I came across your channel as a retiree researching travel and living options. Just want to thank you for sharing your experiences. You are a beautiful, charming couple, and I’m learning a lot from watching your videos.
I've often wondered how hard of a decision it was for my Great Grandparents to leave behind everything they'd known and come to Canada. Regardless of the reasons, it took great courage! Canada is so blessed to have you!
Came across this, this evening, we are in the process of relocating from Scotland to Alberta 🇨🇦 and watching your video really did resonate with us our two children are 18 And 16 and there’s just not many opportunities here for there future, we are really looking forward to relocating soon Thanks for sharing your time in Canada, really happy it worked out for yourselfs you have gave us lots of hope for our future in Canada 🙏💕
We do wish you well and hope you like the life in Alberta, just don’t keep comparing to England but embrace what you are finding and experiencing. A positive outlook is so important to your successful transition.
Interesting video. As a resident of the United States 2 of your reasons were very familiar. Traffic and overall maintenance of not only roads, but bridges and communities overall here in the US. And, with our political turmoil an increase in people’s nastiness in general. I have traveled extensively in Canada and it is such a lovely, refreshing country to visit and the people so helpful and friendly. You made the right choice.
Thanks so much for your kind words, it’s a shame what is happening politically and the effect on opposing sides. We have seen some areas of the U.S. mainly northern states that seem to be struggling with highways and bridges, yet other sunshine states have great infrastructure. Have a nice weekend and thanks for watching. 🇺🇸🇨🇦
As a Canadian that has lived in the USA since the late 90s, I can tell you that issues with political turmoil and infrastructure vary widely by state. I spent many years living in California. And despite the overall beauty of the state, the infrastructure is quite sub par. Roads are in poor condition. Traffic is terrible. Air quality is quite bad. And to be blunt, they are not very tolerant of different political views. I now live in Florida and it is completely opposite. The roads (minus the construction!) are in excellent condition. Traffic can be bad in some areas, but tolerable. Weather is humid, but good all year round. But the big difference is with Florida being a swing state, people here are much more tolerant of alternate views and are fine with having a civil conversation. I am sure other states vary as well, but that has been my experience.
@@Diomedes01 Glad you are happy in Florida. I lived in florida from 1962 to 2014, it is no longer recognizable to me. I don't know what part of the state you live in but I lived in both South florida and Tampa Bay, both are crowded with terrible traffic. I moved to the mountains and now live in a small, quiet town.
@@Diomedes01 -- you're 100% correct, I was born/raised in Calif but relocated to Northern Georgia 21 years ago., it's so much better than the busy smoggy cities of Calif, but now I'm ready to retire to sunshine state of Florida soon.
@@Diomedes01 Living in northwest Indiana near Chicago for most of my life, I agree with your assessment that these issues vary widely from state to state. We live 3 miles east of the IL/IN line on the southern fringe of the Chicago metro. Our county has lost population and jobs since the 1970s, while our particular town has grown by over three times since we moved here in 1989. Most of the growth is from former IL residents who still work in IL, but moved to IN for lower taxes. That being said...the road that most of them use to get to those jobs has a 30 mph speed limit that changes to 55 mph in Illinois--and the road in IL has been rebuilt and widened three times, versus just once for that same road on the IN side of the line! There is a downside to overly low taxes when infrastructure suffers. All that being said, the last time we were in SoCal in 2017, all of the roads there were in much better condition than those in the upper Midwest due to winter weather problems here.
Having lived now in Canada for 7 months my sole complaint is that it isn't close enough to Germany and Belgium to go drinking for the weekend...apart from that Canada rocks....and let me mention the Canadians themselves...lovely gentle and kind..I love you all!!
That is sad that is happening, our parents would access the UK 🇬🇧 healthcare and were well looked after and we thank you for your service. We hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
I can't say that I know much about the NHS, but I can say that "Call The Midwife" is the all-time favorite show of my wife and daughters here in Indiana! Does it, in your opinion, accurately depict the history of healthcare in the UK?
We were 38 and 36 when we did it back in 1992 , wouldn’t want to do it if a lot older😱 but then it was a very exciting thing to do and we are very proud to live in Canada 🇨🇦 Hope you are safe and well Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🍺🇨🇦
Hi Norm and Tina, I've been watching your channel for a while now and I really been enjoying it so I decided to Subscribed! As a 68 year old Canadian, I have learned so much like the Dental Plan for dentures, Red Flag, Telus and other useful information that I've just learned on your channel, so thank you for that! I am a very proud Canadian and am grateful for what Canada offers like Health care. I've had 2 rare cancer operations and if I went to the US for my operation it would have cost me over $200,000.00 in 2007 but here in Canada there was no cost to me! A lot of people that I know do nothing but complain about Toronto, and anything else Canada has to offer, so it's so nice to hear people talk about how they love living in Canada which to me is a wonderful country to live in! 🎄🎄🎅🎅👍👍
It’s fantastic that you got great Cancer treatment, also Norm did 17 years ago it was exceptional care he received in Ottawa . We agree that Canada 🇨🇦 is a wonderful country to live in and we are proud to be Canadian Citizens, glad you are enjoying our channel have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🌺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement The cancer that I had could not be done in Toronto so I had to go to Montreal which I also got exceptional treatment. Now whenever I need to go to Montreal for my doctor appointment, I turn it into a vacation!
i recently found your channel in my feed due to the algorithm in CZcams. I am glad to have found you! I am 63.5 yrs and nearing retirement, living just north of Boston, MA. I really appreciate all of the info that you put out, and your easy casual style of presenting on so many topics. Keep going and thank you! i look forward to many more episodes. I am sure you have learned by now, but here in the US, we love our neighbors to the north -- despite some fierce hockey rivalries!
Born in Northampton in /51, parents moved to Canada in '63/64. I could never thank them enough. They were both Canadian citizens, dad served in Canadian Infantry in GB and Sicily/Italy, mom served CMHQ in London. They were thoughtful enough to have me registered as a Canadian Citizen at birth. Saw my old town in '83 and the changes were very noticeable however not for the better. From what I see now with "Nanny State" overreach I am even more thankful. Now, having put it that way I see Canada surging ahead down the same dark hole. You are here now and come with first hand experience so with your mind and eyes open help us here avoid that situation. Vote thoughtfully.
Hi Scott, We are living in challenging times and we have always voted as Canadian citizens. The real shock is seeing house prices double in five years. Glad your parents were thoughtful enough to give you two citizenships. Thanks so watching our video.
ScottGpa, Canada will not surge down that same dark hole. I’ve already voted for PIERRE POILIEVRE in the Conservative leadership race. And I will walk 10 miles over broken glass, to vote for, and ensure he becomes the next PM of Canada, in 2025!!! Yes, things are desperately wrong in this country at the moment, but hopefully not for too long!
I really loved listening to your big decision moving to Canada. I share and agree with your reasons for moving. Being a Brit myself this is how I am feeling, it is just declining here, the roads, traffic, and the list goes on. I believe the quality of life in Canada, the environment, the great outdoors is amazing. Life in the U.K is not the same anymore, I speak for myself, some people may agree. I hope my dream to live in Canada will come true. It takes a lot of research, which I am doing. God Bless and thankyou x
Thanks for watching Asha we hope you manage to make your dream come true to come to Canada 🇨🇦 it is a wonderful place to live do your research and find a way .Wishing you all the best Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🍺🇨🇦🌻
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thankyou so much, for your message. I am following my heart, to be happy, to enjoy life. As a couple you inspire me and give me hope. All things are possibe⛪️🙏as I pray. God Bless you 🙏
Just caught this video of yours (April 2022) and find that your reasons leaving UK for Canada some 10 years ago (around 2011 ?) resonate with a lot of people when they live in a place where there is relatively higher taxes but lesser services and that when opportunities come along for a better life at a lower cost with a relatively little transition time and cost, people will grab the opportunity. Good for you. Glad that it worked out for you two with this adventure.
This was a very enlightening. I’m 76 and my grandparents on my mothers side were English & Scottish They came here around 1910 & I never had a chance to talk with them & found out why they came to Toronto. Thank you.
It is so beautiful to watch this. My hubby and young family moved to Quebec 2 years ago having lived in the UK for about 14 years. The move was inspired by need for adventure and also knowing Canada is multi-cultural thus my kids, though British, have a sense of belonging here in Canada. Though we have not sold our home in Didcot, Oxfordshire..an investment for us. We do miss our family there but we are also making new connections here. I find Canada less stressful compared to the UK....so I have a better quality of life here (very important). We love Montreal...even in winter, it is super sunny compared to the gray/gloomy winter in UK. We are learning French as another language. Lots of adventure for us.
I thInk it is important to know French as a Canadian, especially if you live in Quebec. Your lives will be enriched with knowing the language. Mine has certainly been. Bonne chance!
Come to Melbourne, the tRaffic is also getting unbearable. Come to Melbourne and we get four seasons in a day. Plenty of Lamb in Australia. They have done that to our favourite chocolates. Cadbury's has brought out many of our chocolate Factories. Great points to leave The UK and find that you can stretch your finances further. Have a great Christmas Tina and Norm, thank you for sharing the reasons why you left the UK. 🎄🤗👍🏽🙏🏽🕊
Hi Peter and JoJo seems like traffic, seasons and chocolates pop up as problems everywhere LOL 😂Australian 🐑 Lamb also our favourites is delicious 😋 hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and way better great New Year 🍷 🇦🇺🎅🍺🎄hugs from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you for sharing this kind of information. As a Canadian it’s sometimes nice to see the perspective of the people that come to live here. I also have to agree with you on the weather especially in the Winter. The coldest of Winter days, you will normally find are full of sun ☀️..
Our winters are quite mild in Nova Scotia but not as sunny at in some other parts of Canada, except in the colder days when high pressure systems move in. This winter we hardly had any snow, much to the shagrin of the skiers here.
What killed England was WWll. Japan and Germany were bailed out, their infrastructure rebuilt and their economies restarted-- they both went on to become leading world economies. Did Britain not deserve the same level of help, while America and Canada went on to make billions? Britain finally paid off it's war debt after 61 years in 2006. As a Canadian, I am a direct beneficiary. But, sometimes it takes an immigrant to make you aware just how good we have it.
Thanks for your comment, WWll was expensive that’s why there are American Air Force bases in England. Post war Britain was difficult and austere. Canada is fortunate to have so many natural resources, we just need to use the wealth wisely. Have a great weekend.
Actually the US did massively bail out the UK during and after WWII. People don’t understand this and misunderstand the actual history. The famous lend lease program was essentially all a donation by the US to the war effort. The “loan” that you’re referred to was first incurred at the end of WWII when the lend lease program ended (as the war had ended) when the UK still needed the supplies that the Americans were sending but had no money to pay for it. The Americans “sold” the supplies at a tiny fraction of the actual cost to the UK and wrote up a very generous loan agreement with very low interest rates (not covering inflation at all which means the lender loses money). The money repaid by the UK was therefore minuscule in comparison. In addition, UK and allies received far more economic aid, than Germany and others received under the Marshall Plan. the Marshall Plan is all that is remembered in history, mainly because the US was very generous to its Western allies (and both the US and its allies didn’t want its respective populations to know how much money was being given). In hindsight, the US deserves way more credit than it does for saving the Western world. Even as all the European countries who benefited from American generosity turn their noses at Americans and make up falsehoods about Americans who selflessly died for them in two world wars.
@@Jaxsf1 The US late involvement in WWII was undoubtedly a critical turning point in shifting the outcome in the Allies' favour. But, it doesn't deserve credit for single-handedly "saving" Western Europe from the Nazis. Commonwealth former colonies of Britain--namely Canada and Australia-- also made major contributions to the Allied war effort and stepped up right from the start of the war.
Great video😀 you made us feel like proud Canadians ! My husband left his home country Portugal, 20 years ago and does not regret it. High taxes and expensive to live there and the real estate was expensive too. This is a land of opportunity! 😊 Tina, yes I feel happy on sunny days too! 😎 Thanks again
That is awesome! we are also very proud Canadians 🇨🇦the opportunities are huge and we do like the different seasons and definitely we both feel happy on sunny 😎🌞days Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🍺
Thanks for watching some times that happens🧐 life gets in the way , we are so glad we made the move when we did , Canada 🇨🇦 is now our home . Have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
As usual, extremely informative. I think you both already did one video where you discussed why you left the U.K. In this video there's more details. Wow.
On my first time in London (1994), I was shocked at the 18% VAT and how tiny the houses were in terms of interior space and yard space. The subway system though (the underground), even at that earlier time was very extensive and impressive.
Thanks for your comment yes compared to Canadian houses, in the UK they are a lot smaller both inside and gardens a lot of which get turned into driveways to park the car 🚗 Cheers🍷 🇬🇧 🍺🇨🇦
'I was shocked at the 18% VAT ...' VAT is now 20%, although less on some products, but the real advantage is that you don't have to think about it since it is rolled into the ticket price. I found the 'sales tax' concept in Canada and the US constantly tripped me up as I did not know how much I had to pay until I got to the till. It seems strange to separate out the tax element from the sale.
This is an interesting video, my parents emigrated from Birmingham to Vancouver in the late 90s for the same reasons as you did, but things now have really changed now. I moved back to the UK 6 years ago people and in their early 20s are doing miles better in the South East compared to Vancouver. The quality of life, cheap flights to Europe and less expensive food makes a big difference.
I think you both have an adventurous spirit, back then and still today. You are an inspiration And like so many of us, change is good from time to time. Like you, my mothers family emigrated to Canada, but from the Netherlands. It is nice that we can straddle both continents because they made the move and have family in both places and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Thank you for your kind words, it’s true having a strong connection to two continents has added so much to our lives. Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Been enjoying your videos especially the Portugal ones. As a British born Africa over 60 I've downsized, semi retired and now working part time in a couple of African countries. Now I visit Europe 2 to 3 months of the year and spend most of it in Portugal. In Abuja, Nigeria for just £400 per month me and my partner now live in a 4 bed house with each room ensuite. As for grey skies my last 5 years in the UK was in Manchester. Loved it and the people compared to London but the rain and grey skies were doing my head in. Now in my 60s living the life, 9 months in Africa and 3 months in Europe mainly Portugal.
You have a very interesting life, we both agree Portugal is nice, we grew up in Manchester and the skies were often grey. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
You guys are smart AND strategic💡👌🏾I ABSOLUTELY ❤️ IT! Takes courage to add your reasons for leaving UK. My reasons for planning to leave here brought me to this awesome channel. Thank so much4sharing. It's like I have friends who've already paved the way for me, sharing their journey.😊💃🕺🍷🍺🍷🍺👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 ❤️❤️❤️ UK weather sounds like Portland, OR & Seattle Wa rain rain rain rain & dark skies.
You guys are so sensible and I find you very calming to watch. My husband and I are just a couple of years away from retirement and looking forward to it.
Very interesting topic. Never realized there is such hard way in regular class people in England. You two really seem to have put a lot of thought in your decision to live in Canada. Merry Christmas 🎄 and happy new year 🎊
Thanks for sharing your story...being a native Canadian it's interesting to hear the UK perspective from regular middle-class folks. Glad you're enjoying our sunny weather and creamy chocolates! Have you tried a beavertail yet? If there's one thing Canadians are crazy for its fried dough... hence the success of Tim Hortons. Afterall, you need lots of carbs to get through a long cold winter here! Love your channel...so down to earth. Keep warm , happy holidays and stay safe🍸
That is so funny, yes we have tried Beavertails they were from Ottawa and we lived there for 27 years and Tim Hortons Boston Cream nothing better, there goes the waistline lol
I enjoyed this video. I found your comments about social class interesting. I live in the US, and we have social classes but nothing like the class system of Europe (although this may be changing as our economy gets more and more uneven).
Thanks for this video. You made me appreciate my country that much more! Yes, I hate the long cold winters but Canada is such a beautiful country and I'm looking forward to exploring it more in retirement! I do love visiting the UK though especially all the quaint villages and countryside.
These have been very interesting points. I loved this video because I have always longed to live in England because of the gorgeous pictures. My husband had an opportunity to attend Oxford, but when we found out that it would have eaten up our nest egg to live there, we passed on the opportunity. We live in Texas so we were told that living in the UK was going to cost about what it costs to live in New York.
It can be expensive but also out of the popular places it’s less expensive. We hope you get to stay there for a long stay. Thanks for watching we appreciate it.
Earlier this week I stepped outside my house in England to find an uneven footway and I contemplated whether I should relocate to Ontario. But after some research I discovered that Ontario has the more nuclear power stations than any other Canadian province, and so many more over the border in the US. So, instead, I decided to contact the highway authority who came the very next day to repair the footway.
I've immigated to Canada (Edmonton) from the UK (South East) in 2009 also because of the weather (grey skies / gloom). After 4 years I've returned to London, and weather wasn't so much of a problem anymore (thinking about the 6 months of snow I had in Edmonton). Now actively looking to move to Algarve permanently.
You both share so much great information and perspective; it’s such a pleasure to watch every video you put on CZcams. Best wishes and respect to you both! 🇨🇦👍🎉
Wow! I thought I was the only one who loved those orange creams! Lol!😂 Thanks Tina and Norm for the always enjoyable and informative videos. See you next week!
Thank you for your honesty. I'm so glad you made your way here to Canada, when you obviously had other options. As a born and raised Canadian from the prairie provinces, I can tell you that Canada certainly has its downsides, but unless you've lived elsewhere, you have nothing to compare it to. Overall, I love my country, and like you, and am proud to be Canadian. Having said all that, in another 5 years, my wife and I will not be spending our winters here. We're still hoping to share that drink in the Algarve with you guys one day.
Yes! Winter in The Algarve is the plan, just need to get rid of this pandemic. There is no perfect country but Canada comes very close. Thanks for watching Merry Christmas.
I left the USA in '98 and moved to the UK becoming a naturalised UK citizen in '03. I still remember the words to "God save the Queen". That I had to sing at my UK naturalisation ceremony.
I am very greatful that I was born in Canada. We are not perfect ( yet ) but to me there is nowhere better. Thanks for the great video's love love love your honesty and transparency on all things in retirement. Would love to here your view on extra health insurance. Both travel and just 'extra coverage ' health insurance.
Thanks for watching we appreciate your support, we personally don’t buy any extra health insurance as we are very well looked after with great healthcare in Canada 🇨🇦 We self finance dental 🦷 work and never travel without full travel insurance, hope that helps and have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺🌺
UK is a miserable place to live now. I am 59 and have always struggled financially, even when i had a good management career. Constant worry attached to ever-increasing living-costs, collapsing NHS, negativity everywhere, politicians who are most interested in themselves, it makes for a sad environment.
We are sorry to hear about your experience in the UK, we had similar financial experiences. Politicians are like that the world over, it’s just how it gone. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts.
Well, though I would not claim that Great Britain is a warm and sunny tropical island, the weather is really not as bad as Tina says. It does not rain most of the time. According to the Met Office Climate data, which shows numbers over a 30 year period, there were 106.5 days of rainfall per year on average. This means that there was rainfall on 29 percent of days per year and on average it didn't rain for 71 percent of the year.
Sounds wonderful, we do like the 4 seasons here in Canada, although we do go to The Algarve Jan-March to escape the extreme cold (not during covid however). Thanks for watching.
That's funny - high taxes, aging Infrastructure and lack of maintenance are among the reasons I'm pursuing Italian Citizenship by Descent right now. Because the US is coming apart, physically and politically. In the '80s, the situation here in the US was different. The grey weather where I am currently - Pittsburgh - is terribly depressing. It's wet and grey more often than not! I totally understand! The problem with Canada's large land mass is that much of it is just inaccessible. Forests are wonderful but people tend to settle in cities...
We wish you well on your Italian citizenship, we have been to a number of different places in Italy and it is wonderful. 90% of Canadians live within a 100 mile strip along the border with the U.S. Thanks for watching and good luck.
The irony of not liking the immigration in your country and then emigrating to another country. That too Canada of all places, probably one of the most welcoming countries that exist 🤦♂️
Enjoying your videos so much. You two have such a relaxed and friendly way of conversing. Also appreciate your honesty and helpful tips. Best wishes to you. ❤️ from the US.
Thanks for sharing your story of your move to Canada. Must have been quite the adventure. I have a friend and former co-worker that came to Canada from the UK with her husband and 2 daughters in 1991. The reasoning sounds the same. Look forward to seeing your videos every week. Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best in 2022.
At age 65 there’s a lot of barriers to emigrating permanently eg to Australia as it’s not easy or cheap to do. At the moment Australia only allows 1000 parents each year to emigrate on a free visa, the current waiting list is 30,000 parents!
Interesting story. There comes times in life we have to make decisions not only for ourselves but for our family as well. Everyone should have dual citizenship. I am currently working on my third citizenship (Italian). This is more for my daughters and grandkids. Have a great weekend.
Very interesting. I look back to when I was 8 and my parents decided to shift their family of 6 to New Zealand in 1961. I do know some of the reasoning, but never really talked about it in depth with my dad. Relocating a family is such a personal thing. As a child no family holidays in New Zealand to speak of. As an adult, here in Europe, the borders are close by and our caravan was magic. Now, we AirBnB generally. No more dragging the caravan behind us. Life styles indeed differ greatly country to country. I'm so glad you had the vision and clarity to choose what you did and when you did. It worked out really well by all accounts I feel. It's good to reflect from time to time. Thank you for sharing your story. I feel privileged to have heard it. 🙏 💝 🇳🇱 🤶 🇳🇿 🎄 Have a great week leading up to Christmas 🍷- we are in total lockdown ( again)! Essentials open only. 🙄
Wow it seems we have a lot in common our children were 8 and 11 when we came out to Canada 🇨🇦, the opportunities have been huge in so many ways we have never looked back curious 🧐 what made you leave New Zealand and go back to Europe. Yes we just heard you are back in total Lockdown yikes just before Christmas 🎄 too, not sure any country seems to know how to handle this Omicron 🦠they make decisions like throwing a dart 🎯 to a dartboard. We got our booster shot 💉on Tuesday after sore arm for two days we are fine , strangely Canada seems to be doing pretty well on giving boosters which are now open to all over the age of 18. We hope you are well hang in there and we wish you a great weekend 🇳🇱 🍷🎄🇨🇦🍺🎅
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Booster tomorrow, yes here too boosters for all above 18, think maybe they'll even offer it to the younger generation before schools go back. The lockdown will serve also to get those boosters done, before any tentative re-opening happens. Our Delta Covid numbers are dropping- this will ( hopefully) take the pressure off the hospitals should Omnicron causes more damage. The holiday closure will be hard on businesses. I'll be cooking again this Christmas instead of our 'Dine out' turn. Schools closed early. Not having to deal with large family numbers or children or work from home, I have to admit the lockdown doesn't affect us as much as others. We can live without shops and restaurants for the time being. My parents went to NZ hoping for a better future for us kids. It wasn't that overpopulated here at the time and we lived in a small township in a very healthy and wooded area, so there was no real mention of the problems of traffic etc. I guess lots of things contributed to my 'unrest' if you like. I feel at home in both countries - and my sabbatical has lasted 21 years to date. Oh for a crystal ball on occasions. Weekend was great, almost over. Time for a 🍷or 🍷🍷. Have a great week leading up to Christmas. 🎄 🇳🇱 🤶 🇳🇿
This was such an interesting video. As a new subscriber, I enjoyed learning about the issues that impacted such a magic life decision. Love your couple chemistry.
Thanks for sharing this. I was always feeling bad for not grabbing the opportunity to work in UK some 6years before. I was feeling depressed every time i see snow here and when i compare the weather in UK.
Thank you! we did a lot of research 🧐 before we came here , but so glad we did we hope you are keeping well and having a great weekend Merry Christmas 🎄 to you too Cheers 🍷🇦🇺🇨🇦🍺
Love this couple! Thanks Tina and Norm, I enjoy your channel very much. My grandmother and grandfather came to the U.S from Scotland, I believe they came by way of Nova Scotia (my mother's maiden name is McMillan). My aunts and uncles, as well as my mother were the first generation to be born in the U.S. I have felt a yearning all my life for the U.K.. , and have often wondered why my grandparents left. This really helped me understand how difficult it is for working people (the class system and inherited wealth). I am guessing it is pretty expensive to live there. I will get there someday to visit. Thanks again for your channel and greetings from the Ozarks.
Thanks for your wonderful comment you know your grandparents were very brave and courageous to leave Scotland 🏴 seeking more for their family , we know as that is what we did 🤔 Hope our video helped you understand why we all left , go back to visit for a vacation might help you feel at ease Cheers 🍷🏴🌺🇺🇸🍺🇨🇦
We had a lot of the same considerations retiring here in the U.S. We moved to a state with better weather, lots of sun and blue skies. Lower taxes, lower utility bills, and general lower cost of living also factored into our decision.
You're so right about the UK. I've lived in 10 other countries now and found their governance, infrastructure, healthcare and economies to all be functioning much better than the UK. In other words, more people benefitted, not just a few. But alas, the UK is still home.
I love your narratives. So realistic and so intriguing. Tina looks good in the green. You both have alleviated my concerns going into retirement next year. I am single with a great condo and no debts. A DB pension as an educator and still fear going into the brave new world 🌎 of freedom and retirement. I am sure you have met some single retirees and perhaps you could share some of their experiences. Have a guest or two to change things up a bit.
My brother moved his family away from Seattle because of rain. I on the other hand would love the rain as I live in a desert that has been in drought for years.
Must admit the rain ☔️ drives you nuts in England, we prefer the mixed seasons in Canada 🇨🇦 even with snow there is blue skies and often sunshine Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
Wow glad to have great people joining up with us but you should have seen Canada in the 1980s. No comparison to today. The trajectory we're going, you may have buyer's remorse pretty quick.
We used to watch Canadian movies from the early eighties while living in the UK, it did look bleak then. We still love Canada and being Canadians. We are sure if you talked to anyone from any western country they might have similar views to yours about their country. There is no perfect place but Canada for us comes close!. Have a nice weekend.
Hi Tina & Norm, Just watched this great and very interesting video - We moved to the US from Germany for exactly the same reasons, though German infrastructure was not one of the reasons. I had a very nice job there (plus no college tuition for the kids and no out of pocket healthcare costs), but the urge of trying something new (like Tina said) made me (my wife was not so enthusiastic about it though) leave our comfort zone and to settle here in the US. I found UK to be very inexpensive during 80s as compared to Germany and was traveling to the UK to buy my clothing there.
We agree it was definitely the spirit of trying something new , a new adventure and we have been here 🇨🇦since 1992 glad you enjoyed the video have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇺🇸🎄
Shocked you had to sell your house for less than you paid!!!.........happened here in the Boston area in the late 1980’s…….....my wife and I are at the same age…….enjoy your UTchannel…..PS…I have the same hair as Norm..LOL !......keep up the good work kids!
We were on a time limit to be able to emigrate to Canada 🇨🇦 that’s why we lost money 💰 to be able to come . We are glad you are enjoying our channel Mark Cheers 🍷🌺😎
Really useful video. The UK still needs to get to grips with the infrastructure and maintenance... Driving in the UK is a nightmare. The roads are simply not designed for this day and age and cannot cope with the number of cars. It is amazing that cars are allowed to park on the side of the roads which are so clogged and have to somehow manage two way traffic! In general, the UK is still so backward.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement It does, but just a lot more slowly than other places... Hope the new PM brings a new approach to running the country...I think he will.
Love your videos. Much of your info is in Canada and we are in the states it’s still very interesting. We are looking at retirement in the next 3-4 years. My husband came here from England when we were young. He still has both his parents in England and it is difficult not being there to help them, now that they are in their 80’s.
Yes a lot is about Canada but we have mentioned Social Security in the U.S. as it’s very similar to our Canadian Pension Plan being able to take it early. Our main goal is to share ideas that anyone in any country can research for their local plans. Thanks for watching.
T&N congrats on making the right decision. I know a number of ex pats from the UK who have done very very well here in The Colony. You have to be brave to make such a move.
Welcome to Canada! It's a big country and worth exploring. I love London as a tourist but wouldn't live in UK due to high cost of living and the damp weather. If you miss a sense of history and old world feel, try Quebec City.
Compare Vancouver with Bury St Edmunds. No contest, in terms of average rainfall, or the number of rainy days. Obviously, Canada is so huge, there are very dry area too. It is much more variable than here in England.
As an American Anglophile who spends part of the year in the US and part in the UK, I found two of your points most interesting… Things being old vs new - Americans are captivated by how old everything is in England.So I found it interesting that you liked how new everything seemed in Canada. Weather - I do LOVE the fact that in Texas it is sunny so much of the time and frequently warm in the winter. It’s nearly Christmas, and it’s going to be about 80 F the next several days! I wouldn’t enjoy the short grey days and long cold nights of British winters. But I do LOVE the glorious British summers! ☀️ So I’m spoilt that I get to just enjoy the best bits of each place 😉
Sounds like you have the best of both worlds 🌍which is wonderful , there is no better place than Canada 🇨🇦 in the summer it’s hot and lovely that’s we bought a trailer on a Lakeside Campground (as we couldn’t travel internationally with our restrictions) to enjoy , but in Winter we like to go to Portugal 🇵🇹 for sun and blue skies it’s perfect . Stay safe and enjoy your hot Christmas LOL 😂Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🎄🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thanks! Yes we will enjoy some family walks this Christmas! I’m glad you found a place that you enjoy and are so happy in. My father was an avid fisherman, and he loved going on long fishing trips to Canada in the summer with his sister and brother in law.❤️🇨🇦
Hello you guys. Thank you for your excellent video. Really enjoyed your frankness. I wish I had done the same. Probably too late now though. Wishing you both a Happy Christmas 🎄 and a Wonderful New Year! 🎉
Please subscribe to our channel it's free! 👍
I came across your channel as a retiree researching travel and living options. Just want to thank you for sharing your experiences. You are a beautiful, charming couple, and I’m learning a lot from watching your videos.
Awesome! Thank you! welcome to our channel Rota glad you are enjoying it have a great week Cheers 🍷🌺🙂
I've often wondered how hard of a decision it was for my Great Grandparents to leave behind everything they'd known and come to Canada. Regardless of the reasons, it took great courage! Canada is so blessed to have you!
Thanks so much , also a great choice by your Great Grandparents to come here too have a wonderful week Cheers 🍷🌻🍺
Canada is lucky to have good people like Tina and Norm. People like you make the country better.
Thank you for a lovely comment we really appreciate it Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I agree 100%. You two are the prototype of the type of immigrants Canada needs.
@@terryomalley1974 Thanks so much Terry that’s very kind of you Cheers 🍷🎄🍺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Once again, you're welcome.
@@terryomalley1974 Happy New Year 🥳🥂
Came across this, this evening, we are in the process of relocating from Scotland to Alberta 🇨🇦 and watching your video really did resonate with us our two children are 18 And 16 and there’s just not many opportunities here for there future, we are really looking forward to relocating soon
Thanks for sharing your time in Canada, really happy it worked out for yourselfs you have gave us lots of hope for our future in Canada 🙏💕
We do wish you well and hope you like the life in Alberta, just don’t keep comparing to England but embrace what you are finding and experiencing. A positive outlook is so important to your successful transition.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thank you so much 🙏
And if you miss home, you can always head to Cape Breton Island on vacation to take in the Gaelic festivals and enjoy the Highlands!
Interesting video. As a resident of the United States 2 of your reasons were very familiar. Traffic and overall maintenance of not only roads, but bridges and communities overall here in the US. And, with our political turmoil an increase in people’s nastiness in general. I have traveled extensively in Canada and it is such a lovely, refreshing country to visit and the people so helpful and friendly. You made the right choice.
Thanks so much for your kind words, it’s a shame what is happening politically and the effect on opposing sides. We have seen some areas of the U.S. mainly northern states that seem to be struggling with highways and bridges, yet other sunshine states have great infrastructure. Have a nice weekend and thanks for watching. 🇺🇸🇨🇦
As a Canadian that has lived in the USA since the late 90s, I can tell you that issues with political turmoil and infrastructure vary widely by state.
I spent many years living in California. And despite the overall beauty of the state, the infrastructure is quite sub par. Roads are in poor condition. Traffic is terrible. Air quality is quite bad. And to be blunt, they are not very tolerant of different political views.
I now live in Florida and it is completely opposite. The roads (minus the construction!) are in excellent condition. Traffic can be bad in some areas, but tolerable. Weather is humid, but good all year round. But the big difference is with Florida being a swing state, people here are much more tolerant of alternate views and are fine with having a civil conversation. I am sure other states vary as well, but that has been my experience.
@@Diomedes01 Glad you are happy in Florida. I lived in florida from 1962 to 2014, it is no longer recognizable to me. I don't know what part of the state you live in but I lived in both South florida and Tampa Bay, both are crowded with terrible traffic. I moved to the mountains and now live in a small, quiet town.
@@Diomedes01 -- you're 100% correct, I was born/raised in Calif but relocated to Northern Georgia 21 years ago., it's so much better than the busy smoggy cities of Calif, but now I'm ready to retire to sunshine state of Florida soon.
@@Diomedes01 Living in northwest Indiana near Chicago for most of my life, I agree with your assessment that these issues vary widely from state to state. We live 3 miles east of the IL/IN line on the southern fringe of the Chicago metro. Our county has lost population and jobs since the 1970s, while our particular town has grown by over three times since we moved here in 1989. Most of the growth is from former IL residents who still work in IL, but moved to IN for lower taxes. That being said...the road that most of them use to get to those jobs has a 30 mph speed limit that changes to 55 mph in Illinois--and the road in IL has been rebuilt and widened three times, versus just once for that same road on the IN side of the line! There is a downside to overly low taxes when infrastructure suffers. All that being said, the last time we were in SoCal in 2017, all of the roads there were in much better condition than those in the upper Midwest due to winter weather problems here.
Thanks for this! We watched this video in the morning and it gave me a yen for lamb, so now we just finished a lovely lamb dinner.
Sounds great Alex we love Roast Lamb dinner Cheers 🍷🌺😎
You two are the cutest couple on you tube. Thanks for all of your information.
Thanks so much 😊 glad you enjoyed it have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺
Enjoyed this video. As you are probably aware in Ontario we say there are two seasons: winter and construction. It is nice to have your viewpoint.
Thanks for the info and for watching Nancy Cheers 🌺🙂
Having lived now in Canada for 7 months my sole complaint is that it isn't close enough to Germany and Belgium to go drinking for the weekend...apart from that Canada rocks....and let me mention the Canadians themselves...lovely gentle and kind..I love you all!!
Thats great Niall good job we can get German and Belgium 🇧🇪 beer at the LCBO LOL 😂😂Canada a wonderful place to live Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
Has a nurse of over 20 years in the NHS. The UK is crumbling around us. I total agree with Norm about the class system here.
That is sad that is happening, our parents would access the UK 🇬🇧 healthcare and were well looked after and we thank you for your service. We hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
I can't say that I know much about the NHS, but I can say that "Call The Midwife" is the all-time favorite show of my wife and daughters here in Indiana! Does it, in your opinion, accurately depict the history of healthcare in the UK?
I can't imagine moving to a different country. We moved different states and that was scary enough. Happy Traveling!
We were 38 and 36 when we did it back in 1992 , wouldn’t want to do it if a lot older😱 but then it was a very exciting thing to do and we are very proud to live in Canada 🇨🇦 Hope you are safe and well Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🍺🇨🇦
Hi Norm and Tina, I've been watching your channel for a while now and I really been enjoying it so I decided to Subscribed! As a 68 year old Canadian, I have learned so much like the Dental Plan for dentures, Red Flag, Telus and other useful information that I've just learned on your channel, so thank you for that! I am a very proud Canadian and am grateful for what Canada offers like Health care. I've had 2 rare cancer operations and if I went to the US for my operation it would have cost me over $200,000.00 in 2007 but here in Canada there was no cost to me! A lot of people that I know do nothing but complain about Toronto, and anything else Canada has to offer, so it's so nice to hear people talk about how they love living in Canada which to me is a wonderful country to live in! 🎄🎄🎅🎅👍👍
It’s fantastic that you got great Cancer treatment, also Norm did 17 years ago it was exceptional care he received in Ottawa .
We agree that Canada 🇨🇦 is a wonderful country to live in and we are proud to be Canadian Citizens, glad you are enjoying our channel have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🌺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement The cancer that I had could not be done in Toronto so I had to go to Montreal which I also got exceptional treatment. Now whenever I need to go to Montreal for my doctor appointment, I turn it into a vacation!
@@rosaannarilli4905 Awesome 👏 what a great idea we will drink to that Cheers 🌺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thank you!
Wow! This would make me want to move to Canada if I didn't already live here. Thx so much for reminding me how fortunate we are here. Stay safe all.
You are so welcome! we love living in Canada 🇨🇦 hope everyone is safe and well and having a great weekend Cheers 🍷🍺
i recently found your channel in my feed due to the algorithm in CZcams. I am glad to have found you! I am 63.5 yrs and nearing retirement, living just north of Boston, MA. I really appreciate all of the info that you put out, and your easy casual style of presenting on so many topics. Keep going and thank you! i look forward to many more episodes. I am sure you have learned by now, but here in the US, we love our neighbors to the north -- despite some fierce hockey rivalries!
Wonderful! welcome to our channel Gregory glad you are enjoying our videos have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🌺
Born in Northampton in /51, parents moved to Canada in '63/64. I could never thank them enough. They were both Canadian citizens, dad served in Canadian Infantry in GB and Sicily/Italy, mom served CMHQ in London. They were thoughtful enough to have me registered as a Canadian Citizen at birth. Saw my old town in '83 and the changes were very noticeable however not for the better. From what I see now with "Nanny State" overreach I am even more thankful. Now, having put it that way I see Canada surging ahead down the same dark hole. You are here now and come with first hand experience so with your mind and eyes open help us here avoid that situation. Vote thoughtfully.
Hi Scott, We are living in challenging times and we have always voted as Canadian citizens. The real shock is seeing house prices double in five years. Glad your parents were thoughtful enough to give you two citizenships. Thanks so watching our video.
The Uk is lost.
you really dodged a bullet.
@@junemills3591 Thanks for watching have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🤗
ScottGpa, Canada will not surge down that same dark hole. I’ve already voted for PIERRE POILIEVRE in the Conservative leadership race. And I will walk 10 miles over broken glass, to vote for, and ensure he becomes the next PM of Canada, in 2025!!!
Yes, things are desperately wrong in this country at the moment, but hopefully not for too long!
I echo all of your reasons to leave the UK. We left to live in Portugal and we have no regrets, we live such a better life.
That’s wonderful we are really glad you are enjoying Portugal 🇵🇹 hopefully we might meet one day in the future Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🍺
I really loved listening to your big decision moving to Canada. I share and agree with your reasons for moving. Being a Brit myself
this is how I am feeling, it is just declining here, the roads, traffic, and the list goes on.
I believe the quality of life in Canada, the environment, the great outdoors is amazing.
Life in the U.K is not the same anymore, I speak for myself, some people may agree.
I hope my dream to live in Canada will come true. It takes a lot of research, which I am doing. God Bless and thankyou x
Thanks for watching Asha we hope you manage to make your dream come true to come to Canada 🇨🇦 it is a wonderful place to live do your research and find a way .Wishing you all the best Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🍺🇨🇦🌻
@@ThisIsOurRetirement
Thankyou so much, for your message. I am following my heart, to be happy, to enjoy life.
As a couple you inspire me and give me hope. All things are possibe⛪️🙏as I pray.
God Bless you 🙏
Just caught this video of yours (April 2022) and find that your reasons leaving UK for Canada some 10 years ago (around 2011 ?) resonate with a lot of people when they live in a place where
there is relatively higher taxes but lesser services and that when opportunities come along for a better life at a lower cost with a relatively little transition time and cost, people will grab the
opportunity. Good for you. Glad that it worked out for you two with this adventure.
Thanks for watching Kenneth we actually came out in 1992 , it has been a nice adventure for us so far Cheers 🌻🙂🍺
Smart move.. Canada forever!! Take care, happy holidays.
Same to you! we hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🌺🍺
Seriously? You don’t see what is happening in Canada currently?
This was a very enlightening. I’m 76 and my grandparents on my mothers side were English & Scottish They came here around 1910 & I never had a chance to talk with them & found out why they came to Toronto. Thank you.
Thanks for watching John!
It is so beautiful to watch this. My hubby and young family moved to Quebec 2 years ago having lived in the UK for about 14 years. The move was inspired by need for adventure and also knowing Canada is multi-cultural thus my kids, though British, have a sense of belonging here in Canada. Though we have not sold our home in Didcot, Oxfordshire..an investment for us. We do miss our family there but we are also making new connections here. I find Canada less stressful compared to the UK....so I have a better quality of life here (very important). We love Montreal...even in winter, it is super sunny compared to the gray/gloomy winter in UK. We are learning French as another language. Lots of adventure for us.
Yes we too moved for a sense of adventure, Canada 🇨🇦 is a lot less stressful glad it’s worked out for you too Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
I thInk it is important to know French as a Canadian, especially if you live in Quebec. Your lives will be enriched with knowing the language. Mine has certainly been. Bonne chance!
Come to Melbourne, the tRaffic is also getting unbearable. Come to Melbourne and we get four seasons in a day. Plenty of Lamb in Australia. They have done that to our favourite chocolates. Cadbury's has brought out many of our chocolate Factories. Great points to leave The UK and find that you can stretch your finances further. Have a great Christmas Tina and Norm, thank you for sharing the reasons why you left the UK. 🎄🤗👍🏽🙏🏽🕊
Hi Peter and JoJo seems like traffic, seasons and chocolates pop up as problems everywhere LOL 😂Australian 🐑 Lamb also our favourites is delicious 😋 hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and way better great New Year 🍷 🇦🇺🎅🍺🎄hugs from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you for sharing this kind of information. As a Canadian it’s sometimes nice to see the perspective of the people that come to live here. I also have to agree with you on the weather especially in the Winter. The coldest of Winter days, you will normally find are full of sun ☀️..
Thanks for watching Happy New Year Nathalie yes snow ⛄ and sunny 🌞 makes us happy Cheers 🥳🇨🇦🥂
Our winters are quite mild in Nova Scotia but not as sunny at in some other parts of Canada, except in the colder days when high pressure systems move in. This winter we hardly had any snow, much to the shagrin of the skiers here.
What killed England was WWll. Japan and Germany were bailed out, their infrastructure rebuilt and their economies restarted-- they both went on to become leading world economies. Did Britain not deserve the same level of help, while America and Canada went on to make billions? Britain finally paid off it's war debt after 61 years in 2006. As a Canadian, I am a direct beneficiary. But, sometimes it takes an immigrant to make you aware just how good we have it.
Thanks for your comment, WWll was expensive that’s why there are American Air Force bases in England. Post war Britain was difficult and austere. Canada is fortunate to have so many natural resources, we just need to use the wealth wisely. Have a great weekend.
Actually the US did massively bail out the UK during and after WWII. People don’t understand this and misunderstand the actual history.
The famous lend lease program was essentially all a donation by the US to the war effort.
The “loan” that you’re referred to was first incurred at the end of WWII when the lend lease program ended (as the war had ended) when the UK still needed the supplies that the Americans were sending but had no money to pay for it. The Americans “sold” the supplies at a tiny fraction of the actual cost to the UK and wrote up a very generous loan agreement with very low interest rates (not covering inflation at all which means the lender loses money). The money repaid by the UK was therefore minuscule in comparison.
In addition, UK and allies received far more economic aid, than Germany and others received under the Marshall Plan. the Marshall Plan is all that is remembered in history, mainly because the US was very generous to its Western allies (and both the US and its allies didn’t want its respective populations to know how much money was being given).
In hindsight, the US deserves way more credit than it does for saving the Western world. Even as all the European countries who benefited from American generosity turn their noses at Americans and make up falsehoods about Americans who selflessly died for them in two world wars.
@@Jaxsf1 Thanks for your very interesting comment we wish you a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year 🥳🥂Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🍺
@@Jaxsf1 The US late involvement in WWII was undoubtedly a critical turning point in shifting the outcome in the Allies' favour. But, it doesn't deserve credit for single-handedly "saving" Western Europe from the Nazis. Commonwealth former colonies of Britain--namely Canada and Australia-- also made major contributions to the Allied war effort and stepped up right from the start of the war.
Great video😀 you made us feel like proud Canadians ! My husband left his home country Portugal, 20 years ago and does not regret it. High taxes and expensive to live there and the real estate was expensive too. This is a land of opportunity! 😊 Tina, yes I feel happy on sunny days too! 😎 Thanks again
Above all the wages in Portugal were very low - although it is very nice to visit 😀 Sam
That is awesome! we are also very proud Canadians 🇨🇦the opportunities are huge and we do like the different seasons and definitely we both feel happy on sunny 😎🌞days Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🍺
Thanks for sharing yinz story sledgehammered that like button stay safe awesome and blessed enjoyed and shared
Thank you! You too! Cheers 🇺🇸 🍷☃️🎄🇨🇦
Thanks for sharing your story I had considered Canada 40 years ago but got caught up in life here in the U.K.. I still think it’s a stunning place
Thanks for watching some times that happens🧐 life gets in the way , we are so glad we made the move when we did , Canada 🇨🇦 is now our home . Have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
As usual, extremely informative. I think you both already did one video where you discussed why you left the U.K. In this video there's more details. Wow.
Glad you enjoyed it and more of the story of why we chose to come to Canada 🇨🇦 Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
On my first time in London (1994), I was shocked at the 18% VAT and how tiny the houses were in terms of interior space and yard space. The subway system though (the underground), even at that earlier time was very extensive and impressive.
Thanks for your comment yes compared to Canadian houses, in the UK they are a lot smaller both inside and gardens a lot of which get turned into driveways to park the car 🚗 Cheers🍷 🇬🇧 🍺🇨🇦
Road traffic in Liverpool uk is horrendous
'I was shocked at the 18% VAT ...' VAT is now 20%, although less on some products, but the real advantage is that you don't have to think about it since it is rolled into the ticket price. I found the 'sales tax' concept in Canada and the US constantly tripped me up as I did not know how much I had to pay until I got to the till. It seems strange to separate out the tax element from the sale.
This is an interesting video, my parents emigrated from Birmingham to Vancouver in the late 90s for the same reasons as you did, but things now have really changed now. I moved back to the UK 6 years ago people and in their early 20s are doing miles better in the South East compared to Vancouver. The quality of life, cheap flights to Europe and less expensive food makes a big difference.
Thanks for watching Cheers 🌺🍷😎
I think you both have an adventurous spirit, back then and still today. You are an inspiration And like so many of us, change is good from time to time. Like you, my mothers family emigrated to Canada, but from the Netherlands. It is nice that we can straddle both continents because they made the move and have family in both places and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Thank you for your kind words, it’s true having a strong connection to two continents has added so much to our lives. Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
practical and pragmatic approach solves many problems, your analytics is brilliant
Thanks Bill glad you enjoyed it have a great week Cheers 🍷🌺🍺
Been enjoying your videos especially the Portugal ones.
As a British born Africa over 60 I've downsized, semi retired and now working part time in a couple of African countries.
Now I visit Europe 2 to 3 months of the year and spend most of it in Portugal.
In Abuja, Nigeria for just £400 per month me and my partner now live in a 4 bed house with each room ensuite.
As for grey skies my last 5 years in the UK was in Manchester. Loved it and the people compared to London but the rain and grey skies were doing my head in.
Now in my 60s living the life, 9 months in Africa and 3 months in Europe mainly Portugal.
You have a very interesting life, we both agree Portugal is nice, we grew up in Manchester and the skies were often grey. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
You guys are smart AND strategic💡👌🏾I ABSOLUTELY ❤️ IT! Takes courage to add your reasons for leaving UK. My reasons for planning to leave here brought me to this awesome channel. Thank so much4sharing. It's like I have friends who've already paved the way for me, sharing their journey.😊💃🕺🍷🍺🍷🍺👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 ❤️❤️❤️ UK weather sounds like Portland, OR & Seattle Wa rain rain rain rain & dark skies.
Well we are so glad you found our channel and we wish you well with your dreams and your move , we hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🍺
Good luck in ur decision making !
You guys are so sensible and I find you very calming to watch. My husband and I are just a couple of years away from retirement and looking forward to it.
Thank you so much!
Very interesting topic. Never realized there is such hard way in regular class people in England. You two really seem to have put a lot of thought in your decision to live in Canada. Merry Christmas 🎄 and happy new year 🎊
Yes we did and thanks for watching, Merry Christmas 🎅🎄to you and all the best for a wonderful 2022 Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
Thanks for sharing your story...being a native Canadian it's interesting to hear the UK perspective from regular middle-class folks. Glad you're enjoying our sunny weather and creamy chocolates! Have you tried a beavertail yet? If there's one thing Canadians are crazy for its fried dough... hence the success of Tim Hortons. Afterall, you need lots of carbs to get through a long cold winter here! Love your channel...so down to earth. Keep warm , happy holidays and stay safe🍸
That is so funny, yes we have tried Beavertails they were from Ottawa and we lived there for 27 years and Tim Hortons Boston Cream nothing better, there goes the waistline lol
I enjoyed this video. I found your comments about social class interesting. I live in the US, and we have social classes but nothing like the class system of Europe (although this may be changing as our economy gets more and more uneven).
Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed watching it have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🍺
Thanks for this video. You made me appreciate my country that much more! Yes, I hate the long cold winters but Canada is such a beautiful country and I'm looking forward to exploring it more in retirement! I do love visiting the UK though especially all the quaint villages and countryside.
Thanks Karen For your kind comment we love to travel and see historic places but then it’s great to come back to Canada!
Just found your channel and are enjoying your videos very much! Your honesty is so charming
Thank you so much 🙂and welcome to our channel we hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺
These have been very interesting points. I loved this video because I have always longed to live in England because of the gorgeous pictures. My husband had an opportunity to attend Oxford, but when we found out that it would have eaten up our nest egg to live there, we passed on the opportunity. We live in Texas so we were told that living in the UK was going to cost about what it costs to live in New York.
It can be expensive but also out of the popular places it’s less expensive. We hope you get to stay there for a long stay. Thanks for watching we appreciate it.
Earlier this week I stepped outside my house in England to find an uneven footway and I contemplated whether I should relocate to Ontario. But after some research I discovered that Ontario has the more nuclear power stations than any other Canadian province, and so many more over the border in the US. So, instead, I decided to contact the highway authority who came the very next day to repair the footway.
Thank you for spending the time to watch our video, Merry Christmas.
Richard Meech, are you mad? Listen to yourself. The footway was uneven! You've gotta get outta there before someone trips in front of your house!
@@rachelselby4329 His comment was sarcasm and defensive about our “criticism” of the UK and to ridicule our decision to come to Canada.
@patrons of freedom So guess we both left 🙂 have a great week Cheers 🍷🌺😎
I've immigated to Canada (Edmonton) from the UK (South East) in 2009 also because of the weather (grey skies / gloom). After 4 years I've returned to London, and weather wasn't so much of a problem anymore (thinking about the 6 months of snow I had in Edmonton). Now actively looking to move to Algarve permanently.
We wish you well thanks for watching have a very Merry Christmas Cheers 🇬🇧🎄🇨🇦🎅
Merci tellement pour votre témoignage !!! Thank's !!!
Thanks for watching Cheers 🍷🌺🍺
You both share so much great information and perspective; it’s such a pleasure to watch every video you put on CZcams. Best wishes and respect to you both! 🇨🇦👍🎉
Wow thank you! we are so glad you enjoy our videos it’s comments like yours that makes us feel great and keeps us telling our stories Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
I enjoy a lot watching Norm & Tina's videos. It helps me to plan my early retirement and reflect on my immigration to other countries.
Thanks so much Milda
Wow! I thought I was the only one who loved those orange creams! Lol!😂 Thanks Tina and Norm for the always enjoyable and informative videos. See you next week!
They are Tina’s favourite by far, thanks for watching 😀😀
Happy you have chosen Canada as your home! Merry Christmas!
Thank you we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🥳🥂Cheers 🍷🎄🇨🇦🎅🍺
Thank you for your honesty. I'm so glad you made your way here to Canada, when you obviously had other options. As a born and raised Canadian from the prairie provinces, I can tell you that Canada certainly has its downsides, but unless you've lived elsewhere, you have nothing to compare it to. Overall, I love my country, and like you, and am proud to be Canadian. Having said all that, in another 5 years, my wife and I will not be spending our winters here. We're still hoping to share that drink in the Algarve with you guys one day.
Same 👍
Yes! Winter in The Algarve is the plan, just need to get rid of this pandemic. There is no perfect country but Canada comes very close. Thanks for watching Merry Christmas.
Thanks for watching have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I just hope you learn PORTUGUESE first.
I just hope you learn PORTUGUESE first.
You guys inspire me to go to Canada and consider relocating
Thanks for your kind words Margie
👍👍✌️ My morning dose of Norm and Tena. I’m off to my day.
Have a good one Cheers 🍷🙂🌺
How creative you are my friend. i enjoyed so much your new content. Happy Holidays🤓Stay Connected
Thank you! You too! Merry Christmas 🍷🎅🎄
I left the USA in '98 and moved to the UK becoming a naturalised UK citizen in '03. I still remember the words to "God save the Queen". That I had to sing at my UK naturalisation ceremony.
I am very greatful that I was born in Canada. We are not perfect ( yet ) but to me there is nowhere better. Thanks for the great video's love love love your honesty and transparency on all things in retirement. Would love to here your view on extra health insurance. Both travel and just 'extra coverage ' health insurance.
Thanks for watching we appreciate your support, we personally don’t buy any extra health insurance as we are very well looked after with great healthcare in Canada 🇨🇦 We self finance dental 🦷 work and never travel without full travel insurance, hope that helps and have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺🌺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thank for your reply it was most helpful.
UK is a miserable place to live now. I am 59 and have always struggled financially, even when i had a good management career. Constant worry attached to ever-increasing living-costs, collapsing NHS, negativity everywhere, politicians who are most interested in themselves, it makes for a sad environment.
We are sorry to hear about your experience in the UK, we had similar financial experiences. Politicians are like that the world over, it’s just how it gone. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts.
In the usa medical care is very expensive, no freebies
what a wondwrful relationship you two have, thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Loved the expression "value added tax didn't add any value".. gave me a nice chuckle !!
Glad you liked it!
Well, though I would not claim that Great Britain is a warm and sunny tropical island, the weather is really not as bad as Tina says. It does not rain most of the time. According to the Met Office Climate data, which shows numbers over a 30 year period, there were 106.5 days of rainfall per year on average. This means that there was rainfall on 29 percent of days per year and on average it didn't rain for 71 percent of the year.
Well you didn’t grow up in Manchester ! where they get an average of 205 days of rain ☔️ a year that’s pretty wet have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🍺🇨🇦
CB. All.
Haha i live in perth western australia beautiful weather most of the year, i left the irish weather behind me in 2009 and never returned
Sounds wonderful, we do like the 4 seasons here in Canada, although we do go to The Algarve Jan-March to escape the extreme cold (not during covid however). Thanks for watching.
Our son wants us to move there to be near him and his wife. We’re not sure as we’re 66 now.
Came across your video by accident..pension was the first. I'm 62, worked since I was 16, really liked your view on life.
Thanks for watching Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
That's funny - high taxes, aging Infrastructure and lack of maintenance are among the reasons I'm pursuing Italian Citizenship by Descent right now. Because the US is coming apart, physically and politically. In the '80s, the situation here in the US was different.
The grey weather where I am currently - Pittsburgh - is terribly depressing. It's wet and grey more often than not! I totally understand!
The problem with Canada's large land mass is that much of it is just inaccessible. Forests are wonderful but people tend to settle in cities...
We wish you well on your Italian citizenship, we have been to a number of different places in Italy and it is wonderful. 90% of Canadians live within a 100 mile strip along the border with the U.S. Thanks for watching and good luck.
The irony of not liking the immigration in your country and then emigrating to another country. That too Canada of all places, probably one of the most welcoming countries that exist 🤦♂️
Thanks for watching Cheers 🍷🌺🍺
Very interesting! I wasn't aware of the Chernobyl disaster effecting the UK in such a way.
Yes it did mainly the fall out on the Northern parts of England and Wales, mainly forgotten nowadays. Thanks for watching we appreciate it.
I admire your courage. It couldn't have been easy, and I am so happy you are happy!
Thank you so much! glad you enjoyed our video Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
Enjoying your videos so much. You two have such a relaxed and friendly way of conversing. Also appreciate your honesty and helpful tips. Best wishes to you. ❤️ from the US.
Our pleasure! glad you are enjoying them Holly have a lovely day Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🍺🇨🇦
Hi Tina and Norm ,God bless you all
Thank you.
I really salute you for making changes! Life changes and you have to change with it. It’s difficult for most people but you did it!
We are so glad we did we have been in Canada 🇨🇦 since 1992 and it is very much our home 🏡🍷🌺🍺🇨🇦
Thanks for sharing your story of your move to Canada. Must have been quite the adventure. I have a friend and former co-worker that came to Canada from the UK with her husband and 2 daughters in 1991. The reasoning sounds the same. Look forward to seeing your videos every week. Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best in 2022.
Thanks for watching we do appreciate your support glad you enjoy our videos, Merry Christmas 🎅 and Happy New year 🥳🥂Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
At age 65 there’s a lot of barriers to emigrating permanently eg to Australia as it’s not easy or cheap to do. At the moment Australia only allows 1000 parents each year to emigrate on a free visa, the current waiting list is 30,000 parents!
Interesting story. There comes times in life we have to make decisions not only for ourselves but for our family as well. Everyone should have dual citizenship. I am currently working on my third citizenship (Italian). This is more for my daughters and grandkids. Have a great weekend.
A great comment thank you , we hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇮🇹 🍷🇨🇦🍺🌺
Thank you for the insight. I never knew any of this and think you made a great move.
Glad it was helpful!
Very interesting. I look back to when I was 8 and my parents decided to shift their family of 6 to New Zealand in 1961. I do know some of the reasoning, but never really talked about it in depth with my dad. Relocating a family is such a personal thing. As a child no family holidays in New Zealand to speak of. As an adult, here in Europe, the borders are close by and our caravan was magic. Now, we AirBnB generally. No more dragging the caravan behind us. Life styles indeed differ greatly country to country. I'm so glad you had the vision and clarity to choose what you did and when you did. It worked out really well by all accounts I feel. It's good to reflect from time to time. Thank you for sharing your story. I feel privileged to have heard it. 🙏 💝 🇳🇱 🤶 🇳🇿 🎄 Have a great week leading up to Christmas 🍷- we are in total lockdown ( again)! Essentials open only. 🙄
Wow it seems we have a lot in common our children were 8 and 11 when we came out to Canada 🇨🇦, the opportunities have been huge in so many ways we have never looked back curious 🧐 what made you leave New Zealand and go back to Europe.
Yes we just heard you are back in total Lockdown yikes just before Christmas 🎄 too, not sure any country seems to know how to handle this Omicron 🦠they make decisions like throwing a dart 🎯 to a dartboard. We got our booster shot 💉on Tuesday after sore arm for two days we are fine , strangely Canada seems to be doing pretty well on giving boosters which are now open to all over the age of 18. We hope you are well hang in there and we wish you a great weekend 🇳🇱 🍷🎄🇨🇦🍺🎅
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Booster tomorrow, yes here too boosters for all above 18, think maybe they'll even offer it to the younger generation before schools go back. The lockdown will serve also to get those boosters done, before any tentative re-opening happens. Our Delta Covid numbers are dropping- this will ( hopefully) take the pressure off the hospitals should Omnicron causes more damage.
The holiday closure will be hard on businesses. I'll be cooking again this Christmas instead of our 'Dine out' turn. Schools closed early. Not having to deal with large family numbers or children or work from home, I have to admit the lockdown doesn't affect us as much as others. We can live without shops and restaurants for the time being.
My parents went to NZ hoping for a better future for us kids. It wasn't that overpopulated here at the time and we lived in a small township in a very healthy and wooded area, so there was no real mention of the problems of traffic etc. I guess lots of things contributed to my 'unrest' if you like. I feel at home in both countries - and my sabbatical has lasted 21 years to date. Oh for a crystal ball on occasions. Weekend was great, almost over. Time for a 🍷or 🍷🍷. Have a great week leading up to Christmas. 🎄 🇳🇱 🤶 🇳🇿
I think those are all good reasons to relocate. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching! have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺
This was such an interesting video. As a new subscriber, I enjoyed learning about the issues that impacted such a magic life decision. Love your couple chemistry.
Thank you it has been a great adventure we never regretted, thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing about your experience! Have you thought about becoming residents of Portugal?
We enjoy living in Canada 🇨🇦 and just visiting Portugal 🇵🇹 over the Winter have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🍺
Thanks for sharing this. I was always feeling bad for not grabbing the opportunity to work in UK some 6years before. I was feeling depressed every time i see snow here and when i compare the weather in UK.
It is milder but wetter, we found it a great experience to have worked and lived in two countries. Thanks for watching 🇨🇦🇬🇧
seems your plans to move to Canada and reasoning were very clear and well thought through
happy christmas *a full watch👍🎄Au🎅thumbs up*
Thank you! we did a lot of research 🧐 before we came here , but so glad we did we hope you are keeping well and having a great weekend Merry Christmas 🎄 to you too Cheers 🍷🇦🇺🇨🇦🍺
Love this couple! Thanks Tina and Norm, I enjoy your channel very much. My grandmother and grandfather came to the U.S from Scotland, I believe they came by way of Nova Scotia (my mother's maiden name is McMillan). My aunts and uncles, as well as my mother were the first generation to be born in the U.S. I have felt a yearning all my life for the U.K.. , and have often wondered why my grandparents left. This really helped me understand how difficult it is for working people (the class system and inherited wealth). I am guessing it is pretty expensive to live there. I will get there someday to visit. Thanks again for your channel and greetings from the Ozarks.
Thanks for your wonderful comment you know your grandparents were very brave and courageous to leave Scotland 🏴 seeking more for their family , we know as that is what we did 🤔 Hope our video helped you understand why we all left , go back to visit for a vacation might help you feel at ease Cheers 🍷🏴🌺🇺🇸🍺🇨🇦
We had a lot of the same considerations retiring here in the U.S. We moved to a state with better weather, lots of sun and blue skies. Lower taxes, lower utility bills, and general lower cost of living also factored into our decision.
Sounds great glad it has worked out for you both have a great week Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🍺
You're so right about the UK. I've lived in 10 other countries now and found their governance, infrastructure, healthcare and economies to all be functioning much better than the UK. In other words, more people benefitted, not just a few. But alas, the UK is still home.
Thanks for watching and that’s OK if you feel UK 🇬🇧 is home for you it no longer is for us but it’s OK for us all to be different, Cheers 🍷🇬🇧🇨🇦🍺
I love your narratives. So realistic and so intriguing. Tina looks good in the green. You both have alleviated my concerns going into retirement next year. I am single with a great condo and no debts. A DB pension as an educator and still fear going into the brave new world 🌎 of freedom and retirement. I am sure you have met some single retirees and perhaps you could share some of their experiences. Have a guest or two to change things up a bit.
Thanks Johnny for your kind words and thanks for your suggestion, when your retirement arrives we are wishing you a very long and happy retirement.
My brother moved his family away from Seattle because of rain. I on the other hand would love the rain as I live in a desert that has been in drought for years.
Must admit the rain ☔️ drives you nuts in England, we prefer the mixed seasons in Canada 🇨🇦 even with snow there is blue skies and often sunshine Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
Very good analysis! Would you consider doing a comparison of the health care systems in the UK versus Canada? Thank you!
They are similar, thanks for the suggestion it’s a good idea.
Duel citizenship is great, you guys definitely made the right choice!
Thanks for watching hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺🌺
Wow glad to have great people joining up with us but you should have seen Canada in the 1980s. No comparison to today. The trajectory we're going, you may have buyer's remorse pretty quick.
We used to watch Canadian movies from the early eighties while living in the UK, it did look bleak then. We still love Canada and being Canadians. We are sure if you talked to anyone from any western country they might have similar views to yours about their country. There is no perfect place but Canada for us comes close!. Have a nice weekend.
Happy to see you always , happy new year , merry Christmas.
Thank you very much merry Christmas 🎅 and happy new year to you Too Cheers 🎅☃️
Hi Tina & Norm, Just watched this great and very interesting video - We moved to the US from Germany for exactly the same reasons, though German infrastructure was not one of the reasons. I had a very nice job there (plus no college tuition for the kids and no out of pocket healthcare costs), but the urge of trying something new (like Tina said) made me (my wife was not so enthusiastic about it though) leave our comfort zone and to settle here in the US. I found UK to be very inexpensive during 80s as compared to Germany and was traveling to the UK to buy my clothing there.
We agree it was definitely the spirit of trying something new , a new adventure and we have been here 🇨🇦since 1992 glad you enjoyed the video have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇺🇸🎄
Shocked you had to sell your house for less than you paid!!!.........happened here in the Boston area in the late 1980’s…….....my wife and I are at the same age…….enjoy your UTchannel…..PS…I have the same hair as Norm..LOL !......keep up the good work kids!
We were on a time limit to be able to emigrate to Canada 🇨🇦 that’s why we lost money 💰 to be able to come . We are glad you are enjoying our channel Mark Cheers 🍷🌺😎
Really useful video. The UK still needs to get to grips with the infrastructure and maintenance... Driving in the UK is a nightmare. The roads are simply not designed for this day and age and cannot cope with the number of cars. It is amazing that cars are allowed to park on the side of the roads which are so clogged and have to somehow manage two way traffic! In general, the UK is still so backward.
Guess the place just doesn’t change Cheers 🇬🇧☕️🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement It does, but just a lot more slowly than other places... Hope the new PM brings a new approach to running the country...I think he will.
Re gentrification I love it and will use it As a term now in my vocabulary thanks guys.
Hi Martin glad you enjoyed the video have a wonderful Sunday Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
Love your videos. Much of your info is in Canada and we are in the states it’s still very interesting. We are looking at retirement in the next 3-4 years. My husband came here from England when we were young. He still has both his parents in England and it is difficult not being there to help them, now that they are in their 80’s.
Yes a lot is about Canada but we have mentioned Social Security in the U.S. as it’s very similar to our Canadian Pension Plan being able to take it early. Our main goal is to share ideas that anyone in any country can research for their local plans. Thanks for watching.
T&N congrats on making the right decision. I know a number of ex pats from the UK who have done very very well here in The Colony. You have to be brave to make such a move.
Not sure if we were brave 🧐 but it was very exciting and a great new adventure guess we have never looked back love it here Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Okay then, you had the guts to make the move and leave your family / friends behind. Lots of peeps cannot do that. 😀
That’s true
I’m so sorry that you felt so bad about the Uk - x
Thanks for watching we just wanted a new exciting adventure for our family enjoy your weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺🇬🇧
Wonderful sharing dear friend👍👍
Thank you so much 🙂 Happy New Year 🥳🥂🌺
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Happy new year dear friend👍🎂😊
Welcome to Canada! It's a big country and worth exploring. I love London as a tourist but wouldn't live in UK due to high cost of living and the damp weather. If you miss a sense of history and old world feel, try Quebec City.
Thanks so much we have been to Quebec City it’s beautiful Cheers and Merry Christmas 🎅🍷🎄🇨🇦🍺
Compare Vancouver with Bury St Edmunds. No contest, in terms of average rainfall, or the number of rainy days. Obviously, Canada is so huge, there are very dry area too. It is much more variable than here in England.
Hardly realistic, we lived very near Bury St Edmunds, a small market town inland…..Vancouver a huge city on the coast!
Came to Canada in 1967 at 23 years old, it's been a great ride lived in Alberta for twenty years, now retired in Vancouver BC for 35 years. 😅
It’s been a great ride for us and we are pleased it’s been good for you!
As an American Anglophile who spends part of the year in the US and part in the UK, I found two of your points most interesting…
Things being old vs new - Americans are captivated by how old everything is in England.So I found it interesting that you liked how new everything seemed in Canada.
Weather - I do LOVE the fact that in Texas it is sunny so much of the time and frequently warm in the winter. It’s nearly Christmas, and it’s going to be about 80 F the next several days! I wouldn’t enjoy the short grey days and long cold nights of British winters. But I do LOVE the glorious British summers! ☀️ So I’m spoilt that I get to just enjoy the best bits of each place 😉
Sounds like you have the best of both worlds 🌍which is wonderful , there is no better place than Canada 🇨🇦 in the summer it’s hot and lovely that’s we bought a trailer on a Lakeside Campground (as we couldn’t travel internationally with our restrictions) to enjoy , but in Winter we like to go to Portugal 🇵🇹 for sun and blue skies it’s perfect . Stay safe and enjoy your hot Christmas LOL 😂Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🎄🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement thanks! Yes we will enjoy some family walks this Christmas! I’m glad you found a place that you enjoy and are so happy in. My father was an avid fisherman, and he loved going on long fishing trips to Canada in the summer with his sister and brother in law.❤️🇨🇦
@@MagentaOtterTravels Thats great we love fishing 🎣 looks like a green Christmas 🎄 for Ontario 🧐🌺
Hello you guys. Thank you for your excellent video. Really enjoyed your frankness. I wish I had done the same. Probably too late now though. Wishing you both a Happy Christmas 🎄 and a Wonderful New Year! 🎉
Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it w3 hope you too have a Merry Christmas 🎅🎄and great new Year 🥳🥂Cheers 🍺🇬🇧🇨🇦🍷