Canada: A Land of Opportunities...
or Overrated Expectations?
Canada: A Land of Opportunities or Overrated Expectations?
Social media is currently swirling with controversy surrounding the popular YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), his former employee Dawson “Dogpack404” French, and an emerging Belgian YouTuber known as “SoggyCereal.” While the drama sheds light on workplace culture, conflicts of interest, and questionable behavior, I won’t delve into the specifics of their story. Instead, I am going to focus on a broader issue relevant to anyone considering a significant life change: the challenges of moving to another country, because the MrBeast YouTube drama is boring.
Having moved to Canada with my family after years abroad, I often get asked: Why do you discourage others from emigrating to Canada despite choosing to move there yourself? My answer is rooted in lived experience, highlighting the gap between Canada’s global reputation and its practical realities.
This is our story—a tale of hope, challenges, and important lessons for those considering a move to Canada.
Why We Chose Canada: The Decision-Making Process
From Hong Kong to North America
I spent nearly a decade living in Hong Kong, a vibrant city with its unique challenges and opportunities. Before that, I graduated from a local American university and found work in the US. During my time in HK, I built a career, started a family, and adapted to a new culture. However, circumstances began to change. Hong Kong’s political landscape shifted dramatically as the Chinese government tightened its grip. The city’s stringent pandemic policies further exacerbated the situation, and the local school system struggled to accommodate my son’s health issues.
These challenges forced us to consider relocating. Our priorities included safety, healthcare, a supportive community for our son, and long-term stability. After evaluating our options, we narrowed our choices to three countries:
The United Kingdom
As non-citizens, we faced complications with residency and pensions.
The economic fallout of Brexit and potential culture shock made this option less viable.
The United States
Though my son and I are U.S. citizens, my spouse’s immigration status as a Hong Kong citizen (classified as PRC) posed significant hurdles.
Healthcare concerns, particularly with our son’s medical needs, and the specter of political instability (e.g., a potential Trump re-election) added to our reservations.
Canada
As Canadian citizens, my son and I could navigate the immigration process more easily, simplifying my spouse’s pathway to permanent residency.
The established Hong Kong community in Canada offered cultural familiarity and support.
At the time, Canada’s reputation for quality of life, healthcare, and safety seemed appealing.
The Decision to Move
Canada appeared to offer the best balance of safety, healthcare access, and cultural continuity. However, the move was anything but simple. Leaving Hong Kong involved logistical hurdles, from selling our home to navigating complex COVID-19 travel restrictions. Our flight was a grueling 24-hour journey with multiple layovers in Tokyo, Chicago, and Toronto due to Hong Kong’s direct flight bans. Yet, we felt optimistic about starting fresh in Canada.
Life in Canada: The Honeymoon Phase
For the first few months, life in Canada felt like a breath of fresh air. Our son adjusted well to the suburban environment, enjoying the parks and playgrounds. The school system, while not perfect, made noticeable efforts to accommodate his needs.
The cultural transition was smoother than expected, thanks to the established Hong Kong community in our area. We found restaurants offering authentic Hong Kong cuisine and often joked that “we never really left Hong Kong—it left us first.”
For the first time in years, we experienced a sense of normalcy. Mask mandates were less strict compared to Hong Kong, and we embraced the freedom of living in a country that seemed relatively stable. But this optimism was short-lived.
The Harsh Realities of Life in Canada
1. Healthcare: A Fractured System
Canada’s healthcare system is often praised globally, but the reality is far more complex. While basic healthcare services are covered, many essential needs are not:
Prescription medications, certain specialist care, vision care, and dental services are excluded from public coverage.
Specialized care for our son has a waitlist of 5-7 years, forcing us to pay out of pocket for private treatment. Unlike in the U.S., these expenses aren’t tax-deductible in Canada.
2. The Tax Burden
Canada’s high taxes can catch newcomers off guard:
Sales taxes, payroll taxes, income taxes, and transaction taxes significantly reduce disposable income.
These taxes, coupled with the rising cost of living, make it difficult to save for long-term goals like retirement or higher education.
3. Housing Affordability
The housing market in Canada is another significant challenge:
Skyrocketing real estate prices, driven by mass immigration and investor-friendly policies, make homeownership unattainable for many.
Unlike the U.S., Canada doesn’t offer 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. Instead, buyers face adjustable-rate mortgages with shorter terms, exposing them to market volatility.
4. Limited Job Market
Despite being a returning Canadian citizen with international work experience, I faced hurdles in the job market:
Employers often undervalue foreign experience, dismissing it as irrelevant or fabricated.
Networking and referrals are crucial in Canada’s job market, making it difficult for newcomers without local connections to find employment.
5. Economic Challenges
The economic landscape in Canada has worsened due to inflation and rising interest rates. Businesses, especially startups, are scaling back, and job prospects have diminished compared to the pre-pandemic era.
Lessons Learned: Reflecting on the Move
If I could go back, would I choose differently? It’s a complicated question.
If We Had Moved to the U.S.: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
Lower taxes and cost of living.
A stronger, more dynamic job market.
More affordable housing options with predictable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.
Disadvantages:
Healthcare costs remain a significant concern, especially for my son’s medical needs.
Lack of a robust Hong Kong community and potential cultural isolation.
Political uncertainty and rising social tensions at the time of our decision.
Canada’s challenges have made us consider the U.S. as a long-term option, but only after addressing healthcare concerns and my spouse’s citizenship.
Advice for Americans and Prospective Immigrants
If you’re considering a move to Canada, here’s how to prepare:
Network Before You Move
Build connections with Americans or other expats who recently moved to Canada. Avoid relying solely on outdated advice from long-term immigrants or naturalized Canadians.
Understand the Financial Landscape
Your U.S. credit score won’t transfer to Canada. Be prepared to rebuild your credit and navigate a new financial system.
Research the Housing Market
Work with Canadian realtors and bankers to understand local market dynamics. Expect higher down payments and variable mortgage terms.
Visit Before Deciding
Spend at least two weeks exploring potential cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary. Immerse yourself in the local culture to gauge your fit.
Prepare for Job Market Challenges
Networking and local referrals are essential for finding work. Build relationships early to increase your chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers many benefits, but the realities often fall short of the expectations set by glowing SEO-optimized articles. Healthcare, taxes, housing, and the job market present significant hurdles that prospective immigrants must navigate.
For my family, Canada provided a safer environment for our son and a smoother cultural transition. However, the systemic challenges we’ve faced have been a sobering reminder that no country is perfect.
If you’re considering emigrating to Canada, do your research, prepare thoroughly, and manage your expectations. Moving to a new country is a monumental decision, and it’s essential to approach it with a clear understanding of the trade-offs involved.
#ImmigrationStories #LifeInCanada #CanadaChallenges #HealthcareRealities #CostOfLiving #ExpatLife #MovingToCanada #HongKongToCanada
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, James. I can definitely relate to many of the challenges you and your family have faced in Canada. Unlike you, I didn’t have the “honeymoon phase” and found things complicated from the very beginning. I’ve often compared my experiences in Canada with those I had when I first moved to Turkey. The times were different, I was younger, and that likely contributed to the feeling of ease and joy back then. Unfortunately, Turkey's immigration policies did not allow me to obtain any form of long-term residence or citizenship after nine years of legally living, finalizing my PhD, and working there. That’s why we chose Canada—it's currently the only country where my husband and I can live together. We are navigating this situation with the hope that things will improve. Best of luck with your immigration journey!