Lots of Americans fled the US during the Viet Nam conflict for very valid reasons. I stayed and served my two year enlistment but it was a very open option that was only open to those who couldn't find a Doctor to get them 4 F'd for Bone Spurs, or a continuation onto a University that enabled them to pursue endless fields of study. You don't need to renew worry about renewing your passport to go and find out information from the Canadian Government who will and are very knowledgeable about your concerns and the options you are facing. Pack and bag and get on board the cheapest form of travel.

@iamjc Last I checked it was $250K, but that ws after George W. Bush was elected. Haven't checked recently.

@atheist Canadians have high standards in order to eligible for immigration or permanent residence. This is in part due to the U.S. not having socialized medicine, as they dont' want a glood of people with huge health problems.

You have to have significant savings or else at least have employment in an eligible category. I think I also read that if you want immediate health benefits you have to buy in to the system.

@atheist Yes, there are many subtle cultural differences. Bangers and mash for breakfast. Thanksgiving comes before Halloween. Boxing Day. Curling is a sport !?! Saskatoon Berry Tarts!! It's fun to discover these differences. I visit when I can.

@atheist Yes, they are different. The social benefits are a big deal. People are a little kinder, more willing to share at a societal level, the arts are supported and people think that is ok, and it is more secure. No one in Canada is worried they will go bankrupt if they get sick. At least in BC, seniors can defer property tax until the house is sold by them or the estate so people who bought houses in Vancouver 40 years ago aren't forced to move as they cannot afford the tax. Lots of little things make a big difference.

@atheist re: Saskatoon berries aka June berries or sarvice berries ..... Though I like your definition too!!

@atheist Same way West coast Americans are cooler than East coast or the vast nothingness in between... Sorry Manitoban... You're still better than flyover USA.

And this is a gross generalization, obviously there are many exceptions.

@atheist My very first impression of Canadians was shaped reading by a music critic's comment, in the New Rolling Stone Record Guide, that has stuck with me to this day, about the group Triumph's albums:"Docked one star each for plotting world domination from Canada; I mean, at least if these guys were German, they might even be a little frightening instead of quite laughable." Then there was Bob & Doug McKenzie, and also the 'aboot' style accent. But I've now moved way beyond that.

@atheist I really don't know, but it happened on most trips over a 10 year period. Though my son met a girl from Atlanta up there, they stayed in touch and finally he went over to visit her, then later she came here. However she was a student here for a few years rather than a backpacker. I mean, seriously, despite their British connections, Canadians still drive on the wrong side of the road. I did find these backpacking expeditions so amusing though. The British guys would drink all night and be too sick to sail, so their ladies would come without them, the Germans would drink as much, yet the guys would still come for a sail, they were just very green in colour. The Chinese and Japanese would would book to go snorkeling and diving, yet arrive with no experience or qualifications and most could not swim so were unable to do much of anything. The older southern Europeans somehow thought they would be able to magically experience the coral without getting wet. Just generalizations of course and the atmosphere was always jovial and friendly.

@atheist I agree, and it is weird, I have never been overseas. Backpacking is great and prior to that I have made so many very close friends from the Pacific Islands. Such friendly people, we are like family when together.

So grateful for the comedy and humor. Thank you Canucks! Eh!

And their desire to gain independence pops up now and then.

Looney and all.

@atheist why, thank you! ?

Well as Canadian - guys we look at you funny too lol.
And as Russian who moved to Canada in 2004 - there is a lot of small tiny differences that made me choose Canada over US. And I would do it again.
Most Canadian joke - One day Canada will rule the world, and everybody will sorry!
Really polite country indeed?. If you exclude Montreal lol.