Americans flock to Canada's immigration Web site
 

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Americans flock to Canada's immigration Web site
Fri 5 November, 2004 18:30

By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - The number of U.S. citizens visiting Canada's main immigration Web site has shot up six-fold as Americans flirt with the idea of abandoning their homeland after President George W. Bush's election win this week.

"When we looked at the first day after the election, November 3, our Web site hit a new high, almost double the previous record high," immigration ministry spokeswoman Maria Iadinardi said on Friday.

On an average day some 20,000 people in the United States log onto the Web site, www.cic.gc.ca -- a figure which rocketed to 115,016 on Wednesday. The number of U.S. visits settled down to 65,803 on Thursday, still well above the norm.

Bush's victory sparked speculation that disconsolate Democrats and others might decide to start a new life in Canada, a land that tilts more to the left than the United States.

Would-be immigrants to Canada can apply to become permanent resident, a process that often takes a year. The other main way to move north on a long-term basis is to find a job, which requires a work permit.

But please spare the sob stories.

Asked whether an applicant would be looked upon more sympathetically if they claimed to be a sad Democrat seeking to escape four more years of Bush, Iadinardi replied: "There would be no weight given to statements of feelings."

Canada is one of the few major nations with an large-scale immigration policy. Ottawa is seeking to attract between 220,000 and 240,000 newcomers next year.

"Let's face it, we have a population of a little over 32 million and we definitely need permanent residents to come to Canada," said Iadinardi. "If we could meet (the 2005) target and go above it, the more the merrier."

But right now it is too early to say whether the increased interest will result in more applications.

"There is no unusual activity occurring at our visa missions (in the United States). Having someone who intends to come to Canada is not the same as someone actually putting in an application," said Iadinardi.

"We'll only find out whether there has been an increase in applications in six months."

The waiting time to become a citizen is shorter for people married to Canadians, which prompted the birth of a satirical Web site called www.marryanamerican.ca.

The idea of increased immigration by unhappy Americans is triggering some amusement in Canada. Commentator Thane Burnett of the Ottawa Sun newspaper wrote a tongue-in-cheek guide to would-be new citizens on Friday.

"As Canadians, you'll have to learn to embrace and use all the products and culture of Americans, while bad-mouthing their way of life," he said.

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The numbers aren't that high but there is a tradition of US citizens immigrating to Canada when they are unhappy with the dirction of the country... this goes right back to the time of the Empire Loyalists after war of Independence.

Any American that would leave because of this wasn't ever really an American anyway. My vote lost on that election, but you'd have to pry me out of this country rather than find me running away.

So, pray tell, give forth your definition of an American.

Well, I'd start with someone that doesn't run away because things didn't go the way they thought it should. :shrug:

That's hardly a definition of American. How about trying again? C'mon, it should be easy since you know what defines not being a real American anyway.

Why would Canuckistan even want those sore losers? :D

I'll let J. Hector St. John Crevecoeur answer it for me as he is much more elequent. Of course, his definition has expanded from just europeans, but the jist is basically the same.

http://xroads.virginia.edu/%7EHYPER/CREV/letter03.html

I agree coppertop.
I am American, but I have also thought about relocating to another country. I have thought about it for several reasons:
1) I hate our legal system
2) I hate our medical system
3) I hate our educational system

There are other reasons I think relocating would be great! It would give me a chance to see other parts of the world. It would give me a chance to learn about other cultures, eat different foods, smoke different weeds, etc.....

I would still be an American, just not living here.

We welcome all immigrants... especially well educated ones. :p

Well since water_boy1999 said that our educational system sucks, I guess that leaves us out. :D


Now this full list would be fun to see -- nice to see that y'all can poke fun at yourselves... :D

Ummmm, I don't welcome all immigrants. Now, now, now, don't you start pointing fingers and thinking the "r" word just yet.

I think our immigration policy is open enough and ought to have a few more restrictions. I don't believe we should be a safehaven for every oppressed and afflicted person in the world.
I agree that educated people are welcome, especially doctors. But I guess I'm a little more critical about opening our doors solely for humanitarian ends... I know it sounds rough, but it's how I feel.

Pretty much defines what it means to be a Canadian...

Some of you guys get well educated despite your system....we'll take those ones...thanks ;)

Canada is a country of immigrants...come on up, you'll like it here :thumbsup:

Bob and Doug McKenzie have bneen saying for years to take off, eh -- to the Great White North... :D

Bring your toque...

We need a very open immigration policy if we want our economy to grow. Our birthrate is rather level... so growth isn't comming from there.

I've said it elsewhere on this board... We should continue to take immigrants from all over the world, educated or not. The most important thing they have to offer us is their children.

Children who, consistently become productive members of our society.

Back the the thread....

And this pertains to the thread... how? I didn't see anything in those letters that supported your assertion that anyone who moves to Canada because of the election wasn't really American anyway. If I missed it, plus post it here. There was rather a lot to read.

I suppose you'd assert that the first English Pilgrims who left their land to come here because they felt England didn't have their best intentions at heart weren't really British?

That would be a valid point, if the U.S. government were persecuting people that voted for John Kerry.

I'm not going to apologize for not having much respect for losers that run with their tails tucked between their legs, but allow me to restate my opinion. Anyone born or naturalized an American is an American, but anyone that would run to Canada because John Kerry did not win the Presidency is not demonstrating an American spirit in the least.

/shrug. I'm curious how many people would do it out of spite compared to how many actually think things would be better there.

This just seemed like a standard fluff article to accompany serious coverage of the US Election results. I mean, its only hits on a webpage, not people requesting applications or rushing to the border or what not. Seems like something to be expected that a few people will be upset enough with any election outcome to browse around info on this sort of stuff as a kind of theraputic way to calm down. Elections can bring out the extremities of emotions in people and the internet is an easy way to feel like your acting out on things without actually doing anything, which can help to calm you down when riled up.

So yeah, until we hear stories of massive groups of americans in long lines at the border, i just saw it as a passingly interesting fluff article.

For the whole issue of actually going through with moving because of the outcome of the election, I see it as silly and a slap in the face to the rest of the US, including those who also voted for your candidate. Like aktornado said, they aren't being persecuted, so instead leaving would just seem to show disrespect for the process of electing candidates. To me at least.

Lets assume for a moment there that's what the Americans who wants to move to Canada are thinking...

1. Our legal system is even worse: It's very very very easy on offender.
2. Our medical system is failing: You'd have to wait at least 6 months just to get the same operation as what Bill Clinton had a month ago, we don't even have enough beds! Women who gave birth are even asked to leave the hospital the same day!
3. Our educational system is failing: Parents and students are being billed to death just to get what every person in the world has the right to have, education
4. Our election system is using stone age method of electing someone: Did you know that 40% of the total votes went to the Liberals and yet, they have 69% of the total seats in the parliament? The 40% of the total vote represent a total of 25% of Canadian population.
5. We're being taxed to death: In Calgary, the government is actually thinking about raising the tax for taking care of burial plots. In Saskatchwan, a oddy news is that man, who's been dead for awhile, is still being taxed.

So, whatcha think of Canada so far? Any Americans that considers Canada for a new home, shouldn't look at the immigration site, its' full of fucking propagenda!

lol, it's not just me. And everyone I know who's Anti-Bush. Sounds very appealing right now. Oh, and FLYMAN, you better prepare a bed.......

Good for them. If they aren't getting what they want here they should go find some place they do like. Just that many fewer people I'll have to hear bitch about things. Maybe I should print up some cards with that website on it and pass them out.

I live in Burnaby and I have a futon and a couch...

pm me if you're an angst-filled american needing to get away for a while.

:thumbsup: ;)

If people did what you told them to, we wouldn't have had the civil rights movement. We wouldn't even have America since our forefathers should "go find some place they do like." instead of improving what we have. Some real jewels of wisdom you have there.

What is American?
Being American is about being free.
And you know what? I'm going to exercise my freedom, by going to Canada. :lol:

Seriously though, it's hard to come up with one true term for American...because we're ALL Americans. We each have our own definition of what it means to be American.

Well, actually, I lived here...By definition, doesnt that make me an American? I personally find this to be VERY rude.

As did mine. But I'm not going to be stupid if we end up in a war because of Bush. If my life becomes endangered, I'm gettin the hell out of here.
Because of my beliefs, I don't really believe in an afterlife. I believe we die the same as every other animal in the world. That means no second chances. I'm not going to needlessly die for a leader who puts us in a war we never needed to be in in the first place.

To emigrate is not a cowardly act, for many of us its is the greates act of courage taken by themselves, their parents or forefathers. Even America itself was founded by those who took the risk of venturing far from their known home to to pursue happiness.

My parents moved me to Canada, and every day i see how great a task it was.

Some of you may mock those that are thinking about leaving the US, you may feel that they leaving is a slight to your country, please understand that by them leaving does not make america any less great as a country; its just that its not can no longer be their great country.

The pursuit of happiness is the one thing we are all truly entitled to seek, where ever that may be.

Like Charlatan said, Welcome to all those who wish cross the border.

Just because ppl wanna leave doesnt mean there not American. I see it as a prudent decision to leave the possible chaos that may or may not follow Bush's 2nd term

An extremely small percentage of the people who actually voted. I call "the sky is falling the sky is falling" on this one.

BTW. I find it amusing how many of us 'mericans forget that Canadians are American too.

what's the purpose of us as Americans to vote for our own president when it doesn't even count anyways?
If he screws up anymore or doesn't make any improvements, I will have to memorize the Canadian anthem and date a hockey player.

Leaving? No problem. Just remember us fondly while you wait for a doctor....

"To emigrate is not a cowardly act, for many of us its is the greates act of courage taken by themselves, their parents or forefathers. Even America itself was founded by those who took the risk of venturing far from their known home to to pursue happiness."

I don't really think they left to be governed by the doctrines of another nation though that supports them. This will be more comparable of leaving england and going to france and saying "I'm free"

I would consider leaving only if the Supreme court becomes.....lopsided in a direction I find distasteful. My reasoning would be for my daughters primarily. If Roe vs. Wade is overturned, that to me is the sign of negative things to come and would prompt me to evaluate if indeed this is the society I wish my girls to grow up in. Fortunately my company has Canadian subsidiaries.....little ace in the hole.

I hate to break up a good arguement, but that link has been posted on Fark and a bunch of other websites which has most likely caused the increased hits more than people preparing to stream over the border. I would guess many more people followed the link there from postings like this thread than found it on their own.

I want my child to grow up somewhere where unity & fairness flourish. Countries like Canada, Austalia.....they're quiet and they mind their own business. Ya, they are not known as the Land of the Free- but we have obviously abused that to the point that we are not that free anymore. Little puppets to the machine we are.......and I won't let my child take that crap.

oshn, people on the outside of our country aren't told of the corruptions either.

Things look greener on the other side. I respect your love as a mother, but I can tell you...we are the freest people

Thinking of moving out of the country because the political faction that opposes your own won the election is immature and whiny. The Republicans won so they get to keep their President for another term. It's no reason to leave the country...accept that the Democrats don't win everytime and move on.

-Lasereth

I suggest a one for one exchange with Mexico.

that's pretty funny.... In truth -- five people have looked at the website - -everyone else has gone over from linked sites.. Wonder how many applications have actually been filled out.

This kind of belief always makes me laugh. The US doesn't have the monopoly on freedom in the world. You guys have some freedoms that others don't have, just as others have freedoms you don't have. What some consider a freedom, others could care less about. I realize this may be hard for some to accept, but it's a reality none the less.

I don't see anything wrong with wanting to move away from your birth country if it no longer holds the values you hold. Lots of people give up their citizenship each year because not everyone wants to be an American.

You realize Canada fought with us in Afghanistan, Australia is fighting with us in Iraq and Afghanistan and has fought with us in EVERY action...

Oh yeah, and Neil Diamond didn't sing They Comin' to Canada for a reason. :thumbsup:

And the folks in the civil rights movement had the ability to pick up and move if they so wanted. They didn't and they fought. That is the right thing to do.
These folks obviously don't want to do that they just want something gifted to them so I gladly appreciate them leaving if they don't want to work for it.

Did you sleep through the first three chapters of US History or something?
You do realize that's what the first settlers of America DID right? They left and found some place they did like.

Your's seem to be just as murky as mine are hombre.

Just curious if the more conservative folks who voted for Bush said they would move to let say Mexico ,because they wanted to get away from the possible chaos and moral decay that may or may not follow Kerry's election, would you or would you not scoff at that line of reasoning?

[QUOTE=feelgood]Lets assume for a moment there that's what the Americans who wants to move to Canada are thinking...

1. Our legal system is even worse: It's very very very easy on offender.That's an exageration to be sure...
This is untrue. My father in law needed a similar surgery and had the operation within weeks of diagnosis... He needed it relatively quickly. Others don't need it all that quickly. For example, when did Bill Clinton find out that he needed that surgery? As far as I remember hearing, it was a month or so before the "scheduled" surgery. In Canada, like anywhere, if you need it now you get it now, otherwise you get scheduled.


First of all, this is another generalization. Yes there are problems with the system... what system is perfect. I don't know what you are talking about... I don't pay any extra bills to send my kid to school. Our University tuitions are still much lower than those south of the boarder.

Our electoral system has issues but they are paltry compared to other system's issues. The system is hardly stone age. It is a parlimentary system of government.

Yes, we pay higher taxes... but if you think our tax is high try living in Sweden... We get plenty of services for our taxes. It is a trade off... Taxed to death is an exageration. After taxes I still have enough to pay all my bills and buy all that crap I don't need.


Of course it is... have you read the immigration sites for any country... what would you expect but positive marketing?

Lol two canadians argueing reminds me of two americans argueing. Leads me to the conclusion that no matter where you go, someone will disagree with you, so why leave?

Yeah they were. An American is a person with American citizenship. Or wait, let's arbitrarily define Americans some more! I define a REAL American as someone who is willing to leave their country if their candidate doesn't win. No, let's change that. A real American is someon who works at Burger King! No, wait...

Anyways, now that I'm done being an ass, I hope most of these Americans move to Alberta. Maybe they can pull our votes enough to the left to avoid political situations like our current one (stupid Klein).

Feelgood, I hope you realise that your post is almost completely opinion. Do you expect that you'll sway Americans by stating your opinion on matters?

"The legal system is too easy on offenders" *stamp* OPINION
"We get taxed to death" *stamp* OPINION
"Our medical system is failing" *stamp* OPINION
"Our educational system is failing" *stamp* OPINION

I know I may sound like I am for moving to Canada, I'm only playing around, I wouldn't actually do it.
I am willing to give Bush the benefit of the doubt here and hopefully he will put us back on track. I am not going to sit in fear or run from it either- my goal is to be the little raindrop of light, spreading my passions for life and current issues through music and poetry. Every little drop adds to a puddle which can grow into an ocean.

I said I was moving to New Zealand if Bush got re-elected (sorry, Canada's too fucking cold for me!). I was mainly joking, but I am truly scared of what another 4 yrs of Bush means for our country. And it's not so much that my guy lost or whatever, it's the mindset of a people who would vote for such an obvious idiot that really troubles me. It's the ethnocentric attitude of Americans that we are de facto better than everyone else and that it's somehow our responsibility to make every country just like us. Why do so many people here believe that?

Are we so smart that we can call other people idiots?

I'm sorry I can't justify judging someones intelligence if I don't know them personally.

Yup, and it happens all the time..

Well I can, and I think he's an idiot. :D ;)

What does knowing the guy personally have to do with judging him an idiot or not? Are you saying the people that think he's an intelligent leader are flawed in their assessment?

I've often wondered the same thing..

I like you more and more every time I read one of your posts! :icare:

"What does knowing the guy personally have to do with judging him an idiot or not? Are you saying the people that think he's an intelligent leader are flawed in their assessment?"

Life is easier if you better yourself, then belittle others. If your shining light is to take someone down, then that's all game for you. I would rather give out respect then give insults.

I think finding faults in others exposes your own. I'm not saying I don't do that myself, but in a general attitude sort of way I try avoiding at all cost labelling people idiots. Calling someone an idiot doesn't do anything. It doesn't better them, better you, or change the situation.

Absolutely! maybe we can send some of the whiners from here down to the great ole' south. Every time i hear somebody complaining about our healthcare, taxes, whatever, I just want to cringe. Firstly, they don't have a clue what it's like in other countries.

Secondly, with a population of 32 million, but a realistic taxable base of only the wage-earners of that population, plus what ever business/corp contributions can be collected, How are we ever to afford the platinum social services that seems to be expected? yes we are taxed to death. Apparantly all of the money that I make up until the middle of June goes into taxation of one sort or the other. But it used to be worse, I remember when the first week of july was tax free day, so things are changing. But theres a price to pay in level of service.

This is huge country, second largest in the world, and we have to support it's infrastructure on what is basically the same population of California (give or take). So if the social programmes developed post WWII have put us into debt, don't whine about it when the solutions cause less than superior service. Move, or contribute.

Anyways that's my rant. I 've seen the way things are in Europe, and China (where my parents come from) oh yes, and Korea and Sri Lanka, as well as the USA. So believe me that if you can take the weather, which isn't so dissimilar to most of the US, this is a fantastic country.

it's the whiners I don't like. Trade? :thumbsup:

I think that is just a motto, we're as free as anybody else. At least within the parameters of a written charter (or bill) of rights.

We have our own machinery to be puppets to. Usually they are puppets to machinery from the elephant next door...

We're still in Afghanistan. Have been since Day One and we don't intend to leave until the job is done. That's one of the (logistical) reasons why we cannot contribute to Iraq. No resources, because we are also heavily committed to Bosnia, Haiti and Rwanda.

I hate to be the one that burst alot of people's bubble but the United States's isnt a democracy. Its a capitalistic goverment a goverment of law when the fore fathers found this country no were did in any document does it say us the goverment should provide health care education or we should be equal financialy and just because some body has more money than some one else they shouldn't have to pay more taxes. We all have opportunity's to make it in this country granted some may be better than others but its still their for everyone. Also before any one accuses me of being rich or being a religious zelot neither of those or true I just think things in this country have gotten out of hand as far as taxes and hand outs are concerned.

Yep, and anyone that thinks poorly of Canada probably doesn't have a clue as to the effort they have made in helping the U.S. and other nations. I love Canada and Canadians, I just don't want to move there. ;)

Cheers Janey... good rebuttals all!

lol - are you talking about my butt???

I think it was Lebell who said that despite the fact that one party is in control of all branches, the branches are not under the control of the president. When they are, we can start talking about running north or taking up arms, because that's when we aren't free anymore.

I might move to Canada in a couple of years, once I'm out of college, just for a different experince. It would be kind of nice to have dual citizenship; there's no way in hell I'll abandon my home unless I can no longer recognize it as that.

I'd like to introduce you to my little friend, mister comma: ,
Hopefully at some point in the not-so-distant future, you'll come to know and love that little guy.
As to the content of your post (what can be decyphered), while the United States is not a "true" democracy as far as the original Greek method of government, it is still a representative democracy, and falls within the category of governments that are referred to as democracies. I'm not sure why you brought it up, since it's not relevant to any of the other statements you make, but I felt a need to clarify that point for you.

I may move to Canada. Political reasons is one factor but not a major one. I'm a film student and I've met some contacts in school that are willing to help me out in Toronto. Won't be there for at least 2 years though.

Actually, my wife looked at the Canadian immigration site. I think I'd move there, not just to run from Bush (though I worry for this country under his "leadership") but just for a change. I'd have to visit first and see what its like. Now Scotland, I'd move to Scotland tomorrow if given a chance. Absolutely beautiful country and more pubs than I could visit in a lifetime.

I'm moving to Canada. At least I hope to. Spring 2005. Doesn't give me much planning time!

If you'd like me to... sure. ;)

Yay Averette!

Way to go Averett! :thumbsup: It wont be long before you're thoroughly aclimatized and doing all those 'Canadian' things: visiting the mall with your new-found friends, getting lunch at Taco Bell or McDonald's and shopping at Sears, The Pottery Barn or the Sony Store! Take in a few movies at the AMC!

Don't worry, if you get homesick, all you have to do is turn the all the packaging on things around to display the English side!

As long as you aren't mean about it...

I would like to be expatriated to another country, but that's a choice based on experience rather than politics.

Having lived in other countries before I know that each has it's pluses and minuses, and it's not always greener on the other side.

You got a deal! We'll send the populace of Massachusetts and South Florida up tomorrow. The Californians the day after that but ONLY if you guys agree to stick them some place cold and out of the way. :cool:

Hey we have a lot (and by that I mean A LOT) of out of the way places that are very, very cold.

Though I think it would be better if we just annexed California, Florida or maybe Hawaii...

The Empire of Canada is not such a far fetched idea... is it?

But what is freedom?

I think it would take a lot of courage to uproot a family and move to another country. On the other hand, hundreds do it everyday, so there must be something to it. I guess, though, moving from USA to Canada might be likened to moving from California to New York. Does the border really cause too much difference?

In my opinion, the differences between US, Canada and Australia are not that large - based on 30+ years in Australia, about 3 days in Canada and 3 weeks in the US ;)

The differences are subtle to be sure... but they are there...

"
Quote:
We wouldn't even have America since our forefathers should "go find some place they do like."

Did you sleep through the first three chapters of US History or something?
You do realize that's what the first settlers of America DID right? They left and found some place they did like."

Sorry, by forefathers I meant the people who fought the British to become independent. I'm sure you knew what I meant, and there's nothing murky about my argument.

I knew what you attempted to say but butchered yes. The problem with that statement our FOUNDING fathers wouldn't have had reason or ability to fight for independance had our true fore fathers not bothered to pick up and move.
I'm just saying if you don't like things either change it or shut up and get the hell out you won't be missed. Those that would be willing to run to Canada because they lost ONE election because they couldn't convince like minded people to get out and vote aren't the kind of people that will change anything. They will sit and complain endlessly about any little thing that doesn't go their way and likely a change of scenery won't fix that either. So if Canada wants to take our complainers that sit on their butts and mewl all day fine by me. I'll help you pack just don't ask to come back.

You can have Cali and Hawaii but not Florida. My Miami Dolphins are in Florida. And if you take Hawaii we get all of British Columbia. That's an even trade.

Throw in Alaska and we'll think about it.

You can have Maine and you have to promise to keep smacktards like Pamela Anderson,Avril, and Shania North of the border and that's our final offer.

no way, Shania can stay here. She's uber hot

Shania lives in Switzerland now. But remains a Canadian...

Tell you what... you can keep Celine in Vegas and we'll even throw in Alan Thicke...

Can't give you B.C. but if Alaska is part of the deal then you can also have Alberta and Saskatchewan.

What? You don't want to see the Dolphin's play real 3-down football? on a man -sized field? Lord knows we could use the super-sized players that the NFL uses with our manly football rules... :D

Alaska for Alberta? No way man. You are getting California and something totally different in Hawaii with it's warm tropics. B.C. is nothing more than an extension of Oregon.

And we will give you Jim Carrey back only if you keep Celine away from American soil. We'll even spot you the Dixie Chicks and the Baldwins.

Ahhh you Canucks know nothing of the football stick with that soccer on ice you folks are so fond of. Although if you give us the Toronto Raptors back we'll let you have the Tampa Bay Lightning. A championship franchise for a group of underacheivers that's a good trade.

Uh we have the CFL. You can have the raptors for Pam Anderson.

You have all overlooked the obivious benefit of this mass exodus to Canada.

It will probably raise the average IQ of both countries.

(pun intended)

Huh??? WE invented the grid-iron version of the sport. well, anyways it was a tri-country cooperative effort, definitely enough that you can say we know nothing about football. Have a read, and learn:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compari...rican_football

Also, the trophy (Grey Cup) that the CFL competes for is one of the oldest pro sports championships around, this year being the 92 time it will be contested.

we know plenty about football. and as for soccer on ice? that's sacriledge. Are you deliberately trying to provoke me? Hockey is actually watchable...

:D

The best sports have goalies.

Yet another person that has never seen the benifits of the CFL rules and gameplay...your loss :o


I'll sell you Ontario for $20...if fact I'll pay you $20 to take it away ;)

I would have sworn the hockey jab would have gotten more ire than the football one.

BTW I'm well versed on the history of Canadian football, but there is a reason the best players play in the NFL.

As far as the 20 bucks for Ontario...no thanks that's just what we need here yet another Eastern metropolis. It's bad enough a lot of folks in the media think America starts in New York and stops in Boston.

Water polo?

No doubt the NFL has more fans, more money (best players), but as any footfall fan knows, the CFL is a more exiting game. :thumbsup:

Oh...and hocky rules :D :o

Yes, water polo is one of them.

hockey
lacrosse
water polo
soccer

All excellent sports that demand tremendous amounts of endurance.

sorry don't feel like editing it , but your 2. is wrong, my wife and I had a baby girl 7 months ago, and with no complications or health issues we were not asked to leave the same day., as well my uncle just had a baby in vancouver and was not asked to leave, they keep you 24-48hours or deemed required.

Ok, ok....so I was a little harsh. You caught me in a bad mood. :lol:
I never said anything about relocating to Canada though..... :crazy:

well... I thought that the hockey jab was deliberate, and do deserved less mention (simply because the truth is self evident, the sport doesn't require defending - plus even tho I pnly play girls hockey, I bet I could jersey you in the corner... :p ). But I thought you were being chauvenistic about the football.

So supposing that you are well versed in the grid-iron sport, u have to admit that the rules of the game, the season starting in summer and endig before Christmas, the sheer tradition makes the Canadian game so desireable.

Marketing is another matter tho. Size, population, college dedication makes the NFL sport grander. Not to mention the $ that changes hands inboth contracts and gambling!

Heck even I make more $ than some CFL players. But I don't work for ony 6 months a year either.


btw, up here it seems that the USA is all about California. sometimes it' refreshing to see eastern cities represented in the media...

The rules aren't THAT hugely different although I think NFL rules on passing(i.e. both feet must be inbounds) makes the game a bit more interesting. The biggest difference is the ability to score singles and that has always just been so odd to me that I never gave it much consideration.
Now as far as starting times and tradition gotta disagree totally there. With the 4 major sports here starting the NFL in summer would step too much on the toes of baseball and the thoughts of football season being over before Christmas even hit makes me shudder in terror. Christmas and New Year's are some of the best time to gather around the tv with family get fat or drunk or both and watch hours and hours of football. And by the time football season IS over with the boring parts of basketball and hockey season would be done so you can transition right into a nice heated season of hoops or puck if you are so inclined. And as far as tradition is concerned...there is hardly any bigger tradition than the Super Bowl. Every year people who don't even WATCH football stop down on a Sunday night and watch the game. There's a reason the NFL has crushed any competition directed it's way. USFL? Ha! XFL? Please!
But I better stop or else this thread will have to be moved to the sports section.