Do YOU Think Canada Is Cool?

On January 16, 2016, the New York Times published an article that seems to have stirred up a bit of a debate about Canada, entitled, “With the Rise of Justin Trudeau, Canada Is Suddenly ... Hip?”

The article basically argued that Canada is “cool” now that it has a young, good looking liberal Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, as well as a host of “hip” Canadian celebrities. Popular singers such as Justin Bieber, Drake, and Tory Lanez are listed along with famous actors including Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, and movie director Xavier Dolan as just some of examples of the many “cool” Canadians who are making their mark in global pop culture today. These and several other Canadian “hipsters” are offered as a stark contrast to old stereotypes about people who live in Canada.

The article is obviously written from an American viewpoint, as expressed in such statements as, “the notion that our neighbor to the north is a frozen cultural wasteland populated with hopelessly unstylish citizens is quickly becoming so outdated as to be almost offensive.”

What has been debated since the article was published is not so much about whether or not the examples of Canadian “coolness” are indeed “hip” or not, but instead mainly focuses on whether Canada has only now become “cool” or if Canada has been “cool” for quite some time, even if just recently recognized by its Superpower neighbor to the south (i.e., the United States).

Although Canada is larger than the USA, it has long existed in the “shadow” of its “big brother” below, which boasts the world’s strongest economy, most powerful military and whose culture has permeated much of the planet. In other words, the measure of Canada’s “coolness” has frequently been made in comparison with the USA and, as is often the case, as defined by Americans.

Perhaps, however, Canadians have been “cool” all along and many Americans and others around the globe are only now realizing this.

Terms like “cool” and “hip” are, of course, rather subjective terms. After all, there are various ways to define what is “cool” and these evaluations often involve individual value judgments about what is important in life. Rather than take sides in this debate, the following facts about Canada will be offered and you can decide for yourself whether YOU think it is “cool” to be a Canadian. For example, do you think it is “cool” that:

• Canadians are the 6th most prosperous people on the planet?
• Canadians receive free basic healthcare?
• Canada is one of the most multicultural countries on Earth?
• Canada is ranked #1 in the world for personal freedom?
• Canada has the #1 best reputation of any country on the map?
• Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are among the top 5 “most livable cities” in the world?
• Canadians are some of the most compassionate people on the planet?
• Canada is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth?
• Montreal hosts one of the top international jazz festivals each year?
• Toronto holds one of the premier annual international film festivals?
• The UN considers Canadians to be the 5^th happiest people in the world?
• Canada is ranked as the 7^th most peaceful country on the planet?
• Canadian tap water is some of the cleanest drinking water in the world?
• Individuals who live in Canada are among the world’s most educated people?
• Canadians have one of the longest lifespans on the planet?
• Canada is among the top 10 countries for freedom of the press?
• Over 250,000 people immigrate to Canada annually?
• Permanent residents of Canada can apply for citizenship in as little as four years?
• The Canadian government wants more skilled foreign workers to move to Canada?
• Immigrants are considered one of Canada's greatest assets?

So, do YOU think it would be “cool” to be a Canadian? If you answered “yes” to this question, you may want to consider immigration to Canada! To learn more about your Canadian immigration options, click here!