How liberal is Canada?

I'm pretty liberal, and, I was thinking about going to Canada during the Bush administration, but, now it seems that I might not have to.

If another Bush comes along, what should I do to move to Canada? How liberal are they?

I'm pretty liberal myself. Would I fit in?

Canada is more moderate than America, which leans to the right. However, the liberal and conservative mean different things to Canadians. The current US version of "republican" is akin to a Canadian's idea of a "liberal". "Conservatives" support green energy, recycling, growing your own food, caring for your neighbor, and having your tax dollars help care for your neighbor's neighbor.
And, like in the US, the political majority depends on where you choose to live.

Interesting question. First, you must keep in mind that most Canadians (myself included) are more or less raised on American media. (ie; TV, movies, CNN, etc). Our opinions do differ somewhat on lots of things but it's more shades of grey than black and white, as far as differences are concerned.

Laws are pretty similar, with the exception of gun 'rights'. If you love your guns, stay rural in Canada. No death penalty here, either. Though I think maybe there should be for the worst of criminals, but that's just my opinion.

Lots of work available, particularly in Alberta (where I am). Though I think the Maritime provinces are still rather lean in this area. Our health care system is a bonus but we seem to always be short of doctors. (Try finding a family doctor in Calgary who's accepting new files).

There's racism (like everywhere), but from my point of view, not as much or as extreme as some areas in the US. Most people are pretty friendly and accepting.

There's TONS of space if you want to get away for a weekend or whatever. So many naturally beautifull places to go, usualy for little money. Loads of places where housing is cheap and work is available if you're willing to learn farming, ranching, oil & gas, and the like. Urban centers such as Calgary are rather expensive but there's a niche for anyone who wants to find one and is willing to work.

The winters are cold but you get used to it. People gather in coffee shops, pubs and pool halls to stay warm and visit with friends. There aren't too many 'jerks' just out to ruin other peoples fun, though you will find some. There isn't too much crime in most places. I'd consider most places safe to raise a family.

We're actually looking at moving to Saskatchewan. My wife, our young son and a friend of ours. We're thinking of buying a hotel/restaurant in a smaller, more laid back rural community. There are scores of businesses available like this in Saskatchewan towns, for around $150k CDN.

Politically, we're very similar though Canada is less bound to the 2 party system. (Again with the shades of grey). But are we more liberal? I guess it's hard to say. In some areas yes, in other areas no. It depends on what you're looking for. I hope any of this helps answer you're question. Cheers.

Originally posted by Busymind
Canada is more moderate than America, which leans to the right. However, the liberal and conservative mean different things to Canadians. The current US version of "republican" is akin to a Canadian's idea of a "liberal". "Conservatives" support green energy, recycling, growing your own food, caring for your neighbor, and having your tax dollars help care for your neighbor's neighbor.
And, like in the US, the political majority depends on where you choose to live.

Actually you are wrong.

Liberals up here are the same as Democrats. Conservatives here are the same as Republicans. We just generally don't swing as far out. Our Conservatives are more towards center than the American counterparts. Although our Liberals do tend to be a bit more to the left than American liberals. We are after all, a generally socialist country.

Our Conservatives to not generally support the green initiative. That is our NDP and Green Party. Which are both far off left. Think super socialist and hippie. The Conservatives think there needs to be less social spending and more freedoms.

Oo, my bad. A couple of years ago a Canadian friend of mine told me that the liberal party in Canada was akin to republicans, the conservatives were akin to democrats, and that they supported lots of environmental issues that even American democrats won't touch. Thank you for the clarity!!

It depends on where you go. BC and Quebec are quite liberal, Alberta is quite conservative with the rest of the country a mish mash of both.

It's pretty liberal.

I lived in Toronto for a year and it was quite different than when I got back to America.

In Canada, I walked through malls without incident, went the greyhound station and waited for the bus without incident, basically just did as I pleased.

It was almost like I owned the place.

In America, when I go to the mall, I don't get to walk through much before a security guard has me at gun point wondering what I'm doing there.

In America, when I wait for the bus at the greyhound station, security guards come up with guns and ask me what I'm doing there (after they saw me exchange my ticket). Then they grab me, drag me into a back office and torture me...

Oh, yeah... and if you haven't already guessed by now, I'm a black dude.