Good morning everyone! Today, we have a delightful guest post from Mr. CBB, the voice behind Canadian Budget Binder. He emphasizes that saving money is just as important as making it. Mr. CBB shares a variety of tips on budgeting, living frugally, relationships, recipes, parenting, personal finance, and more with his followers around the globe.
I can’t say exactly why so many British people are leaving the UK, but Canada is definitely a popular choice. A few years ago, I joined the ranks of those who made the move, and I haven’t regretted it. Since relocating from the UK to Canada, I’ve enjoyed many aspects of North American life, although there have been some challenges. Coming from a densely populated island like Britain to a vast place like Canada was a huge adjustment. Even five years later, having completed my education and secured full-time work, the entire experience has been unforgettable.
Comparing Canada to the UK, here are some noticeable differences:
**Housing:** The cost of houses in my area isn’t exactly cheap, but in Canada, you get more space for your money. You can find a 1500 sq ft house with a garage, while in the UK, you might only get around 600-700 sq ft without a basement or garage for a similar price.
**Farming:** There’s a wide variety of locally produced foods in Canada, depending on the season, which often means better-tasting fruits and vegetables. In contrast, much of the fresh produce in the UK is imported, leading to less flavorful options that spend too much time in transit.
**Vehicles:** In Canada, domestic vehicles and their parts are relatively cheap. You only need an emissions test every two years and a safety inspection when buying or selling the vehicle. In the UK, car owners have to go through annual safety inspections and emissions tests, plus they drive on the other side of the road.
**Fuel Costs:** Gas and diesel might seem expensive here, but they’re even pricier in the UK. For instance, diesel costs about £1.39 per liter, which is roughly $2.17.
**Taxes:** In Ontario, the combined HST and GST taxes amount to 13%. In the UK, however, the VAT on many goods and services is a steep 20%.
**Alcohol:** Alcohol is sold through government-run stores in Canada, which makes it more expensive. In the UK, you can buy alcohol at supermarkets or corner shops, leading to lower prices due to competition.
**Dairy:** Canadian cheese just doesn’t taste the same as European cheese, which tends to be stronger and is more expensive when imported here.
**Yogurt:** Greek yogurt is popular in Canada but costs significantly more than it did in the UK, where I could buy it for about 50p.
**Weather:** In Canada, central air conditioning is common due to hot summers, unlike the UK, where people typically open their windows during a heatwave. Also, Canadian winters bring more snow than those in the UK, which is mostly rainy year-round.
**Traveling:** Travel within Canada is costly and you must cover long distances to experience different cultures. Conversely, places like Central and South America are more accessible for Canadians, though places like Mexico may feel more touristy.
Living in Canada versus the UK reveals numerous differences and similarities. Initially, you notice more changes, but over time, you adapt to your new surroundings. Moving to another country wouldn’t be as enriching if everything stayed the same, would it? I had to make many personal adjustments to blend in and enjoy my new life in Canada.
For most Brits moving to Canada, the cultural differences are minimal, though other nationalities might find it harder and stick to their communities. This isn’t unique to Toronto; it happens globally, like the British who moved to Spain and lived together because they didn’t learn Spanish. Such patterns are noticeable in any large city until the second-generation blends in.
Culture shock can be daunting for some immigrants. Personally, I had to slow my speech and use less slang to be understood. Even though both Canadians and Brits speak English, the subtleties in word choices and pronunciations can lead to misunderstandings. Often, speaking clearly in such cases can make one come across as overly formal.
Traveling extensively in my 20s taught me to embrace new environments. Whether visiting unique destinations or integrating into local cultures, I gained a broader perspective on life.
Once, I needed a plumbing part called an “olive” in the UK but got blank stares at a Canadian hardware store until another Brit helped me out. Here, it’s called a “ferrule.” These language nuances can be amusing, but also confusing.
For instance:
– A “spanner” in the UK is a “wrench” in Canada.
– “Pants” means underwear in the UK, but trousers in Canada.
Having a distinctive British accent in Canada often sparks conversations and helps build connections faster. While I still proudly identify as British, I also feel at home in Canada and am proud to be part of this diverse community. Over time, I’ve learned to balance my British roots with my new Canadian life, no longer feeling like a stranger.