2 Years . . . .

Two years ago today Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Services issued our Permanent Resident visas.

Wow, sure doesn't seem like it's been that long. After the two-year wait to get the visas, we were pretty damn excited when they finally came in.




"Yay" for us and for Canada!

We're glad to be here . . . .

Trip Down Memory Lane . . . .

Hard to believe it was a year ago today . . . .

Yup, One Year Ago Today . . . .

Lots going on, but I wanted to document that today is the one year anniversary of "drf" and I actually performing the physical landing as Permanent Residents of Canada.

The "Four Footed Child" didn't make it 'til June, but our family was and is very happy about the whole experience. We highly recommend it.

"Come on up - The water's fine . . . . "




Photo courtesy of our friends Tom & Emilio

Check 'Em Out . . . .

Check out another US-to-Canada immigration blog in our blogroll.

Canadian Boomdiada is another great resource for those of you contemplating or navigating the immigration process.

Good stuff . . . .

Texas Two Step . . . .

To keep you up to speed, here's what's been going on:

I left Vancouver on Tuesday - yes, the day of the US election - for some time in our Florida residence. (Would anyone like to take it off our hands?!?!) The weather here has been glorious, as I expected it to be. Autumn in this part of the world is typically spectacular - barring any tropical storms.

So, I got to see the election results while actually being in the country involved. No big surprise, but at least the outcome was a positive one in light of the alternative. Now, let's hope Mr. Obama can deliver on his promise of "change." The proof will be in the results.

The following two video compilations have crossed my radar screen since arriving here, and I wanted to share them with you. They are indicative of some of the reasons "drf," The Four Footed Child, and myself felt compelled to leave this place for a better place. Coincidentally - or perhaps not - both take place in Texas, home of an infamous current - and soon to be former (we hope) - President.






And then this.

So. As I stated in a "queerie" posed by our friend MSEH in her upcoming ex-pat analysis:

As for actually moving back because of Obama's election, the answer is an emphatic "No." Granted, given the alternative, his election is an improvement and a BIG improvement over the past eight years. However, the US corporate power structure has taken decades to become entrenched, and a 4-year or 8-year Obama administration will not and can not substantially change that situation. That said, what would be the benefit to returning to the States? Nothing will be fundamentally different than it has been during my lifetime. There will still be a focus on military might, a lack of caring for it's citizen's welfare, gross inequities in income levels and a tendency to inject religion into politics and government.

We didn't make the decision to apply for Permanent Resident status and eventual Canadian citizenship on a whim. The two-plus year process gave us plenty of time to reconsider should we have had doubts.

Canada is by no means perfect, but in comparison to the US it's no contest for me.

I'm staying right here, thank you very much.

Is it any wonder we left?

I think not . . . .

1 Year Anniversary . . . .

Hard to believe, but today is the one year anniversary of "drf" and I receiving our Canadian Permanent Resident status.

The over two-year process from submitting our application to receiving the status was an exercise in learning patience and how to wait for long periods with absolutely no word on what was going on. Due to the advice of our other immigrant family members we made it through with our sanity intact.

To those in the audience still undergoing the process, rest assured the wait is worth it . . . .

This Year's Undecided Voter . . . .

Our friend David Drucker posted this cartoon today:

(Cartoon: Bruce Beattie)

I thought it highly appropriate for all past and future emigrants from the US to Canada . . . .

'Nuther Big Step . . . .

There's been so much going on here the past week or so, what with out of town guests, me joining out of town guests in a trip to Butchart Gardens, a trip to visit family back across the border in Washington, etc., etc., etc., that I forgot to post this:

We have in hand another verification of our Permanent Resident status. Our British Columbia Care Cards arrived for our health care plan. The BC plan has a two-month waiting plan plus the remainder of the month you physically move to the province to become effective.




















Kind of pretty, aren't they?


Take that, US HMO's and PPO's.


We don't need you anymore . . . .

Loud Murmuring . . . .

Our friend and fellow blogger David Drucker of Loud Murmurs has an excellent post today.


It's about the decision and timing of he and his wife Pam's emigration to Canada from "down there".


Go.


Read.


Very well written and says it all . . . .

The USians are Coming . . . .

Per today's Vancouver Sun:

Number of American immigrants surging

BY RANDY BOSWELLCanwest News Service

Canada is experiencing a surge in immigrants from the United States, according to a Fourth of July analysis of demographic data that spotlights cross-border migration between the two countries — including the “provincesize” population of more than 850,000 Canadian-born residents of the U.S.

The numbers, compiled by the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies to mark the U.S. Independence Day holiday, show the inflow of Americans during the 2001-2006 census period was nearly 39,000 — well above the 24,155 during the previous five-year period and more than double the 18,770 who came to Canada between 1991 and 1996.

ACS executive director Jack Jedwab says the increase appears to stem from Canada’s stronger economic performance in recent years relative to the U.S.

“I think there may be a sense in the U.S. that Canada is offering more interesting economic opportunities,” he said. “The brains are draining both ways.”

But while Canada may be “narrowing the gap” in cross-border migrations, says Jedwab, “our net loss is still very big.”

That’s because a report earlier this year by Statistics Canada revealed that each year between 2000 and 2004, an average of about 68,900 Canadians moved south of the border.

In fact, notes the ACS study, the steady southward stream of emigrants to the U.S. has created a community of Canadian-born Americans bigger than the population of New Brunswick — an estimated 846,913 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Other U.S. census data shows three million Americans trace their ancestry to Canada.

And I thought we were special.

Perhaps george bush was good for something after all . . . .

BY RANDY BOSWELLCanwest News Service

Canada is experiencing a surge in immigrants from the United States, according to a Fourth of July analysis of demographic data that spotlights cross-border migration between the two countries — including the “provincesize” population of more than 850,000 Canadian-born residents of the U.S.

The numbers, compiled by the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies to mark the U.S. Independence Day holiday, show the inflow of Americans during the 2001-2006 census period was nearly 39,000 — well above the 24,155 during the previous five-year period and more than double the 18,770 who came to Canada between 1991 and 1996.

ACS executive director Jack Jedwab says the increase appears to stem from Canada’s stronger economic performance in recent years relative to the U.S.

“I think there may be a sense in the U.S. that Canada is offering more interesting economic opportunities,” he said. “The brains are draining both ways.”

But while Canada may be “narrowing the gap” in cross-border migrations, says Jedwab, “our net loss is still very big.”

That’s because a report earlier this year by Statistics Canada revealed that each year between 2000 and 2004, an average of about 68,900 Canadians moved south of the border.

In fact, notes the ACS study, the steady southward stream of emigrants to the U.S. has created a community of Canadian-born Americans bigger than the population of New Brunswick — an estimated 846,913 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Other U.S. census data shows three million Americans trace their ancestry to Canada.

Molasses = Immigration Process . . . .

Sure glad "drf" and I got our Permanent Resident application processed before harperco got too entrenched in power.

This from today's Toronto Star:

New immigration reforms put applications on hold

Ottawa officials are awaiting instructions from ministry about which candidates will be processed

June 21, 2008 - Nicholas Keung


Newly passed immigration reforms, which the federal government said were aimed at reducing a staggering backlog of applications by would-be immigrants, are creating a new logjam.

The backlog, which stood at 925,000 before the legislation was brought in, could grow by an additional 90,000 because officials have stopped processing new applications.

Prospective immigrants who submitted applications after Feb. 26, when the legislation was introduced, have been told by Citizenship and Immigration Canada that their applications are being put on hold until further notice.

It is expected that Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration will, within the next several months, be providing instructions to visa offices as to which applications are to be accepted for processing and which are to be returned unprocessed," Canadian visa officers explained in letters to applicants.

_______________


The move to stop processing new applications has baffled immigration lawyers and consultants, with some worried their clients' applications will be discarded altogether and they will be asked to reapply. Immigration officials declined to comment yesterday. The immigration reforms, passed by the Senate this week, give Immigration Minister Diane Finley the power to reject applications even if applicants meet all the criteria, and to instruct officials to cherry-pick immigrants based on labour market needs.

_______________


With the minister's instructions not expected until the fall, the number of people waiting in this latest queue could reach almost 90,000.

Also, while an applicant will get a refund of the processing fee if an application is returned, fees for professional help from lawyers and consultants are not refundable.

_______________


According to immigration's notification to applicants, once the instructions are issued, officials will start processing those applications received on Feb. 27, the day after the legislation was introduced, and proceed in chronological order.

Our process took over 2 years from the time the application was received by the Buffalo, NY consulate.

I can't imagine how long it will now take. Of course, the ReformaTory's new-and-improved system is supposedly going to speed up the processing time.

Somehow , I don't think "speed up" is the operable phrase here.

Molasses. Think molasses . . . .

Settling In . . . .

One week in our new (sort of) home and so far all is going well.

Not everything is done, as far as the details of moving, anyway.

Little things like re-doing the closets to allow more usable storage space, hanging the artwork, figuring where to put all of my CD's, etc., are still in the "we'll get it done soon" stage.

Going from 1,500 sq. ft. to 573 sq. ft. demands some adjustments, discarding, and existing in cramped quarters. All in all, though, the adjustments are definitely worth it.

Some of us, in particular, are loving the changes. The JoJo Dog has become a City Girl with ease, and we don't think she is missing her life on Jolly Bay at all. The West End 'hood has an active "critter" population being adjacent to Stanley Park. She's already seen numerous black squirrels, flying fowl of all sorts including the Great Blue Heron nesting area, raccoons, and - believe it or not - skunks. All in a teeming metropolitan area. The four-legged child is in doggie heaven.

She has even almost mastered the elevator ride in the building. Initially the moving floor under her feet was quite disturbing to the child. After a week, it is becoming the "norm" in her everyday life.


And, as of Friday, she's now completely legal with her new City of Vancouver dog license.










Life is good . . . .

The Journey . . . .

So here's the scoop on David, JoJo and my 3,079 mile (4,954 km) cross-continent trip to Vancouver:

We left on Tuesday, June 3rd having Volvo SUV loaded with ourselves and various road items such as snacks, drinks, suitcases, doggie beds, etc. On top of the SUV were two bikes on racks. Behind we were towing a 5' x 8' U-Haul trailer with various "treasures" from the Florida house for placement in the tiny Vancouver strata (condo). Have you got the visual of Jed, Granny, Ellie Mae and Jethro leaving the hills of Tennessee for Beverly Hills, a la, "The Beverly Hillbillies" ? ! ? ! If so, you are very astute in your analysis . . . .

At any rate, we became very familiar with various and assorted Motel 6 locations (as they all accept four-footed children) across the continent. We can advise you to under no circumstances spend a night in the choice (NOT) operation in Mt. Vernon, IL. Slammed right up next to the interstate which was under construction all night long, pool loaded with youngsters screaming their heads off, vehicles with trailers having to park a block away, etc., etc., etc. The next night in Sioux Falls, SD was a much better location, and we were given a handicapped access room that actually had a shower you could use without hitting the walls as you wash your hair. Not to be outdone by Mt. Vernon, however, the third night in Billings, MT was located next door to an adult ""toys" establishment with no available trailer parking - great. Night four was in Spokane, WA which actually was a nice operation, but we were awoken at 10:30 pm to move our car as it was in a fire lane - never mind that it was exactly where the Motel 6 check-in lady earlier in the evening had advised us to park. The last evening in Bellingham, WA was another crappy place and our vehicle decided to begin acting up by setting it's alarm off at various times. (More on this later.)

We spent very little time on seeing the sites during the drive. Actually, until we got to South Dakota and Montana, there was not a whole lot to see. We enjoyed travelling through Tennessee and Kentucky which we had seen previously. Iowa, Illinois and Missouri were all very boring, though. Iowa was especially crappy: Bad roads, lack of any kind of scenery, aroma of meat-packing plants and a dearth of gas stations all added up to a "we'll never be back through this hell-hole." Once we got into South Dakota, we did take a scenic tour off the interstate to view The Badlands which was pretty cool. Montana, however was our favourite. Beautiful scenery from plains to spectacular mountain vistas - really impressive. Also particularly incredible was the Columbia River Gorge in west/central Washington. Amazing drop and then incline through the gorge with severe cross-winds all the way.

So, VERY early on Sunday, June 8, we arose to venture out on our last leg which included a border crossing into Canada with our "treasures" for Vancouver. (As you may recall, due to the wonderful real estate market in the US, and especially Florida, we are having to maintain a home there for quite some time. "Thank you, george bush!")

Note to those following us across the border: When we actually "Landed" in February at the Vancouver airport CBSA office, we were advised that our List of Imported Goods and Goods to Follow was not necessary at that point. They assured us - multiple times upon our "queeries" - that when we actually arrived with our goods that the land border crossing agents would handle the paperwork.

Well . . . .

That is not standard operating procedure according to the land crossing agents - Big surprise, eh? The gentleman was initially quite taken aback we did not have the paperwork completed earlier. Had to check with his supervisor, etc. I - profusely apologizing for not having the forms properly signed in February - was beginning to get a bit nervous. Meanwhile, David and JoJo are in the car awaiting my arrival. Agent informs me that by the airport agents not following correct procedure, they had put me in a bad situation as potentially all of our goods could be subject to duties and taxes. Great - did not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. After a bit more back and forth between agents, they agreed to check our paperwork, and thank goodness (Melissa, Mary & Diane - BIG hugs to you for the advice!) we had everything neatly completed in a document format with each page individually totalled. Once the agent saw how organized we were, his comment was: "Why didn't they take this at the airport? It would have taken them maybe 5 minutes to complete everything!" That said, he promptly totalled up everything, signed, stamped, gave me my copy and sent me on my way. Never even came outside to check our trailer, the dog, David's rabies certificate - Nothing! (That's a joke, re: David's rabies certificate, BTW.) Even with the initial confusion, I was back out to the car within 25 minutes. Yippeee!!

(As a sidelight to this saga, the whole time I was inside with the agent trying to get things processed, another rather hippy-looking gentleman was getting thoroughly chastised by another agent for not having proper documentation, paperwork, etc., proving he had "established ties to the US" in order to regain entry to Canada. That was, I believe, the situation at any rate. The guy kept telling the agent that he had paid for advice by an immigration attorney. The border agent sternly(and quite loudly) told him that he had wasted his money on the attorney as the advice was worthless. Just prior to me coming out of the office all smiles David and JoJo got to see the gentlemen leave looking very dejected through the exit that read "Back to the USA". Kinda sad, eh?)

Continuing on then:

We arrived at the condo in downtown Vancouver at around 7:00 am to unload in order to get the trailer back across the border into Washington. This to avoid an additional charge of about $400 for dropping it off in Canada - what a rip, eh? Oh, it just so happens that Vancouver was hosting an all-weekend Triathlon and most of the streets in our 'hood were closed - just to add excitement to the mix. Having navigated the streets, backed the trailer (Whew!!) into the loading zone we began unloading. Soon thereafter, the aforementioned alarm on the Volvo commences to go off sporadically - remember this is 7:00 am on a Sunday morning. Bob is freaking, as the typical disarming procedure of insert key, turning key, etc., is not doing any damn good. Cool, logical David is perusing the owner's manual to find the fuse box location. Bob thinks he knows where it is, but NO, there are more than one fuse box locations in the damn vehicle. Bob starts trying to disconnect the battery 'til he reads that this will set off the alarm - Great! Irritated gentleman in the building next to ours is screaming at the top of his lungs "SHUT THAT FUCKING THING OFF!!!) I'm thinking: Thank goodness we're not in the US as he would probably have an Uzi or AK47 available to shoot us and the blaring alarm. To end this drama, David does, in fact, locate the offending fuse which I promptly pulled out, and it will not be replaced for a very long time. We then completed our unloading procedure and delivered the U-Haul back to Washington. It was quite nice to be rid of the thing after 6 days of dragging it around. Plus the gas mileage promptly improved by about 50%. As of right now, we have 90% of our goods in place - still have the pictures to hang, and a few bike things to store, etc., but that's about it.

For those of you with pet concerns: Our four-footed child was adopted as a pup from a local rescue operation in Florida and raised her entire life in a rather rural, uninhabited area of the panhandle. After about 3 days here in a big city with lots of activity she is adapting exceedingly well. At this point, her only issue is the elevator ride up and down in our building. We've got confidence that she will conquer that, too. Her determination to become Canadian is nearly as strong as ours!
















That brings you all up to date on The Clampett's tour of the country. Again, if you need any recommendations of where and where not to stay - Motel 6-wise - let us know. We'll tell you which ones to have them leave the lights on for ya' . . . .

Ta-Da ! ! ! !

We're Here!

We're Tired!



Details later . . . .

The Drive Continues . . . .

Last night (Day Four) we arrived in Spokane, WA around 4:30 Pacific Daylight Time (our new time zone - Yay!) 2,616 miles into the 3,029 miles.




We took it a bit slower on Friday, as the scenery going through Montana and Idaho is especially beautiful. This was the first time either of us had driven through the area, and we enjoyed the views immensely. Even the Four Footed Child seemed to take in the sights when she wasn't vocally protecting us from cattle and horses near the highway.

Today will be a leisurely drive through Washington and spending the night in Bellingham, WA prior to the border crossing tomorrow. I know, I know, we could go ahead and do the crossing today. We decided to go through Canadian customs early Sunday morning to avoid the weekend traffic crowds and this way will get us to The West End early on a Sunday, also. Unfortunately, there is a Triathlon going on that day in our 'hood so the actual final destination logistics are a bit more challenging than normal. Towing a trailer through our 'hood at any time is difficult, so this should prove interesting.

Our next post will be from our Canadian home .

Gotta like the sound of that . . . .

Travel Update . . . .

Quickie Update:

We're 1,361 miles into the 3.029 (according to GoogleMaps) mile trip.



Spending this evening in Sioux Falls, SD, and last night was in Mt. Vernon, IL. Thus far, the two accommodations are night and day - tonight's being so much better than the disaster that was last evening.

As the driving wears one out, more updates as we gain WiFi access . . . .

We're Outta Here ! ! ! !

Too tired for much verbiage after loading the U-Haul, but wanted to let ya'll know:




We're outta here later today and we are looking forward to it, as you can imagine.

More as we cross the continent, depending on internet connections . . . .

Special thanks to Tom and Emilio for the pic. It's one of our favourites! (Note the "ou" spelling. Damn, this is great!)

Immigration Policy, Dion & Confidence . . . .

As a "newbie" Canadian I am finding it more and more difficult to understand the Opposition's role in federal government.

From todays Globe and Mail:

Dion blasts Tories' immigration proposals

GLORIA GALLOWAY - April 1, 2008

OTTAWA — Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion blasted the Conservative government yesterday over proposed immigration changes that he says will tell many hopeful immigrants they simply “need not apply.”

But Prime Minister Stephen Harper taunted the Liberals for panning legislation they will ultimately have to support if they want to stave off an election. And he said his government is merely trying to deal with a massive backlog of potential immigrants who wait years to fill necessary jobs.

“It is unfair to immigrants, unfair to Canada,” Mr. Harper said. “That is why it is a confidence measure. That is why it is a part of the budget and we appreciate the support of the Liberals to that goal.”

Mr. Dion does not dispute the fact that he and his party may, once again, find themselves backing away from a fight rather than taking on Mr. Harper in an election campaign.

Instead, he said, the Liberals could allow the measures to pass and then try to undo them if they eventually regain office.

“Each time that we vote against something without triggering an election, it's a marker,” he said. “That means that when we will be the government with the help of Canadians, we'll change these bad policies by much better policies.” (Emphasis mine - Ed.)

Personally, a "marker" doesn't seem to change the status quo. Isn't it about time the Liberals actually performed like an opposition party and joined with the Bloc and NDP to bring down the Tory government? What am I missing here?

(While we're on the topic of Canadian politics: What's with the parties arbitrarily appointing someone to run for office in a riding even if they don't reside there? I can't quite grasp that practise, either. But I digress . . . . )

Statistics available on Immigration Canada's own website show that 50 per cent of all applications from skilled workers are processed within 36 months. In the Americas, 80 per cent of all applications from hopeful immigrants are processed in a little over two years.

Other government statistics show that the queues are concentrated in a small number of places. Someone who currently applies to immigrate to Canada from New Delhi will wait 12.8 years. In Manila, the wait is 11.9 years, and in Bogota the wait is 16.5 years.

But those processing times are far above average.

Someone applying to permanently enter Canada from Warsaw or Buffalo, for instance, will have to wait just 1.8 years.

As someone who recently gained Permanent Resident status I find it intriguing that Dion and Company may use this topic to lay down a "marker".

Should be quite interesting to follow this one to the end result.

Let's see if concrete actions match the political rhetoric . . . .

They're Here ! ! ! !

Our trusty neighbour advised us this morning - via his "rigged" iPhone - that our Permanent Resident cards have arrived in the mailbox he has been monitoring for us.

Yippee!!

We're officially Canadian!!

Feels great . . . .

Two Things . . . .

Item #1: We are honoured to be recognized as "Excellent" by His Excellency Dave over at The Galloping Beaver. Don't know if we qualify, but pats on the back are always appreciated, especially from someone we respect as much as Dave.

Our blogroll is much more limited than that at TGB, but here - in no particular order - are our picks as "Excellent":



Creekside
The Galloping Beaver (For obvious reasons)
The Gazetteer
Idealistic Pragmatist
Liberal Catnip

Immigration-related:

Canadian Hope
Two Moms to Canada
Our Journey toward Canadian Immigration
We Move to Canada
Life Without Borders

There are more that qualify as "Excellent" to be sure, but these are the faves.


Item #2: This post is the first using my new blog "handle" of West End Bob rather than West End Bound. The change still allows those of you that refer to me as "WEB" to knock yourselves out. As we get nearer to the actual move, and now that I have PR papers in hand, I'm not "bound" anymore. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) With the June drive across the continent getting nearer with each passing day, it feels more and more like reality.

Pretty good feeling it is, too . . . .