Canada greets a new year, and (almost) some new citizens, as we pass our tests
Happy new year to all, and a big milestone to share from the snowy shores of Lake Ontario: we’ve passed our citizenship tests! What has become a Star Trek style “five year mission” thanks to pandemic-related delays is now very near its conclusion, and while we’re not across the finish line yet, it feels exciting to be over the final hurdle. Continue reading Canada greets a new year, and (almost) some new citizens, as we pass our tests
COVID-19: Balancing risk versus reward when travelling with unvaccinated kids
We recently pulled off our first trip south of the border since “the before,” and with some cautious optimism, it looks like we got lucky. Not everyone in our extended family has been so fortunate recently. The pandemic has redefined what summer vacation means to both Canadians and Americans, as families in both countries eagerly await more information about vaccine availability for small children. Continue reading COVID-19: Balancing risk versus reward when travelling with unvaccinated kids
What is dual citizenship, and how does it work between Canada and the USA?
Since we’ve started our Canadian citizenship application process recently, some folks have been curious what this will mean, practically, when all is said and done. How much will things change for us once we’ve passed our exams, taken our oaths, and received citizenship status in Canada? The answer may surprise you. Continue reading What is dual citizenship, and how does it work between Canada and the USA?
Two-dose summer, two national identities, and the Delta between them
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since the last time I wrote about this special week during which our family recognizes two national holidays, but here we are again…and so is COVID-19. Canada Day and Independence Day each take on a variety of meanings this year, many of which revolve around safety, history, and privilege. Continue reading Two-dose summer, two national identities, and the Delta between them
Getting up close and personal with southern Ontario’s housing crisis
The “golden horseshoe” which extends from downtown Toronto around Lake Ontario down to Niagara Falls is not only the most densely populated area in Canada, it’s also the most common destination for new immigrants to the country. In recent years, so many people have moved here (including Canadians from other provinces) that for a variety of reasons our housing market has been unable to keep up. Continue reading Getting up close and personal with southern Ontario’s housing crisis
COVID-19: The second wave, the new strain, and a holiday season of disaster and miracles
We’ve just been through our first pandemic Christmas as a “cross border” family who, for the first time since immigrating, hasn’t actually crossed that border for an entire year. Canada has been dealing with a second wave of COVID-19 and, as our hospitals reach capacity amidst concern over a new variant of the coronavirus, Ontario has entered into a province-wide shutdown. Continue reading COVID-19: The second wave, the new strain, and a holiday season of disaster and miracles
Feeling twice as grateful as we approach our third “double Thanksgiving” season
Folks with dual Canadian/American identity are preparing for that time of year bookended by each nation’s Thanksgiving holiday. In Canada, the annual celebration of gratitude and gluttony marks the second Monday of October, whereas south of the border, it’s not until the fourth Thursday of November. This year of course, like so many others, our feast will be nuclear family-sized, and our “gatherings” virtual. Continue reading Feeling twice as grateful as we approach our third “double Thanksgiving” season
Independence Day, and a summer that will redefine “twenty-twenty hindsight”
For this family of American ex-pats living in Canada, the end of the school year is always a busy and bombastic time. Canada Day and Independence Day come in close succession, often sharing an extended weekend and marking the beginning of a season of festivals. We’ve had three such kickoffs to our summers now, and while it all blended together a bit before, this year is one of stark contrasts. Continue reading Independence Day, and a summer that will redefine “twenty-twenty hindsight”
Support local businesses: pick up takeout, before the gig economy takes them out
When you have a choice, buy local. When you can, pick up curbside takeout instead of getting delivery. When you need delivery, try to choose a business that employs its own drivers and avoid using gig economy delivery apps whenever possible. Continue reading Support local businesses: pick up takeout, before the gig economy takes them out
COVID-19: Ontario’s initial outbreak has “likely peaked,” so what’s next?
There’s so much going on across Canada this week, but the biggest news on everyone’s minds here in Ontario is that our provincial government and our health experts now agree that the first wave of our current outbreak of COVID-19 has “likely peaked.” Continue reading COVID-19: Ontario’s initial outbreak has “likely peaked,” so what’s next?
What on Earth can Canadians need with that many oil filters?
When you move to a totally new country, some things seem familiar or intuitive and some things just…don’t. When it comes to corporate branding, which sometimes obfuscates on purpose, this can lead to some pretty amusing misunderstandings. Continue reading What on Earth can Canadians need with that many oil filters?
COVID-19: Update from Lake Ontario, as Canada’s pandemic response intensifies
Best wishes to everyone as we all face these interesting times together. I hope you and your loved ones are able to stay safe, stay connected, and stay informed…and I will try to occasionally share useful information from here. Good luck, and remember to wash your hands! Continue reading COVID-19: Update from Lake Ontario, as Canada’s pandemic response intensifies
Don’t get a soaker from the slimes…on your way to the bush party?
This fun write-up in today’s news, on a linguist’s crusade to get some specifically Ontarian slang into the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, has taught me at least two things. One, I still have plenty to learn despite changing my cell phone region to correct “centre” and “favourite,” and two – there is a Canadian Oxford Dictionary of English! Continue reading Don’t get a soaker from the slimes…on your way to the bush party?
Cheques and balances: Banking in Canada
If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, you’ll probably be interested in obtaining a chequing account, savings account, or credit card here. With some banks you can start these processes before you arrive, and doing so can end up saving you a lot of time and effort (and possibly even money) later on. If you’re coming from the USA in particular, and haven’t done much international travel, doing a little research ahead of time will help you set expectations and avoid confusion. Continue reading Cheques and balances: Banking in Canada
Taking the summer “30/60 Play Challenge”
Since summer vacation is soon coming to a close and school is just around the corner, it seems like a good time to look back and reflect on what an amazing break it’s been. We’re more settled in than ever, and starting to feel really comfortable in our new home. The weather has been pretty amazing, we’ve had a lot of fun adventures, and the kids have been having an absolute blast…and a big part of that was thanks to the folks at Burlington’s Parks & Recreation department. Continue reading Taking the summer “30/60 Play Challenge”
This Ontarian Life 