[Persiana]

Lets face it, the majority of us both American & Canadian alike, share the mentality that "We live in the greatest country!"

And we also probably share a lot of the same reasons why we think we're the best country to live in. One thing I've always been curious about however, is why would people immigrate from one country to another, gain citizenship, etc if all they wanted was a change of scenery?

What does America have that Canada DOESN'T (Emphasis on "Doesn't" because I don't want to hear about "Free speech" and all that jazz, because we're far less censored than Americans are when it comes to Radio, Television, and almost every walk of public life)

What does Canada have, that American DOESN'T?

And what are the pros/cons of each? I'd say Canada has public healthcare for example, but is that really a pro or is that a con in some ways? Its a pro because people don't go bankrupt if they need surgery, but its also in some ways a con, because there are medical insurance companies in the US available for people to use, and the quality of healthcare that is provided is likely quite a bit higher (in my estimate) because the doctor's earn way more money & with more money, more modern facilities can be bought.

But this isn't just the Healthcare debate, this is for all things...

What are some of the differences between the two countries?

[Persiana]

I'll supply one...

Going back to Military for a second (but keeping in mind this isn't "in case of a war who would win" ...)

The US has a FAR superior Military.

HOWEVER

I have also heard from people who are IN the US Military, that Canada's military has far superior requirements & training, and that a very large portion of the US Military, likely wouldn't pass our requirements and/or training.

There's pros & cons to both of those I guess.

[Persiana]

Nah, I didn't really go off topic, the "not military" in the title is meant to indicate that this thread is not about "who would win, if we went to war against each other"

Should've made it clearer, sorry!

[Elvis]

Peut être que le Canada n'est pas bien équipé comparé au États unis. Mais en revange il suce bien

[Persiana]

nvm...

[Elvis]

It's only a joke don't read to much into it.

[hwacker]

Mr_Canada Mr_Canada:

And we have more Multi-Culture then the States.

Yeah ok, we just have alot of people that don't want to fit into our society. Thanks again PET.

[Hardy]

US: Lower taxes, particularly if you make over $100K a year.
US: Possibly better healthcare, but only if you are able to spend over $500/mo. for a family. You can get some coverage for as little as $300 a month, but it will be no better than what you have in Canada for free, and you can expect things like paying the first $500-$1500 per year out of pocket, and never more than 10 minutes at a time with your doctor. Without coverage, expect to pay $300 to see a doctor (with an appointment), $800-$2000 to visit the emergency room, and $50 for an average prescription.
US: warmer. Sometimes too damned hot. Beautiful beaches, but if you can afford to live near ones which aren't overly crowded, you probably can't find the time to go to them.
US: Better Mexican food. Period.
US: Cheaper gas, much cheaper tobacco and alcohol.
Canada: If you like the herb, overpriced alcohol doesn't seem so bad.
Canada: Generally speaking, a FAR more pleasant commute. Better, less congested roads, fewer horrible drivers.
Canada: streets are not thronging with aggressive panhandlers and the reek of their stale urine.
Canada: Most of BC is as beautiful as the US's best national parks, but less than 1/10 as crowded, and you don't have to pay $20 to get in.
Canada: Lower crime, particularly violent crime.
Canada: Cleaner. Compared to San Francisco, you could practically eat off of Vancouver's streets.

Politics: Draw your own conclusions.

[Persiana]

Hardy Hardy:

US: Lower taxes, particularly if you make over $100K a year.
US: Possibly better healthcare, but only if you are able to spend over $500/mo. for a family. You can get some coverage for as little as $300 a month, but it will be no better than what you have in Canada for free, and you can expect things like paying the first $500-$1500 per year out of pocket, and never more than 10 minutes at a time with your doctor. Without coverage, expect to pay $300 to see a doctor (with an appointment), $800-$2000 to visit the emergency room, and $50 for an average prescription.
US: warmer. Sometimes too damned hot. Beautiful beaches, but if you can afford to live near ones which aren't overly crowded, you probably can't find the time to go to them.
US: Better Mexican food. Period.
US: Cheaper gas, much cheaper tobacco and alcohol.
Canada: If you like the herb, overpriced alcohol doesn't seem so bad.
Canada: Generally speaking, a FAR more pleasant commute. Better, less congested roads, fewer horrible drivers.
Canada: streets are not thronging with aggressive panhandlers and the reek of their stale urine.
Canada: Most of BC is as beautiful as the US's best national parks, but less than 1/10 as crowded, and you don't have to pay $20 to get in.
Canada: Lower crime, particularly violent crime.
Canada: Cleaner. Compared to San Francisco, you could practically eat off of Vancouver's streets.

Politics: Draw your own conclusions.

So what you save in taxes, you lose in healthcare. Sounds like it about evens itself out, maybe?

Weather wise, I suppose that depends on where abouts you're speaking of. The West coast of Canada, has far warmer winters than inland US. The prairies have far hotter summers than the coastal ones (thank god) and also more severe winters... I do concede that Arizona & Texas and places like that get warmer than Canada, (at least warmer than the west coast) but I know that our summers can get at times, hotter than California (just not all the time)

Can't argue the mexican food, but is that all over the US or just mostly centralized to the states which are along the mexican border? As far as fast food mexican food goes, Taco Time kicks Taco Bell's arse majorly.

I'm not entirely sure about the 'fewer horrible drivers' up here in Canada, although I suppose due to quantity, its possible.

Very cool, thanks for the serious reply!

[wildrosegirl]

[font=Arial] [/font]
In a nutshell - WE HAVE:oil, we have natural gas, we have water, we have lumber, we have coal, we have fish, we have plenty of space and clean air (Vancouver aside). THEY HAVE: a really good military

Conclusion? We win!

[Mr_Canada old]

If there was a river running through the centre of town, it would still be clean enough to drink straight from it in Canada....

Sorry, I couldn't resist,

[ESF-12]

we have multy coloured money :p

[HyperionTheEvil]

Frankly i've never seen a topic like this that didnt end in parties agreeing to disagree. There was a time when i would go to some of my US based forum boards and go on and on about how the US should be doing things.

I finally got it, that just because something works up here doesn't mean it will work in the US.

Im not saying that im not proud of my country, I am very much so. But bringing this kind up of thing just creates friction and serves no purpose other than to create even more animosity than there is now after years of liberal rule. I admire the US , when i visit there it stuns me that a people could created a nation like that there in only 200 hundred years. Americans are as compaasionate and friendly as Canadians and thier culture is as deep and varied as anyones.

I wouldnt change a thing about the US. They've been a good friend and ally now for decades. Who are we Canadians to be so smug to be pissing in their backyard

[ManifestDestiny]

these are all way to broad statements and it really depends on where you live in either of the countries.

Staing less congestion or traffic in Canada, you should talk to the people who live in the GTA and have to travel the 401 every day. Or have to take the 400 north and south per day I am sure they would disagree.

And what does more multi cult. mean? how could you even seriously say that The USA is much more diverse than Canada is.

I could go on and on but this all boils down to the age old arguiment that my sneakers run faster then yours.

[Firecat]

Canada exhibits humility.