How to be a Canadian? I saw Michael Moore movie Sicko and I am convinced...?

Question

Do they discriminate against older workers there like they do in the U.S?....so that you can't get health insurance and raise the company premiums? Would you pay two sets of income taxes if U.S. dual citizenship? What about real estate or sales taxes there? I checked out http://www.hookacanuck.com that was mentioned in the movie, but apparently it is not completely finished yet...only tips on how to get american citizenship there...any other thoughts on this? I am about ready to run away from home...LOL...

Answer 1

I don't care if the taxes in Canada are high.

USA health insurance rates are too high... and plus
the companies may pay little of your hospital bills.

So which would you rather have?

High taxes in Canada with free medical, government pay all
of your hospital bills.

or

pay High Health Insurance rate every year but still have to pay 75% of the hospital bills.

Answer 2

To answer your questions in more or less order:
- Discrimination against older workers in terms of health care and benefits supplied by corporations is pretty much as it is in the US.
- You would NOT pay two sets of income tax, ever. This is because the taxation rate in Canada is MUCH higher than the US (typically, income tax levels for US max out at around 25 percent, while in Canada the number os closer to 55 percent). For the first six months (when you are a non-resident alien, in Canadian terms), you will be taxed at the Canadian rate and the proportion of your taxes due to the US will be paid by the Canadian government to the right barrel on the US side. You do NOT get a refund ... you still have to make up the difference for the Canada rate. After that, you will be paying taxes to Canada as a resident alien. You will be taxed on WORLDWIDE income, in its Canadian dollar value.
-Real estate and sales tax are applicable; there are no deductions on your income tax for paying these either. The Canadian system doesn't work that way. And yes, you're paying on WORLDWIDE income at the Canadian rate...

The basic requirements for citizenship are that you first enter the country (as a productive individual), spend your time showing that you mean to reside there permanently (and thereby obtain permanent resident status), and then proceed through the channels to obtain citizenship. The process isn't all that different than what is required to obtain US citizenship. The only major change is that from start to finish on the Canadian side takes about four years, while on the US side it takes anywhere from 6 to 12 years.

Answer 3

Lots of misinformation here, as is typical of any Canada vs. US thread.

The typical income tax rate is not 25% in the US, nor 55% in Canada (the highest federal tax bracket, added to the highest provincial tax bracket in the most expensive province would probably come close; however, this represents a very small minority of the population). It is commonly believed (including by Canadians) that taxes are way higher in Canada; however, it is difficult to conclude either way about this issue, as the systems are very different.

Health care in Canada truly is not perfect - the system needs adjustments, and cuts to services are being made. Despite this, it still consistently rates as one of the best in the world. We'll see what the future holds.

Just don't get too sold on anything stated in these threads, nor on what Mr. Moore has to say, for that matter. Do your own proper research if you're interested in moving to Canada.

One user's claim that Canada is 'always cold, even in summer' reveals an incredible deal of ignorance. Believe it or not, there isn't some magical weather-changing barrier at the 49th parralel. Though this is off-topic, www.theweathernetwork.com contains excellent info about weather (current and statistical) in Canada.

Please try to remain objective in your responses, as there are people trying to find reliable information here.

Answer 4

I would like to start by saying. Remember these very important sayings.
'Minds are like parachutes, they only function when they are open'. 'Donot judge a book by its cover.
There is always some truth to the potrail in a movie but not in its entirity. Secondly, donot make judgements predicated on some bias situation you have faced.
Life is a lot fairer if you have a positive outlook on life.
With reference to your comments / concerns about health insurance. Employers contribute to medical insurance in Canada they have a national healthcare.
In terms of taxes. You pay what has been established by the system from which you are earning.
In terms of standard of living. Well, Canada has always been higher since the early 80's. What does make the shifts are the vaues of currencies and econimical conditions.

Answer 5

I definately have a problem with the comment that Canada is always cold, even in the summer, I WISH this was true. I live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and for anyone that doesn't know, we are SOUTH of Detroit city. For the past 2 weeks we have had 90+ degree weather. I have been asked so many stupid questions when going to places in the US. For example, I visited California, and was asked by several people if we travelled by DOG SLED! It is amazing how ignorant some people are. Example #2 I went to Hawaii, and was asked if it snowed all year round... Some people just need to turn on the WORLDWIDE news station in their locale, and OPEN THEIR EYES AND LISTEN!!!! Instead of Ignoring REALITY, and substituting it with their own semi-retarded version of it. I have said my piece, and hope I haven't offended anyone, or made them mad. But if you are one of those ignorant people.... Then I URGE YOU to either actually pay attention to the weather reports, or NOT talk about things you don't know about.... Like the weather IN CANADA!!!!!

Answer 6

I'll admit upfront I'm not well versed in all the ins and outs of socialized health care, but it seems to me that medical care would be based on the government agencies opinion of your health situation. Such as, if a 70 year old man needs a heart transplant in the private system, he can get it. However, if that same man were in the socialized system, I feel they may pass him up to give it to someone younger (read more appropriate)

Answer 7

Canada has a higher cost of living that the US for the most part.

I have family that used to live on the Canadian Washington border and they would go to Canada for their dental care, apparently without insurance it is still cheaper there.

Answer 8

I havent seen sicko so i will refrain from comment, but while he does make a few good points, 'most' of his material that I 'have' seen is full of misquotes, misrepresentations, and edits to show things in a dramatic manner.

Its perfectly fine to question the system. whether that is politics or healthcare or whatever. It would be nice for him to do it more honestly though.

Yea that is a thought though. get a million or two americans to marry canadians and let Canada help pay for health care lol.


but yea the reality is that 'socialized' healtcare isnt the wonder system some make it out to be.

Answer 9

the problem is that you are uninformed and everything that moore says you believe ... I suggest you look at all of the reviews of his last movie .. and you will find it is mostly inaccurate and taking things out of context ... this is symptomatic of all his movies ... he has his own agenda and will lie and twist facts to suit his own needs....

the only way you can avoid this is to be very well informed and you will readily see how inaccurate he is and he does it intentionally .....

Answer 10

Canada sure...but what about France, not only do you get free health care, you get 5 weeks paid vacation and an extra week if you get married and you get unlimited paid sick time.

Sign me up!