Is Canada A Good Place To Work.

[Jason Hodgins]

Originally Posted by Mike Hill

Canadians should tour their own country more... So many negative comments while probably most have just seen Canada from an airplane on their way to Toronto from Vancouver...

I have lived in every province this great country has to offer including the N.W.T. (Now that's cold)...

Anyway, this is a great country and I served "her" for 10 years and really get annoyed when people start criticizing it without justification.

Like the song goes "You don't know what you have until it's gone!" I've traveled the world and can tell you that Canada is much cleaner, much friendlier people (especially Manitoba) and actually has a very smart population.

I think people should show more pride of were they come from instead of taking it for granted.

And hey if you're going to put "her" down at least have the balls to serve "her" first!

Mike Hill

Now this is an unintentional rubberneck thread for me...I keep on coming back.

Anyway, I had to reply here to this one.

I totally agree with you and share your pride as I served for a short time (3 years) myself.

I didn't know that about you Mike, but congrats on doing our country proud for as long as you did. I would have also, but was in the most injury prone trade, hence my short tenure.

So I just wanted to thank you for posting this viewpoint, hopefully it stalls the HUGE & sometimes negative sidetrack this thread seemed to take.

Peace,

--Jason

[Scott Lundergan]

As a very well traveled American (6 continents and somewhere around 50 countries) who has met several other affluent travelers, when the topic of Canada comes up, Vancouver and Toronto are definitely the winners in places to go and see.

As a west coast guy, I think I would prefer Vancouver to Toronto.

From a global perspective to my friends in the UK and Europe, they always bring up how they would love to go to Whistler.

Having said that, I really enjoyed Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. I have friends that live in both and got the "local canadian tour" from each of them, which was great (and yes, I've heard the Quebec spats from Canadian friends!).

I have to ask you though, aren't there better alternatives than Tim Horton's? I remember several other coffee ships (especially in Montreal) that blew Tim Horton's out of the water.

[DavidParton]

Originally Posted by Jason Hodgins

Now this is an unintentional rubberneck thread for me...I keep on coming back.

Anyway, I had to reply here to this one.

I totally agree with you and share your pride as I served for a short time (3 years) myself.

I didn't know that about you Mike, but congrats on doing our country proud for as long as you did. I would have also, but was in the most injury prone trade, hence my short tenure.

So I just wanted to thank you for posting this viewpoint, hopefully it stalls the HUGE & sometimes negative sidetrack this thread seemed to take.

Peace,

--Jason

My respect to you,gentlemen

It seems to me that is the definitive way to really understand what the real Canada is like.
travelling the country, living at different bases,see how the rest of the world views Canada, and working together in a team environment with people from every region of Canada.

Just one civilian's opinion

David

[Mike Hill]

Originally Posted by Jason Hodgins

Now this is an unintentional rubberneck thread for me...I keep on coming back.

Anyway, I had to reply here to this one.

I totally agree with you and share your pride as I served for a short time (3 years) myself.

I didn't know that about you Mike, but congrats on doing our country proud for as long as you did. I would have also, but was in the most injury prone trade, hence my short tenure.

So I just wanted to thank you for posting this viewpoint, hopefully it stalls the HUGE & sometimes negative sidetrack this thread seemed to take.

Peace,

--Jason

Jason,

I was with the 2nd PPCLI .Well I actually started in the 3rd PPCLI in Victoria but they closed the base in 1993 and from there I was shipped to Winnipeg.

Went to America quite a bit to train in Louisiana, and South Carolina. Saw Europe a few times among other places...

Mike Hill

[AlexKaplo]

I really love Toronto it's a beautiful city! BUT I love my city more ...

...but seriously man in every "big" city there's a good amount of people in every single market... so I don't think your going to have a problem there. Good luck and all the best!


Regards,

-Alex Kaplo

[Dave Allen]

I grew up in Vancouver. Of course I'm biased, but it's an amazing city, especially in the months of July, August and September. I've lived in Toronto for 6 years. Of course there are amazing areas including Rosedale, Yorkville and Forest Hills to name a few. Just stay away from areas like Jane and Finch and Regent Park.

Right now I'm in Halifax after driving from Toronto. I stopped in Quebec City and had a blast. Although most people didn't speak English, when I was at a bar, I just pointed to the bottle of Stella and they knew what I wanted! Kind of like "caveman" talk. Ugh! Beer! Uh...

People were great everywhere. Even in Manhattan NY where I lived for over six months. I think my point is that no matter where you go -- there you are! I'm kind of kidding. But you can either fear something and expect something because you maybe had pre-conceived ideas or you can just go and have a great time. It's up to you.

By the way, I use to live in Ashland OR for a year and a half.

[TorontoCarol]

Since I'm pushing 60 years old and was born and raised in downtown Toronto, I suppose I should say something. Until I read some of the other posts, I never realized Torontonians considered themselves anything special. Sure we love our city, but so do people in many cities in the world.

As for crime here, it all depends on your perspective. When my sister-in-law from North Bay (4 hours north of Toronto) comes to visit - she is afraid to walk outside in the dark in case she gets mugged. When I go to visit her, I'm afraid to walk outside in the dark in case I meet up with a bear. Personally, I'd take a mugger over a bear any day.

Whether to live downtown or not, it partly depends on your age. When I was young I loved downtown - the activity, the people, the noise. Now I'm older I prefer the suburbs because of the lack of those very things.

As for jobs, they exist, but may take some time to get a good one. Especially if you are a professional and want to get into your field. If you work for yourself though, it doesn't really matter.

The change in culture is the hardest for many people. Philipino friends of mine were surprised by the fast pace of life here. In fact, when I was working downtown, I had to travel by subway and was in a leg cast for a few months. I was terrified that the masses of people running down the escalator to get from one subway train to another would end up knocking me over and trampling me.

The only thing I have never been able to get used to in downtown Toronto is the homeless people on so many of the street corners. It broke my heart to pass them every day, although that cast hardened me up a bit. I started thinking "if I can go to work with this cast on my leg, maybe you could try to get a job". Although I know from working with some of them, that many have mental problems that prevent their getting work.

Bottom line: Canada is a good place to live and to work, but sometimes it's best to spend some time here first before you make a final decision. Otherwise, cutting all your ties and moving here might be something you later regret.

[Steve Iser]

Toronto rules.

I convinced Andrew Hansen to move here.

Now he rules.

And tons of job opps and **** here.

Originally Posted by vorales

Hi Warriors,

Well i would like to know whether Canada is a good place to work.

Specially the city of Toronto?How is it for working point of view?

How internet marketing taking place in Toronto?

Does a lot of people from Toronto work online?


I had been to Toronto last year it was freezing cold and the temp was -12 degree with wind chill almost -15 to -20.wow freezing cold but in Malaysia v r on equator so all the while its summers here.

Any one from DownTown Toronto explain about the living?

Yonge and Bloor, Yonge and Dundas are good intersection i had visited.

How people work in snow?

True advice would be highly Appreciated.

[vorales]

Originally Posted by GeorgettaSterling

I agree with all of Steve's comments above (particularly about snowshoes and moose). Unfortunately, I have a big mouth and must comment too.

I am not positive why you would move to Toronto to be an internet marketer. There really isn't any business reason to move there if you make a living online. All Canadian cities (and most Canadian towns) have high speed internet access, phone service, computer service etc.

If you are getting a J.O.B. in Toronto, then I suggest looking to live somewhat close to where you work, if possible. Traffic is no fun in Toronto, and commutes are pretty long sometimes. Toronto is also not an inexpensive place to live (rent or mortgage-wise), and if you are choosing the heart of downtown (Young & Bloor - isn't that where the MuchMusic building is?) then expect to pay premium prices. The last apartment I looked at in DT Toronto was $1600/month, and it wasn't that special.

Most of Canada gets cold in winter, particularly compared to Malaysia. You were lucky to see only -12C...try weeks of -25C or colder some winters. Toronto in particular is chilly in the winter and very humid in the summer (making it muggy). I also find it quite smoggy.

If you are concerned about weather, then the only place where you will find above-freezing temperatures in the winter is southern British Columbia. Vancouver is dark and rainy in the winter, but it isn't really "cold", and it rarely freezes. The southern interior (where I live) typically has above-freezing temperatures during the day and moderate freezing temperatures at night (I live in the mountains, so the weather is really pretty wild). Summers are moderate in Vancouver, hot in the interior (but not humid, so a Malaysian won't find it uncomfortable). The best weather is probably in Victoria (on Vancouver Island), where it is virtually never hot, rarely cold and very rarely below freezing.

As far as "good place to work", it really depends on what you will be doing. There is a great deal of regulation and bureaucracy in Canada, frustrating some entrepreneurs. Lots of rules and paperwork. Overall, you will find Canadian business people to be conservative and cautious, so deals don't tend to happen instantly. However, if you have patience you can jump those hurdles as millions of business people in Canada have.

If you are working for someone, again it depends on what you are doing. Some jobs/professions are heavily regulated and/or protected. Some are very "unprotected." While people have the impression that workers are somehow protected by the government, in general they really aren't (most provinces in Canada are "employment-at-will" provinces, meaning that an employer can terminate your employment at any time for any reason, or no reason). There is a lot of unionization in Canada too (especially big manufacturing operations, like auto plants, smelters/steel plants etc.), and obviously union employees fall under terms of the contract, not general rules or laws. The unionization unfortunately means that entering a lot of workplaces is difficult, as those workplaces tend to avoid hiring lots of new people (to fall under union rules...). You would need to be more specific for people to advise you any more than that.

Now - - you have to understand my biases, as they permeate all my comments. I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. That is the heart of separatist western Canada. We were practically taught to hate Toronto in school! I was raised in the 80's, the height of the oil bust/recession, when unemployment was running 20% (50% in my age group) and "Eastern" Canada (really Central Canada, mainly Ontario) was doing fine and federal politicians from Ontario were saying that Albertans "deserved" to suffer.

So - I wasn't ever going to be impressed with Toronto. Given that, I have visited about 10 times and worked there for a few months. My impression is that it is one of the more unfriendly cities in Canada. The friendliest was Halifax, second was actually Montreal. My hometown (Edmonton) USED to be a very polite and friendly place, but now it is extremely rude and unfriendly. Vancouver isn't a friendly place either - they aren't unfriendly, but rather indifferent (I think it is because they are all wondering how they are going to pay their mortgages this month - very, very expensive place to live).

If you are taking a job, and it is in Toronto, then move there. It will be a big adjustment for you. But it will be survivable. In the winter, just wear warm clothes (parka, mitts, a hat...). It is easier to deal with cold than with heat - you can always put on more layers when it gets cold, but if it is hot you you can't take anything else off once you are naked!

If you aren't taking a job in Toronto, then I find it hard to understand why you want to move there. There are lots of suburbs and smaller cities around metro Toronto that are easier (and cheaper) to live in, and you can always take the train to Toronto on Friday to meet friends or whatever. For that matter, there are lots of other places in Canada (if you must come to Canada).

By the way - if any Torontonian does comment on this thread, they are likely to explain why Toronto is the greatest place in the world. They are like that...kinda confused due to the smog (low oxygen) and their own sense of importance.

Best Regards, Georgetta

PS If you are in downtown Toronto - go to the Royal Ontario Museum, near the U of T campus. I have been to quite a few museums in my life, and if you like "world civilization/history" and natural sciences (animals, minerals etc.) then this museum is tops. They had the most impressive collection of minerals and gems that I have ever seen (yes, I like neat mineral formations...). Not a great art museum - for that go to the Louvre in Paris or the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam...

Hello Georgetta,

Thanks a lot I really apreciate your time and comments.

I had been to Royal Ontario Musem when i visited the dimand shape was under construction but now when my hubby went there he told me that its done now.and it looks beautiful now.

[JonMills]

Originally Posted by vorales

Hi Warriors,

Well i would like to know whether Canada is a good place to work.

Specially the city of Toronto?How is it for working point of view?

How internet marketing taking place in Toronto?

Does a lot of people from Toronto work online?


I had been to Toronto last year it was freezing cold and the temp was -12 degree with wind chill almost -15 to -20.wow freezing cold but in Malaysia v r on equator so all the while its summers here.

Any one from DownTown Toronto explain about the living?

Yonge and Bloor, Yonge and Dundas are good intersection i had visited.

How people work in snow?

True advice would be highly Appreciated.

It is cold, im an hour and half from Toronto and only commute from my bedroom to my downstairs office, which im glad. But i used to have to go out in the snow.. to get to work

highly recommend good snow tires

Canada is a great place to live.. but damn the winters are cold here in ontario

[catcat]

Wow! Talk about opening a can of worms!

Canada is a great country.

This is the perfect place to be, if you can stand the winters. I can't.

Thanks,
Cathy

[Chris W. Sutton]

I find it extremely amusing to read the posts that knock Heather for her viewpoint. Who cares if she posts a bunch of times? Who cares if she expresses her opinion?

I find her to be very articulate and a very good writer. I find her positive attitude very refreshing.

What I don't find very refreshing are the people who are constantly negative. What is up with you people, anyway? Why do you have to come in this forum to spew your negativity?

The WF is full of good, positive, optimistic people and I am thankful for that. There are a ton of good people here and they make this a great place. Heather is just one of them. Kudos to all of you!

As for the naysayers and negative people... well, just try not to bring everyone else down with you!

[vorales]

Hello Warriors,

Well i am really thankful to all the warriors for their advices besides there were some tough arguments on GTA as a not favourites to some and Alberta as not favourite to some.

Nevertheless i would say as i have visited Canada couple of time its a Great Place to Be.

I have been to CN Tower, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Muzium, Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Center, China Town etc.but unaware about the the way life goes and the people.

I Give my special thanks to the Arcana Media,Heather.

Thanks Daelx.You really hate Alberta.Why?Any particular reason?

Thanks Kiev but i don't agree with you as for the food i guess i paid more than Toronto.

Thanks Tim for the beautiful pics.

Thanks Rich, Jason, Alice Scott, Christopher,David, Mike, Alex, Dave.

Thanks Toronto Carol for the best advice.

[vorales]

Originally Posted by Chris W. Sutton

What I don't find very refreshing are the people who are constantly negative. What is up with you people, anyway? Why do you have to come in this forum to spew your negativity?

The WF is full of good, positive, optimistic people and I am thankful for that. There are a ton of good people here and they make this a great place. Heather is just one of them. Kudos to all of you!

As for the naysayers and negative people... well, just try not to bring everyone else down with you!

I Agree with what you say Chris, Good Thinking.

[Marie Pugh]

First, I want to say thanks to Mike & Jason - you both are just one of the reasons I am proud to be Canadian.

Second - I wasn't even going to post when this first came out, because I live right smack in the middle of the prairies. Yep - I live just outside of Winnipeg, and I have been there to Portage and Main right in the middle of winter and made it out alive

My husband emigrated from England in 1999 - and he always says that we don't appreciate what we have. For him, to be able to drive and see for miles is unbelievable to him. Or, to not have to fight with traffic. As for the winters - he says that he prefers the winters here because at least there is sun shining and everything is beautiful.

So - I guess everyone has their own sense of pride for where they live - but all in all, Canada is one of the best places anyone could live. We aren't all hating the other provinces or cities.

And Heather - Chris is right! Don't worry about what any of the others say! I am glad that you are still proud of where you came from.

To the OP - Maybe I am biased, but I think that anywhere you could live in Canada would be great!

Marie

PS I am off now to get the snow boots out - forecast says snow for tomorrow!! Yipeee!!!

[dvduval]

I've always wanted to live in Vancouver where the weather is a lot milder.

[vorales]

Thanka lot to all the Warriors for their great Advices and i really appreciate your time.

[JMLebeau]

Hey there,

As many other Canadians here, I had to post in this thread

I'm from Quebec City, Canada and if you're looking to get a job here, I don't think it's going to be really hard. As an english speaking person, it might be easier for you to acclimate yourself in Montreal then you definitely should learn a little bit of french and then come over to Quebec City There is a real need for IT workers everywhere in the province.

However, I visited a lot of canadiens cities, Toronto is a great place as Ottawa is. My friends went to work in Alberta and BC and they really enjoyed it.

Be ready to enjoy Hockey (the only team you should look at is the MTL Canadiens ), cold weather during the winter and great (to me ) weather during the summer. If you have any questions, don't hesitate!

[Lloyd Buchinski]

Originally Posted by Christopher R Everson

Most of my canadian friends came to the states to make more money, both job-pay wise, and tax wise.

That's probably the way most people still think, but the average Canadian family is worth about $20,000 more than the average American family. But don't just take my word for it, here is the link. Special Canada Day Report: How Canada stole the American Dream | Macleans.ca - Canada - Features And here is a quote from the article.

"The wealth numbers, in particular, are shocking. As of 2005, the median family in Canada was worth US$122,600, according to Statistics Canada, while the U.S. Federal Reserve pegged the median American family at US$93,100 in 2004. Those figures, the most recent available, already include an adjustment for our higher prices, and thanks to the rising loonie Canadians are likely even further ahead today. We're ahead mainly because Americans carry far more debt than we do, and it means that the median Canadian family is a full 30 per cent wealthier than the median American family. "The fact that we're now richer is a big reversal," says Jack Mintz, former president of the C.D. Howe Institute and the current Palmer Chair in public policy at the University of Calgary. "It's a huge change in the way we view the world."

Originally Posted by DavidParton

Is Canada A Good Place To Work?

I know there is a lot of work in Alberta.
Here in Vancouver we have been suffering from a labour shortage. Every store has a help wanted sign in the window. Tradesmen paint "We're Hiring" on there vehicles.

The shortage of workers in Alberta is easing off, but it was funny. Every second shop had a help wanted sign not long ago, and the biggest mall in Calgary had a sign by the main entrance "Our merchants accept Visa, MasterCard, and job applications."

I have lived in a lot of cities in Canada and have enjoyed all of them. I have also traveled extensively and would rate Canada very high in the world. I had the good fortune mostly because of an off line passion to know beautiful people in each of the cities I lived in. You only know about 100 people per city, so I would guess the people who don't like some or all of the cities just didn't know the right people.

The weather certainly is cold but my favorite speaker mentioned that human beings can get used to almost anything. I have being bicycling to work through the winter for a lot of years up here in Calgary (right next to the Arctic Circle) and it resulted in quite a nice article, see simple sig site.

I read about one woman who moved from Africa to Winnipeg. She said she had even seen a picture of a frozen river but didn't believe it. She just didn't believe that a whole river could freeze. She does now.

The cold might take more than just one winter to get used to, and to learn to adapt to but it can be done. It takes both, getting used to, and adapting. Go for cozy and comfortable and if anything is cold, wear something more there, and you will get used to the cold anyway.

Good luck with all that, and best wishes, lloyd.

Edit: I have to add, I did a search on the old wf and couldn't find it, but there was a really neat story of someone who moved to Montreal from Nigeria at the age of 17 with $5 and was worth a million by the age of 19. He is really happy about Canada, and he did it honestly. I just found his site http://www.canadian-money-advisor.ca

It was actually such a nice story, but I don't have time to type out the details. I should add that he did not get rich on line, but through real estate and an understanding of the credit system that he obtained while trying to get a loan to start off in real estate.

[Rob Canyon]

Hey,

Who cares about Toronto (I live a few miles north), just check out all the
awesome Warriors posting on this thread either Canadian or ex-patriots.

This is the biggest country in the world with only 35 million people living
here... you want space man... Canada's the place...

I was born on Vancouver Island, have lived all over the world and all over
this country too and I agree with Chris Rempel (surfrider) if you think its
cold here, you've got to visit Portage and Main in Downtown Winnipeg in
mid-January to give yourself a check up from the neck up.

Travelled extensively in Malaysia too...

Lets see. How should I compare the two... you can't... there the exact
same... dam beautiful people everywhere...

Get your but over here now... we could use another warm-blooded body
to generate some heat in this place...

PM some of the Warriors on this thread and we'll hook up for drinks when you
get here or as I'm sure you'll find out we are all daily addicts to the Tim
Horton's coffee house.

See you soon,

Cheers,

Rob

[runr01]

I hope what I bring to this thread is a perspective that is of real value to you, Vorales, rising above the "noise" that has grown from your simple question : Is Canada a Good Place to work?

Oh, what complex answers you've received...

Since leaving the country of my birth, 10 degrees south of the equator in South America – hot, hot, hot, hot for all four seasons – almost 30 years ago, a straw poll of my family and 45+ relatives scattered throughout Toronto reveal an unparallel passion AND love for Toronto.

So let me tell you, that whenever I leave Toronto, I can't wait to return home, despite the many exciting and exotic places that momentarily claim my attention.

Montreal is my second home by default because my father lives there.

I always enjoy Montreal for it's distinctively French flavors, quirkiness and fine dining. Yes, I've travelled through France to Italy and back up to Switzerland, so am qualified to make the comparison. But, returning home to Toronto is always so exciting and comforting.

Vancouver, with the proverbial overcast shadows of rain and more rain, the wonderful English Bay, snow covered ski slopes and renowned smoked salmon, I have always found relaxing and rejuvenating . But, returning home to Toronto is always so exciting and comforting.

Halifax, for the wonderful roadside purchases of delectable smoked herring and cod equal to similar fare up and down the coast of New England, is invigorating for its warmth where ever one goes. (The Cape with it's unique style of coastal architecture has a special place in my heart.) Peggy's Cove places you in a world so close to nature that it seems that you can reach out and touch it and taste it! But, simply put, returning home to Toronto is always so exciting and comforting.

In spite of the annual treks made to the islands in the Caribbean to soak up the rays, Toronto is always my home AND where I make a comfortable living.

Yes, Toronto, the multicultural capital of Canada is a burgeoning city, with related trials and tribulations that are not unique to any cosmopolitan city. Flaws and all, Toronto is my home and where I work!

Chris.W. Sutton is absolutely right. The WF is full of good, positive, optimistic people. And so is Toronto!

Welcome, Vorales, if and when you move to Toronto to live and work!
Donna

[wordwizard]

I just visited Toronto (last June) and I liked it. Of course it helps to know that I like urban areas. If you don't, you may not like it as much.

It reminded me a bit of Frankfurt actually. Great restaurants too. Very cosmopolitan. Lots of people out downtown on weekend evenings. Free live concert(s).

Temperature was quite warm and pleasant. Can't speak for winter, obviously.

I also visited Calgary, and I definitely preferred Toronto (bigger & more urban and cosmopolitan, plus it was also much cheaper to get to!). Calgary was basically closing down in the evening, at least in the downtown area.

Elisabeth

[danaprince]

I was born and raised in Toronto and moved outside of it when I became a parent and wanted a quiet place to raise my kids. I've lived in nice areas and lived in rough parts of town as well. Should you move to T.O? It all depends on what kind of lifestyle you want. I love visiting a few times a year for shopping, restaurants, reminiscing and culture but love the country life 360 days of the year where it's friendly and quiet and just outside a small town 2 hours away where our backyard is a pretty lake. Toronto has a higher cost of living than many other Canadian cities but it does have lots of opportunity. As an internet marketer it's great that you can work from anywhere. We have winter but other than 3-4 months of brittle cold each year we have it pretty good up here.



Good luck

[ildarius]

May be you have alrady replied, but I dont understand why you would move to T.O to do internet marketing.

If I was living in a different country I could afford to quit work TODAY and live off the net revenue, in Canada it's a different story, I still have to work fulltime.

Toronto is a nice city though, Montreal's weather is pretty harsh, may be I'll move to Malaysia =)

[sylviad]

Wow! I can't believe how many Warriors live in the West half of the country.

Although not born in Canada, I have lived here for 57 years - most of those in and around Toronto. I worked in the City most of the time. My home was north of Highway 401 (about 25 minutes to town by public transit), but I loved the city so much that on Friday nights after hauling myself home from King and University or Queen and Spadina, I'd eat dinner and head straight back down to Yonge and Dundas to enjoy the nightlife.

Toronto is an exciting city that never sleeps. In my experience, and there were many, the people are friendly and approachable.

I've seen a lot of changes over the years, however. Until recently when guns or riots became news, I never feared walking in the city. Now, I'm a bit more cautious but still not paralyzed at the idea of going downtown. I love the city too much to be scared off by a few violent acts that, in most cases, involved people who knew one another.

The cultural diversity is immense in Toronto. You are sure to meet other Malaysians downtown.

It's not necesssary to live in the city, though. The transportation system is great. You can live in the suburbs and commute by bus, subway and streetcar to any part of the city. Or from farther afield, you can take the GO Bus and Train services that come in from places like Hamilton in the west and Oshawa in the east and from north of the city.

Downtown Toronto is expensive. You would be better off living on the outskirts where rents are lower.

Driving into the city is a challenge as the traffic now is horrendous. On bad weather days, it took me 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours to travel my usual 35 minute route by car down the freeway to work.

As far as jobs go, I have to ask as others have: Why do you need a job if you're planning on internet marketing? To ensure you have an income until you get established?

It's been awhile since I worked downtown so all I can say is that in my experience there are always jobs but it depends on your skills. Retail outlets often seem to need staff - to serve fast food, stock shelves, that kind of thing, but those jobs don't pay much - just minimum wage. But if you're planning to do IM anyway, and if you are already making a bit online, this might be enough in the short term.

If you have higher level skills, you might find jobs but they will be less common. My friend who works in a grocery chain says the turnover is huge. Students don't want to work but they want the money, so they move on quickly. The stores would appreciate hard workers they can trust.

Toronto holds lots of opportunity. It has some excellent schools and courses you can take in your own home. I don't know if it's still true, but the dept. of education used to offer free correspondence courses to people wanting to get their Grade 12. You can take short night courses for specific subjects at any local high school or college - and the fees are not bad in most cases.

If you have friends or family you can stay with for awhile, that would be a good way to get your bearings. You can take time to check out different areas in and around the city, the transportation routes, job opportunities and accommodations before making a decision.

And the weather... while it might get cold in Toronto, it probably doesn't get quite as bad as other places in Canada because the concrete and buildings help to trap heat that builds up in the day. That's why it gets so hot in summer - hot and humid. And it's true, the snow doesn't stay around long in the city. For one thing, the crews clean it away quickly. They have to, there's no where to pile it. They used to dump it into the lake.

Did I miss anything?

Oh, someone said that the city is like a magnet to those of us who like it.

I moved out to the Kingston area, about 350 km east of Toronto, where I lived for about 12 years. Now THAT was cold! I did enjoy it though, because the people were friendly-er - than Toronto, especially in the small towns outside Kingston. Farm country, with farm folk who know how to have fun. The country in Canada is fantastic! From the farms, to the great rivers like the St. Lawrence, to the Rockies, to the waterfalls, beaches and spectacular scenery.

I've travelled from one end to the other and enjoyed it all. But when I lived in Kingston, after 12 years I began to feel something was missing - the hustle and bustle of Toronto. After returning and spending another 4 years in a small town that is now more like another suburb, I miss the country and the wonderful people I met back east.

If you choose Canada, you will have all this and more to enjoy.

And no, we don't all live in igloos or ride around on dog sleds, and our colorful money is not Monopoly money - despite what the Americans think.

Sylvia

[coolWebsites]

Where are you moving from?

Toronto is fairly cold in the winter, decent/warm in the summer. Its very 'metropolitan', so you can pretty much do whatever you want whenever. Yonge Street is downtown, downtown is nice, right by the main subway station. The TTC (transit system) is pretty good if you want that, traffic gets pretty busy. What else do you want to know?

[cgj1981]

I agree with everyone in here who has said;

- toronto can be cold for many months of the year
- you can do IM from anywhere really
- you don't need to move there for any other reason that your own desire to be there

However broadening your horizons and living in different parts of the world can be the best thing you can do for yourself and your business as you get an even greater understanding into your potential audience and customers. Thus better understand their needs so you can provide a better service.

[sandy]

I live in the Niagara Penninsula where I have the many opportunities. I live in the country and have deer in my backyard but I am within 15 minutes of a city of 75,000 people. I can be in downtown Toronto in and hour and a half. Or I can visit the United States in a few minutes.
That is what is best about most of Canada, the wide range of experiences available -cultural, ethnic, entertainment. Or if you prefer peace and quiet that is easily arranged too.

Cathy

[Nathan Segal]

I would never want to live in Canada. This from a Canadian citizen. The taxes are unbelievably high and you get squat in return, in my opinion.