Ahh, the fresh smell of freedom, upon entering the country just north of the self-proclaimed ‘greatest’ country in the world - Canada. I first visited this country Christmas 2015, and found it to be a beautiful. Back then, I knew I would eventually make it my home, and now 6 years later, it is. Canada is a North American country, and if you’re coming from the States, you will find it easy to initially adapt. However, there is still quite a culture shock, as I started observing the minute details that make it different.
For context, when writing this, it has been 4 months since my entry into this country, and my opinions expressed here are simply that- opinions. There is still a lifetime of exploration left for me and plenty of opportunities for my opinions to evolve over time. So as you do read this, do take it with a grain of salt. It’s not the be-all-end-all, in case you are considering immigration. Another thing to remember is that prior to my arrival, I spent 6 years in America, both for education and work. So my thoughts are more as a former American resident, rather than an Indian resident.
There are just a few things you need to prepare for.
Canada is expensive
Something that will immediately become apparent when you land is how expensive Canada is. Whether it's petrol, phone plans, internet, groceries, or almost anything you’re looking to purchase, be ready to pay a larger price.
The reason is simple math. Compared to the population of India (1.38 billion), and the States (330 Mil), Canada comes in at 38 Million. That's 10% of the USA. To put it more in context, the population of Maharashtra is 112 Million. These larger populations allow for cheaper commodities. It also fuels competition that drives down costs. More businesses in the market, means customers tend to get better deals.
Canada has none of that. There are 4 big banks, 3 big telecom providers, and maybe 4 dominant gas companies. In Canada, most market share is controlled by massive behemoths who work hard to curb business growth. This means, as consumers, be prepared to pay larger amounts than you’re used to for the simplest things.
A piece of advice I learned too late - ‘Buy what you need from the States or India before you enter Canada’
Universal healthcare is great for emergencies, but pain for routine procedures
Free healthcare sounds amazing, right? It certainly did to me back when I was in the States and afraid to fall sick under the trap of medical debt. And honestly, universal healthcare is a perk to living here. You will pay a lot in taxes, but your healthcare options are usually covered 100%. However, as they say, ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’. There’s always a catch.
In this case, routine medical checkups and procedures have a long waiting list. If you’d like to see a doctor, wait 2 months. Need an X-ray? Might take a couple of months.
A non-life-threatening surgical procedure (cosmetic, Lasik) could take up to a year. And again, it’s simple math. Too many patients, and not enough doctors.
If you’re in a life-threatening emergency, I have no doubt you’ll be rushed to the nearest hospital and be provided the best care to keep you alive. Outside of that instance, be prepared to wait for a medical professional to see you. It would be quicker to make connections with a family doctor early on.
Coming from the States, it's a financial setback
I always held US and Canada to the same standards in terms of monetary capabilities. In the sense, what luxuries you can afford in the States, you can pretty much afford here. And for the most part, that is true. But the simple fact is, Canada has always leaned more on the socialist side, which means money is not as accessible or achievable. At least, not to the levels of its downstairs neighbor. Though this is a thriving first-world country, you will initially struggle to understand the system and land yourself a job. If you’re coming from a position of high-paying income, be prepared to have that notion shaken, as you learn Canada's income.
Of course, this heavily depends on the career and industry you’re in
But even the simple things - getting a credit card, free shipping, plenty of financial perks and offers, Canada usually does not have the luxury to afford those to everyone, especially newcomers. Over time, you can build wealth here, but it will take longer than it would have in the States, primarily because the financial institutions run slower.
Most of the population is confined to specific areas
Canada is large. After Russia, it is the second-largest country in the world. It's bordered by 3 oceans and could fit the UK inside it 40 times. But a majority of its landscape is taken up by national parks and lakes. Though it’s a large country, the population densities tend to be concentrated around the borders. Toronto has a population of 2.7 million, which means 10% of Canada’s population lives in and around Toronto. Initially, as you move to this country, you may be pulled towards a high population density city, like Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver. And once you move outwards from the city, the landscape is wide and stretches far.
There are not as many cities to choose from, and more likely than not, you’ll end up in one.
Canada is a slow-moving country
This is a very laid-back country, and that applies to almost all facets of life. Everything here takes its time, and eventually, you will learn to accept it.
Customer service, transportation, and large purchases, all move through a system as slow as snails.
In the States, when you had an issue with your bank, you can call a number, be connected to someone in minutes, and ideally have the issue resolved in under an hour.
In Canada, you will likely spend an hour on hold, only to speak to someone who cannot resolve your issue, and will push you through to someone else, who may just give you other perks instead. The point is to be prepared to spend time on hold, both on call and in person, as you deal with futile tasks. Even returning packages here takes a bit more effort and some added cost.
Everything I mentioned here, are just my initial thoughts on this, based on four months of living here. These reveals are neither good nor bad, they are simply there. My idea of Canada was the freedom, to pursue something. And it gives me that. So I am willing to start small. If you do put in the work, and keep an open mind, Canada can be a great fresh start, a chance to redefine yourself.
All that being said, what I mentioned above is fixable, but will take time. In Canada (and in life), I would recommend you establish a good relationship with the following - a doctor, a lawyer, an accountant, and a mechanic.
Building that relationship takes time, but it’s what will save you a lot of trouble, money, and being ripped off. You need to network and try a lot, but usually, if you’ve got a good representation in each, you’ll be all right.