Contemplating the Question: Is Canada Better Than America?
The question of whether Canada is better than the United States has been a subject of discussion for some time. Despite their geographic proximity, these two nations possess distinct worldviews that have been highlighted through the lens of American sitcoms.
Generally speaking, most Canadians believe that their lives are better in Canada compared to the US. The majority of Canadians believe that Canada offers a safer environment with lower levels of violence, better healthcare, and a more affordable cost of living.
Quality of Life and Social Services
When Canada comes to mind, thoughts of delicious food like pancakes and maple syrup, sports such as hockey, and famous celebrities like Ryan Gosling and Michael Bublé may arise. However, what many may not be aware of is that Canada is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.
Newcomers who choose to move to Canada are often attracted to its stunning landscapes, robust job market, free healthcare, social support systems, safety, and generally low crime rates. In fact, Canada ranks third in quality of life, as per the latest U.S. News Best Countries survey, surpassing the United States and numerous other nations.
Moreover, Canadians and Americans are among the most satisfied individuals in the world. According to an OECD Better Living Survey, two-thirds of Canadians and Americans rate their life satisfaction at 8 out of 10, which is significantly higher compared to the average in other affluent countries. This survey also reveals that Canadians and Americans harbor more optimism about the future compared to residents of other Western countries.
Economic Opportunities and Job Markets
In recent years, Canada’s economy has experienced robust growth, leading to increased job opportunities for its residents. Furthermore, the labor market remains stable, with the unemployment rate being the lowest it has been since 2001. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have managed to stay afloat, and certain sectors such as travel and hospitality have even witnessed job gains over the past year.
TD Bank economist Sri Thanabalasingam predicts that the Canadian job market may face some challenges in 2022 due to the resurging virus. This could lead to more non-essential businesses closing down and layoffs occurring. For instance, WestJet recently announced plans to reduce flights and eliminate jobs. However, he believes that Canada’s economy is well-equipped to weather the storm and will continue to grow in the long term. The strength of the Canadian economy can be attributed to key industries such as construction, healthcare and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services, which have contributed to more than half of the net employment gains over the past few years.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity
Although Canada and the United States share many similarities, there are significant differences in their perspectives. For example, while three out of five Americans believe that individuals determine their own success in life, only six out of ten Canadians agree. Additionally, while the majority of Americans believe that the government should take care of those who cannot help themselves, only around four out of ten Canadians hold the same view.
As a Commonwealth country, Canada has a different governmental structure compared to America, with Queen Elizabeth II serving as the head of state instead of a president. Canada also boasts a greater number of political parties, including the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois, compared to the United States.
In terms of cultural diversity, Canada surpasses the United States as being more welcoming. Newcomers to Canada are often encouraged to retain their language and traditions rather than assimilate into mainstream culture. This inclusive approach contributes to Canada’s lower crime rates compared to those in the United States.
Moreover, companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion have been shown to achieve better financial outcomes. A 2015 McKinsey report revealed that businesses with strong racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to surpass the median revenue for their respective industries.
Immigration Policies and Pathways
Canada is renowned for its economic immigration system, which prioritizes individuals with high skills and job offers. Candidates apply through a point-based system, with top-ranked applicants receiving invitations to pursue permanent residency. Canada also offers complementary pathways such as the entrepreneur, investor, and startup business programs.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Canadian government has increased annual immigration levels and maintains an ambitious goal for 2022 to 2023. However, Canada faces challenges in selecting, settling, and integrating immigrants.
One significant challenge stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as from political landscapes and personal preferences within Canada. In 2021, Canada granted more than twice the number of new permanent residents per 1,000 people compared to the United States. The United States prioritizes family-based immigration, resulting in a disparity between the two nations in terms of addressing workforce needs. This gap has widened further due to the policies implemented by the Trump administration.
Political Landscape and Personal Preferences
While Canada is considered a close ally of the United States, Canadians have their own distinct view of their relationship with America. Canadian attitudes towards Americans have only moderately decreased since the Iraq War, whereas public opinion of the United States has significantly deteriorated in many other countries surveyed by Pew Research.
Canadians, along with North Americans in general, express high levels of satisfaction with their own lives, with two-thirds stating they are content with their personal situations. Moreover, slightly over half believe that their lives will improve even more in the future. This optimism sets them apart from other affluent populations, including Western Europeans.
Additionally, most Canadians believe they have greater control over their own destinies compared to residents of other developed countries. They also believe that the government should support those in need, although there is less commitment to a universal social safety net compared to Western Europeans. In summary, both Canada and the United States offer various advantages to individuals seeking to relocate there.