CanChick

I am from Canada and moved over here in the fall of 2006 - some say I'm backwards! I am from the middle of Canada where the summers are warm (up to 35 in July, even hotter with the humidex) and cold in the winter (where it can get as low as -45 with the wind chill). I have been to every province except for Newfoundland (on my to do list) and each area of the country has it's beauty and charm. Even Winnipeg has it's beauty at -40 degrees when the trees are full of frost and the sun is beaming down. Alberta with its oil has had a booming business now for years. They are the only province in Canada that has no debt and has no provincial tax - they do have the national tax which is called the GST which tacks on 6% at the till. Not sure about their health care - some provinces do charge a monthly fee and if my memory is correct, Alberta may be one of the provinces that was looking into user fees. My sister was looking at moving to Edmonton - a beautiful city, but she found it is really expensive because of all the "extras" that are added on such as education and health, so you may want to check that out too. Housing is also something to consider - because of the boom, there was a huge issue with people moving to Alberta and not having a place to stay. I remember a segment on CBC about people living is caravans (or trailers as we call them) for short term housing and they were packed with people and charged a fortune. Canada is a great place - and one day I may take my husband there and move back since he fell in love with it too. But it isn't the haven that everyone thinks it is. Politics can be frustrating - Alberta is VERY conservative and sometimes scary because they resemble the politics from the very south of the US. Alberta is a "have" province (versus "have not) so they don't get a lot of funding from the federal government and sometimes feel isolated from Ottawa. Just a few things to consider. If you have a visa, great. Otherwise, it may be difficult to get one, unless you can get a potential employer to help you get one. But if you do go, remember it takes about 10 days to drive from coast to coast. It is a HUGE country (one of the reasons why I moved over here - travelling is easier). For me to travel back home for a visit, it takes about 24 hours from door to door. The people are very nice - that I have to say (and not just because I'm one of them) Good luck with your decision....I do know it's not easy to pick up and move to another country.

I made a will just before I moved to the UK just to make sure I had all my affairs in order. However, I do need to update it since my situation has changed and want to keep things clean. Not sure how it works here but if you pass away in Canada without a will, it can be very messy!!! I don't want any hassles for my loved ones.....

I think it is honourable of anyone to either donate their time or money, or for that matter both. My entire career, up until recently, has been in the charity sector and if it wasn't for donors of all kind, our ability to deliver our mission statement would be non-existent. I, for one, have donated time and money but I prefer to remain behind the scenes. A big "well done" to everyone who has done even the smallest thing to help others.

Finally! Maybe other sports will follow suit.

Just be careful when signing a lease. I have both owned and leased cars and it was definitely cheaper to lease in the long run ... BUT ... when I sold up to move to the UK, I still had a few years on my lease left and I was unable to find anyone that would be willing to take over my lease. Fortunately for me I had leased a Honda that maintained a value, unlike other models but in the end it cost me a bit of cash to hand the car back to them. I'm not sure of leasing agreements here but know what you would have to pay out should you run into financial difficulties or (like me) needed to get out of the lease. I would lease again, but for me I would consider purchasing first. There are definitely bonuses to leasing, but if you are hard on your vehicles or have a sudden change in life plans, then it could cost you dearly.

Going back to Canada for a few weeks in June, the odd weekend in London and Dublin. Central Canada is gorgeous that time of year!

After I moved to this country, I was flabergasted to see some how the UK doesn't respect our planet (and sadly that now includes me). I came from a country that could respect its natural resources at bit better, but I am shocked at how far the UK is behind Canada. Not only should we leave our car at home but we need to recycle and composte more. However, our governments don't necessarily make it that easy. Recycling programs and public transport could definitely be improved. In Northern Ireland, there will be a charge for water and water meters installed for those who want them. As much as this has created some controversy (even in my own household), I applaud the change. Every single one of us should be held responsible for our actions and we all should treat the earth with more respect. We continue to blame the likes of the US and China (which I agree with by the way), but we also need to look at ourselves to see if there is anything we as individuals can do to help sustain our natural resources and make this a better place to live. I use to have a car in Canada; I'm not sure if I will get one here. Sure, I got caught in the rain yesterday on my way to the shops, but it certainly wasn't the end of the world. I'm not quite sure when that well be though......

A philanthropist .......

Currently in my wallet, I have notes from the Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and The Northern Bank, with a pile of coin. I also came over with notes from Scotland. As long as I can spend them, it's all good! Sure is different than Canadian currency...

Sounds like you and the little pescados (will use my spanish since my greek is non-existent) are having a lovely time. Have a relaxing and awesome holiday! From hot and sunny central Canada......

Cuz I Can....by Pink

Canada is also in Afganistan....in fact one of our lads came home just today in a casket - another one out of many we have already lost. A good friend, who is in the British Infantry is waiting to hear whether he will be deployed as well....I am so fearful for him and his 2 kids.... But saying all of that, as much as I am against why we are there, we MUST support our troops. Let's not make this a "Vietnam" and do what the American government and the right wing conservatives did - let's support them now AND when they come home.

Governments don't organize Olympics....Committees do. Yes, LOCOG will receive government funding (and so they should), but most of the revenue generated that is needed comes from other sources such as sponsorship, ticket sales, merchandizing and such. Any profits left over.....and there usually is (since 1976 since the Montreal fiasco) is usually split between the different levels of government, flowing back to support what ever is needed.

I just resigned from my position yesterday - it does feel good because the pressure if off but I guess it really depends on why you are leaving and how you handle it (I think). I have given them 2 1/2 months notice which they were very grateful for. I don't believe in "burning bridges" (not sure if you use that term there).

Here here LisaO - I have worked a similar Games here in Canada in 1999 for the Americas (just as large as the Summer Olympics....more sports) and the spin off was huge! We had copious amounts of negativity in our fair city as well but during Games time was one of the most exciting and vibrant times since I have lived here (20 years now). As a true sport fanatic and someone who has seen first hand the benefit and legacy that sport can offer, I applaud London for taking the challenge. Sure, it is always risky going into any venuture of that magnitude. But come on people, start looking outside that box for a change....and you may be pleasantly surprised! Challenge yourself...I know you can do it!