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Ontario from Scotland?

6K views 44 replies 6 participants last post by  back2basic 
#1 ·
Hi

I'm looking for advice about moving from Scotland to Ontario. We are a 37yr old couple with two children, 7 and 1 and looking for a better quality of life. We have friends in Hamilton and would like other peoples points of view, to know how life compares from Scotland? Lifestyle, work ethic, wages, schooling, weather..any information possible? My husband is a qualified plumber/gas engineer and I own an off sales/liquor store and work in Admin with our local goverment. We have researched the area and would like to live in Burlington, but any nice residential area would be great. Also wondering how long the process will take?

Thanks

Rhona
 
#2 ·
I came to Canada many years ago when it was a much easier process. Canada (Ontario) has been very good to/for me and hopefully I have reciprocated.
There is no easy answer to your questions. Some come here and love it, some are so-so about it and some abjectly loathe it. When I came there was little or no information base other than the propaganda spouted by the Canadian Government. No internet to consult.
Lifestyle, work ethic and schooling are no better no worse than in the UK, providing you're doing well there. Weather is much better in Summer but, of course, we have our infamous winters. Schooling seems to be more praised than criticized by ex-pats here.
I don't know if you've ever visited Canada but it is NOT like the UK so please do not look for that here. We do not have Indian restaurants on every corner and food in supermarkets is different as is much of the other shopping. Cost of living basically evens out, some things more, some less expensive.
I'm sure you know that you cannot own/run a private liquor business here. All sales of beer and liquor products are government controlled.

Good Luck.
 
G
#3 ·
We had to wait 2 years from 2003-05

After 5 years of being in Ontario, we're returning in 2 days.
It is nothing like Scotland what so ever!
There are no mountains, sea sides, country lanes, quaint villages, historic buildings. One town looks like all the rest, as do the cities with their sky-scrapers.
The choice of food is limited as is the choice in clothing.
Cost of living is as high as in the UK with half the wage, so you'll be worse off financially then there's driving for hours and hours and hours to different shops with the same old scenery to pass.
The summers can be unbearably hot with mosquitoes biting you. Springs ok, as is autumn, but winter can start from Nov and last until April, ok you have blue skies more often, but the snow is deep and labour-intensive to move and as for the freezing rain that makes the road into a skating rink and coats your windscreen in seconds. Very Dangerous. Big car engines and trucks make highways noisier than the UK. You have to change your tyres from Winter ones to summer ones or buy a 4 wheel drive. The look of the buildings and hedgerows and fences are just not as neat and tidy as the UK ones,
Neighbours popping in for a cuppa don't exist.
Drugs and crime exist, it's just not publicised in the press the same.
Work ethic :It's WHO you know not WHAT you know that will get you a job. 2 weeks hol/year, less wages and perks.
No uniforms at school unless you go to a Catholic one. Education is nowhere near as good as Scotland or England. No school dinners.
Car insurance seems to be twice as much as there aren't as many people "putting into the pot".
TV programmes are terrible.
All in all the grass is not greener and it hasn't improved in 5 years. But that's my opinion
 
#4 ·
Reading from your posts I see someone, who due to problems prior to landing didnt really want to be there,, didnt you research Canada prior to going, as others have said the cost of living irons out, houses are cheaper, fuel is cheaper, and they dont use wear designer clothes although I am sure if you drive to the cities you will find them maybe thats why the Candadian kids are respectful and have manners(well the majority of the ones I had contact with when I was there).
I believe you bought the dream before trying it out and it has cost you dearly so come back to britain pay the overinflated house, car prices, fuel costs and if you cant get a job join the other 2 million who live of benifits, ( the majority can get a job or can work but choose not to because we the taxpayers give them too many benifits) pay 20% vat and then car tax, over priced fuel because the government has applied so much tax you need a mortgage to drive and pay for it.
You have allowed yourself to be drawn into the mindset I am an immigrant and no one likes me being here, so please dont try to instill your negativity on to others who want to try the dream
Regards The Canadian Dreamer
 
#5 ·
I agree entirely with your sentiments Patient Man. Yesterday she had two days left in Canada which suggests she goes back to UK tomorrow and like you I think it can't come quick enough. Obviously Canada wasn't/isn't for her and that's okay, but her vitriolic comments and way over the top. The sooner she leaves the better for her and certainly the rest of us.
 
#12 ·
I f i remember she mentioned a loss of 30000 to her cost but now she is bragging about her mass profit aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaa i think the facts are distorted, but she is coming to the UK, land of promises and poverty a land full of takers, well from her profits she can pay the heavy taxes having loads of money generates for the thieving MPs to fill their poxckets
Welcome to taxpayers hell
 
#25 ·
elouiseapresley may I remind you of that the reason you are getting negative comments and remarks is quite simply because it is the vibes you are sending to everyone else, on a more serious note did you find anything positive the 5 years you spent in Canada, maybe you could say in 4or five words
 
#42 ·
on the move soon

:clap2: After all this negativity we have something positive to add :) we ahve had the message to send passports for stamping :plane: after a long wait :ranger: so Canada you will have 4 more residents in the near future :love: so please loose knickers no more negative responses :juggle:
 
#43 ·
:clap2: After all this negativity we have something positive to add :) we ahve had the message to send passports for stamping :plane: after a long wait :ranger: so Canada you will have 4 more residents in the near future :love: so please loose knickers no more negative responses :juggle:
Hey, CONGRATS!!!

Enjoy this moment! :D


Cheers!^!
 
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