OFF TOPIC: Canada
"I think most would agree that Canada is a nicer place to live. But it is the money."
When you're up to your waist in snow, the wind's coming from the northeast, the electricity's off, and the snowblower's almost out of gas, you don't much think of money.
Enough ranting.
I live in a small town in Canada. In the last year or two, we've lost two doctors to the US. Both claimed it wasn't money, but that our health care system drove them out. Most candidates looking at coming here to practice, are put off by the lack of opportunities for their spouse. Professionals marrying other professionals has become common and few want to give up a promising career.
About taxes. Most Canadians feel they are getting good enough value for the money extracted, but then, few have high incomes. I've seen studies claiming that providing the services our health care system promises would cost $10,000 annually in the U.S. The problem: our system doesn't live up to the promise, AND, the high-income earner pays much more than $10,000 extra in tax. (In Ontario, the extra 'health care' tax for high-income earners is outrageous.)
But I think the big issue is opportunity. The chance to work on projects which will change the world will draw special people. Interesting work is almost play. Satisfaction cannot be priced. The on-the-job freedom from red-tape, budgets, dress-codes, and the exposure to, and acceptance of new ideas, all draw the brightest most creative people. Workplace environments such as this exist in Canada too, but, unfortunately, not in large numbers; guaranteeing an exodus of our best.
Thanks for your observation, PW. |
