Three years in Saskatchewan: good opportunities, but real trade-offs
We moved to Canada in summer 2023 and live in Saskatchewan. My feelings after three years are mixed.
Canada can be a big step forward if you struggled financially back home. A car or a home may feel more achievable, although often through loans and mortgages. Saskatchewan has more affordable housing than some other parts of Canada, so our experience differs from life in Toronto or Vancouver.
Overall, I would give Canada 4 out of 5. There are opportunities to build a decent life, but the long, cold winters really wear me down. Some aspects of everyday life also feel surprisingly outdated, almost stuck in the early 2000s. Some longtime residents I've spoken with say the country isn't what it was ten years ago.
Healthcare gets 3 out of 5 from me. Dental care can be particularly expensive without insurance. A tooth extraction costing CAD $800 or more is a serious expense.
People are generally polite, but genuine friendships have been harder to build. Sometimes the smiles feel like courtesy rather than warmth. That's just my impression, and others may feel differently.
Salaries can be good, but living costs are high. Once housing, groceries, transport and other bills are paid, much of your income can disappear.
Learning English is essential. It makes daily life easier and opens up more opportunities.
Before moving here, think carefully about your expectations, career and budget. Personally, I find Canada overhyped in some ways. It's a good country, but it isn't an easy answer to every problem.
This is my family's experience in Saskatchewan, not a verdict on everyone's life in Canada. There is no perfect country, and your experience may be very different.