₦airaland Forum

Fusion23:
Ottawa , have had my hopes for IKEA thou....but am sure there are some nice services Immigration Provides like free french or something..just saying their are lot of positives to talk about

You can rent places already furnished until you've saved enough funds to be able to buy furniture. Personally I've never heard of the government providing furniture, you're pushing it. lol

folamingo:
@Maternal, Thank you for taking time out to explain.

Its essential to be aware of opportunities that are available whilst in Canada. Nobody is going there to intentionally be a burden but if there are benefits that are available by the virtue of having a PR/citizenship status, it only makes common sense to access them. The fact that Nigeria doesn't have them available, doesn't mean it's a taboo in Canada. If you are eligible or you fall within the requirements, you go for it. Sometimes some people perish because of lack of information. But also its a thing of choice, if you feel the it's against your principles you can decide to struggle and reject all benefits. But please all information to make life easy and improve standard of living will be appreciated,(nothing is useless) that is why most of us are relocating in the first place.

"When you are in Rome, you behave like a Roman".

Thank you and continue to share your wealth of knowledge.

Just to talk on this "burden" issue. One better take any benefits eligible to them, because believe me, they will tax you here till the day you die. The "free" benefits you'll get, after decades of taxation on literally everything, whatever you got for "free" you would have paid it back several times over. Believe me. Furthermore, investing in your PR/Citizens is basically nation building, and the nation benefits in the long run. I can use 2 examples.

Example #1

I know a girl who came to Canada at age 5. Her family was poor and was on welfare for years getting "free" money. She's now a medical doctor who owns her own practice paying a lot of taxes and has a small staff of like 20 employees. The amount of taxes she and her staff is paying, and her contribution of being a productive member of society, as a doctor, far outweighs whatever little money the state originally gave her "for free" when they first came to Canada. Think of it has a bank loan. The bank will give you a loan to buy a car. After 3 years you would have paid back the principle plus interest on that loan. So you get the car you want/need right away, while years down the line the bank makes a profit off of you in interest.

Example #2

The government covers your healthcare costs through taxation. Its proven the nation will prosper and will be in better shape with a healthy population. The country would be less prosperous with a sick population.

This is why investing in your citizens, especially the young and less fortunate is very important. Not just morally, but economically as well. And as they say, "A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members". That is taken pretty seriously here. So when people call these people leaches, parasites, or whatever, it's insulting nor do I understand it. Corrupted politicians having millions of dollars cash are the parasites. Hoarding the country's national cake in your bank account and drawer, instead of using it on nation building. Those are parasites, living off the backs and hard work of every day Nigerians or the country's national resource which should be shared. I haven't even touched on the increased criminality within the country if these people aren't helped. That's for a different post.

salford:
its just a case of an overpatriotic nigerian and an overpatriotic canadian/ nigerian having an argument. There is no point throwing shades at each other. i dont know the history of both poster but it seems the debates are being taken too personal. if someone is ignorantbof something, you can educate without using some strong words.

@Keni I'm no female.

@salford I'm not patriotic let alone over-patriotic.

TheCongo2:
Me attitude means ONLY MY OPINION Counts or ONLY MY OPINIONS ARE FACTS.
If anyone doesn't agree with me, he is either an IDIOT or should educate Himself.
This is a very wrong attitude to be displayed by someone who called himself educated.
You should handle debate on NAIRALAND the same way you would handle academic discussions.
I don't know which school you went to, but in an academic discussion, you don't call someone an IDIOT or tell them they are IGNORANT and should educate themselves. You would get a zero mark and can even be suspended from school.
Pigrin2 doesn't understand how Child Care Benefits work in Canada. You could educate her the way FelizO1 did without been condescending. You further told Pigrin2 that "I know you're use to having a child starve to death ...". How do you even know that Pigrin2 is used to see hungry children?

On a different note, you indicate that "With welfare they'd get free housing, medical, dental, prescription drugs and tuition when they're in University".
That is untrue. I don't know where you get the concept of free housing from. People on welfare pay housing even though the amount is subsidized. In terms of medical care, what the Canadian government covers is just the basics that doesn't even include the dental care. Welfare recipients have to pay for the cost of dental care.
Also, there is no such thing as welfare recipient getting free tuition in school. Someone can't be on welfare and be a full time student at the same time. In Ontario for example, anyone on Welfare who is attending university would be automatically removed from Welfare and would be asked to apply for OSAP.

Congo I think you're taking things to personally. Many people have attempted to educate her, but she'll only respond with insults, mocking, or belittling anything that isn't pro Nigeria. Can you imagine getting bullied or insulted because someone decides to leave Nigeria and find better opportunities abroad, which is their right ? Go and look at our previous interactions. You're being bias.

Yes people on welfare, their rents are subsidized based on income. What happens when someone makes 0 dollars ? People who are below the poverty line and have children at age x or younger, qualify for provincial dental care coverage and prescription drugs. I currently know individuals in this situation. In regard to post secondary education, I was talking about their children. In the province of Ontario if your household income is 50k or less, you're eligible for free tuition. I'm pretty sure people living in poverty don't make over 50k. Other provinces plan to follow. As for adults, if you're current in the news, in the new federal budget, those unemployed or on welfare will be able to attend a post secondary institution while getting a small salary. I don't know when it'll be enacted. Furthermore, even mature students who make 50k or less are also eligible for free tuition. Remember on top of being tuition-less, citizens/PR are eligible for certain grants (free money), one would still be getting their child benefits (if they have kids), and a potential size-able tax return at the end of the year. There are ways one can make it happen, though you'll be on a shoe string budget. Either way I'm just ranting. I guess pidgin girl is getting her education ? You can do the research about the dental care and prescription drugs yourself. If I post more links then you'll accuse me of being ignorant or cocky. You seem to be in your feelings today. I fail to see your objective today, but if you're going to point a finger at me, you better point the same finger at your friend.


https://news.ontario.ca/maesd/en/2017/01/ontario-provides-free-tuition-for-eligible-students-in-london.html

https://theeyeopener.com/2017/01/ontario-government-to-include-mature-students-in-free-tuition-through-osap/

TheCongo2:
maternal is back again with his condescending posts. It seems to me that you can't handle a debate without bashing people. Com'on man, this is just a discussion forum and no one is making a living out of it. Most of us are here to chill. No point of taking things personally.
Here you are telling Pidgin2 not to make his opinion look like facts. However, going through your posts, this is what you have been doing yourself, taking your OWN opinion for facts. And when someone doesn't agree with you, he is either an IDIOT, IGNORANT or LACk EDUCATION. LOL, seriously bro, you are something else. This world doesn't revolve around you alone. And the world is way bigger than you. So, please stop your ME, ME, ME ATTITUDE. It is not always about you, it is about everyone.
Have some respects for your fellow Nairanders.

If you want to debate, debate. Call me out. It's not that serious. Not taking nothing personal. Going through my posts (you have time) is taking things a bit personally don't you think ? We both know what pidgin is saying is ignorant. You live in Canada, so stop it. How can she be making such statements without ever living here ? She's calling people here parasites who benefit from hardworking citizens sweat to feed their children. That's not condescending ? That's not a ME attitude ? She also claims people who collect government support don't strive for a better means of income. Again that's not condescending ? My friend if you're going to call me out, call everyone out. I think you're the one taking this (or me) personally. I have a right to my 2 cents just as she does.

Pidgin2:
Hahaha, shocking? Not at all. I know for sure that if you are on benefits then you are a low income earner. Then what's the point of leaving your country to be a parasite in another person's country, benefitting from hardworking citizen's sweat to feed the children whom you knowingly brought into this world

Another fact is this, when you collect any support from the government you make it a herculean task to even invite a guest or relative over because the government will see you as a parasite and will not want any more parasites into their country through you

I was only wondering why anyone will want to even collect child support in the first place, strive for a better means of income and make your decision to relocate a worthwhile one. Discussing benefits shouldn't be a thing of pride(my 2 cents), cheers

Your ignorance is comical and appalling. You shouldn't make your opinions look like facts. Seriously, educate yourself before making such statements.

Pidgin2:
Why would anyone want to be on benefits? I think people should make it their aim to work hard so as not to depend on the country's stipends to feed and cloth their own kids

Nice and informative thread

Having your government provide financial assistance to your child, and actually investing in the country's children, is a foreign concept for you to understand. I know you're use to having a child starve to death, if the parents can't sufficiently take care of their child, while the government officials eat all the country's money. Nothing is wrong with an annual salary if the gov't can afford it. You see here in Canada EVERYONE (citizens/PR's) own the state. The national cake must be shared evenly to help all classes of citizens, especially the lower class, to give them the ability to move up the socio-economic ladder. It must be shocking to you the gov't cares about it's citizens especially the lower class. And this is not even welfare. With welfare they'd get free housing, medical, dental, prescription drugs and tuition when they're in University. I know shocking.

papjydos:
Waow, did you say meet ALL the requirement?

Anyone who has not stayed up to 18 month would not enjopy this, is that it Do PR holders enjoy free health care and maternity services?

Also, I need a bit on clarity on accomodation. Its always better to have people that can help you settle in. But for those of us that do not have people in Canada, what is the best way to settle in once landed. I plan to land in May and would really like to know how to settle in.

PR's have the same rights as citizens, except for voting in the federal election and you can be deported if you commit a crime. A citizen can never be deported. You're also not protected by the gov't if you travel abroad and are in trouble. As for settling in, as long as you have the money for rent there shouldn't be an issue.

dcutey:
I have enjoyed the arguments from both sides of the divide except the insults. I can also relate with both sides and while both sides have made some valid points, I think some points have been exaggerated.
No doubt, Nigeria is blessed with natural resources as well as human resources that's capable of putting her in the league of the best countries to live in but you have to admit that having that potential doesn't automatically translate to achieving that potential. Nigeria is also a country where a nobody can become wealthy overnight but that's mostly based on sharp practices such as securing contracts fraudulently, going into politics with a view to embezzling, using your 9-5 job to embezzle though there are also legitimate ways to getting wealthy. Also note that this opportunity to wealth is limited to a small few by virtue of connection while the larger unfortunate people, though equally as hardworking and smart if not more, continue with the hustle with no end in sight. It just seems the individuals with the stance that one can make it in Nigeria hold that position because they have made it in their assessment and it seems selfish to only think of the prosperity oneself without thinking of that of the nation and its people.
Had it been Nigeria currently has good leadership with good intentions for the citizenry or there's a possibility of such in the foreseeable future, then there's hope for Nigeria but even at that the people are so used to corruption as a way of life that they themselves don't want it to end. It's only a patriotic dream for any Nigerian to wish that things would get better but it's clear that's not going to happen soon if at all.
If you're thinking of enriching only yourself amidst a failing nation then Nigeria offers that platform but if you want the good of your posterity then Canada offers that.

There was no real debate. Pidgin will be opening for basket mouth and was practicing her stand up. No person with a brain will seriously be debating what Canada has to offer oppose to Nigeria. NOBODY. But like you said if you're benefitting from the corruption the naija is the place for you. But if you want to prosper based on merits and you want peace, stability, and prosperity, again based on merits, Canada is the way to go.

Close to 50 million DOLLARS cash found in a politicians home. Only God knows how much more he has in accounts abroad. The elected officials who's job is to make people's lives better doesn't even care about the people or the country. Yet we're supposed to believe things will or are getting better ? How ? These foolish naija patriates are comical.

Genius000:
Pidgin 2 is just an attention seeker.

I will be in Canada next week and I am very much excited.

I need constant power to develop my career. Nigeria has not been able to provide that for me since I was born and I pay my power bills monthly. Sick country

Anyone in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada here? Send me a PM; I am excited to connect.

In conclusion, Pidgin 2 go to bed; you are spewing thrash.

Under what Visa are you coming in ? Skilled worker? Just curious.

Pidgin2:
Nothing coming out of Nigeria is respected? Hahahahahahaha who is deceiving you?

Lmao. You've started again. Let's agree to disagree.

Pidgin2:
We have private universities already functioning, it seems you haven't been home for a long time. Our problem is Nigerians don't like to look inwards, they will say private universities are expensive, yet they will go abroad and pay school fees in dollars. Whereas the standard of our private schools are good and no strikes whatsoever

Who isn't aware Nigeria has private universities? You missed the point. Anyway they go abroad because nothing coming out of Nigeria anymore is respected, and for more opportunities. The standard of university is irrelevant if you'll be selling pure water afterwards. No ?

Horus:
They get a licence from the government

And if the government is not functional ?

Horus:
Private investors can also build very high standard universities in Nigeria, we should not rely only on the government

Who'll give them the permit to do so ?

Horus:
A solution can be to build very high standard universities in Nigeria

How can that happen when the President is never around ?

dasparrow:
@Post

Back in the days, our parents' generation went to first world countries to study. Today, Nigerian youths are going to crappy countries to study all in the name of traveling out. Why would any sane individual go to India of all places? That cow-worshiping overcrowded country? To do what there? Don't you people conduct a thorough internet research about the country you intend traveling to before you head there? How can you just start going to a country without properly doing your homework? Certain countries - if you must travel - should be avoided like the Egyptian plague.

I am tired of reading about Nigerians being attacked here and there. Are you the only Africans/Black people on the planet? Why are you attacked everywhere you go from South Africa to India to Malaysia to China. Na only una waka come? Nigerians hate each other so much so why are you surprised that outsiders hate you? In Nigeria, Nigerians will take sides with bigoted foreigners who attack fellow Nigerians on their own soil and in their own country. And now some of you are wailing that you are being attacked abroad. Why won't you be attacked? Don't many of you take sides with bigoted foreigners who maltreat Nigerians in their own country all because that Nigerian is of a different tribe from you? Na today?

Abeg.....Next!

Back in the days the Nigerian passport had value. Now toilet paper is more respected and valued than it. You think Nigerians in India chose to come to India over the US,Canada or the UK?

Fusion23:
700-900 monthly is the ok one bedroom or bachelors....location is around Nepean or Antares Drive
so any where on merivale road or baseline will be fine.

what about transport?

Ottawa is a small city. Around 1.1-1.2 million people in the metro area. As long as you get a place close to your work, using public transport can take you 30-40 max each way. I don't use the bus anymore, but I think an adult bus pass can be 80-100 dollars per month. You'll have to check. Ottawa is a small city, don't worry about transportation that much.

Fusion23:
Hello, is anyone here conversant with Ottawa , i arrived just a month ago based in Saskatchewan with my brother, For IT profession most jobs are in Ontario, got lots of calls and few interviews, finally got an offer at Ottawa so i need to move soon,
main concern is accommodation , i don't want shared apartment at all i want to know if apartment houses are ok.
all those 12 story building.
for example this one
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-1-bedroom-apartments-condos/ottawa/merivale-manor-1-bedroom-apartment-for-rent/1189103061

Also transportation
wont be for a start how is the transport system in Ottawa have read a bit about the oc transport and presto card , but am not sure.

Will appreciate any positive feedback

What will be your salary ? What are you willing to spend on rent ? Where is the job located in the city?

keni:
well known for what?

okay the 2nd bold sums up every other profession for the 200million people in this country? what an arguement

That's when you know your economy is a joke. When you have to be an entertainer or politician to be successful. That's why everyone in naija is either a nollywood actor, afro beats musician, or doing "business" aka unemployed and looking to make ends meet somehow.

Wiseoldman:
No sense of pride at all with the way we are arguing so passionately about a foreign country. Its true these countries are more developed, but Nigeria will get there. There is soo much untapped resources here. It is really a question of ones vision anyway. If you want to live a comfortable average civilized life you have a greater chance doing that in Canada. If you on the other hand want to take a chance to be great with the one life you have. Then you have greater chance at this in NAIJA.

For those of you using children as excuses. A Canadian Professor at the U of Manitoba I believe said the main reason why we would all fail to have a great career/life is that we have all cleverly found a way to use poor children as the reason for being mediocre.
Some of you would say in 50 years time "Kid I would have built the largest rice mill in Nigeria which was still developing then, but I had to give you a comfortable life"...

I thought pidgin-babe was bad. My guy you take the cake. When is your comedy series coming out ?

azarenka:
In a country were citizenship isn't given,taxes are infused into everything and so many other benefits that are naturally attached in other civilized countries,when u reside for long aren't found here.
Then,it becomes also my choice to migrate to some more permanent society, where my kids can get certain benefits,u know what i mean.
Things are a bit soulless here and imagine having your child here and no citizenship is given even if you have contributed so much into the society.
Answering your sarcastic question,people go the length and breadth of this world because of different reasons.If you don't have the answer to my question,kindly put ur mouth where it belongs.

Did you do your research ? I would never suggest anyone to migrate to a place where they can't get citizenship. But when you're desperate to leave Nigeria, I can't blame a person. Canada and Australia are very similar countries. One has good weather while the other doesn't lol. But on a serious note, Canada is looking for immigrants, preferably SKILLED. Under what program do you want to migrate ? Do you have a degree ? Plan well this time around. Canada takes in around 250k people per year.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/02/08/canadas-population-grew-17m-in-5-years.html

ajatim:
please what is the salary Range of factory workers and skilled workers in Canada

This question is broad. Define skilled worker ? Factory worker salary can range.

BoboYekini:
How do you people feel comfortable living off the altruism and selflessness of these Westerners that made their lands such nice places? Where is your pride?Your shame? How can you dismiss your heritage, your children's cultural roots, how can you look them in the eye and say you abandoned your fatherland and co-opted the whiteman's. This nothing but parasitism, selfishness, spinelessness and it is reprehensible. You bring dishonor to your african names.

The same way a politician stealing money can look the ghetto boy in the face and not give a damn whether he eats or dies. I'd take white racism over black racism/tribalism any day. Black on black racism is deadly. Africans are now holy and cultured, when youths cant really speak their native tongue, they walk around with ear rings and tatoos, and know all the lyrics to the latest Drake songs ? Abeg

Pidgin2:
Egypt and Ethiopia, the beginning of ancient civilization are in Europe, i presume? Don't be too comfortable, taking pride in Western civilization, it's just a phase.

Yet you're still here using western........ nevermind.

BoboYekini:
How do you people feel comfortable living off the altruism and selflessness of these Westerners that made their lands such nice places? Where is your pride?Your shame? How can you dismiss your heritage, your children's cultural roots, how can you look them in the eye and say you abandoned your fatherland and co-opted the whiteman's. This nothing but parasitism, selfishness, spinelessness and it is reprehensible. You bring dishonor to your african names.

You sent this message on the computer and Internet created by the ....... nevermind.

Eke40seven:
As someone who lives abroad, i don't think she is trolling in any way. It is just a matter of perspective.
What matters to you might not be the motivation for someone else. By the way, there are Canadian, American and European expats in Nigeria too.
In my opinion, its easier to enrich yourself more in Nigeria with that kind of earning than someone abroad. These are hard facts. Business opportunities, no bureaucratic or regulatory restrictions (You might argue that its not good may be, but you can be holier than me, i am trained in the field of 'sustainability').

For the OP, if having access to good facilities and amenities like roads, security, etc is his motivation, then he should probably move abroad but i bet you, if he wants to be a millionaire overnight and that is his motivation, then i think with his RESOURCES, he should take advantage of the situation in Nigeria. I'm sure if he puts in the same amount of intelligent and guided efforts, he would surely get rich faster. His 4 months salary can open a viable poultry business, employing people.
Note also, that less tax doesnt necessarily mean a bad thing, most countries in the top ten highest per capita income, (may be apart from the Scandinavians) actually have low taxes, Liechtenstein, UAE etc. Have you heard of Monaco too?
If the OP earned may be 60-100k or thereabout, i would have encouraged him to hop into the next flight, one way no return.

You make some points but I disagree. Most people who own or have ran a business in Nigeria would also disagree I believe. Just too much to go cover at this time. Be a millionaire overnight, get rich faster, invest in real estate, acquire property, renovate and sell, etc ? All on 400k naira. I'd like to know you and Pidgeot-babe's business plans. Not trying to be funny either, I'm dead serious. Show me the way.

Pidgin2:
Is it wrong to be patriotic? This country is blessed with so many resources, good soil, solid minerals, good weather, abundant man power, etc. If the government fails us does that mean we should give up on a country with so much potential?

The OP asked for our opinions and I said with the salary he earns he can invest in real estate, acquire property, renovate and sell. He can start building from scratch and sell his properties later or even make steady income by becoming a landlord. If you live in Nigeria you will know that real estate business is something that you cannot lose your money if you plan well. If he decides to stay overseas and do this business people here will take advantage of him.

Must i tell him to relocate before my advice will be taken as intelligent? Haba, we can't all have the same view.

I'm honestly trying to figure out if you're just trolling us or you're this ignorant. I can't be the only one.

Pidgin2:
By saying Nigeria is a zoo you are indirectly calling us who live here Animals, right? You claim to live in a society with high standards, basic amenities, the best education, good health care facilities and so on and yet you still come across as uncivilized and unsophisticated. So what is the point of all the luxury when your state of mind is still like that of the average Street boy in Nigeria.


Nigeria is not a zoo, it is a country and we owe it a duty to make things work

I have never liked Buhari because he doesn't practice what he preaches but the fact is that we all should feel a sense of responsibility towards our country. That said, the OP is at liberty to make his choice as for me o won't even give it a passing thought if I was in his shoes

Seun, why haven't you relocated?

I'm calling anyone who foolishly defends the country and policies, like it's progressive an animal. Buhari doesn't practice what he preaches. Name me one naija politician who did since 1960 ? You have to admit you have a problem before you can fix it.

WellEndowed:
I beg where will you see/find the president? Someone that is enjoying correct medical care in the land of obodo oyibo.

Who knows...maybe Theresa May and Trump and Turnbull and Putin and Merkel e.t.c all plan to visit Naija for medical check up.

Nigeria's HOD(head of state) is busy enjoying the health care system of a developed country. The guy isn't a patriot Why should I be?

Even Bobrisky isn't a patriot. He has bleached so tey even his pubic hair join inside the bleach..and una want me to be a patriot?. The only reason why I haven't bleached my skin is because no amount of TURA is enough to scrape of this BLACK. Plus gone are the days of good ol Tura...the ones we see around (That's if Omotola's husband is not busy collecting them and stashing them away at his place), are china made

I know their games. While he may be getting some medical care, he's also scoping real estate out in the UK. He's setting up his future retirement abroad. Let a leader in a developed country go abroad for medical care, while their citizens are forced to use the same medical care they do not trust. People would burn down the Parliament. How can anyone defend such a country, I don't get it. When people make such threads I read it in disbelief. Then again most haven't lived abroad so you can't blame them. Because of 400k person is debating whether to leave or stay in a Zoo ? Unbelievable.