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Would it be exciting or boring to drive the entire length of the 7821 km Trans-Canada HighwayI have done this with my wife – in two parts though and with some variations.Driving such lengths may be exciting or boring, depending on motivation.We have found out that for tuning up the motivation for these travels you´ll need a business reason. We are retired, so just having a day off from work does not serve as a business reason.We wanted to see the Autumn leaves of New England. Obvious choice, and the original plan, was a route through New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. In around ten trips to the US we already had covered the Western part, so this direction was a new and interesting one. But then Trump happened, and we understood that foreigners were not too welcome in the US, especially those who have visited many other countries. Any of those Qatars, Arab Emirates, and Germanies could fall out of favor just that week we would try to enter the US. And having those stamps in our passports, we chose Canada.Timing was of essence. The Autumn leaves season progresses through Eastern Canada and we wanted to travel with it. We flew to Toronto, had a couple of wonderful sight-seeing days, and started the journey. Actually, going towards East there is no risk for boredom. In frequent intervals there are Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec. The cities are interesting, everyone in their own way, and the scenery is stunning with or without the colored leaves. After that, in New Brunswick there is nobody. But there are Appalachian hills, and in our case the colored leaves. 500 km of this:We also had a seriously important business reason for driving as far as Prince Edward Island (PEI): Anne of Green Gables. To be honest, I had not heard about this lady or read the books of L M Montgomery, but my wife had. This is what I call motivation. In addition to museums related to the Anne stories, there is much to see. We had three delightful days in PEI, which has its distinct history and nature. It is a very relaxing, friendly and beautiful island.Then we went back, using slightly different routes, different banks of St Lawrence river, and visiting mountain areas like Mont Tremblant. We passed by Toronto and continued to London, Ontario and all the way to Sarnia, where Trump´s border stopped us. And then of course on the road back there are Niagara-on-Lake and the Falls. This is not boring, I can say.While in Toronto, we also made a side trip to Timmins, 700 km North of Toronto. It is a mining town where numerous Finns have worked, including one lady in our family tree. In the local library there, a friendly genealogist helped us enormously in tracking the traces of the ancestor lady. We were successful in finding her grave, address and a lot of other information. Then we went back. But it was not boring. It was like this:What we learned during this first trip was: Canada is an easy place to travel, very European in some sense, people are friendly, and everything works. Toronto traffic may be horrendous, if you have only driven in Helsinki. But I have done it in some other places, too, so it is not a big deal. The only thing you have to remember in Canadian traffic is that you have to keep up to the speed of huge lorries. Every single of them is capable of and willing to destroy you. Just keep your distance.Then, you understand, we were encouraged to do it again. This year we took the Western part. Now, a flight to Vancouver, a couple of days for acclimatization and sight-seeing, a day in Grouse Mountain, and off we went. Did you know that there are a couple of bears in the Grouse Mountain park? Not seen in this picture though:Who can say that driving through the Rockies to Calgary is boring? Me neither.A 1000 km of this:When you enter the prairie, I admit you can feel you need some motivation. There is a reason to expect for dull driving. At first, for that reason we actually thought that we´ll take a train from Edmonton to Toronto, but the cabins were so crazy expensive that we decided to drive. It is actually the only thing which we found crazy expensive in Canada. Anyways, driving gives some freedom of action. And we have learned that driving anywhere the first time is interesting – be it from Salt Lake City to Reno, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, or through Death Valley.But we had found a motivation, even a much stronger one than Anne of the Green Gables. We had to find a grave, hidden in a place called Abee, 100 km North of Edmonton, Alberta. One member in our family tree was buried there. These people belonged to the last big wave of immigrants from Finland during 1920´s. Whole Alberta was full of mile times mile land lots, which were sold to the immigrants in quarters for 10 CAD. Most were Ukrainians but there were many Finns, too. It was hard life but many succeeded.After we had found the grave, we were driving around to see how the place was now. We found the estate of the ancestor´s neighbor, and there was a big Welcome-sign at the gate. “Heck”, we thought, ”this is Canada, nobody is shooting us, let´s knock the door.” So we did. Then we had a tremendous afternoon with a delightful old lady, who offered us Finnish coffee and funny stories from the past.It took three days from Edmonton to Thunder Bay. The route is 2000 km, but not as dull as you could imagine. You are driving 100 km/h with cruiser on in a loose traffic, so there is time to look around and the scenery changes all the time. The farms and oil towers of Alberta turn gradually into farms-only in Saskatchewan, and almost nothing at all in Manitoba. In arriving to Ontario a Finn feels like home. There are similar hills, lakes and forests. Plenty of it.We learned that in Thunder Bay, in the Lakehead University, there is the Nordic Studies Department, where you can go and study our ancestor´s life in Thunder Bay, or in Canada in general. So we did and we again got excellent service, and learned a lot.There was 15 000 Finns in Thunder Bay during early 1900´s, the same amount as in Toronto, and their tracks are still to be seen. Whole area of Thunder Bay is full of Finnish names, there is a Finnish Book Store, and a Finnish restaurant called Hoito (the Care) where we had a must-have breakfast of Finnish pancakes.Finnish Labour Temple and Hoito:Not boring at all.Actually, in Thunder Bay we experienced the only hic-up during our visit, when the car navigator suddenly died. Not a big problem, because we had several electronic and paper back-up systems, but I gave a call to Thrifty help center. When I had explained the situation, the girl helpfully gave her advice: ”Yes, you have to return the car to the place you picked it up.”“To Vancouver?”“Yes, sir”“But it is 3000 kilometers from here… ““Err….where did you say you are?”“In Thunder Bay, Ontario”“Can you spell it for me, please”“T-H-U (and so on)”“Ok, err…where is Vancouver then?”After a long and pretty expensive call, no help from that direction. Probably the call center was in Lithuania, because I cannot believe any Canadian does not know where Vancouver, British Columbia is. Luckily the navigator woke up after some rest.We then continued via Sudbury, Ontario, past Toronto and to Windsor Essex which is just opposite to Detroit. Some hand-waving to Trumpland citizens, and towards unmissable Niagara-on-Lake and the Falls. After a couple of relaxing days in Toronto, we flew home.The first trip took four weeks and the second three weeks.What we learned during this second trip was exactly the same as during the first one: Canada is an easy place to travel, very European in some sense, people are friendly, and everything works.About the lorries we additionally learned that they want to gather speed before steep hills, to approximately 120 km/h. If you happen to be in front of them in the gathering phase, bad luck. They just go past you, and when they face the upper part of the hill, they slow down to crawling speed, you crawling behind them. So, better speed up a bit before the hill so they can do their speeding without passing any cars. It is much safer. And, if you do that, honestly, they do not try to kill you.

This sounds tantalizing, particularly after an early April in Ottawa that spring could not be bothered to attend.I think it is something to strive for. It would enrich life in all four countries. However there are a few issues that would have to be dealt with, before it could be done without a lot of confusion and disruption.So, What Happens to French?Of the four countries, Canada is the only one that has a nation-wide official language other than English, except for the official recognition of aboriginal languages. (I am thinking of Maori, which, as I understand it, is recognized nationally in New Zealand. Of course the United Kingdom has languages other than English, but they are not recognized at the national level the way French is in Canada. Otherwise all of the British Parliament's laws would have to be published in several Gaelic languages. Australia, as I understand it, like Canada, recognizes its indigenous languages locally, not for nation-wide bilingualism.)Canada's francophones would have understandable concerns about being locked into anything that resembles a multi-country English federation. The whole arrangement might be more palatable to them if similar arrangements could be made with France and Belgium (Presuming the European Union would tolerate it) and Switzerland.However, I don't think the resistance would be absolute, particularly among younger francophones. A lot of them are fluent in English. It gets very cold in Quebec, northeastern Ontario, New Brunswick and the Prairies during the winter. The palm trees of Brisbane could overcome many of the qualms. And then, there's that youthful spirit of adventure.No Anglo EU, No, No WayBritain is currently struggling its way out of the European Union. A lot of British people might feel more kinship with Canada, New Zealand and Australia, compared to say, Poland. However I wouldn't push them.Right from the start, it would need to be clear that this is not a federal arrangement. In fact, it would be best to stay away from any dramatic title for this new unit, like British Empire 2.0, or Attack of the Anglosphere. It would have to be a mild, Canadian sort of title, like “Pilot Four Country Temporary Migration Programme”.And agreed from the start, no pilot Anglosphere Brussels, not Liverpool, not Gisborne, not Warnambool, not Winnipeg, nowhere! No legislatures, no commissions!Also, and Americans please do not take offence, no provisions for the USA to enter the agreement. It would just be too dominant. If an American government stumbled into it, the American population would hate it anyhow. Just think, us Manitobans happily ensconced for just as long as we like in Fort Lauderdale, spewing out our dismissive and patronizing assessments of the State of Florida in restaurants, bars, bikini beach parties, launderettes, Walmarts, everywhere! Even the State Militia couldn't get us out. No Floridian could stand it!Doing It RightThis English-speaking paradise could not be brought into being all that quickly, not full blast anyhow. There would be stuff to attend to.I'm Here, So Can I Work Here?Having been a visa officer most of my adult life, I know how difficult it is to obtain inter-country recognition of working credentials. If I am an ophthalmologist from Adelaide, can I be assured that my degree will be accepted in Vancouver, Edmonton, Thunder Bay, Halifax, etc? Right off the bat we'd have to request an exemption for Quebec. Professions there require a working knowledge of French.Then, Canada, and I presume the other three countries, have some jobs that are available only to Canadian citizens. What if you are an Australian and are totally qualified? Some of these jobs require security clearances, which can take a long time for non-nationals. Do we dump this obstruction and accept an Australian clearance without question?It's possible, but four countries and their subfederal units would be involved. There would have to be a joint project with all these players, negotiating four country recognition, profession and trade by profession and trade. Presumably there would be a prioritized list of occupations and a gradual role out. Some of this type of credentials recognition has been done already. It wouldn't be a start from scratch.All four countries would have to fork over money for this activity. If one needs to attend a joint meeting in Canberra, the cost of the airline ticket from Ottawa is formidable, never mind hotels and meal per diems when you get there.What Do We Do With Immigration?One imagines that Britain will withdraw from its European Union immigration commitments. That will give them some freedom of movement.However, for the other three countries, immigration is a prime way of making up labour shortages that can't be filled from within.Canada has annual immigration levels, currently about 300,000 immigrants per year. A large portion of that is dedicated to selected, labour market immigration. The Canadian concept has for a very long time been, the new immigrants become permanent residents upon arrival. The assumption is that they will stay here for life and apply for Canadian citizenship just as soon as they can.Canada has no experience of foreign nationals having the right to take up residence in Canada, stay as long as they like and work at whatever they please. Effectively they would have priority over our immigration selection programme. We would have to see what happens.In addition there is a migration issue that may have human rights implications. For example, who is an Australian for the purposes of this agreement? Can we exclude permanent residents, non-citizen of Australia? There could be legal challenges in Canada, never mind Australia.Can Anybody Keep Anybody Out?We saw the frustration in the European Union. What if you have a migrant from another EU country who just wants to hang out and get on social assistance, maybe with some non-taxed, under the table, pay-cash work on the side?What are the four countries of the agreement going to do about this? Is Canada going to be allowed to deport British people who go on social assistance? Presumably we couldn't do it the first week they apply for it, if we are permitted to deport them at all. There would have to be a four country agreement on when other country's nationals are required to depart.Canada has a special issue that perhaps Australia shares. It is the provinces that administer social assistance, sometimes delegating every day responsibilities to their bigger municipalities. Each province has stringent privacy laws that cover their services to members of the public. Even if the federal government were allowed to remove people, they would have to negotiate with the provinces for information about claimants.Is That Border That Open?Canada has criminal, security and health bars to the admission of non-nationals, either as immigrants or visitors. Doubtless all four countries do.Say, you have a New Zealander who committed an indictable offence (roughly equivalent to a US felony) some years ago. Say they served their time, repented, reformed and have lived an exemplary life ever since. Even then, they may have to apply for “rehabilitation” to be considered for admission to Canada. This can be the case for someone who is known to have committed a terrorist, human rights or criminal offence, even if they haven't been convicted. They won't be admissible.So, what does Canada do if a New Zealander shows up at Vancouver International Airport, and the Canada Border Services Agency knows they have committed an offence? Can we deny them admission? Or, must we admit them, and, if they have not already been convicted, try them in Canada?Do They Get to be Citizens?This is kind of a sleeper. What if your British migrant stays a long time in Winnipeg and puts down roots? They marry a Manitoban. They get to know local politics, some of which might effect them directly. (Look at your municipal property tax bill and then scream!). Maybe they would like to run for the Manitoba Provincial Legislature.Do we take the last step and grant them Canadian citizenship? How long should each country make a migrant wait before they can become a citizen? Those who would like to obtain Canadian citizenship have to apply for it, even foreign spouses of Canadians. Adult applicants need to have significant knowledge about Canada. Should we just make it automatic for nationals of the four countries, say, five years here and you are in? (Of course they still would have to prove the five years.)In the case of Canada this would create an entirely new type of immigrant, someone who doesn't have to meet the customary citizenship requirements. Will our human rights laws let us get away with it?Various Other IssuesDouble taxation avoided, transferability of pension benefits (Presumably retirees could migrate), immediate access to provincial insured medical services (There's normally a few months delay before you can enter the provincial medical insurance plan, but applying for it is compulsory.)There are various things that would need a thorough work-through.It's Going to CostEach country is going to face a large bill for all of these arrangements. In fairness, each country should provide their own publics with an upfront estimate.And, how do you get public approval for negotiations to start and then for the agreement once completed. Two referenda?Despite all of the above, I think it could be doable on a phased-in basis. Personally I hope it happens some day.Martin Levine

Being that I recently moved from Ohio to Florida in 2017 I’ll give my opinion on this question.I’ll start with the advantages for me.The weather. I love warm and hot weather. For those who love hills or winter sports, please do not move here. You will be disappointedNo state income taxTons of events and things to doBeautiful flat landscape. Me, personally I prefer flat landscapes over hills and mountains. Better gas mileageNo snow! This means better driving conditions, no ice scraping and snow shoveling and being cold for 7 months a year like I was in the northern states.Very diverse and multiculturalSome of the best restaurants I’ve ever visited are in Tampa.Disadvantages:Traffic: it’s HORRIBLE. The traffic is always busy. There’s no leisure driving in Florida.No basements. If you’re moving from a house in northern states that has basements, you’ll have to be prepared to give up TONS of items, rent storage or buy a much bigger home. We sold a ton of items before moving.Bugs, the winter doesn’t kill them off so they are always having insect orgies and keep multiplying by the millions. And it seems that whenever there’s someone moving into a new home the bugs are like “hey HEYY, PARTY OVER THERE!”Poor service. With the exception of Chick-Fil-A, most restaurants are sloooooooow when it comes to service.Storms. It rains every day in the summer. Lightning is FIERCE in Tampa Bay. Lots of nights of waking up to a CRACKING sound of thunder. Not pleasant.Hurricanes. Yeah, hefty price to pay to live in the tropics but I’ll take that over 6 months of snow in the north.Language barrier. Sometimes it can be very frustrating when trying to explain something to someone who doesn’t understand English.Tolls. Toll roads are everywhere.Traffic lights. They SUCK! Be prepared to listen to an entire song on your playlist while waiting for it to turn green.Overall, I love living in Florida and plan to retire in this state. Waking up in the morning in the winter to another 70° morning while looking at a palm tree in my yard adds a nice “touch” to living in a state where people vacation.