You can use any term in a derogatory fashion, but “Boat People” in the late 1970s was the accepted term for Indochinese refugees throughout North America and maybe parts beyond. It wasn’t an obscure term; it was used as a descriptor in many newspaper and magazine articles, TV reports, and the like. It was a huge human welfare problem and very prominent in the news, where “Boat People” was used with no intent of being derogatory.
I spent a semester abroad in Quebec and although that’s hardly long enough time to tell you about moving there, I did form opinions about the food and drink.
Canadian food is blander than in the US, but fine. Beer was very good quality. The baguettes I would buy at the Steinberg’s were highly tasty.
But the tea and chocolate were uncannily good! Granted, they don’t make the tea for you, but still, mighty good.
And I can get Heinz Beans in the blue can in Ohio, so I wouldn’t worry too much.
Well it’s more of a lifestyle choice than a decision forced upon us.
The UK is overcrowded and expensive to live in, add in the current economic climate and the general low morale of the country, rising crime etc and we just want a safer nicer environment to bring up the kids in.
Canada, as part of the commonwealth, seems to have everything we need, not to mention the fact that it’s a beautifiul place from what I’ve seen of it.
I’ve been to the States and to be honest wouldn’t want to live there. My wife prefers not to learn another language so our available choices are Canada, NZ, Oz.
Both my wife and I have elderly parents, so if we do emmigrate then we need to be close enough to get back quickly in the event of anything happening to them, so that sort of discounts NZ and Oz (although we have considered NZ and it is still a potential candidate should we not get into Canada).
I’ve got about a year to go to complete my PhD (hopefully), so now is an ideal time to start the process as it can take some time. We are hardworking and will happily assimilate into the community, we just wanted to make sure that we could get the things we regard as essential commodities, which it sounds like we can.
Of course we will arrange a visit nearer to the time, once we have investigated job options and locations. We have friends in BC, but are happy to live in a neighbouring province.
Thanks for all the responses, I feel really positive about this whole idea now.
And just wait until World Cup Soccer (football) season when you have entire communities dancing in the streets draped in the flags of their nations.
…and driving down the street with their nation’s flag waving, especially if their team wins a game, then there’s plenty of honking and hooting and hollering. Where I am (southern Ontario) it’s usually Italy, Portugal or Brazil you see the most flags for. I haven’t been around for any of those teams to win the cup, but I can imagine that if one of them does – especially the former two – the streets (especially in downtown Toronto) will be filled to bursting with fans partying, probably at least as much like 92-93 back-to-back World Series wins by the Jays.
Definitely arrange to come ahead of time and look into locations. Some areas, such as the big cities, are quite expensive; and depending on how much you bring and your job prospects, you’ll have to budget carefully to live there. Other areas are much less expensive, and can be quite nice; but they won’t have all that a major city can offer.
Still, on your visit to scope out the country, see if you can visit a variety of places, from big cities to small towns, in a few provinces. You’ll get an idea of what’s possible then; and you’ll have an idea of what’s where.
FWIW, I’ll toss out this anecdote. A local friend is an expat Brit, and last fall, he had to return to the UK quite suddenly to look after his elderly father’s affairs. He managed–yes, we’re a small city in the middle of the Alberta prairie, but Calgary is only two hours away by car or half-an-hour by air, and direct flights to the UK leave Calgary daily. He got to the UK on time. Not saying that you should move here (unless you want to), but if a smaller place strikes your fancy, don’t automatically discount it because of your wish to move to a place where you can get back to the UK quickly. You might be closer to an international airport with transatlantic flights than you think.
The only one of your statements that sounds even remotely possible is the one about tea.
I say this becuase some good friends of mine - ex-pats from the UK (she’s English, he’s Scotish) do grouse about the tea. Specifically, he says that when served in shops/cafeterias, etc, the water is never hot enough. I have to say, I’ve noticed the same thing in some places but not others - I’ve ordered tea and had the water barely luke warm. However, that’s certainly not the default - generally the tea is very good, and pretty similar to the tea I’ve had in the UK when I’ve been there. I believe that Red Rose still has the words ‘By Appointment of the Queen’ or some such on the box.
I don’t think Canadian food is blander than US American food - maybe if you’re from New Mexico or someplace that uses jalapeno peppers in every dish. We’ve travelled across a good portion of the US, and the food was virtually the same (except the portions got really, really big in some places). Anyway, let us know if you visit Calgary, Walker - we’ll take you and your wife out for some local beer (Big Rock) - good stuff. 
That might be a good idea actually. Walker, on your trip to check out various places, you might want to see if you can connect with some local Dopers. As you might expect, you can get the inside story on a place from talking with regular local folks who can volunteer things you might not even think to ask, were you to visit on your own.
Thank you all for your assistance and kind comments. I will certainly let you know if and when we are visiting Canada.
Hopefully I can meet up with a few of you in person.
Well come on over! Just one example of canuck friendliness, We throw a neighborhood Stampede BBQ every year in which every house on our crescent gets a hand delivered invite. Usually get 60 people, kids all over, lots of fun… For you out of towners Stampede BBQ means beef and beer. Lots of beer!
Google Calgary Stampede.
'nother invite if you make it over. You have to visit Ottawa at some point - let us know when and we’ll go for a cruise on the Rideau!
das Glas
Walker in Eternity, I apologize in advance if I give unintended offense, but are you sure emigrating is the right thing for you and your spouse?
You seem a little naive about the implications of immigrating to a new country if your biggest concerns are being able to procure the “essential commodities” (such as beans and tea). I realize people get attached to foods they grow up with, but it makes me wonder if you have the flexibility to adapt to other aspects of a new country (whether Canada or another Commonwealth country). That is not meant as an insult - some people are highly adaptable and find it easy to change their routines and lifestyles, while others like things stable and similar. Being one way or the other does not make a person good or bad - but it is important to really know your disposition before embarking on a major life change such as this.
Also, it sounds as if your major motivation is a “push” away from England rather than a “pull” to Canada. Most people who emigrate have a combination of both factors, but it helps if the pull is stronger than the push. “I want to get away from England and Canada seems OK…” is not necessarily a recipe for success.
Anyway, I do not mean to be unduly negative on your plans - I am just trying to provide an alternate perspective on what is a major decision for your family. Whatever you decide, I do wish you the best of luck.
As opposed to the class system in the UK? No, not so much. You get racists everywhere, but Canada is pretty tame compared to most places.
Tea, yuck. In any case, there is this thing called the ‘internet’ where you can purchase most things not available locally and have it delivered directly to your door.
Double yuck.
Come to Calgary and go to Simple Simon Pies. I’ve had British cooking. These are actually good.
I’m sure some things are better in (insert place of choice). But it wasn’t enough to keep you there as you’re here now.
I worked with a guy who used to go on about how much better it was in England. After a while it got pretty old. I finally told him I’d buy him a one way ticket back to this paradise if he’d just shut up until he got on the plane. He’s still here. Some people are just that way about things. BTW, I’ve been to the UK and think it is a great place, too. I just don’t want to hear continually about how much of a BETTER place it is from someone who doesn’t want to live there anymore and legally can.