Why I love Canada

Canada: Paradise on Earth?

In a recent study, Canada came in third as one of the most desirable places on earth to live. Of course, I think Canada is the best!

"Canada ranked behind only the United Kingdom and Switzerland as the most desirable place to visit, according to a global study by leading image and nation-branding consultant and author of Brand America, Simon Anholt. "

He also said the study's findings were positive in every category except for one -- "cultural heritage."

I believe Canada is a paradise on earth. We are a peace-loving people, who don't interfere in global affairs. Instead of an army, we have a peacekeeping force that goes in to help keep peace around the world.

Yes, our winters may be severely cold at times, but spring, summer and fall are just beautiful. Those who love skiing, skating, hockey and so on, also love our winters. Children revel in the snow, making snowmen and snow angels. Many men enjoy ice fishing and there is nothing more fun than tabogganing down a snowy slope and then returning home for some hot chocolate with marshmallows to warm body and soul.

For the most part, the people of Canada are warm, open and friendly. We have a beautiful diversity of landscapes, from the majestic Rockie Mountains in the west, to the flat prairies, beautiful cottage country, exciting cities and northern communities. We have it all.

I was born in Niagara Falls, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. Well, not "in" the falls, but my dad used to say that if I wasn't good, he'd throw me back in!

We have a rich history as well, that most people in the world are unaware of. The Canadian government also supports the arts and we have many fine museums. As well, money is provided to those who own historic homes, to keep them in shape for future generations.

We are also a melting pot of peoples from around the world, with many of our professional people, doctors, lawyers and so on being immigrants who arrived here with just a few dollars in their pockets. We also have a wonderful social system, which provides for those who are disabled and/or less fortunate. As well, we have universal health coverage, so no one has to go without medical assistance or needed drugs.

And to top it off, if you win a lottery in this country, you get to keep it all! No taxes need to be paid on winnings.

Though I may sometimes dream about living in a tropical climate or traversing the backroads of Europe, I have to admit it. As Dorthy said,
"There's no place like home." My Canada!

According to the Canadian Tourism Commission, the top ten ranked countries were:
1. United Kingdom
2. Switzerland
3. Canada
4. Italy
5. Sweden
6. Germany
7. Japan
8. France
9. Australia
10. United States

A Picture Book of My Canada

Comments: 12

Edward Nudelman May 16, 2006, 5:31pm EDT

Did Hannah set you up with this? Just kidding. Nicely done and informative. When we lived in Seattle we popped up there regularly

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Heather Dichter May 16, 2006, 5:39pm EDT

People always ask me why I fled north of the border for school. I *LOVE* Canada! It's so fun up there! And I have to admit.... the Canadians I met at the Olympics were awesome -- so incredibly friendly. On the whole, more friendly and fun than the Americans. I can't wait for Vancouver 2010!

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Martha Jette, Author/Editor May 16, 2006, 5:42pm EDT

Not sure what you mean, Ed. Just got the inspiration about this an hour or so ago.
Heather - I'm so glad you love Canada as much as I do. Next time you visit, let me know.

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Linda Douglas May 16, 2006, 6:35pm EDT

I wouldn't sing Canada's praises too loud, Martha. Over the past six years there have been a lot of us who have considered crossing the border permanently. I would just hate for ya'all to have to start considering strict immigration laws because we were all heading north.

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Rich Sadowsky May 16, 2006, 6:40pm EDT

A couple of weeks ago I had to drive from Boston to Detroit. I plugged in the destination address into my car's navigation system and hit the road. I never fathomed that it would take me out of the U.S. When I got to Niagra Falls I saw a sign that said Last USA exit. I didn't have my passport with me. I know Canada and Mexico used to be easy on Americans without passports, but in a post 9/11 world things are different. But I had no choice, I was already running behind schedule and taking a different route from that point was not really an option. I have only been to Canada a few times. When I lived on the west coast I went to Vancouver and Victoria on business/pleasure a couple of times. In high school we went skiing in skiing at Mt Orford, and I flew to Toronto a bunch of times when I worked at Symantec and we acquired Delrina.

I found the trip from Niagra to Michigan to be quite lovely. I stopped at several places along the way and found the people very nice. I asked complete strangers how far I was from Detroit. I was struck by how nice everyone was. I decided that Sue and I would make visiting Niagra Falls a weekend getaway sometime this summer.

For the last two Presidential elections I swore I'd flee to Canada if dubya won. I have great respect for the Canadian military.I remember a few decades back when the Canadian military came to our aide in Iran.

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Pamela H. May 16, 2006, 9:07pm EDT

Nicely put, Martha. And you're absolutely right - There's no place like home. I will never leave this marvelous country. Oh sure, one day for one of those fantasy vacations, (I hope), but this this will always be home. I could never possibly leave.

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Martha Jette, Author/Editor May 16, 2006, 10:35pm EDT

Never fear Linda. Come on up! We have lots of land here.

Rich: I'm so happy to hear that you had a good experience with the people of Canada. When you visit Niagara Falls, remember me. I was born there.

Pamela: My sentiments exactly.

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Carl Neeld May 17, 2006, 4:18pm EDT

I thjink that the nicest thing about living in Canada would be not wanting to pretend you're from another country when traveling around the world.

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Dawn M May 17, 2006, 10:46pm EDT

Great & informative article on Canada Martha. It is a great place to live, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
"We also have a wonderful social system, which provides for those who are disabled" ... well I have to admit we have a pretty good system, but they sure don't provide for everyone who is disabled or struggling. Like any place you have to go thro' so much to qualify and to meet all the rules, and too often people fall thro' the cracks.

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Dawn M May 17, 2006, 10:48pm EDT

Martha you'd have to understand the competitiveness and joking that has gone on between Ed & Hannah. You'd have to go back and read some of their past articles. As Ed said, he was only joking.

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Heather Dichter May 18, 2006, 9:13am EDT

Martha, I'm still there. well, just not at the moment. Still have two years left of school before they cut off my money. I'm just bouncing around Europe about the fall semester starts, so no fear. I shall return to the great white north!

and the Canadian side of Niagara is much cooler. skip the US side. better views from Canada!

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Martha Jette, Author/Editor May 18, 2006, 1:25pm EDT

Carl: So true. If you saw my article on A Teenager In Europe, I'd say nothing has changed since then. I hear many Americans traveling to Europe buy Canadian pins to wear.

Dawn: True about the difficulties getting disability and the amount one gets is nothing to jump up and scream about, but overall I am thankful that it is available at all. Some countries have no such thing.

Heather: I totally agree about the view from the Canadian side of the falls. It's spectacular!

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Why I love Canada

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