Look Out Canada, Here We Come!

[Ken H.]

 

Well it’s official, after something around a year of paperwork, applications, appeals and more paperwork, I’m putting my walking feet where my mouth is. I (Ken) have finally been approved to immigrate to Canada. On Saturday I received my one-time immigration visa and have to ‘land,’ that is, ‘dip my toe’ in Canada by Sept 6th. A 90-day extension from the original 1-year application period which originally was to end June 5th. In which case I would then had to start over. Which would have been a real bummer.

 

I tell you, it’s quite a process. Just one of a multitude of examples – Try to sit down sometime and list every address and phone number you have ever had, including dates. Easy for some who have more or less stayed put I suppose, but for me (I’ve moved a lot over the decades); it was a real trick. And importing vehicles, OMGAD what a mess that is. Just why does the US Gov't care that we are exporting them!?!

 

Donna is of course doing cartwheels in the living room. (For those of you who don’t know, she is Canadian, having lived in the USA for about six years.) It’s hard to come up with enough words to describe how much she has disliked living here. And on most things I have come to agree. The States is just no place to be in the future IMHO, and most certainly no place to grow old. I don’t know what would have happened to us as a couple had I not been approved, but I have a pretty good guess. I'm sure I'll get flamed some for this, but I can take it.

 

Probably will put a bit of a crimp in my year-round riding routine though! (Do they make studed tires for the GS? Are Gerbings good to -30C? And just how do you pronounce "Ski-doo"?) We still plan on making the UNRally, likely either on the way up or the way back from a house/apartment & (maybe) job hunting trip. Followed by a return to KC to finish packing, shipping, etc.

 

I’ve given my 1-month notice at work. Neither of us has any jobs lined up in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan yet, we’re just going to call it an “adventure” and go for broke! I’ve heard Calgary has nice bridges to live under.

 

All hints/tips/suggestions welcome. Especially (but not exclusively of course) from the north of the border members/friends here.

 

Wish us luck!

 

[David]

If you're going to live in Calgary, it likely will be under a bridge. All the major cities in Alberta (that would be two ) are going through significant real estate inflation.

 

I hope you enjoy it. And I'm sorry for your perspective on the US. I love Canada a whole lot, and admire it greatly, but I don't think it's nirvana.

 

Maybe you'll consider that a big chunk of what's great about Canada is the fact that the US is their neighbor. If that were not the case, it would be an entirely different country.

[Ken H.]

but I don't think it's nirvana.

Neither do I actually. But I do think they are doing a lot of things right that the USA is doing wrong. Not nirvana (nothing is) but a bit closer maybe.

 

Maybe you'll consider that a big chunk of what's great about Canada is the fact that the US is their neighbor. If that were not the case, it would be an entirely different country.

Could be, but it is, so things are as they are.

 

Anyway, I'm waaay overdue for a change, time to shake things up a bit!

[Paul_Burkett]

A person needs to follow their heart and if the grass truely is greener or a flavor that is more enjoyed, then that is the course that needs to be taken. Canada is a big wonderful place to live and you and Donna will do well. I wish for you only the best of all things.

[SeanC]

It’s hard to come up with enough words to describe how much she has disliked living here.

Well duh! You took her from BC to Kansas... Does anyone have enough words to describe how much they dislike living in Kansas? What were you thinking??? You could have tried California, you know... We're a socialist state too. And unlike Kansas, the weather's pleasant and there's stuff to look at and things to do here.

 

Anyway, since Canada's it, have you considered Kamloops? I've always thought it a cool town. Lakes and mountains nearby, decent riding, not crowded, nice people, etc. No idea what the job market/economy is like.

 

Best of luck to you both, eh.

[tonyla]

I'm curious why your wife dislike the US? I give you credit and wish you well on your Adventure. People don't realize you only get one shot at this life thing so I say Good for you.

[Matts_12GS]

As my momma used to say...

 

"Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya."

 

I'm sure being a new Canadian you'll be in Florida before long choking the roads and wearing speedos in January. I think it's some sort of Canadian law to do so...

[PRC]

I'm curious, please forgive me as I'm not passing judgment on you, but what happened to cause you to so dislike this country??? If you are a US citizen (I don't know if you are or are not) are you going to become a Canadian citizen? I have family in Toronto and in the NW territories, thus no problems with Canada or her citizens.

 

 

[lawnchairboy]

good luck.

[Big_Gray]

Glad to have you and Donna up here Ken. I have always seen strong technical savy and good common sense in your postings.

 

Don't worry about the job thing. Alberta economy is booming now and if you have a pulse ...and a work visa, you won't have any trouble.

 

Kansas' loss, our gain. Winter is not that bad here and most of us get used to it in 15-20 years.

 

If you get interested in Edmonton and there is any legwork I can do for you, drop me a line.

[Urban Surfer]

Come to B.C there are Lot's of jobs here. The scenery is the best in Canada. maybe North America. Endless twisties to ride.

If you decide in this direction, send me a message, I'll see what I can do to help. The very least I can show you some great motorcycle adventures.

[Les is more]

Best of everything with the continuing adventure. I'm happy that you're able to take this on together!

[motoguy128]

I always had good expereinces traveling in Canada and in hte place I went found it very laid back and relaxed much like most smaller towns in the midwest. I owe my last name to my paternal great-grandfather that immigrated from Quebec.

 

I met some nice folks from Calgary while vacationing in Hawaii. (There were a lot of Canadians vacationing there in Feb... not suprising). They said hte oil industry was really booming and having a big impact on that regions economy. He worked at an oil refinery I think.

 

Best of luck. Change is often a great thing. I gined a lot of expereince and learned quote a bit abotu myself and what I wanted in every place I've lived over the years. I don't think it's always best to stay in one place for too long.

 

Fortunately the internet makes the world a small place and there's always friendly people where ever you go.

[ESokoloff]

About opposite from what Jimmy thought but hey, best of luck to you both eh?

[Whip]

Hey Ken

 

I've loved all my visits to Canada. If I could find the right gig....who knows, we could end up neighbors.

 

I wish ya both the best.

 

Be careful in Alberta.......they like our government(country) better than there's.

 

 

 

Whip

 

 

[Bud]

Best of luck to both of you. A real privilege to have met you both and I look forward to your reports from the Great White North.

 

No explanation needed when you are following your heart.

 

Please keep us updated.

 

PS Don't encourage Whip.

[SageRider]

Ken and Donna,

Best of wishes for both of you to find what you are looking for!

Good luck!

[Francois_Dumas]

Since Nina and I are trying to get something similar done, i.e. leave a country and find a new home, I can sympathize with you and wish you all the best !!!

 

WE don't like many things in the country we live in now... and I am sure there'll be many things we don't like in our new country (whichever one that's going to be).

 

The ONE thing I always like to stress is that 'our' dislike is with certain situations, sometimes rules, and often government practices... but has NOTHING to do with the PEOPLE.

 

There are nice and good people everywhere (and bad apples aplenty too), so that is not a reason to swap places.

 

I must admit that it does always surprise me how 'defensive' many people are when talks move to 'not liking things' in a country. I guess it is because they agree but happen NOT to have a solution themselves (i.e. move - and if that's a solution - ) that makes some 'grumpy' and nationalistic. I nowadays tend to ignore such sentiments and remain friends with friends ... each to his own.

[RichEdwards]

I look forward to your posts when you get to experience Canadian residency first hand. And I'm with Sean on Kansas. I spent three years touring the U.S. when I retired. Stayed for three months in California, two days in Kansas. I can understand your wife's opinion of the U.S. Here in the sunshine state, we have to endure the opinion of visitors who think Orlando is what Florida is all about.

[BFish]

i admire your candor and assume your marriage is strong. while i cringe at your obvious disgust with the USA, good luck wishes are in order.

[tallman]

So,we're not in Kansas anymore, eh?

So you'll be doing Ride Smart classes, eh?

Don't worry aboot the riding season, it'll be over before you know it, eh.

Do they make engine block heaters for motorcycles, eh?

 

We emjoyed our many visits to Canada, and met some wonderful people.

I could consider living there, part time, as the winters are a bit much for me.

I think David has the right idea.

Canada can be a wonderul place, moatly becasue it enjoys a great relationship with the USA. (Are we still the biggest trading partner for each other?)

Look forward to lots of visitors in the summer.

Best wishes for a great experience.

Oh, and +3 on the whole Kansas thing.

[Joel]

Ken and Donna,

Best of wishes for both of you to find what you are looking for!

Good luck!

 

Well put, and ditto from me.

[Chris K]

Ken & Donna, best of luck to both of you on your adventure. I look forward to seeing you in John Day.

[Bob Palin]

Hey Ken

 

I've loved all my visits to Canada. If I could find the right gig....who knows, we could end up neighbors.

 

I wish ya both the best.

Whip

 

I'm keeping this post - Mr Fox News might move to Canada!

[Francois_Dumas]

Hey Ken

 

I've loved all my visits to Canada. If I could find the right gig....who knows, we could end up neighbors.

 

I wish ya both the best.

Whip

 

I'm keeping this post - Mr Fox News might move to Canada!

 

ROFL !!

[Marty Hill]

Ken and Donna,

 

Best of everything to both of you.

[Whip]

Hey Ken

 

I've loved all my visits to Canada. If I could find the right gig....who knows, we could end up neighbors.

 

I wish ya both the best.

Whip

 

I'm keeping this post - Mr Fox News might move to Canada!

 

ROFL !!

 

 

You left out the last line........Alberta

 

 

 

[Bob Palin]

You left out the last line........Alberta

That's an inconvenient truth...

[Hermes]

Congrat's Ken and Donna.

I hope, make that I know, you will be succesful. Just remember though, although Canada is a different country, it's not all what it's cracked up to be, or how it likes to be seen by the global community.

Warts and all, a good choice and if it makes Donna happy.... hey!

Jurgen

[Husker Red]

I'm happy for you Ken. I hope you enjoy it there. Maybe you can sell the motorcycle and buy a deep-v fishing boat and spend your free time chasing Northerns!

 

(Not me in the picture, but that's what I'd be doing in Canada!)

 

Edit - I removed picture because it was too big and screwing up the margins.

[azkaisr]

Hey Ken

 

I've loved all my visits to Canada. If I could find the right gig....who knows, we could end up neighbors.

 

I wish ya both the best.

Whip

 

I'm keeping this post - Mr Fox News might move to Canada!

 

Can you think of a better place to have him post revolution Killer?

 

Kaisr

[Matts_12GS]

Hey Ken

 

I've loved all my visits to Canada. If I could find the right gig....who knows, we could end up neighbors.

 

I wish ya both the best.

Whip

 

I'm keeping this post - Mr Fox News might move to Canada!

 

Can you think of a better place to have him post revolution Killer?

 

Kaisr

 

Providing the Northern Watch?

WHIPRAD?

[Firefight911]

So, looks like the next UN will be in Canada!!!!!

 

Sorry Killer, we know how the border crossing views you!!

 

Good luck in your new endeavors up in the Great White North, eh!

 

 

[MNCruiser]

I lived in Canada (Sudbury, Ottawa and Toronto) for the first 47 years of my life, and moved to the US 4 years ago via job transfer...and am now a permanent US resident (green card). By the way, getting one of those isn't exactly a walk in the park either! There are good and bad, things to like and things to dislike about both countries. I was happy to live there, and am now happy to live here. Its what you make of it that matters.

 

Canada has, in my opinion a very bright future, if the governments don't mess it up. The primary reasons...oil...fresh water...democracy...its neighbor to the south. Canada has more oil and water than any other country in the world. Oil is making it a wealthy country today, and the water will propel it to even greater heights once that commodity reachs critical levels in the rest of the world.

 

Everyone likes to bring up health care when talking about Canada. Canadian health care is NOT free. You only pay for it in a different way. If you are going to live under a bridge, then Canada is the place to be...the health care system will take care of you. However, if you have a decent job and decent health insurance, you will get far better care in the US.

 

Lots of other comparisons to be made between the two...some favor the US, some favor Canada. Either one beats most other alternatives.

 

Good luck Ken and Donna. Like one of the other posters said, you should not have a problem finding a job especially in the three western most provinces. But be prepared for your bike insurance to triple in cost.

 

 

 

[SANTA]

glad the cats out of the bag.. so to speak...

 

 

life is an adventure, and moving to canada is not the end of life, i would be willing to guess that at some future date, you will move back the other way....

 

i would lve to move to the states for a while, that doesn't mean i dislike canada, just that i love adventure, so welcome more to follow

 

 

[wolcott]

Best of luck to you and your wife Ken. Canada is a nice place to live; however, you will have to get used to the cold. You will have to get a dirt bike and have a set of knobbies set up with the metal screws so that you can go screaming across the ice. Also, a ski-doo, a boat, a canoe, a 4-wheel drive...

Oh, I almost forgot-Counter-Assault bear spray- good for everything from grizzlies to mountain lions to moose!

[Ken H.]

I'm curious why your wife dislike the US?

Sent you a PM.

[Ken H.]

It’s hard to come up with enough words to describe how much she has disliked living here.

Well duh! You took her from BC to Kansas... Does anyone have enough words to describe how much they dislike living in Kansas? What were you thinking???

 

Well she came to Kansas because that's where I was at the time, but that's really only a small part of it. Sent you a PM.

[Ken H.]

I'm curious, please forgive me as I'm not passing judgment on you, but what happened to cause you to so dislike this country???

Sent you a PM.

 

If you are a US citizen (I don't know if you are or are not) are you going to become a Canadian citizen?

I am a US citizen, and after establishing legal residency in Canada there is a minimum waiting period of three years before one can apply for Canadian citizenship. I can then continue to hold both, which has some advantages and some disadvantages.

 

[Ken H.]

am now a permanent US resident (green card). By the way, getting one of those isn't exactly a walk in the park either!

Believe me, we know, Donna went through it all when coming south six years ago!

[Dick]

Fare Thee Well.

[Lester V]

Ken and Donna,

 

Congrats, you finally did it!

 

Any chance the 'telus' job you went for earlier in Calgary will come up again?

 

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Check out real estate, job markets etc.

 

Hey, maybe you could land a job as a mechanic at the BMW shop in Kelowna.

 

Cheers and see you at the UN.

[Paul Mihalka]

Ken, all the best on the move and the future. I think I understand your reasons.

Any chance to move to the Vancouver area? It's the only part with a year round mild climate, but in spring/summer/fall the mountains are close by for motorcycle riding and in winter for any winter sport.

[bakerzdosen]

Man, they start blocking your internet at work and you leave the country??? Now THAT's dedication to the board.

 

While I don't agree with your reasons, I wish you two well. Like Michael said, I hope you find what you seek.

 

Let us know if you find the Flying Spaghetti Monster up there and you really do become a Pastafarian.

[SeanC]

I am a US citizen, and after establishing legal residency in Canada there is a minimum waiting period of three years before one can apply for Canadian citizenship. I can then continue to hold both, which has some advantages and some disadvantages.

But just so we're clear, you'll be outta here before Nov. 4, correct? (It's all going according to plan.... one down, a few hundred thousand to go. )

 

 

Just kidding, dude. I sincerely wish you all the best.

[Dave McReynolds]

But just so we're clear, you'll be outta here before Nov. 4, correct? (It's all going according to plan.... one down, a few hundred thousand to go. )

 

Ha! You wish it were only a few hundred thousand!

[bmwscoot]

WOW!

Ken and Donna, best of luck to you two.

Ken, you and I tend to agree most times when PM'ing or on the board about some situations we face here in the U.S.

I admire your resolve to try and put Donna and yourself in a more comfortable surrounding morally/politically for your future.

I am sure Donna will be so comfortable 'back home' again as well.

Best wishes to both of you from Barb and me!

 

btw...mellow pipes aren't THAT bad!

[SeanC]

But just so we're clear, you'll be outta here before Nov. 4, correct? (It's all going according to plan.... one down, a few hundred thousand to go. )

 

Ha! You wish it were only a few hundred thousand!

We gotta keep some of them around... if only for entertainment value.

 

 

 

Still just kidding....

[Matts_12GS]

Ha! You wish it were only a few hundred thousand!

We gotta keep some of them around... if only for entertainment value.

 

Yeah, the matinee at the museum of failed political idealogies is a scream!

 

Oh, I'm kidding too...

 

Honest.

 

 

No, I mean it, I'm kidding.

 

 

 

About the museum part

[Twisties]

Congratulations!

 

We looked at Canada too. We were too old/not enough points to qualify.

 

Right now my company is looking to hire for the Athabasca Tar Sands. It's a major staffing up. Will be based in Calgary. I might be able to swing a referral bonus if they like you.

 

Search "Canada" on the country drop down HERE

 

If you want to apply for something, do me a favor and let me refer you instead.

 

Best wishes on everything! A very scary and exciting venture, but you will do well.

 

Jan