A more informed article on living in Canada

A more informed article on living in Canada - by P.K.Odendaal - June 2013. 

As many of my readers are English speaking and from all parts of the world, I will in future write these articles in English.

After four months I feel I can make a more informed opinion of what life in Canada is for me, and I think it is best to do it on different aspects separately. 

State form.

The state form is democratic and capitalistic, as most developed and civilized western states are, and I find the government as far as I had to do with it, efficient and service good. Naturally any government administration suffers from bureaucracy, which one will also find here.

However, I find the state form much more socialistic as other states I know of, which is a good thing for a country with such a strong middle class. If there is a very strong middle class, then social services and responsibility like health and taxes can be distributed more evenly, and it is done quite well here. I find it very appealing, because I will declare my income more conscientiously when I know I share fairly in the state services and I make a fair contribution towards it. 

Economy.

I live in the province of Alberta, which is said to be a rich province, with lots of natural and human resources. One statistic I have seen is that the average income per household is over $ 80 000 per year. Now that is what I call affluent compared to the $ 5 500 in South Africa for the black population which makes up about 90% of the population. In fact, $ 80 000 per year is the income of the top 1% of households in the world. 

Pedestrians.

Everywhere you go, the pedestrian is king. You stop for them even when they should suddenly appear from behind a bush, but especially so where pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic is mixed like in shopping centres. It is very safe to walk anywhere. I find that excellent. 

Traffic.

The flow of traffic is well catered for and the roads are well maintained. The drivers however are just as ill-disciplined as in many western states. Although the majority are law abiding and safe drivers, a large percentage are inconsiderate and even road hogs. If you wish to get your chance to cross a lane or get into busy traffic, you better have hair on your teeth and push the limits of indiscretion. 

Sport, Entertainment and Nature.

All three are well catered for. In Edmonton there are about 86 golf courses, of which most are public courses, but knowing somebody from a private club gives you access to many of the private clubs. The countryside and nature is beautiful and mostly breath-taking, and most Canadians get into these activities en masse as soon as the winter is over. Gardening is a big issue here, as well as hiking.

In the summer some concerts and symphonic orchestra events are given in a park setting. The summer holidays are a real popular event. 

Shopping and restaurants.

One can keep very busy with shopping, as there are thousands of shops where you can buy almost anything. The thousands of restaurants are of a very high standard - and mostly overcrowded on weekends. Shopping in malls is also an entertaining event. 

People.

I find the people hard-working, honest and very friendly. It is very easy to pick up a conversation at almost any shop, elevator and gathering or just where people congregate.