What has changed in 20 years in Canada?
Find out if the grass used to be greener.
Every time someone who wants to immigrate to Canada seeks advice from the community of immigrant compatriots, there are serious passions and verbal battles under the post. Some of the old-timers are of the opinion that Canada is no longer the same, and there is nothing to catch there anymore. Newcomers reply that life in the country is great, and their opponents are just getting greedy.
Why so?
This is how psychology and human nature work. In the first years after moving a person constantly compares their homeland with Canada in favor of the latter. Thay are in a state of immigration euphoria — everything around seems better, more comfortable, and more interesting. It seems that in Canada "everything is for the people" and there are many opportunities everywhere.
Then the rapture wears off, and after a dozen years of living in the country a person begins to be critical of Canada and more often notices the shortcomings. They have not been in their homeland for a long time and have a poor idea of how it lives, so they compare the current country of residence not with the previous one, but with some ideal state.
Also, it used to be better, because we were younger, more energetic, and happier. It's a scientifically proven fact: one is happiest when one is young, then the level of happiness gradually drops until the age of 50, and then increases again. That's why you will be as happy at 80 as you were at 12. And that's why Canadian retirees are very happy in their country.
But let's not get carried away with lyrical digressions. We have analyzed the opinions of immigrants in Canada who have lived there for a long time, and we tried to put together an objective analysis for you.
There are many more immigrants
Every year more and more immigrants come to the country, and the Ministry of Immigration and various local programs are gradually increasing the requirements for them. Now it is not enough to be young, know English, and have an in-demand profession — competitors can beat you in scores. Fortunately, there are now many more immigration programs, and you can easily move through another one if you don't pass through one.
The abundance of immigrants is bringing its own changes to Canadians — the country and its social climate are changing, with new ethnic communities and whole neighbourhoods emerging. Some people liked a more homogeneous Canada 20 years ago, while others are happy to see it become the new United States.
The prices of everything have gone up
Unfortunately, Canada has not been spared from global inflation. The cost of living in the country is gradually getting higher. Canadian prices used to be less stingy, housing and education were more affordable, and dental care was less costly.
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But there are positives: Canada's economy is also growing, unions are pushing for higher wages, and the quality of goods and services is improving. So Canada is not as badly affected by inflation as other countries. The standard of living here is still high, and there are opportunities for earning and development.
People's rights come first
Canada is now much more concerned with the protection of different groups, be they women, people with disabilities, LGBT, ethnic and religious minorities, or indigenous peoples. Some people do not like this tolerance: they are tired of events devoted to LGBT rights, feminism, or celebrations of racial diversity. They also miss free speech. But other people rejoice: now you can be held accountable for making harsh and caustic comments about other people, especially minorities. People can no longer tell you to go back to your country, or make fun of your appearance, culture, or language. Tolerance works both ways: you can't hurt other people, but they shouldn't hurt you either. Canada is generally kinder to newcomers, and racism and nationalism are considered bad language and a sign of poor education.
Environmental Protection
Canada is actively transitioning to a low-carbon economy, cutting emissions and raising taxes on environmentally harmful emissions. In 2016, Canada joined the Paris Climate Agreement, pledging to reduce its emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. In addition, Canada's provinces and territories are also taking their own measures to combat climate change, including switching to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, carbon taxes, and other measures. And Canada also protects animals and enacts laws that prohibit the torture, killing or keeping of wild animals at home.
Some Canadians are angry: gasoline and cars now cost more, you can't light fires, and you can't beat the evil racoons. Others in the country rejoice and rub their hands: now Europe will be flooded because of global warming, Mexico will become a red-hot frying pan, and Nunavut will turn into a warm Paradise where fruit trees will grow. They believe in the seriousness of the threat to nature and man, so they think that conservation measures are great, and that their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will thank them for them.
The economy has become innovative
Canada has managed to become the best country for startups. Toronto and Montreal now overtake London, Seoul and New York, local projects work with giants like Amazon or Meta, and the country earns billions of CAD from cutting-edge developments. You can still work as a farmer or a fisherman, but if you are interested in artificial intelligence, cybernetics in medicine or space exploration, you should live in Canada, the country is moving into the future by leaps and bounds.
Political leaders are not what they used to be
Trudeau is the most unlucky Canadian politician of the last couple of decades: he's not doing well. He gets caught up in a corruption scandal, he's found to have ties to China, or he just talks nonsense on camera in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic. Some Canadians just hate the hapless prime minister for his incompetence and stupid moves. Others give him credit: he's not the best politician, but he's not the worst possible.
King Charles, too, is less fortunate than his mother Elizabeth: Canadians don't like him even as a symbol. But his deputy, who is much more beloved in the country, asks to give him a chance — he might turn out to be a good leader.
If you have lived in Canada for a long time, share in the comments your observations about changes in this country. Which one is the most important to you?
