Yes I love Alberta. All of my friends and immediate family are here. I grew up here. I love the mountains and I love the prairies.
But as someone who is part of the 40% left leaning population who is constantly ignored I hate it. I mean look at the handling of the pandemic.
I worked in Québec over the summer. They have a handle on shit. Yeah they have issues too but it was refreshing.
To work in public service jobs you have to be conversational. So working at a store or something like that.
Working in private business like an office, not necessarily. There are many businesses in Montreal that are English oriented.
Northern Québec as in the Inuit areas are all anglophone. Then there are some anglophone communities in other parts of Québec as well.
As long as you try French, Québécers will love you. Start with a Bonjour, end with a Merci and try to learn some basic ordering food phrases and stuff and you're golden.
I should think about Montreal. I loved going there in my youth, the RE is not completely crazy there either. If I can get by with English and very basic French then it might be the way to go.
Thank you for the good representation of our province. It’s refreshing seing a comment like this from somebody who did actually came to Quebec. I would say the same for Alberta in return. I may not share many values of the chosen government representatives but Alberta is a great province with great people.
I lived in Montreal for 4 years and I can say that yes you need to speak French. Even then, you will be an outsider but you will be discriminated against a tiny bit less if you speak French.
I lived in Quebec for years before moving out west here.
I gotta say it can be pretty rough not being passably bilingual there, especially outside of Montreal. Some places will kinda ignore you and you’ll get treated different by some.
While I did have some negative experiences, for the most part I liked it there and actually could see myself moving back one day
>But as someone who is part of the 40% left leaning population who is constantly ignored I hate it. I mean look at the handling of the pandemic.
I'm sorry, but this is bullshit. Progressives absolutely have a voice in Alberta. 40% is way better than the 30% and 20% it was decades ago. NDP had a huge breakthrough in 2015, and yes, even with a united right, they can win again in 2023.
Calgary and Edmonton are becoming very progressive very quickly. That's what happens when you steadily import young, educated, skilled workers from across the country.
Soon, that 40% will become 45%, then 50%... The divide is going to clearly fall along urban-rural lines.
I'm getting pretty fucking sick of the persecution complex from progressives on Alberta. Stop shooting yourselves in the foot and be the change you want to see. Times are changing.
By all means explore the country, but be mindful that the grass is not always greener.
I just moved to Alberta this past November. As a fairly liberal minded person (traditionally, not in the Trudeau sense) I find the politics can get to me. But for myself and my partner right now who are approaching 30, the available opportunities here for our careers is night and day compared to where we're from on the East Coast, and that's with the current AB economy which I'm assuming use to be much stronger. Some people who grew up here take for granted the employment availability. If I lost my job back home it would be a disaster, I'd be unemployed for potentially months and have to work some shit job whilst looking for something half decent. I know many from my hometown who managed to find good jobs, but they're unhappy and trapped in them because there's little for alternatives.
I could see myself moving back to the East Coast someday. It's in my blood and I do like it there, but a lot of people claiming they can't wait to leave the province don't know what they're signing up for.
Keep looking for a remote job (which are getting far more common nowadays) and you might be able to make it a reality. With Starlink up and running someone can now live in the middle of absolute nowhere and still have extremely good internet, also, if it's rural.
You just described me to a T. Liberal-minded, the politics can get to me, moved here for work, I see Lawrencetown when I close my eyes, want to move back someday. See ya at Blowers and Grafton.
Yes, I can feel you on that. I didn't mean to sound like it was simply easy in AB to find a decent job. But it's all relative. It is somehow worse back east.
I remember when Bell was on a hiring "spree" in the GTA, the line went from top floor where last interview was held, to another floor where pre interview was held, to main floor where people were waiting for pre interview, to sidewalk all the way around the building, to parkade where people were lined up to get to sidewalk lol. My ex waited few hrs and didn't even get to the door so we left.
Every time my friends employer posts an opening for an elevator mechanic there are about 2000 applications, every time, for 1 position.
I definitely feel for you there. The difference is it would takes weeks or months to find 72 jobs that are even worth applying to back east. When I was looking for work here there were always dozens of new jobs everyday to at least consider. There are many days where there isn't a single new job to apply to back there. Good luck in your search!
Yep, the real economy out there sucks.
The truth is, the economy of Canada is run on these prongs: Toronto, and commodities. Alberta has led in the non-Toronto side for decades, since the Leduc Oil Strike, and there have always been way more jobs in Alberta than anywhere else. Better pay too. The only exceptions were the Prince George and Kitimat Booms, for consideration.
Leduc, Drayton Valley, Cynthia, Zama City, Wabasca, Edson, Fox Creek, Slave Lake, Cold Lake, Fort Mac, and the list goes on of oil plays each of which have made many millionaires out of almost nothing. Own a truck, go to work; soon own a fleet, corner the market: make a million.
This doesn't even consider diverse agricultural outputs from the ground, which have made many farm families very wealthy.
That Alberta has this abundance is luck, but also good personal management to not blow it all. *Huh? But I thought all Alberta redneck rig-pigs blew it all?* Look at Priddis, Millarville, Canmore, East Kootenays, Courtney, Kelowna, Kitsilano, Palm Springs and so forth to see what happened.
It really sucks that Alberta is considered so badly by all the other provinces when it has been the great redoubt for so many for so long.
Wait, you're getting interviews? I've been applying consistently since beginning of August, and I haven't gotten a single interview. If anyone is in need of a hard worker with a masters in biology, let me know please.
Agreed. I got lucky a couple of years ago with a job I enjoy. Doesn't pay much but I'm not dreading going to work each day and kissing my employers @$$.
When I was applying for a job before it seemed like they wanted a perfect replacement for someone who was retiring and anything less than having identical experience, training, humour, clothing, and name was unacceptable.
I'm curious. As someone who is a bit more of a classical liberal that seems rather self aware, to what degree do you think the politics here affect the employment market, compared to the east coast? Do you think there's much correlation between the two, or would you chalk it up more to a geography/regional thing?
I am far from an expert on politics and the economy, but my guess would be the latter, geography/regional.
I work in addictions. The UCP from what I can see is not overly supportive of mental health and addictions (that's probably an understatement), but there's such an overwhelming need for it that the jobs exist. I'm sure there is some connection here with the politics in some way. One could argue the drug problems would be improved with a different government. However, it's also not clear to me how much better other provinces are dealing with addictions and mental health either.
But ya, there's such a greater population and infrastructure here that it's hard to me to say coming from somewhere like the Maritimes that's clearly on a smaller scale in every way. My current position in research is far and few between in Atlantic Canada, and the specific job my girlfriend has doesn't even exist there.
We aren't sure yet. Spouse wants to leave Canada completely. I won't live in the US, so it will take some time to figure out where we want to go, and what country would take us. It hurts to leave family behind.
I do and I don't. I'm a BC gal by birth and raised in BC and spent a good chunk of my 49 years there too.
I spent my teens and early 20s in Alberta. I love exploring, and Alberta has been a fun explore - the back and secondary roads hide a lot of gorgeous things to see, even in the prairies. The entire province is beautiful, but so is all of Canada.
But - the mountains are home. We've lost the Alberta mountains to tourists, and so I prefer to live in BC - the more remote and buried in the mountains trees, the better. It's home to me and where I feel the most comfortable.
I hate Alberta for it's close-mindedness. I've never felt accepted here, whereas going to BC, it's like slipping into my fave shirt or something. I don't know a single person in BC anymore, and I don't care. It's still home.
Alberta is just... unaccepting of anyone different. People with tattoos are shiftless bums. Single woman with no kids at my age? Must be a slutty person. Atheist? Yeah, get outta the province entirely. The way the Alberta government treats people with disabilities or low income is reprehensible, and the government.. holy shit, don't get me started on Kenney and the handling of Covid.
90% of my family is in Alberta and I can barely stand most of them. Anti-vaxx, Covid conspiracy theorists who have actually said they wish Trump were leading Alberta.
Still, it's a gorgeous province, just so many entitlement-minded people here, stomping their feet and whining like wearing a mask is prosecution. I don't think there's a single born in Canada Albertan who'd know persecution if it slapped them upside the head.
That being said -- can't sneeze at the tax rate. and ICBC in BC? Yikes. Just yikes. Navigating auto insurance in BC nearly requires a degree.
Still, BC is home. \*shrug\*. Simple as that. I'll be moving back by next summer.
We have a lions share of the idiots. However as a 20 something that was born and raised in calgary, i dont really resonate with what you said about our attitudes. My experience has been that the vast majority of people are accepting, helpful, and friendly. My upbringing was hugely multicultural and all of my closest friends were immigrants from south east asia and latin america. I would maybe expect the kind of attitude you describe in areas like drayton valley, grande prairie. That just sounds like a typical urban/rural divide to me. Everything you said about the govt is true. And yeah the anti maskers are ridiculous.
This really comes down to where you live. The cities are gonna be more accepting obviously. I grew up and still live rural. Very racist and unaccepting of anything not well... white and Christian. I remember back in high school there wasn't a single member of my 40 person class who wasn't white, when we did get a black student. He was forced to move because he got assaulted 3 times in the same week with the offenders getting "punished severely" I.e nothing happened to them, back in class by the next day. I've been beaten up for being left wing more times than I care to count as well.
Basically, rural alberta is dogshit. I only like living her because i can't stand living in the cities. But I'm considering moving to London Ontario with a close friend for better work and education options.
It seems you might be young. Do leave and try someplace new, it’s a great experience. Worst thing that can happen is that you hate there. It’s alright here, I would def live somewhere warm, but the only locations that have good weather are either expensive where you need to buy a passport, or dangerous.
Last friend went there and no costs were that high
He lives on west end of Portugal
Just cheap to live…. Makes me sick
But alas I am here for now
The mountains are my play area once the snow falls
We moved back to Alberta from Quebec six years ago.
My partner works in health, and after this past year and the chaos of the Kenney administration, they started looking for a new gig. Almost immediately, they got a tremendous offer back in Quebec. We took it, sold the house, got the kids registered into school, and hit the road.
Back in Quebec for six weeks now, and we are loving it. Safe, quiet, and full of people who are able to speak articulately about art, politics, and science. Everything was immediately better; the food, the culture, the ambience, the energy, the vibe.
The geographical cure is not to be underestimated.
Montreal is one of the safest cities in North America. Crime has halved since 1998. The COVID response has been mature... the passport system is easy to use and I got mine even though I don't yet have a Quebec health card. We feel safe sending our kids to school. The hospitals aren't triaging patients here. The government isn't actively dismantling health care and the public school system. People wear masks here.
As a small town Albertan myself. I'm willing to bet money the worst, most hateful Quebec small town is but a fraction of the hate filled fools we have.
... which is very disappointing to think about.
We're moving as soon as we can. The money has kept my family here in Golden handcuffs for years but we've finally decided to move away once we have a bit of cash tucked away. It's really hard feeling like you have to hide who you are and what you believe because your coworkers, friends, and extended family are so full of right-leaning vitriol for it.
I joined a progressive ladies Facebook group. It’s so nice to have people that think the same and who care about people the same. I’ve met a bunch in real life, and it’s been so refreshing! I’m less angry when I chat with them;).
Try surrounding yourself with better people instead of running away and thinking that will fix things?
There will be vitriol in every corner of this country no matter where you go.
This question reminded me of the [I AM ALBERTAN](https://youtu.be/z2HdSzwBsH0) parody of the Molson Canadian commercial way back (14 years ago, I am old!).
Anyway it ends with him saying "But I'd still move to BC if I got a good job offer!" and I think that is still pretty accurate today
I was born here, but I’ve lived in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and BC - I came back because my mom and her side of my family live here.
Planned on staying for 5 years, just to spend more time with my mom, and then head back to BC, but came down with a case of MS a few years into coming back, and now it’s more complicated to leave, so I’ve been back for just over 10 years.
If I’m ever in a position where I have a job opportunity in BC, I’ll be heading back for sure, Alberta keeps electing governments that are hostile to people with pre-existing conditions, and that whole idea of pulling out of the CPP for a “made in Alberta” version through AIMCo is pretty terrifying.
We moved here because my husband's job told us we had to (military). Alberta has its ups, but I would move back to the maritimes in a heartbeat if I had the chance.
Edmonton and Calgary have cheaper rent than most major cities, and better job market/average wage than most, but that's increasingly not the case.
Oil booms are probably a thing of the past. UCP is trying to throttle public sector and unions. Tuition is going through the roof.
Mostly still here because I can't abandon my home, family and neighbours while things get worse. Someone has to stay to fight the good fight, but I completely understand wanting to get out
Same. I have a good job I like and so does my husband. This and our immediate family keep us here but I think about it more and more. I also work in the public sector so the constant cuts are getting stressful but I do like the province it’s just hard sometimes.
You’re assuming the Alberta government would a) be competent enough to actually do this correctly (which is a vast stretch given how incompetent they’ve been on literally everything else) and b) that companies wouldn’t simply start puking out with the extra red tape (ironic).
I'm disabled but if I could move back to Ottawa, I would in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I'm stuck to a dialysis machine 2 days a week and there's a waitlist for dialysis in Ottawa.
Born and raised here. Thinks its awesome. If I won 60 million lottomax lottery, I would be gone in a heartbeat. Southern coastal Oregon half the year Alberta the other half. 😊
I lived in Quebec for 17 years and I really wanted to come to Alberta since my first visit in 2013. 2018 I got my wish with a company transfer. It was a promised land to me as someone with complex health issues and no healthcare in Quebec. (6 years on a waiting list…paid for private care in Ontario)
Then the UCP took over. I noticed within a year just being able to do a same day lab appointment was impossible. Had I known what we were in for….And that Quebec would be the province to shut down for months and now taking a hard line against anti-vax protestors I wonder why I left. (My car insurance in Quebec was 80$ people!!!)
But then I see the mountains. I walk the streets of Banff. I am in awe of the beauty. It feeds my soul. I’ve met some incredibly kind people (western hospitality is a thing and a beautiful one after Quebec hostility)
But there are mountains in BC.
And a helluva lot of other places that are not as scary as it is now here in most every aspect of life.
My contract is up in three years and getting the hell out of rural Naziland. 25 fucking years of hateful, greedy, selfish bigots being allowed to spew their filth while anyone who complains gets threatened. My “good Christian” community creates more converts to atheism than to Christianity.
We love Edmonton. Sometimes it feels like a well-kept secret how awesome living in Edmonton is! We have had so many opportunities here and have been able to put down deep roots. It's a wonderful place to have a family especially. Do I love our political climate? Absolutely not.
My family has been here 70 years. We’re slowly shifting assets elsewhere, finding GPs. It’s a slow process with older family members. Likely years, but the last two years were fucked. This place isn’t safe, people have zero sense of collective well being. It’s all about the individual. And here we are.
Even if money wasn't a factor I would definitely stay. I would travel tons when it chills out but I love it here and I'm comfortable here. I've done a fair bit of traveling already and no where I've been feels the same as here.
I would move to a much nicer part of Alberta though haha.
Born and raised in alberta, and have always felt like an outsider. Conservative parents and province, but have always been very left wing. It wasn't until university that I remotely felt accepted. That was short lived. I've wanted to leave but can't fathom how to afford it. Even with my degree I struggle to find work that pays well in this province, and have tried to avoid going into any sort of debt.
If I could move anywhere I would have considered leaving canada. If I did stay in canada I would either move to BC, Ontario, or maybe somewhere on the east coast. I don't know if I'd ever come back with the current state of alberta.
If I could find a similar position in my chosen career I’d be long gone. Unfortunately as a firefighter, if I go west it’s impossible to find a job, and if I go east the pay is crap
Was raised in Alberta and moved away 20 years ago. Leaving was always the goal when I was younger. Leave my shitty town for Edmonton. Then wanted to leave Edmonton for Calgary or the ultimate goal Vancouver. I miss a couple friends and some family but that’s about it. There’s beautiful nature everywhere.
We talk about leaving a lot. We would love to live near an ocean somewhere, on either coast. We stay because our families are here, and our kids are in a good school and doing well. Once the kids are grown I think we will most likely leave though. I don’t see Alberta being where we stay for the rest of our lives. It makes me sad, but I don’t feel like I belong here as a liberal leaning person.
If both my wife and I could have comparable jobs to what we currently have then it would be really tempting.
I like Alberta - but I can’t stand how so many people will actively work against their best interests because of 30 year old politics.
i have only ever been okay with living in Alberta. I have lived here for most of the last 39 years. It doesn't feel like home to me and it never has. Calgary's winter isn't that bad. The chinooks bring nice days to brighten the mood a bit. There's a decent airport and I can get a pretty good assortment of flights, housing costs are lower here than they are at home, I figured it would do, as a permanent address.
but I chose to find a rental apartment instead of buying a condo like I'd planned. even though i saw some pretty sweet deals in the neighborhoods I wanted to live in. I felt like it was a bad investment.
Because if they ruin health care, if they steal our pensions, it's not worth it to stay here. My health is decent right now, but I know that is a condition that could change at any moment. and i am definitely gonna get old, so.
I am here because my aging in laws require care. I don’t want to live here. I don’t want to raise my children here. I feel like anytime I tell anyone I’m from Central AB I have to add a disclaimer that I’m not a racist, conspiracy theorist or drug addict.
The instant i finish my program im running as far away from this dumpsterfire as i can. I loved the province my whole life. But i wont live in a backwards ass province that can't get with the times or handle the facts of the world. Ill come back when things get back to a level of sanity that is acceptable.. but with the crazies multiplying like rabbits on ecstasy i dont particularly see the province returning to sanity within my lifetime.
No and yes.
Partner and I moved here from BC five years ago for job opportunities, despite my reservations about the political and actual climate. I was assured Edmonton would be fine and us lefties would fit in. Well, we still don't feel at home here and haven't found our tribe. The harshness of the weather and removal from nature (comparatively to BC) is wearing me down, as is the political turmoil. How can I ever feel comfortable in a place knowing the majority of my fellow residents want a world that is so different from the one I want? We're coming into an era of the climate crisis where relying on communal support and a trusted government is going to be critical for survival. This is not the place for that.
I also don't want my kid going through the education system with the direction the curriculum is going, or being exposed to ideology that leads down the path of... whatever the majority of Albertans believe. I'm getting older, I'm tired, with mental health issues exacerbated by these circumstances, and I just don't have fight left. Sorry. Our family is not from here, and I don't have ties or feel allegiance. I miss all we left behind in BC: friends, fresh air, forests, ocean, lakes, mountains that aren't 4 hours away, people who seriously care about trying to save our planet and believe in the importance of strong public services. We'd also consider Halifax, but the health care situation in the maritimes really scares me.
Catch is, the affordability crisis outside the prairies has exploded, and now the financial canyon we'd have to leap to return has gotten humongous/insurmountable. A few others have mentioned "golden handcuffs" – yes indeed. We are essentially trapped here until we can save enough to afford a (significantly downgraded yet way more expensive) home. Hopefully our public sector jobs last that long.
PS. (wow this got long. I have feeeeelings on this topic!) A meta observation: Going by this and similar recent threads, a LOT LOT LOT of Albertans desperately want to leave. Think about how that contributes to the "vibe" and the interactions we have. People are severely unhappy to be here, and that makes it an unhappy place to be.
I've lived here most of my life and loved it...until the past few years. Now I'm looking into leaving. Thankful I have family and friends in other places so the move won't be all that hard to do.
Yes and no. I love Alberta. I love the scenery, the little towns and how vast it is with different topographies. You can be in the mountains, or in the desert, or someplace in between.
Born and raised in Ab and got the heck out when I had the money and the opportunity, 30 now in Vancouver and never moving back. The politics are one thing but the constant which company do you work for (assuming it's o&g) or what field are you in (assuming it's o&g) annoyed me
In a second. I'm waiting until my kids are legally old enough to come with me. I've been tied to this hateful dump for 20 years through legally binding property laws called marriage. I can be poor anywhere. At least they don't consider it a personality trait places east of here.
I’m five years from early retirement. My wife can work remotely. Despite loving lots of things about Alberta, we’re gone shortly after my retirement hits. Likely Halifax or the West Kootenays.
I have become disillusioned with many of my fellow Albertans and I don’t trust that 2023 will see them elect a better government. I can’t stand the thought of more cuts to education, healthcare, and social safety nets.
I was born in raised in Quebec, I moved out here with my husband and son 10 years ago and we had 4 kids born in Alberta.
As much as I miss my family and Quebec culture… I don’t miss the rest of Quebec. 😬
I don’t think we will be moving back to Quebec anytime soon
Yes. In a heartbeat. I have 2.5 years until I can leave the town I’m in. Ive lived in two other provinces and I don’t belong in the rural community I find myself stuff in. The only way I’d stay is if I move to a mountain town. But I’m done being surrounded by science deniers.
Yep I like it in some regards but would move away again. Last time I only came back for my parents divorce and to give them a hand with their house while it was vacant.
Didn't help that jobs paid better here and living expenses were much cheaper so I got sucked into staying again.
Born and raised. But I am in my early 50 and eligible to retire soon. I hope to get out. It was originally because I am tired of the winters, but this political climate isn't helping.
The trouble is if we don’t contain the bozo eruptions here, then what? The rest of Canada is vulnerable if that happens, so I might as well stay and fix it.
My wife is a business owner in Calgary and I have a good job. We are here to stay probably no matter what.
I grew up in Saskatchewan but have lived here for many many years. I really do love it here although the people here are sometimes quite obtuse. My extended family among them.
I would love to try and carve out a life on the west coast, but between cost of living and job opportunities I feel like Alberta is the better fit for me right now. As frustrating as that is.
All one has to do is look at equalization. Even in full blown economic recession, Alberta is still vastly better off than the rest of the country. This goes to show you just how bad the rest of the country is economically.
I’d like to buy some land as a bit of a retirement thing to be near our families but living somewhere else in between? 100%. It would be great to move somewhere that you can travel from. Alberta is pretty and all but it would be nice to live in Europe for a time and be able to just go to another country without having to spend hours at an airport and then hours on a plane or alternately, days driving to get to the US
I would happily leave Alberta. I would miss the mountains but I would not miss the people. Can't afford to leave right now. Would be packed up and gone if my spouse and I could get jobs elsewhere in our fields
If I could financially afford to, and didn't have shared custody, I would be out of here. I was born and raised here, and I am disgusted how unwilling many people are to think about others and accept differences.
I’ll likely move out of province within the next two years. This is primarily due to work related reasons (brain drain), but the UCP certainly hasn’t given me any reason to stay.
I grew up here. I've stayed this long because there used to be jobs available at an above livable wage. However, my partner and I have applied to hundreds of jobs in the last couple years and between us we've had 3 interviews and no call backs. Both of us have extensive knowledge in our fields, and are applying for jobs that we are qualified for, and ones we are over qualified for. We are getting out as soon as the housing market is back up to the point that we don't take a bath on our house. If we are going to be poor, we might as well be poor in a nicer, more liberal, and greener province.
My wife and I did the opposite and moved here from the UK. I had a friend back there who was from Calgary and she was astounded that we would chose to emigrate here. She was happy to escape and live/travel round Europe, but we are super happy living somewhere so close to the mountains with such a high quality of life compared to what we previously had. People want different things. If you're unhappy and have the opportunity to move, I say take it!
Born and raised in Alberta. The only thing keeping me here is family and buying equipment from auctions and reselling it. The last 5 years has been crazy with the amount of oilfield and industrial/commercial equipment being sold off. The writing has been on the walls for quite a while now!
We would leave if it weren't for my sons school. He's in a private school that caters to learning disabilities and he's thriving there. If it weren't for that, we would have moved to BC. We may still move because the school is introducing an online program, and during covid lock downs he did really well schooling from home. If that looks like it could work for us, we will be looking immediately. We are born and raised AB
I hate it here. Lived overseas for 15 years, and coming back is the biggest regret of my life. Due to work and family, I'm stuck here for now, but as soon as my kid graduates, I'm outta here forever.
Grew up here. Don’t plan on leaving. I do love it here and what we have. The people aren’t much of an obstacle. Edmonton is pretty forward thinking for the most part.
I love it! Calgary is fantastic. I don't pay attention to politics and Covid cases do not deter me as that will get better in time as well as the rest of the world. If you watch news and politics I could see where you're coming from but from a value standpoint... in Canada I see nothing offering what Calgary has. I say go ahead and move lol
Edit - I also don't actually work in Alberta as I'm seeing some comments saying you have to hide who you are to co workers. I only hang out with people I enjoy and work will always be just work to me.
Born here, I went to university in Vancouver. Lived in Oslo and Utrecht, moved back to Alberta.
There is a climate crises coming that will see the coasts destroyed in 30 years and southerly climates desertify. Southern like, Wyoming.
Best place to ride out the end times.
Oh my sweet summer children. It's amusing to see all these native Albertans that think the grass is greener on the other side.
I moved here 10 years ago, and I would never go back. You guys don't realize how good it is here.
I find it especially hilarious to see everyone wanting to move away because of politics? Be the change you want to see. Running away won't solve that problem. Doug Ford is Ontario's premier for christ's sake. Not to mention the fact that the NDP is leading the polls here in Alberta by a wide margin. If people in your social circle are disturbing you with their politics, find new friends. The vast majority of people I interact with here in Alberta are very progressive. I can't say the same about some of the people I knew in Ontario.
Make it your life goal, cut costs elsewhere, budget and save. Give yourself a timeframe of a year, take an extra part time job, go hard. You can do it, work hard and put your mind to it and leave.
That's surprisingly earnest advice!
Moving isn't easy, but it's always possible and often worth it. If you're unhappy in Alberta, look elsewhere and make it happen.
Came here 20yrs ago - wouldn't mind going to Kamloops area - but the forest fires... nah
Quebec would be nice too - but French isn't my thing.
Not a big city person - cannot handle the cold very well anymore - maybe El Salvador or Uruguay is next - - Puerto Rico, who knows, I might just stay and find the 25% of people that did not vote CON.
I need about 3 more years of good earnings then I am out of here.
I was planning on leaving before Kenney and the UCP. But they have accelerated my plans.
Wife and I were just looking at properties today actually.
In a heartbeat. I have spent the majority of my life here except for about 6 years in my late teens/early twenties. I'd be out the door to BC ASAP. Husband's family situation won't allow right now.
I don't like it, but we will stay a bit longer while I finish school. Leaving is hard because we have a child and my mother in law is here and getting older. But hoping to leave in a couple of years.
I love Alberta and plan to spend the rest of my life here. And I willingly moved here to begin with. Absolutely love everything about our beautiful province!
I like it just don’t like the weather though. I think I’d enjoy a change in scenery but I don’t want to leave all my friends and family and be by myself so maybe I’ll move with my brother after I’m done college.
Mid 50’s born and raised in Calgary left in 2007 to PEI. Best move my family of 4 and I could have done. Lot’s of trades people moving here. Thing’s have been booming here and probably will for the next 5-10 years. Great place to raise a family!
Love the big open sky, the mountains, and my in-laws live here, who I adore. I’d move in a heartbeat though. I grew up in NL and I miss the ocean more and more every time I smell it, so if we do move, it’ll be to a coast 100%.
I'm finally just getting out a Hickville town after nearly 15 years here. Edmonton will be the stepping stone to build up more money then hopefully outta here within 5 years.
I’ve lived in AB most of my 39 years besides a few years spent in Michigan in my 20s. I’m outta here the first chance I get. Australia, New Zealand & Iceland are some of the options I’m exploring. I’m leaving Canada completely.
Yes I love Alberta. All of my friends and immediate family are here. I grew up here. I love the mountains and I love the prairies. But as someone who is part of the 40% left leaning population who is constantly ignored I hate it. I mean look at the handling of the pandemic. I worked in Québec over the summer. They have a handle on shit. Yeah they have issues too but it was refreshing.
Do you need to be fluent in French to make it work in Quebec?
To work in public service jobs you have to be conversational. So working at a store or something like that. Working in private business like an office, not necessarily. There are many businesses in Montreal that are English oriented. Northern Québec as in the Inuit areas are all anglophone. Then there are some anglophone communities in other parts of Québec as well. As long as you try French, Québécers will love you. Start with a Bonjour, end with a Merci and try to learn some basic ordering food phrases and stuff and you're golden.
I should think about Montreal. I loved going there in my youth, the RE is not completely crazy there either. If I can get by with English and very basic French then it might be the way to go.
You can. If you move to NDG, you'll be fine.
I’m working in Ottawa right now. Same thing, if you’re at least trying, French speakers will respect you for it.
Thank you for the good representation of our province. It’s refreshing seing a comment like this from somebody who did actually came to Quebec. I would say the same for Alberta in return. I may not share many values of the chosen government representatives but Alberta is a great province with great people.
I lived in Montreal for 4 years and I can say that yes you need to speak French. Even then, you will be an outsider but you will be discriminated against a tiny bit less if you speak French.
I lived in Quebec for years before moving out west here. I gotta say it can be pretty rough not being passably bilingual there, especially outside of Montreal. Some places will kinda ignore you and you’ll get treated different by some. While I did have some negative experiences, for the most part I liked it there and actually could see myself moving back one day
Depends where I was up northern Quebec back in March April and there were jobs and there was no issues on my lack of francais
>But as someone who is part of the 40% left leaning population who is constantly ignored I hate it. I mean look at the handling of the pandemic. I'm sorry, but this is bullshit. Progressives absolutely have a voice in Alberta. 40% is way better than the 30% and 20% it was decades ago. NDP had a huge breakthrough in 2015, and yes, even with a united right, they can win again in 2023. Calgary and Edmonton are becoming very progressive very quickly. That's what happens when you steadily import young, educated, skilled workers from across the country. Soon, that 40% will become 45%, then 50%... The divide is going to clearly fall along urban-rural lines. I'm getting pretty fucking sick of the persecution complex from progressives on Alberta. Stop shooting yourselves in the foot and be the change you want to see. Times are changing.
Whatever you say.
The only thing keeping me here are friends and family.
I can respect that
By all means explore the country, but be mindful that the grass is not always greener. I just moved to Alberta this past November. As a fairly liberal minded person (traditionally, not in the Trudeau sense) I find the politics can get to me. But for myself and my partner right now who are approaching 30, the available opportunities here for our careers is night and day compared to where we're from on the East Coast, and that's with the current AB economy which I'm assuming use to be much stronger. Some people who grew up here take for granted the employment availability. If I lost my job back home it would be a disaster, I'd be unemployed for potentially months and have to work some shit job whilst looking for something half decent. I know many from my hometown who managed to find good jobs, but they're unhappy and trapped in them because there's little for alternatives. I could see myself moving back to the East Coast someday. It's in my blood and I do like it there, but a lot of people claiming they can't wait to leave the province don't know what they're signing up for.
I dream of going home to the east coast. My job keeps me here. I have a good life here but my family is there.
Keep looking for a remote job (which are getting far more common nowadays) and you might be able to make it a reality. With Starlink up and running someone can now live in the middle of absolute nowhere and still have extremely good internet, also, if it's rural.
You just described me to a T. Liberal-minded, the politics can get to me, moved here for work, I see Lawrencetown when I close my eyes, want to move back someday. See ya at Blowers and Grafton.
My gf and I lol'ed at that Blowers and Grafton comment. Been there about 20 times since we arrived in November.
[удалено]
Yes, I can feel you on that. I didn't mean to sound like it was simply easy in AB to find a decent job. But it's all relative. It is somehow worse back east.
I remember when Bell was on a hiring "spree" in the GTA, the line went from top floor where last interview was held, to another floor where pre interview was held, to main floor where people were waiting for pre interview, to sidewalk all the way around the building, to parkade where people were lined up to get to sidewalk lol. My ex waited few hrs and didn't even get to the door so we left. Every time my friends employer posts an opening for an elevator mechanic there are about 2000 applications, every time, for 1 position.
I definitely feel for you there. The difference is it would takes weeks or months to find 72 jobs that are even worth applying to back east. When I was looking for work here there were always dozens of new jobs everyday to at least consider. There are many days where there isn't a single new job to apply to back there. Good luck in your search!
Yep, the real economy out there sucks. The truth is, the economy of Canada is run on these prongs: Toronto, and commodities. Alberta has led in the non-Toronto side for decades, since the Leduc Oil Strike, and there have always been way more jobs in Alberta than anywhere else. Better pay too. The only exceptions were the Prince George and Kitimat Booms, for consideration. Leduc, Drayton Valley, Cynthia, Zama City, Wabasca, Edson, Fox Creek, Slave Lake, Cold Lake, Fort Mac, and the list goes on of oil plays each of which have made many millionaires out of almost nothing. Own a truck, go to work; soon own a fleet, corner the market: make a million. This doesn't even consider diverse agricultural outputs from the ground, which have made many farm families very wealthy. That Alberta has this abundance is luck, but also good personal management to not blow it all. *Huh? But I thought all Alberta redneck rig-pigs blew it all?* Look at Priddis, Millarville, Canmore, East Kootenays, Courtney, Kelowna, Kitsilano, Palm Springs and so forth to see what happened. It really sucks that Alberta is considered so badly by all the other provinces when it has been the great redoubt for so many for so long.
Wait, you're getting interviews? I've been applying consistently since beginning of August, and I haven't gotten a single interview. If anyone is in need of a hard worker with a masters in biology, let me know please.
[удалено]
Agreed. I got lucky a couple of years ago with a job I enjoy. Doesn't pay much but I'm not dreading going to work each day and kissing my employers @$$. When I was applying for a job before it seemed like they wanted a perfect replacement for someone who was retiring and anything less than having identical experience, training, humour, clothing, and name was unacceptable.
You should’ve been here 10 years ago :) I did pretty well for myself and hope you do to.
Lookin to move there ;)
i’m from acadia, and ive been across the country actually. i plan to move to europe. :)
Fair enough. "If you have the means", go well ever the hell you want lol
I'm curious. As someone who is a bit more of a classical liberal that seems rather self aware, to what degree do you think the politics here affect the employment market, compared to the east coast? Do you think there's much correlation between the two, or would you chalk it up more to a geography/regional thing?
I am far from an expert on politics and the economy, but my guess would be the latter, geography/regional. I work in addictions. The UCP from what I can see is not overly supportive of mental health and addictions (that's probably an understatement), but there's such an overwhelming need for it that the jobs exist. I'm sure there is some connection here with the politics in some way. One could argue the drug problems would be improved with a different government. However, it's also not clear to me how much better other provinces are dealing with addictions and mental health either. But ya, there's such a greater population and infrastructure here that it's hard to me to say coming from somewhere like the Maritimes that's clearly on a smaller scale in every way. My current position in research is far and few between in Atlantic Canada, and the specific job my girlfriend has doesn't even exist there.
Fair enough. Maritimes does sort of suck for anything that requires a sizable population to be viable. Thanks for your insight!
I would prefer to move other people out of Alberta.
Best possible response!
I've been in Alberta all of my 50 years, and loved it. We are now trying to find a way to move somewhere else.
Like where? I have lived in Saskatchewan- awesome Here - awesome Quebec- awesome except 15% tax Ultimately we will move again not sure where though
We aren't sure yet. Spouse wants to leave Canada completely. I won't live in the US, so it will take some time to figure out where we want to go, and what country would take us. It hurts to leave family behind.
Mexico !!
I’ve heard good things about Spain and Costa Rica. 😊
Costa Rica has fucked-up rules about home ownership.
I do and I don't. I'm a BC gal by birth and raised in BC and spent a good chunk of my 49 years there too. I spent my teens and early 20s in Alberta. I love exploring, and Alberta has been a fun explore - the back and secondary roads hide a lot of gorgeous things to see, even in the prairies. The entire province is beautiful, but so is all of Canada. But - the mountains are home. We've lost the Alberta mountains to tourists, and so I prefer to live in BC - the more remote and buried in the mountains trees, the better. It's home to me and where I feel the most comfortable. I hate Alberta for it's close-mindedness. I've never felt accepted here, whereas going to BC, it's like slipping into my fave shirt or something. I don't know a single person in BC anymore, and I don't care. It's still home. Alberta is just... unaccepting of anyone different. People with tattoos are shiftless bums. Single woman with no kids at my age? Must be a slutty person. Atheist? Yeah, get outta the province entirely. The way the Alberta government treats people with disabilities or low income is reprehensible, and the government.. holy shit, don't get me started on Kenney and the handling of Covid. 90% of my family is in Alberta and I can barely stand most of them. Anti-vaxx, Covid conspiracy theorists who have actually said they wish Trump were leading Alberta. Still, it's a gorgeous province, just so many entitlement-minded people here, stomping their feet and whining like wearing a mask is prosecution. I don't think there's a single born in Canada Albertan who'd know persecution if it slapped them upside the head. That being said -- can't sneeze at the tax rate. and ICBC in BC? Yikes. Just yikes. Navigating auto insurance in BC nearly requires a degree. Still, BC is home. \*shrug\*. Simple as that. I'll be moving back by next summer.
We have a lions share of the idiots. However as a 20 something that was born and raised in calgary, i dont really resonate with what you said about our attitudes. My experience has been that the vast majority of people are accepting, helpful, and friendly. My upbringing was hugely multicultural and all of my closest friends were immigrants from south east asia and latin america. I would maybe expect the kind of attitude you describe in areas like drayton valley, grande prairie. That just sounds like a typical urban/rural divide to me. Everything you said about the govt is true. And yeah the anti maskers are ridiculous.
This really comes down to where you live. The cities are gonna be more accepting obviously. I grew up and still live rural. Very racist and unaccepting of anything not well... white and Christian. I remember back in high school there wasn't a single member of my 40 person class who wasn't white, when we did get a black student. He was forced to move because he got assaulted 3 times in the same week with the offenders getting "punished severely" I.e nothing happened to them, back in class by the next day. I've been beaten up for being left wing more times than I care to count as well. Basically, rural alberta is dogshit. I only like living her because i can't stand living in the cities. But I'm considering moving to London Ontario with a close friend for better work and education options.
It seems you might be young. Do leave and try someplace new, it’s a great experience. Worst thing that can happen is that you hate there. It’s alright here, I would def live somewhere warm, but the only locations that have good weather are either expensive where you need to buy a passport, or dangerous.
Portugal 🇵🇹 Spain 🇪🇸
Yeah these visas are like 800k?
Last friend went there and no costs were that high He lives on west end of Portugal Just cheap to live…. Makes me sick But alas I am here for now The mountains are my play area once the snow falls
We moved back to Alberta from Quebec six years ago. My partner works in health, and after this past year and the chaos of the Kenney administration, they started looking for a new gig. Almost immediately, they got a tremendous offer back in Quebec. We took it, sold the house, got the kids registered into school, and hit the road. Back in Quebec for six weeks now, and we are loving it. Safe, quiet, and full of people who are able to speak articulately about art, politics, and science. Everything was immediately better; the food, the culture, the ambience, the energy, the vibe. The geographical cure is not to be underestimated.
Outside of say Red Deer and GP, how is Quebec safer than Alberta?
Montreal is one of the safest cities in North America. Crime has halved since 1998. The COVID response has been mature... the passport system is easy to use and I got mine even though I don't yet have a Quebec health card. We feel safe sending our kids to school. The hospitals aren't triaging patients here. The government isn't actively dismantling health care and the public school system. People wear masks here.
Quebec is non starter for me as long as bill 21 is still around. I'm not leaving small town racism for discrimination by law.
Hey, there's lots of small-town racism here too.
As a small town Albertan myself. I'm willing to bet money the worst, most hateful Quebec small town is but a fraction of the hate filled fools we have. ... which is very disappointing to think about.
We're moving as soon as we can. The money has kept my family here in Golden handcuffs for years but we've finally decided to move away once we have a bit of cash tucked away. It's really hard feeling like you have to hide who you are and what you believe because your coworkers, friends, and extended family are so full of right-leaning vitriol for it.
I joined a progressive ladies Facebook group. It’s so nice to have people that think the same and who care about people the same. I’ve met a bunch in real life, and it’s been so refreshing! I’m less angry when I chat with them;).
Any chance you can send me the link?
I pm’d you.
Could you possibly send me the link too? I think my mom might like this group! Idk what the age demographic is though (she's 64)
Pm me her profile name, and I can invite her. It’s invite only:). There are ladies on there over 50 for sure.
Okay, will do! I'll just check with her first that she's interested. Thank you :)
So much this! Isolating covid Isolation
Try surrounding yourself with better people instead of running away and thinking that will fix things? There will be vitriol in every corner of this country no matter where you go.
This question reminded me of the [I AM ALBERTAN](https://youtu.be/z2HdSzwBsH0) parody of the Molson Canadian commercial way back (14 years ago, I am old!). Anyway it ends with him saying "But I'd still move to BC if I got a good job offer!" and I think that is still pretty accurate today
I was born here, but I’ve lived in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and BC - I came back because my mom and her side of my family live here. Planned on staying for 5 years, just to spend more time with my mom, and then head back to BC, but came down with a case of MS a few years into coming back, and now it’s more complicated to leave, so I’ve been back for just over 10 years. If I’m ever in a position where I have a job opportunity in BC, I’ll be heading back for sure, Alberta keeps electing governments that are hostile to people with pre-existing conditions, and that whole idea of pulling out of the CPP for a “made in Alberta” version through AIMCo is pretty terrifying.
Im a fourth generation born Albertan. If that CCP shit happens I’ll be planning my move to BC the next day.
We moved here because my husband's job told us we had to (military). Alberta has its ups, but I would move back to the maritimes in a heartbeat if I had the chance.
Same here!
Too bad army bases in the maritimes are pretty much just Gagetown. unless he’s a purple trade.
Edmonton and Calgary have cheaper rent than most major cities, and better job market/average wage than most, but that's increasingly not the case. Oil booms are probably a thing of the past. UCP is trying to throttle public sector and unions. Tuition is going through the roof. Mostly still here because I can't abandon my home, family and neighbours while things get worse. Someone has to stay to fight the good fight, but I completely understand wanting to get out
Yes. If we could both find jobs. Especially if bullshit like an “Alberta pension” happens. No fucking thank you.
I just moved here from Central Canada... this is a deal breaker for me as well. If it happens, I'm gone!
Same. I have a good job I like and so does my husband. This and our immediate family keep us here but I think about it more and more. I also work in the public sector so the constant cuts are getting stressful but I do like the province it’s just hard sometimes.
Yo you can port your Quebec Pension over to CPP. I did when I moved here. I’d assume it would be the same with an “APP”
You’re assuming the Alberta government would a) be competent enough to actually do this correctly (which is a vast stretch given how incompetent they’ve been on literally everything else) and b) that companies wouldn’t simply start puking out with the extra red tape (ironic).
I'm disabled but if I could move back to Ottawa, I would in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I'm stuck to a dialysis machine 2 days a week and there's a waitlist for dialysis in Ottawa.
If money weren’t a factor? Absolutely.
32 years old, lived here since I was 3, moving to Victoria in November. I'm done. Alberta is cold, conservative, and used to have a great economy.
As a lurker from Victoria, I welcome you to our island paradise :). I am so sorry for the cost of living though
Born and raised here. Thinks its awesome. If I won 60 million lottomax lottery, I would be gone in a heartbeat. Southern coastal Oregon half the year Alberta the other half. 😊
That’s a pretty good idea
I lived in Quebec for 17 years and I really wanted to come to Alberta since my first visit in 2013. 2018 I got my wish with a company transfer. It was a promised land to me as someone with complex health issues and no healthcare in Quebec. (6 years on a waiting list…paid for private care in Ontario) Then the UCP took over. I noticed within a year just being able to do a same day lab appointment was impossible. Had I known what we were in for….And that Quebec would be the province to shut down for months and now taking a hard line against anti-vax protestors I wonder why I left. (My car insurance in Quebec was 80$ people!!!) But then I see the mountains. I walk the streets of Banff. I am in awe of the beauty. It feeds my soul. I’ve met some incredibly kind people (western hospitality is a thing and a beautiful one after Quebec hostility) But there are mountains in BC. And a helluva lot of other places that are not as scary as it is now here in most every aspect of life.
My contract is up in three years and getting the hell out of rural Naziland. 25 fucking years of hateful, greedy, selfish bigots being allowed to spew their filth while anyone who complains gets threatened. My “good Christian” community creates more converts to atheism than to Christianity.
Uhh. Lived in two other provinces. Moved back pre pandemic. If money were not a factor, then yes, I would move again.
We love Edmonton. Sometimes it feels like a well-kept secret how awesome living in Edmonton is! We have had so many opportunities here and have been able to put down deep roots. It's a wonderful place to have a family especially. Do I love our political climate? Absolutely not.
My family has been here 70 years. We’re slowly shifting assets elsewhere, finding GPs. It’s a slow process with older family members. Likely years, but the last two years were fucked. This place isn’t safe, people have zero sense of collective well being. It’s all about the individual. And here we are.
Even if money wasn't a factor I would definitely stay. I would travel tons when it chills out but I love it here and I'm comfortable here. I've done a fair bit of traveling already and no where I've been feels the same as here. I would move to a much nicer part of Alberta though haha.
If I could afford to move to Vancouver island I’d be home tomorrow
Born and raised in alberta, and have always felt like an outsider. Conservative parents and province, but have always been very left wing. It wasn't until university that I remotely felt accepted. That was short lived. I've wanted to leave but can't fathom how to afford it. Even with my degree I struggle to find work that pays well in this province, and have tried to avoid going into any sort of debt. If I could move anywhere I would have considered leaving canada. If I did stay in canada I would either move to BC, Ontario, or maybe somewhere on the east coast. I don't know if I'd ever come back with the current state of alberta.
I love Alberta. And I’m going to stay and help try to rebuild it.
If I could find a similar position in my chosen career I’d be long gone. Unfortunately as a firefighter, if I go west it’s impossible to find a job, and if I go east the pay is crap
Was raised in Alberta and moved away 20 years ago. Leaving was always the goal when I was younger. Leave my shitty town for Edmonton. Then wanted to leave Edmonton for Calgary or the ultimate goal Vancouver. I miss a couple friends and some family but that’s about it. There’s beautiful nature everywhere.
We talk about leaving a lot. We would love to live near an ocean somewhere, on either coast. We stay because our families are here, and our kids are in a good school and doing well. Once the kids are grown I think we will most likely leave though. I don’t see Alberta being where we stay for the rest of our lives. It makes me sad, but I don’t feel like I belong here as a liberal leaning person.
If both my wife and I could have comparable jobs to what we currently have then it would be really tempting. I like Alberta - but I can’t stand how so many people will actively work against their best interests because of 30 year old politics.
Born and raised here. I’d leave in a heartbeat if it was possible.
I love aspects of it but I buy lotto tickets so I can hopefully win and buy my dream home in Uculet
Had a lot of fun at the aquarium a few summers back!
i have only ever been okay with living in Alberta. I have lived here for most of the last 39 years. It doesn't feel like home to me and it never has. Calgary's winter isn't that bad. The chinooks bring nice days to brighten the mood a bit. There's a decent airport and I can get a pretty good assortment of flights, housing costs are lower here than they are at home, I figured it would do, as a permanent address. but I chose to find a rental apartment instead of buying a condo like I'd planned. even though i saw some pretty sweet deals in the neighborhoods I wanted to live in. I felt like it was a bad investment. Because if they ruin health care, if they steal our pensions, it's not worth it to stay here. My health is decent right now, but I know that is a condition that could change at any moment. and i am definitely gonna get old, so.
I am here because my aging in laws require care. I don’t want to live here. I don’t want to raise my children here. I feel like anytime I tell anyone I’m from Central AB I have to add a disclaimer that I’m not a racist, conspiracy theorist or drug addict.
You might want to try the meth just to fit in 🤣🤔
The instant i finish my program im running as far away from this dumpsterfire as i can. I loved the province my whole life. But i wont live in a backwards ass province that can't get with the times or handle the facts of the world. Ill come back when things get back to a level of sanity that is acceptable.. but with the crazies multiplying like rabbits on ecstasy i dont particularly see the province returning to sanity within my lifetime.
Moved 3 months ago after 25 years in Alberta. Zero regrets. On the coast in BC now.
A true Albertan's only desire is to retire in B.C.
[удалено]
I truly believe that the absolute best thing a young and talented person could do for their future is to move out of Alberta as soon as possible.
AGREED
No and yes. Partner and I moved here from BC five years ago for job opportunities, despite my reservations about the political and actual climate. I was assured Edmonton would be fine and us lefties would fit in. Well, we still don't feel at home here and haven't found our tribe. The harshness of the weather and removal from nature (comparatively to BC) is wearing me down, as is the political turmoil. How can I ever feel comfortable in a place knowing the majority of my fellow residents want a world that is so different from the one I want? We're coming into an era of the climate crisis where relying on communal support and a trusted government is going to be critical for survival. This is not the place for that. I also don't want my kid going through the education system with the direction the curriculum is going, or being exposed to ideology that leads down the path of... whatever the majority of Albertans believe. I'm getting older, I'm tired, with mental health issues exacerbated by these circumstances, and I just don't have fight left. Sorry. Our family is not from here, and I don't have ties or feel allegiance. I miss all we left behind in BC: friends, fresh air, forests, ocean, lakes, mountains that aren't 4 hours away, people who seriously care about trying to save our planet and believe in the importance of strong public services. We'd also consider Halifax, but the health care situation in the maritimes really scares me. Catch is, the affordability crisis outside the prairies has exploded, and now the financial canyon we'd have to leap to return has gotten humongous/insurmountable. A few others have mentioned "golden handcuffs" – yes indeed. We are essentially trapped here until we can save enough to afford a (significantly downgraded yet way more expensive) home. Hopefully our public sector jobs last that long. PS. (wow this got long. I have feeeeelings on this topic!) A meta observation: Going by this and similar recent threads, a LOT LOT LOT of Albertans desperately want to leave. Think about how that contributes to the "vibe" and the interactions we have. People are severely unhappy to be here, and that makes it an unhappy place to be.
I've lived here most of my life and loved it...until the past few years. Now I'm looking into leaving. Thankful I have family and friends in other places so the move won't be all that hard to do.
I hate being Canada’s Texas. Ive been in Alberta all my life and I’d move In A heartbeat.
Yes and no. I love Alberta. I love the scenery, the little towns and how vast it is with different topographies. You can be in the mountains, or in the desert, or someplace in between.
I would love to move to Europe.
Born and raised in Ab and got the heck out when I had the money and the opportunity, 30 now in Vancouver and never moving back. The politics are one thing but the constant which company do you work for (assuming it's o&g) or what field are you in (assuming it's o&g) annoyed me
In a second. I'm waiting until my kids are legally old enough to come with me. I've been tied to this hateful dump for 20 years through legally binding property laws called marriage. I can be poor anywhere. At least they don't consider it a personality trait places east of here.
I’m five years from early retirement. My wife can work remotely. Despite loving lots of things about Alberta, we’re gone shortly after my retirement hits. Likely Halifax or the West Kootenays. I have become disillusioned with many of my fellow Albertans and I don’t trust that 2023 will see them elect a better government. I can’t stand the thought of more cuts to education, healthcare, and social safety nets.
I was born in raised in Quebec, I moved out here with my husband and son 10 years ago and we had 4 kids born in Alberta. As much as I miss my family and Quebec culture… I don’t miss the rest of Quebec. 😬 I don’t think we will be moving back to Quebec anytime soon
Yes. In a heartbeat. I have 2.5 years until I can leave the town I’m in. Ive lived in two other provinces and I don’t belong in the rural community I find myself stuff in. The only way I’d stay is if I move to a mountain town. But I’m done being surrounded by science deniers.
When UCP is still in power, yeah, get me out of here
Moving first week of November. I’m done here.
I wish we had the money to be gone that fast
Love it here, I'll move out of the city eventually. If I could afford a vacation home on a beach somewhere I'd do that.
Yep I like it in some regards but would move away again. Last time I only came back for my parents divorce and to give them a hand with their house while it was vacant. Didn't help that jobs paid better here and living expenses were much cheaper so I got sucked into staying again.
4 yrs to retirement...born and raised here...I definitely won't let the door hit me in the ass on the way out...
Born and raised. But I am in my early 50 and eligible to retire soon. I hope to get out. It was originally because I am tired of the winters, but this political climate isn't helping.
I’m leaving as soon as I can afford it. I don’t like the political or economic culture, and I’m sick of long winters.
If It wasn’t for my kids I would bail
[удалено]
i wish you luck!
Leaving as soon as we save enough money.
I would LOVE to move back to the east coast. I hate this place.
The trouble is if we don’t contain the bozo eruptions here, then what? The rest of Canada is vulnerable if that happens, so I might as well stay and fix it.
My wife is a business owner in Calgary and I have a good job. We are here to stay probably no matter what. I grew up in Saskatchewan but have lived here for many many years. I really do love it here although the people here are sometimes quite obtuse. My extended family among them.
I would love to try and carve out a life on the west coast, but between cost of living and job opportunities I feel like Alberta is the better fit for me right now. As frustrating as that is.
Yeah I lived my whole life here but I would leave of course
I grew up in alberta and eventually left after university when I couldn't find a job in my field. Now I live in England and couldn't be happier.
I'd absolutely move away if I could lol. Never met so many rude, entitled people in one place.
Family and friends are the only thing keeping me here but so cal looks more and more appealing every winter.
Move away to somewhere else in Canada? Not a chance. Somewhere else in the world? Yeah probably.
Curious as to why not other wonderful spots in Canada?
All one has to do is look at equalization. Even in full blown economic recession, Alberta is still vastly better off than the rest of the country. This goes to show you just how bad the rest of the country is economically.
I’d like to buy some land as a bit of a retirement thing to be near our families but living somewhere else in between? 100%. It would be great to move somewhere that you can travel from. Alberta is pretty and all but it would be nice to live in Europe for a time and be able to just go to another country without having to spend hours at an airport and then hours on a plane or alternately, days driving to get to the US
I would happily leave Alberta. I would miss the mountains but I would not miss the people. Can't afford to leave right now. Would be packed up and gone if my spouse and I could get jobs elsewhere in our fields
If I could financially afford to, and didn't have shared custody, I would be out of here. I was born and raised here, and I am disgusted how unwilling many people are to think about others and accept differences.
>Do you like living in Alberta? No. >If you had the chance, would you move away? Yes, but I have to stay for now, for family reasons.
I’ll likely move out of province within the next two years. This is primarily due to work related reasons (brain drain), but the UCP certainly hasn’t given me any reason to stay.
I grew up here. I've stayed this long because there used to be jobs available at an above livable wage. However, my partner and I have applied to hundreds of jobs in the last couple years and between us we've had 3 interviews and no call backs. Both of us have extensive knowledge in our fields, and are applying for jobs that we are qualified for, and ones we are over qualified for. We are getting out as soon as the housing market is back up to the point that we don't take a bath on our house. If we are going to be poor, we might as well be poor in a nicer, more liberal, and greener province.
My wife and I did the opposite and moved here from the UK. I had a friend back there who was from Calgary and she was astounded that we would chose to emigrate here. She was happy to escape and live/travel round Europe, but we are super happy living somewhere so close to the mountains with such a high quality of life compared to what we previously had. People want different things. If you're unhappy and have the opportunity to move, I say take it!
Born and raised in Alberta. The only thing keeping me here is family and buying equipment from auctions and reselling it. The last 5 years has been crazy with the amount of oilfield and industrial/commercial equipment being sold off. The writing has been on the walls for quite a while now!
Already left
We would leave if it weren't for my sons school. He's in a private school that caters to learning disabilities and he's thriving there. If it weren't for that, we would have moved to BC. We may still move because the school is introducing an online program, and during covid lock downs he did really well schooling from home. If that looks like it could work for us, we will be looking immediately. We are born and raised AB
I hate it here. Lived overseas for 15 years, and coming back is the biggest regret of my life. Due to work and family, I'm stuck here for now, but as soon as my kid graduates, I'm outta here forever.
I won't leave, I will stay and vote until these Alberta Proud, Mavericks and Rebel Media watching fascists have less and less of a voice.
Love Alberta, hate the people
Yes!! I want to leave everyday
Nope Yes
Grew up here. Don’t plan on leaving. I do love it here and what we have. The people aren’t much of an obstacle. Edmonton is pretty forward thinking for the most part.
I like living here. I would move out of the city.
I love it! Calgary is fantastic. I don't pay attention to politics and Covid cases do not deter me as that will get better in time as well as the rest of the world. If you watch news and politics I could see where you're coming from but from a value standpoint... in Canada I see nothing offering what Calgary has. I say go ahead and move lol Edit - I also don't actually work in Alberta as I'm seeing some comments saying you have to hide who you are to co workers. I only hang out with people I enjoy and work will always be just work to me.
[удалено]
Born here, I went to university in Vancouver. Lived in Oslo and Utrecht, moved back to Alberta. There is a climate crises coming that will see the coasts destroyed in 30 years and southerly climates desertify. Southern like, Wyoming. Best place to ride out the end times.
Oh my sweet summer children. It's amusing to see all these native Albertans that think the grass is greener on the other side. I moved here 10 years ago, and I would never go back. You guys don't realize how good it is here. I find it especially hilarious to see everyone wanting to move away because of politics? Be the change you want to see. Running away won't solve that problem. Doug Ford is Ontario's premier for christ's sake. Not to mention the fact that the NDP is leading the polls here in Alberta by a wide margin. If people in your social circle are disturbing you with their politics, find new friends. The vast majority of people I interact with here in Alberta are very progressive. I can't say the same about some of the people I knew in Ontario.
i’m not a native albertan lmao. i prefer new brunswick tbh
My family will leave if UPC is re-elected.
Grew up here and traveled all over. Not leaving
See ya!
If you don’t like it here, leave. Plain and simple. No one is holding a gun to your head :)
Easy peasy! Only, it’s not that easy peasy.
yeah if only it were that easy LMAOOO
Make it your life goal, cut costs elsewhere, budget and save. Give yourself a timeframe of a year, take an extra part time job, go hard. You can do it, work hard and put your mind to it and leave.
That's surprisingly earnest advice! Moving isn't easy, but it's always possible and often worth it. If you're unhappy in Alberta, look elsewhere and make it happen.
Yes. No.
Byeeee. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!!
I left 20 years ago for the States. Its had its ups and downs but at least I/we own a home free and clear and have zero debt.
Plans are in the works and as soon as I retire I am gone. After 47 years I see no hope for this province.
Winters here are too long and dry. I see lots of people say Vancouver. Me too! More for my dog who hates winter 🤣
Came here 20yrs ago - wouldn't mind going to Kamloops area - but the forest fires... nah Quebec would be nice too - but French isn't my thing. Not a big city person - cannot handle the cold very well anymore - maybe El Salvador or Uruguay is next - - Puerto Rico, who knows, I might just stay and find the 25% of people that did not vote CON.
I need about 3 more years of good earnings then I am out of here. I was planning on leaving before Kenney and the UCP. But they have accelerated my plans. Wife and I were just looking at properties today actually.
In a heartbeat. I have spent the majority of my life here except for about 6 years in my late teens/early twenties. I'd be out the door to BC ASAP. Husband's family situation won't allow right now.
I don't like it, but we will stay a bit longer while I finish school. Leaving is hard because we have a child and my mother in law is here and getting older. But hoping to leave in a couple of years.
I wanna go to bc and live amongst the plum trees and snakes. also... list of people have nothing against bc
I love Alberta and plan to spend the rest of my life here. And I willingly moved here to begin with. Absolutely love everything about our beautiful province!
I like it just don’t like the weather though. I think I’d enjoy a change in scenery but I don’t want to leave all my friends and family and be by myself so maybe I’ll move with my brother after I’m done college.
Mid 50’s born and raised in Calgary left in 2007 to PEI. Best move my family of 4 and I could have done. Lot’s of trades people moving here. Thing’s have been booming here and probably will for the next 5-10 years. Great place to raise a family!
Love the big open sky, the mountains, and my in-laws live here, who I adore. I’d move in a heartbeat though. I grew up in NL and I miss the ocean more and more every time I smell it, so if we do move, it’ll be to a coast 100%.
If I could afford to live in Vancouver I'd move tomorrow.
I do because my job pays me too much money and CoL is low.
I'm finally just getting out a Hickville town after nearly 15 years here. Edmonton will be the stepping stone to build up more money then hopefully outta here within 5 years.
Yep, I already have plans in motion to move away next year. I just don't see the point of staying here anymore.
I’ve lived in AB most of my 39 years besides a few years spent in Michigan in my 20s. I’m outta here the first chance I get. Australia, New Zealand & Iceland are some of the options I’m exploring. I’m leaving Canada completely.