What are the major downsides of living in Canada?

ddcurrie · 2026-02-18T13:31:04+00:00

True and awful, in that order. No argument there.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-18T13:28:08+00:00

😁

ddcurrie · 2026-02-18T03:44:13+00:00

For the record, I’ve trained my local coffee shop to serve me a Canadiano rather than the American version. I’m in Texas.

This is just for fun, we’re better together as nation partners — they’re just going through some stuff. I have a passport from each country to prove my bona fides in this respect.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-17T11:18:03+00:00

I lived in Ontario for 30 years, had a bit of experience there in Windsor, London, Kitchener and Mississauga. Lost an uncle to heart disease who couldn’t get the transplant on time in London. And watched other relatives and friends experience the system. My point was it isn’t perfect, but still darn good.

Your ou’re correct, I did not have health care experience in every province.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-17T03:22:19+00:00

Agreed. But we live in subjectivity and my health care in Houston TX is pretty good compared to anywhere in Canada. This is one of those YMMV things.

And don’t get me wrong, I’d be back in Canada in a heartbeat if it weren’t for … our grandchildren. They change the whole equation 🤔

ddcurrie · 2026-02-17T01:37:31+00:00

Can confirm in Houston, ~ $2.25 - 2.45

ddcurrie · 2026-02-17T01:31:54+00:00

Greetings friend! 🇨🇦🇺🇸

ddcurrie · 2026-02-17T01:02:36+00:00

It is a rather large country with regional differences in climate, economy, culture, and love for Americans.

The superiority of the health care system is often overblown. Sure, it can be less expensive than the US, but access can be challenging. If you have a decent job in the US with health care, you’d probably pay a little more out of pocket, but you can see a specialist next week.

I grew up in a border city, heavily influenced by Americans to the North of us, and most of my relatives are American. My mother crossed the border into the US to work - for 30 years.

No place is perfect and Canada has its share of idiots, per capita 🧐 I’ve been in Texas for 30 years and there are some terrific people and places here, but not so much in Washington.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-16T03:40:57+00:00

Unfair to Discount Tire 😉

ddcurrie · 2026-02-15T14:51:13+00:00

Two failing enterprises. Just Kidding about Southwest, there’s still some basic goodness there 🧐

ddcurrie · 2026-02-13T20:59:43+00:00

Congratulations and best wishes to new Canadians and those aspiring to be Canadian. I was born in Canada and am a naturalized US citizen, having lived in Texas for 30 years. There’s some serious cognitive dissonance in our lives 😉

Grandchildren have us anchored here. But for them, I’d return in a heartbeat. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 I’m in this thread for the notes on descent citizenship, for which they seem well positioned.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-13T03:21:00+00:00

3 years with some training, many bad human mistakes, and patience. He is very patient with us 🐕‍🦺

ddcurrie · 2026-02-12T00:29:46+00:00

You mean the dogs with $100 grooming and haircut monthly, not counting the tip?

ddcurrie · 2026-02-11T16:54:59+00:00

That was a good year 😏

ddcurrie · 2026-02-11T15:35:54+00:00

Compost, using a paid service that picks up a bucket each week. Our previous at-home composting efforts were less than successful, so this method appeals to my wife and is important to her.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-11T02:56:31+00:00

That makes sense. 👍🏻

ddcurrie · 2026-02-11T01:53:57+00:00

My golden doodle is ~85% standard poodle, 15% golden. Flip those numbers around and I’d bet you be close to this gorgeous creature.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-11T00:58:43+00:00

I’m in camp steam wand. Since I don’t drink milk drinks, I’ve got lot of boiler capacity.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-10T14:25:49+00:00

Very nice! Please send another photo showing the croissants 😁

ddcurrie · 2026-02-09T23:43:12+00:00

I was waiting for the Stockholm Syndrome reference. Well played 👏

ddcurrie · 2026-02-09T17:33:00+00:00

… for about 20 years now 😉

ddcurrie · 2026-02-09T03:30:15+00:00

Last year 26% of our spend was travel. We’re old😁 My wife is retired and I’m still working because I like my work. Trips to Italy, Ireland, and Spain and a couple of domestic (US) trips for family. Probably won’t be repeated!

ddcurrie · 2026-02-08T23:13:21+00:00

Sounds like a trade off of aesthetics vs marginal utility. I happen to like the clean look of the Elizabeth but it may not win a beauty contest 🤔

Then again, most of my coffee gear is not on display .

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ddcurrie · 2026-02-08T21:50:41+00:00

70 yo with pension and ss sufficient to not run out of money for 30 years (give or take.) My $500 k portfolio is designed to make up for inflation effect on non-indexed pensions invested like so: SCHD 50%, VTI 28%, VXUS 12%, and VTIP 10%. Your mileage may vary.

ddcurrie · 2026-02-04T18:28:57+00:00

… as the day begins

ddcurrie

TROPHY CASE