Overview
A Canadian entrepreneur shares his decision to leave Canada after 27 years, citing significant economic, social, and political challenges. He describes declining business opportunities, eroding freedoms, deteriorating infrastructure, and concerns for future generations as his main reasons for emigrating.
Personal Background and Immigration Story
- Born and raised in Vancouver, lived across multiple Canadian cities, and recently operated a business in Alberta.
- Family escaped the Soviet Union during the Holocaust and found refuge in Canada, for which he remains grateful.
- Built a multi-million dollar business, contributed significantly in taxes, and created Canadian jobs.
Decline of Canadian Quality of Life
- Observes major decay in Canadian cities, increased crime, and a rise in substance abuse.
- Cites a shift from former prosperity and security to current instability and unattractiveness.
- Notes government actions from 2020–2023 eroded civil liberties, including curfews, vaccine passports, and freezing protestors' bank accounts.
- Courts found government guilty of infringing on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but no accountability followed.
Economic and Business Environment
- Argues Canada’s tax rates and over-regulation stifle entrepreneurship and limit economic mobility.
- Describes Canada as dominated by oligopolies and state-sponsored monopolies, reducing true competition.
- Reports Canada’s GDP per capita growth projected to be the lowest among developed nations.
- Population increasingly reliant on debt due to high taxes and rising costs.
Erosion of Civil Institutions
- Healthcare system described as underfunded and overburdened, with long wait times and doctor shortages.
- Brain drain occurs as talent leaves for better opportunities, especially in the U.S.
- Rising taxes are met with declining quality in public institutions.
Immigration and Housing Issues
- Critiques current immigration policies for straining the social safety net without delivering productivity gains.
- Notes both immigrants and natives struggle with housing unaffordability and stagnant job prospects.
- Housing prices and rent are prohibitively high, fueling demographic decline.
Personal Reasons for Leaving and Future Plans
- The main motivation is to provide a better environment and opportunities for future children.
- Seeking countries with more business-friendly climates, lower taxes, and safer environments (e.g., Latin America, Eastern Europe).
- Currently scouting locations for relocation and recommends pursuing location-independent income.
Recommendations and Advice
- Advocates for developing remote income streams to enable global mobility.
- Suggests, for those remaining in Canada, investing in rural properties and creating generational wealth outside major cities.
- Emphasizes self-reliance over depending on government solutions.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Invites further discussion, questions, or challenges regarding his views and experiences.