As a Northern European with physical impairments and very “advanced” as in moving on from a capitalist patriarch world political views living in Germany, which in almost 20 years of being alive, I had never known to build a positive connection to, I feel very much threatened by the political situation in this country. In the past, I have found serenity in the plan of retreating to my true home in northern Europe, but seeing and analysing the political situation, I and parts of the local government I am in touch with see this as the dawn of the fourth German Reich, which leads me to think that I no longer have realistic chances of being safe anywhere in Europe.
With this background briefing and the information that for myself, I have found rural, cold and coastal environments to be the best environment for me to thrive, I have determined the region around Hudson Bay or the areas around Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks to be the best options there are for me. I mean hopefully, I know myself a lot better than any of you know me, but what do you guys think about what my best option is?
I think you need to go back on your meds.
Can’t speak for NZ but capitalism is much more pronounced in Canada than Germany (despite not being as good at is as Germany is lol).
Canada is VERY similar to USA, despite the rhetoric we tend to spew.
You do realize there’s almost no major cities or really communities anywhere near Hudson Bay, right? You are basically limited to Churchill, Manitoba, or living on a First Nations reserve (you do not want to live on a First Nations reserve, we sent them there for a reason and spoiler alert, it wasn’t to have a good time)
Hudson Bay is absurdly far away from most places you would actually want to be in Canada. Like entire days of driving, straight, if there are even roads where you are trying to go.
It also is really really cold there, colder than you are probably used to from Europe. Right now from a quick Google, it is -18 Celsius, feels like -31 with windchill. It is not even December (although it is night time)
If you are trying to escape the economic system of Germany for a friendlier place, Canada also ain’t it.
I’m Canadian and have lived both here and abroad, including in the US and Europe. I am less skeptical of the desire to live in a rural area than some other posters (my family is from Northern Ontario and I have a deep love of the natural landscape and certain elements of the lifestyle), so let me offer you some pragmatic comments and questions:
- Have you visited Canada, and the area in question? Have you researched the challenges of living in a northern rural area? My grandparents live in a rural area within a 90-minute drive of Sudbury, Ontario (far less remote than you’re contemplating) and while there are some wonderful perks, there are also significant challenges. I am happy to go into detail if you like, so ask if you have not already researched, but you would definitely want this information one way or another.
- What immigration basis would you use to move to Canada? Have you confirmed that there is a pathway for which you qualify?
- What are your medical needs? Canada and NZ both refuse immigration to otherwise qualified individuals if they have conditions that would pose an undue burden to the public health care system. In Canada, the 2023 cost threshold was $128,445 over 5 years (or $25,689 per year). That is, if you will need medical care costing that much or more, you will be denied even if otherwise qualified. A physical examination by an immigration-certified doctor is a required part of the immigration process.
- Classification of political views as “advanced” or not is a fraught adventure, but since that seems to matter to you, be aware that in Canada, rural areas are generally more traditional along certain axes.
I have never set foot in NZ so cannot opine on that point. I will answer questions about Canada if I can be of aid.