I don't live there, but someday I hope to live in the Vancouver area.

You'll only need French in Quebec, really. Also, American football is followed near-religiously by a lot of big Canadian cities. A lot of Janus' family is diehard Seahwaks fans. We wachted three different NFL games all at once when we visited his sister and her fiance. The CFL is also cool.

For immigration, you should talk to Hahli Husky.

1. Not a problem at all; I barely know french myself. =P

2. It's... Something. My town has a big issue with that, but there are job opportunities and such. Might take a bit to get used to, though.

3. Hmm... That's a good question, and one I haven't actually looked into yet, really.

4. It's pretty big, but as DV said, there's a lot of American Football fans here even still, and I think one of the teams actually plays in Canada from time to time.

5. Not really anything if you're in certain places; there's a thing or two here and there that's like 'whoa, that's different??' but, it shouldn't be tOO big a deal.

6. Probably one, considering a bunch of people were cheering for the US team because they had players from one of the Canadian NHL teams. xP

1. Haha I know zero French.

2. It's struggled like the US, but I hear it is better than the US job market. I can only speak for my area of BC, where there are tons of new and different job openings listed every day, and as long as you're smart about it, your small business will do well.

3. This also depends on area, both province and actual city/town you're looking at. BC, Vancouver especially, is one of the most expensive places to live. Our 800 square foot condo cost us about $160,000. When compared to USD, things in Canada are "more expensive", but we have different benefits that come with being citizens and residents, as well as a different value on our dollar (right now CAD is pretty weak compared to USD, but sometimes it's opposite or they're close to even.)

4. DV totally answered this one. You can see a lot of American shows and channels with most cable packages.

5. It's not wildly different, but over time you'll definitely notice and miss certain things, or appreciate other things. A good amount of Canadians I know (myself included) love to keep up with US news and events to stay aware (the US and Canadian economies are affected by one another), to laugh, and to say "Wow I'm glad I don't live there." Canada is not as focused on consumerism, so sometimes there is less variety and you don't have as many places frantically competing for your business. There are different brands, some of the same brands, and same brands that just have different names. Thanksgiving is the second Monday of October, and some of the other holidays are different (but often fall very close to some American holidays.)

A lot of foreign companies (even US) won't ship to Canada and if they do, often it'll cost you $10 extra shipping and sometimes customs fees. I hate the postal service here but it does work and it isn't broke. It's about a week slower and more expensive than USPS, and they like making you go to the post office to pick up your package. Car insurance is provided by one company, whose rates are either comparable or higher than US rates. Cell phone service can be cheaper.

If you break your leg you don't have to pay nightmare hospital bills, but you do have to pay in to the healthcare system every month depending on how much your household makes (I pay about $69 a month right now but it can go much lower.) But it's cool because I can go to the doctor anytime and not have to pay them. Finally, in Canada there is way less crazy national pride and "Our country is better than all the others!!" stuff. I mean, Canadians tell me "This country is better", but they smile and chuckle when they say it, and are more likely to have a worldwide view of things (it depends on the individual, of course.) I really like it here and I don't worry about certain things that I really worried about in America. The only things I miss are some of my favorite franchise stores, frozen biscuits sold in bags, and also the variety of Girl Scout cookies Americans get.

6. I hear that as long as you don't run into a crowded street screaming about how much better America is while waving a huge American flag, you won't die.

7. I have replied to your PM with a lot of info. Basically, it's not as painful or horrible as you might have heard. But it can still be stressful, and you have to pay attention and do your research.

listen to HH she is wise

hope to see you up here soon eh

LATE TO THE PARTY SORRY I know you asked me this forever ago but here's my bit.

1. French is not as huge of a deal on the west coast. Nobody predominantly speaks French. It is more common on the East Coast, however. Quebec and over, really. And even so, Quebec is the only province where it is a mandatory language.

HOWEVER that said, to get a government job, any government job, where you speak to the public, it is highly recommended that you have a second language, and French is a good one to have. Some places it is mandatory, and job listings are really good at informing you of that right away.

2. The market is on it's way up, slowly. But it is super sensitive depending on the region you are trying to get into.

3. Depending on if you are willing to rent or own. Here is an excellent site to get you started. You can filter price ranges, bedroom/bathroom numbers, and whether you are looking to own or rent (or entertain options from both categories). I just purchased a home, so please let me know if you are looking for assistance.

4. While the subject of the NFL was addressed, don't discount Canadian football. There's a few rule changes but they're pretty easy to pick up. Most people root for the local (or nearest) team, and it's no where near as fanatic. Most basic cable channels will have a program, and almost all the sports bars play the games if they are on.

5. I weigh to HH's experience.

6. Feel free to root, but don't be too arrogant at a bar. We can be just as jingoistic (if not more) than the US, ESPECIALLY when it comes to hockey.

7. See #5