I can't wait to be an ex-pat! We are Americans, and have just received our Permanent Resident visas. We plan to move to SW BC no later than May 1st, 2006.

But after moving day, we'll continue to be involved in the US. Our friends and family are here, some of whom we hope to import to Canada! We'll continue to vote absentee and maintain our US citizenship, even after our three years are up, and we apply for Canadian citizenship, as planned.

To see what we're planning (with the help of many Canadian friends), please go to the EcoReality website at http://www.EcoReality.org .

Jan S., West Linn OR, British Columbia
April 10, 2006
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I thought I'd try to find out if any other Canadian living in the U.S. has experienced this problem. Here's My story...I moved from Ottawa to Wichita Kansas..in 1996...I just turned 65 this past June and retired..I am receiving both CPP and Canada Old Age pensions. When I applyed for my U.S. Social Security I was told...yes I qualify however they would have to use my CPP as income and reduce my benefits by almost half!! I was shocked..has anyone else had this done? Thanks in advance..Stunned in Kansas

Ron B., Wichita KS, Ontario
April 10, 2006
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I moved to the States in 2001 to take a job right out of post grad college. I stayed for a year then was itching to get back on Canadian soil. Not long after returning I started dating my future husband (an American) and moved back to the US to be with him in 2003. While I love the area I live in now (Kentucky) there are days when I miss Canada so much it hurts. I was born in Nova Scotia and lived there until my early 20s then moved to PEI for 4 years. I haven't seen the ocean in 3 years. Some days I go the Halifax web cam page and look at the waterfront. I can smell the cool ocean air and feel the breeze. So nice. I also miss Tim Horton's coffee, Canadian Tire, weekend hockey tournaments, curling, coffee crisps, Kraft Dinner, Kraft peanut butter and Atlantic Superstores. It's so nice to find a website where I can connect with fellow expatriots.

Amy H., Lexington KY, Nova Scotia
April 10, 2006
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I was born and raised in British Columbia. Living everywhere from New Westminster to Prince George to Victoria and numerous places in between. However after running the Canadian Sales & Marketing for a US Fortune 500 company from 1995 - 1998, I took on the challenge of running the North American team for this same company from 1999 - 2005. But it took me to Lancaster, PA. A wonderful place albeit a little slower pace. After getting a package deal out of the company I moved myself to warm and sunny Mesa AZ. I have now started up my own insurance business and looking forward to what I am calling my second career in Arizona.

Dan G., Mesa AZ, British Columbia
April 10, 2006
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I am a first year law student, and moved to Atlanta in August of 2005 to study law. I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and prior to moving to Atlanta, I never lived anywhere but there. I love Canada and I am getting used to the states. I miss home very, very much.

Deniece C., Atlanta GA, Alberta
April 10, 2006
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My grandfather build a cabin on the Ottawa River in the 70s. Now my entire family meets every summer at our cabin in Canada. It is the week we all look foward to every year. The river is the most beautiful place. We have created so many wonderful memories. The closest towns to the cabin is Mattawa and North Bay. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I was recently married in November, and now my husband loves the week in Canada as much as I do. We also like to spend time in Toronto, shopping, going to a show, and out to dinner. We can't say enough about your wonderful country.

Denise P., Canton OH, Ontario
April 10, 2006
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My wife, daughter and I came to United States when I was transferred by my employer in the automotive industry. We moved in 1984 to Milwukee, Wisconsin where we lived for about four years. We were transferred again to Dallas, Texas in 1988 where we stayed until 1997. I retired in 1994. We really liked it in Texas where we enjoyed the culture and the southern climate. We decided after two years retired there to look around the country and see if there was anywhere we would rather be now that it was our choice of where to live.

We looked in the desert country, California and the deep South before we found Bonita Springs and concluded that this was the place....as close to paradise that we could get.

We have been here ever since and enjoyed every minute. We took out citizenship in 2000 as it seemed the right thing to do now that we had decided to stay here.

Three of our four daughters stayed in Ontario while one (the youngest) came with us to the US and has since completed her University education and relocated to Seattle.

We travel to Ontario a couple of times a year at least to visit family and or attend family functions and friends.

chantal b., new orleans LA, Quebec
April 10, 2006
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After graduating from McGill, I went on to law school at the University at Buffalo where I am currently in my first year. I would eventually like to work in strengthening the cross-border relationship after I graduate. Anyone have any thoughts?

Adam O., Buffalo NY
April 10, 2006
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My wife Barbara and I relocated to Wisconsin in 1984 when my job in Canada was moved to the US. We have since lived and worked in Texas and have now retired and live in Florida. We became US citizens in 2000.

We are both originally from Southern Ontario and still have family there including grandchildren that we visit a couple of times a year as well as a daughter in Burnaby BC. and another in Seattle WA.

We just returned from a visit to Ontario and as usual, enjoyed the family Thanksgiving with them and the beatutiful fall colours.

We still have strong feelings for our original homeland will visit as often as we can for as long as we can.

We are still avid hockey fans and are looking forward to the start of hockey season here in Florida as our local team to which we have season tickets begins....a little bit of home !

Ken B., Bonita Springs FL, Ontario
March 30, 2006
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A hello from sunny southern California!

I moved to California in 2003 having retired from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Retirement didn't last long as I went to work in the insurance industry as an investigative instructor.

Originally from Nova Scotia, my wife and I hope to be able to see our family and friends soon again. We miss you!

They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. How true! Canadians should be truly proud to be from such a wonderful country.

HS C., Fontana CA
March 30, 2006
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