in Parliament on the issue. (Parliament would have to invoke what is called the "notwithstanding clause" to override the Supreme Court ruling.) It was a half-hearted effort, and a foregone conclusion that it wouldn't pass. That clearly settled the matter, and even the most ardent Conservatives are content to give it a rest.
• Politics.  The so-called Conservatives here are about as conservative, in American terms, as middle-of-the-road Democrats.  There really is no religious right. Harper, himself something of an evangelical Christian, takes great pains to downplay that fact. Mixing politics and religion just isn't done.  The party system here actually means something.  Minority parties have clout-without a clear majority, the ruling party has to form a coalition with the minorities.  And, if the party in power can't deliver on its promises, there is an election.  Canadians wouldn't have gridlock, or eight years of Bush.  Because the prime minister isn't directly elected, we don't have to watch those godawful ads.  Even if there is a national election, it is over very quickly.  When Bob Rae, the former premier (think governor) of Ontario, was running for the leadership of the federal Liberals, he appeared on a national TV show skinny-dipping with the host.  Canadians overwhelmingly support Obama and hate Bush.
• Environment.  Canadians are very green.  B.C. environmentalist David Suzuki is a national treasure.  Global warming is accepted as a fact, and the government is trying to do something about it.  B.C. just introduced a carbon tax, pushed through by the more conservative of the two provincial parties.  Bottles have deposits.  Recycling is pretty much mandatory, at least in B.C.  The locavore food movement began here and is very strong.  We have clean water and air, seals, whales, otters, herons, bears, cougars, salmon.  Our island marmots are endangered, but we're working on it.
• Native people.  The Canadians did mistreat the natives, but not nearly as horribly as the U.S.  Significantly, the prime minister recently apologized for a long-term policy of putting native children in residential schools, saying:  "The government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks the forgiveness of the aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly.  We are sorry."  They are recognized as "First Nations," and have been granted a separate territory, Nunuvut (much like a province).
• Crime.  Much lower here, particularly violent crime.  Few guns.  Interestingly, the sentences are also much more humane.  There hasn't been a death penalty for quite some time.  Police officers have asked me why on earth the States keep locking up people for longer sentences for drugs when it so clearly doesn't do any good.  Youth is recognized as a mitigating factor, so even when juveniles are tried as adults, they are given a chance at early parole.
• CBC news and radio.  Enough said.
• Great music.  Neil Young, k.d. lang, Cowboy Junkies, Barenaked Ladies, Arcade Fire, Kathleen Edwards, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Oscar Peterson,  The Tragically Hip (my very favourite band name), Diana Krall-all Canadians.  Randy Bachman, of Bachman Turner Overdrive and the Guess Who, was just given the Order of Canada, along with Dr. Morgantaler.
• Vacations in Cuba.  As soon as we are citizens with Canadian passports, we are there!
• "O Canada" is a much better national anthem.

 

The Bad

• Prices.  They are extremely high, especially for U.S.-made goods, like cars, magazines and books, even though our dollar is now roughly at parity with the greenback.  Food is expensive, particularly dairy products in B.C. ($2.50 for a dozen eggs; $8 a pound for cheese).  Apparently there are price supports for dairy farms.  (Plus, we live on an island so we pay for transport.)   Other groceries, like meat and produce, are also high, but the quality is much better than we were used to in the Twin Cities.  Even fast-food burgers are delicious.  Liquor is totally unreasonable.  For example, $10 for a six-pack is cheap here.
• Limited e-commerce.  Many American web-based businesses won't ship to Canada.  If they do, it is outrageously expensive.
• No good Mexican food or groceries.  But, we do have excellent Indian and Chinese restaurants and markets and fabulous cheap sushi.

 

The Ugly

• Homelessness.  It is truly bad-particularly in Vancouver and Victoria, probably due to the mild climate.  Vancouver's Downtown Eastside is absolutely the worst place I've ever seen-people shooting up, and defecating/urinating on the street, nodding out, vacant, haunted faces.  But, when people get outraged here, they don't blame the victims; they blame the government for not providing better services, treatment facilities, affordable housing, etc. And, Vancouver does provide a safe injection site-the only one in Canada-where addicts can go to shoot up (bringing their own drugs) and get medical care; the court just ruled that such services are essential and guaranteed under the Charter.  We have needle exchanges to prevent transmission of diseases.
• Prior restraint.  Judges frequently order bans on publication of information from trials.  This is allegedly to protect the right to a fair trial for defendants.  However, it really limits information available.  I think it has also limited the accountability of police and prosecutors (of course, my view is coloured by the fact that I was a defence lawyer and Minnesota Civil Liberties Union board member married to a journalist).  On the rare occasions the media challenge these orders, they do seem to win.
• Limits on free speech.  Political correctness is definitely run amok.  For example, a writer for Maclean's magazine (the Canuck equivalent of Newsweek) just had a "trial" in B.C. before the Human Rights Commission for "hate speech" for writing an article (which was juvenile and silly, and quite mild by U.S. right-wing media standards) that offended some Muslims.  (He was exonerated.) It is easier for public figures to sue for defamation at present, limiting political comments, although the courts do seem to be offering more protections under the Charter.
• No Target!  And they won't ship to Canada.  We have Wal-mart and Ikea, but I crave Target.
• Celine Dion.

FAQs

• Can you vote in U.S. elections? Yes, as long as we don't formally renounce our citizenship. We joined Democrats Abroad and got to vote in the primary, and do have delegates. We will get absentee ballots.

• Do you lose U.S. citizenship when you become Canadian? No. Both Canada and the United States allow dual citizenship. We will be dual citizens, able to vote in both countries. We'll keep U.S. passports, but will have Canadian, also.

• Do you get Medicare and Social Security? No on Medicare (but who needs it? See "universal healthcare" above). Yes, we will get Social Security and pensions. We pay U.S. taxes only on money earned there.

• Isn't it cold in Canada? After living in Minnesota that one makes me laugh! I think the only places colder than Minnesota are up in the Yukon or Nunuvit. On Vancouver Island it rarely gets below freezing; we had a dusting of snow twice and never wore winter coats. We don't need air conditioning. And, it doesn't rain that much-when it does, it is more like misting, rarely a downpour.

• Do you need to speak French? Maybe in Quebec, but not in B.C. or most of the rest of Canada. The federal government is officially bilingual, so all federal documents are in both English and French. Everything made in Canada or sold in stores has both languages on the packaging. We do have to adapt some to Canadian English-they use -our (harbour), -re (centre), cheque, say pro-cess (long o), been is pronounced "bean," pasta and Mazda have a longer "a" sound.

• Can you work there? Once you have attained permanent resident status, you can work just like a Canadian citizen. Bob has resumed his career as an editor at the daily paper in Victoria. I could have worked as a lawyer if I was willing to jump through some hoops to get licensed. Since I have no desire to do that, I haven't checked it out. I'm hoping to get licensed to skipper a harbour taxi and give tours next summer.

• Can you take pets? Yes!!! The government just needs a certificate from a vet, no waiting period.

• Can you import your furniture and car? Yes, it is duty free if you provide a list of "goods to follow" when you land and then bring the items when you move. The car has to be approved by customs and then inspected once you arrive.

• Don't they hate Americans? There is a bit of vague anti-Americanism, mostly because Canadians resent how little Americans know or care about them. But virtually every Canadian we've met seems genuinely thrilled that we chose Canada over the States, and they have all been very welcoming. And, they are much more knowledgeable about U.S. politics than Yanks are about Canada's. They thoroughly understand when we tell people we are "George Bush refugees."

• And finally ... With Barack Obama as president, would you come back? That is like asking me if I will return to the Catholic Church if they ordain women. Uh, it's a start!!! Sorry, but no. With Obama as president, America's standing in the world will improve, at least for a while. But even if Obama got two terms with a Democratic Congress, I'm not optimistic that he could bring about the kinds of changes that would persuade me to go back.