BajaNomad

Some pollsters say Canadians are cheap

motoged - 7-16-2012 at 08:07 PM

We may be cheap....we may be frugal...we may be economically prudent....but we also may be doing okay....:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/canadians-are-richer-than-they-think/article4380634/

DavidE - 7-16-2012 at 08:09 PM

Yup. As the saying goes "Safer Than A Canoe!"

desertcpl - 7-17-2012 at 10:03 AM

this really doesnt surprise me,, here in the good old USA

people have been brain washed to believe we are the greatest nation in the world when it come to wealth, health care, education, etc

maybe for a few, but not for the majority

[Edited on 7-17-2012 by desertcpl]

El Jefe - 7-17-2012 at 05:03 PM

And speaking of health care. Canadian friends we had over for lunch yesterday dropped their jaws when I told them that health insurance for my wife and me costs us $1,156.25 per month in the USA.

Needless to say, they pay somewhat less.

mulegemichael - 7-17-2012 at 05:27 PM

hey ged...the biggest b-tch about canucks is that they don't tip...that's it!..completely! and seriously!...canadians, for the most part, don't tip...that's what i've heard down here for now about 40 years...

now...that's not to say that some of my very favorite, fun, active, creative amigos aren't canadians...cause they are...actually, some of my greatest partying amigos are canadians...but...they don't tip.....and that's how most of our mexican service folks make their "real" dinero...is in tips.....just my read...

desertcpl - 7-17-2012 at 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
hey ged...the biggest b-tch about canucks is that they don't tip...that's it!..completely! and seriously!...canadians, for the most part, don't tip...that's what i've heard down here for now about 40 years...

now...that's not to say that some of my very favorite, fun, active, creative amigos aren't canadians...cause they are...actually, some of my greatest partying amigos are canadians...but...they don't tip.....and that's how most of our mexican service folks make their "real" dinero...is in tips.....just my read...





you are absolutely right, but I might ad that not all, we have some very good friends that are Canadians, and they took the time to understand about tipping

desertcpl - 7-17-2012 at 06:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
And speaking of health care. Canadian friends we had over for lunch yesterday dropped their jaws when I told them that health insurance for my wife and me costs us $1,156.25 per month in the USA.

Needless to say, they pay somewhat less.




you go that right ,,and the number one reason for most Bankruptcy in the great USA is because of Medical bills, after they have lost every thing, then the goverment steps in a pays the bills,,

think maybe some thing is wrong with this

Marc - 7-17-2012 at 06:21 PM

My Dad used to say "I am only tight with my own money"

motoged - 7-17-2012 at 06:26 PM

I am proud to be a Canadian who tips :saint:


....when the service calls for it in Canadian, Mexican, and USA restaurants.

Poor service = no tip
average service 10-15% tip
great service =20%


Now, some tips for Nomads:

1) Don't run with a stick cuz ya might poke your eye out;
2) Tie up your shoe laces or you will fall and break your neck;
3) Look both ways before you cross the street

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

Lee - 7-17-2012 at 07:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
And speaking of health care. Canadian friends we had over for lunch yesterday dropped their jaws when I told them that health insurance for my wife and me costs us $1,156.25 per month in the USA.

Needless to say, they pay somewhat less.


What Canadians neglect to mention is their income taxes, corporate taxes, sales, property, excise, payroll, health and prescription, inheritance, and estate taxes.

Check car prices in the US vs. Canada. They pay thousands more than we do.

Canada taxation is at 38.4%, compared to the U.S. rate of 28.2%.

Canadians get a break in health care and their taxes pay for it.

In the end, it's about a wash.

One day, Canada will be bowing to Camilla, their Queen. Right.

desertcpl - 7-18-2012 at 08:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
And speaking of health care. Canadian friends we had over for lunch yesterday dropped their jaws when I told them that health insurance for my wife and me costs us $1,156.25 per month in the USA.

Needless to say, they pay somewhat less.


What Canadians neglect to mention is their income taxes, corporate taxes, sales, property, excise, payroll, health and prescription, inheritance, and estate taxes.

Check car prices in the US vs. Canada. They pay thousands more than we do.

Canada taxation is at 38.4%, compared to the U.S. rate of 28.2%.

Canadians get a break in health care and their taxes pay for it.

In the end, it's about a wash.

One day, Canada will be bowing to Camilla, their Queen. Right.





yes you make a good point, but I think the over all effect of this is the Canadians enjoy a higher standard of living than we do

[Edited on 7-18-2012 by desertcpl]

Bajaboy - 7-18-2012 at 09:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
And speaking of health care. Canadian friends we had over for lunch yesterday dropped their jaws when I told them that health insurance for my wife and me costs us $1,156.25 per month in the USA.

Needless to say, they pay somewhat less.


What Canadians neglect to mention is their income taxes, corporate taxes, sales, property, excise, payroll, health and prescription, inheritance, and estate taxes.

Check car prices in the US vs. Canada. They pay thousands more than we do.

Canada taxation is at 38.4%, compared to the U.S. rate of 28.2%.

Canadians get a break in health care and their taxes pay for it.

In the end, it's about a wash.

One day, Canada will be bowing to Camilla, their Queen. Right.


and that they have to leave in winter:lol:

desertcpl - 7-18-2012 at 09:57 AM

yes they do leave in the winter, way to cold for them

but on the other side they are able to leave and enjoy the warmer climates

redmesa - 7-18-2012 at 10:35 AM

We may pay more taxes but we have a secure Canadian Pension Plan, a Guaranteed Old Age Pension, an affordable Medical Plan for all, a working social welfare system, good wages, a controlled banking system, and on top of all that we are polite.

willardguy - 7-18-2012 at 11:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redmesa
We may pay more taxes but we have a secure Canadian Pension Plan, a Guaranteed Old Age Pension, an affordable Medical Plan for all, a working social welfare system, good wages, a controlled banking system, and on top of all that we are polite.

AND any country's national dish thats french fries topped with gravy and cheese is okay by me!:tumble:

DianaT - 7-18-2012 at 11:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redmesa
We may pay more taxes but we have a secure Canadian Pension Plan, a Guaranteed Old Age Pension, an affordable Medical Plan for all, a working social welfare system, good wages, a controlled banking system, and on top of all that we are polite.


I agree with all of this, except the we are polite one----you, absolutely yes, but certainly not true for all Canadians. That is a bit of a broad brush. We certainly have met and know some extremely rude Canadians as well as Americans, Mexicans, Europeans, Asians, etc. :biggrin:

Cheap? Well, that is also a rather broad brush to use. We have seen the cheap like the Canadian we recently had lunch with in Baja --- his tip was 5 pesos. But we have also seen lots of other people who are cheap and they come from everywhere, including the US.

One of my sons has worked at a high end restaurant and as he says, the wealthy are the worst tippers. Probably because they have never worked for tips. When a the expensive dinner is a real special occasion or treat for someone else, they tip VERY well.

Now, about your health insurance --- we have also met many Europeans who pay higher taxes, enjoy a high standard of living, and wouldn't trade what they have in the way of insurance, vacation, old age security, etc. for what the US has. And I don't blame them and just wish we had the same.

The US, IMHO, is just clinging to dinosaurs. Many people point to the fact that people from other countries come to the US for our great health care; absolutely, that is if they have lots, and lots, of wealth.


[Edited on 7-18-2012 by DianaT]

DavidE - 7-18-2012 at 11:45 AM

You hit the nail on the head Diana. Starting with the US congress and the finest most expensive, liberal, no-holds-barred FREE health care scam on the face of the earth. How can ANYONE hope to devise a health care system "for the masses" when they haven't the faintest idea of what that system is like? Let them join Medi-Care as a perk.

A good general steps into a mess hall without notification and eats with the troops. If the food is bad, well, you know what happens.

The US kicked the crown, Dukes, Barons, and highnesses out of the colonies only to replace them with a different breed.

It's time to bring our "royals" back down to earth to pick ---- with the chickens.

[Edited on 7-18-2012 by DavidE]

Cypress - 7-18-2012 at 11:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
And speaking of health care. Canadian friends we had over for lunch yesterday dropped their jaws when I told them that health insurance for my wife and me costs us $1,156.25 per month in the USA.
Needless to say, they pay somewhat less.


And needless to say, they get a whole lot less.:yes:

Lee - 7-18-2012 at 12:50 PM

Think I've been told Canadians cannot be out of the country for longer than 6 months. Is that true?

Is there a similar rule for the US?

vgabndo - 7-18-2012 at 12:59 PM

I don't watch TV so I didn't see this when it was broadcast. It is from the first episode of Newroom. It contains HBO language. I liked it a lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI7Oq8y-jXA

DianaT - 7-18-2012 at 01:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Think I've been told Canadians cannot be out of the country for longer than 6 months. Is that true?

Is there a similar rule for the US?


Blue Shield says we are not supposed to be out of the country for more than 30 days.

El Jefe - 7-18-2012 at 02:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
And speaking of health care. Canadian friends we had over for lunch yesterday dropped their jaws when I told them that health insurance for my wife and me costs us $1,156.25 per month in the USA.
Needless to say, they pay somewhat less.


And needless to say, they get a whole lot less.:yes:


Do they get less? How do you know? All Canadians I've ever discussed this with are very happy with their level of care. Those I have known with very serious conditions have been treated quickly and effectively. Sure, some have had to wait for optional stuff, but I have to wait for approvals etc. from my HMO too.

Cypress - 7-18-2012 at 03:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe[/
Do they get less? How do you know? All Canadians I've ever discussed this with are very happy with their level of care. [/quote How many US citizens go to Canada for medical treatment? How many Canadians go to the US for medical treatment. It's a one-way street!:biggrin:

desertcpl - 7-18-2012 at 04:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Think I've been told Canadians cannot be out of the country for longer than 6 months. Is that true?

Is there a similar rule for the US?




its only true when they visit the USA

the 6 month rule is ours

Puckdrop - 7-18-2012 at 04:07 PM

Hey mulegemichael, I don't know of one single Canadian that does not tip at least 15 to 20 %. Are you sure that your not hanging out with draft-dodgers that claim to be Canadian:lol::lol::lol:

Ricardo - 7-18-2012 at 06:25 PM

I'm a Canadian that tips very generously for good service and I actually don't know of anyone that doesn't. The American system is very different from ours. Here's a article explaining some of the differences.This article was about a automatic tipping proposal in Toronto Canada.


"Nobody's demanding that anybody tip anything," he told the Post. "It's a personal decision. If [customers] want to, they can. If they don't want to, they don't have to."

The commonly accepted tip these days is 15 per cent, more if you find the service exceptional. The recent move is drawing kudos from restaurant servers, who point out 20 per cent tips are customary in large U.S. cities such as New York.

"But while Toronto servers earn a minimum hourly wage of $8.90, waiters in the Big Apple only earn $4.65 per hour 'because their total compensation includes expected tips,' according to the New York State Department of Labour," the Post says.

Of course, in a flush town like Calgary, big tips are more common.

"Eighteen to 20 per cent is easily the norm," said Janet Watson, an Alberta-based etiquette expert. "Some people tip 25 per cent ... I don't know anybody who tips 10 per cent anymore. Fifteen per cent is the bottom line here."

In Vancouver, Cafe Medina manager Robbie Kane says his eatery assigns an 18 per cent gratuity to groups of eight or more. During the 2010 Olympics, many Vancouver restaurants and bars apparently added 20 per cent tips to the bill.

Server Aidan Johnston has worked in Australia, where the hourly restaurant wage is $19.50 and tips are small "keep-the-change" gratuities, and in Toronto, where the minimum wage is $8.90 an hour but a good server can earn up to $200 a night in tips.

"I like the excitement of getting tips," Johnston told the Toronto Star. "It's like opening a Christmas present when you see that billfold."

The Star reports that the low-wage, high-tip model is unlikely to change because restaurants operate on thin profit margins. Raising pay to Australian levels would raise
menu prices and remove some of the incentive to provide excellent service.

"Is Joe Consumer willing to pay 20 per cent more for a meal and have not great service?" asks Todd Sherman, co-owner of the Gabby's restaurant chain.

Some places take the compulsory tip practice very seriously. An American couple was arrested a few years ago for refusing to pay the automatic gratuity tacked onto their bill after getting poor service. Leslie Pope and John Wagner were hauled away by police and charged with theft for not paying the mandatory 18 per cent gratuity totaling $16 after eating at the Lehigh Pub in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with six friends.

Police later dropped the charges.

It seems various countries have different policies for tipping, much of it depending on wages paid to servers, or maybe service recieved.
Rick

desertcpl - 7-18-2012 at 07:17 PM

to ad a little here

I live in an area that during the winter is heavily populated with Snowbirds, I would guess that close to 50% are canadians. its well known here in Yuma that by far most canadians just will not tip

desertcpl - 7-18-2012 at 07:34 PM

Canadians are wealther than Americans


http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/18/12817825-canadians-are-now-richer-than-americans?lite&__utma=14933801.363557329.1342392047.134263 7797.1342652026.13&__utmb=14933801.22.10.1342652026&__utmc=14933801&__utmx=-&__utmz=14933801.1342631147.11.3.utmcsr=nbcnews.com|utmccn =(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/&__utmv=14933801.|8=Earned%20By=msnbc%7Ccover=1^12=Landing%20Content=Mixed=1^13=Landing%20Hostname=www.nbcnews .com=1^30=Visit%20Type%20to%20Content=Earned%20to%20Mixed=1&__utmk=248552711

Martyman - 7-19-2012 at 09:39 AM

My son is a busboy at a five star restaurant in NorCal. He says the worst tippers are the Brits. A lot of time they leave zero tip!

DavidE - 7-19-2012 at 10:20 AM

It is up to be tip(per) to be aware of the customs in the particular area they are in. Very wealthy Mexicans are frugal tippers as well. I have seen a millionaire Mexican argue with a worker for twenty minutes over a (eqvt) two dollar a day difference in a wage.

Never, ever in my long life, have I ever heard of, never mind encountered a spend-thrift Canadian. After visiting Canada, and seeing for myself how much more expensive it was/is than the US I have to wonder why a box of made in Canada wheat crackers made with Canadian wheat is 50% more expensive.

Oso - 7-19-2012 at 10:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redmesa
We may pay more taxes but we have a secure Canadian Pension Plan, a Guaranteed Old Age Pension, an affordable Medical Plan for all, a working social welfare system, good wages, a controlled banking system, and on top of all that we are polite.


Q: How does a Canadian celebity get the paparazzi off his lawn?

A: He comes to the door and says "Please get offf my lawn."

vandenberg - 7-19-2012 at 11:09 AM

In the Netherlands, where I grew up, it was, and maybe still is, customary to add 15% tip to your bill in restaurants and nightclubs. Of course the servers/bartenders expected at least another 15 to 20% cash on top of that. Was considered normal by most of us.:biggrin:
Does make things rather expensive though.:biggrin:

motoged - 7-19-2012 at 12:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Oso

Q: How does a Canadian celebity get the paparazzi off his lawn?

A: He comes to the door and says "Please get offf my lawn."


It's acceptable up here to be polite....the NRA response is not what always come to mind at first...:biggrin:

DianaT - 7-19-2012 at 02:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Quote:
Originally posted by Oso

Q: How does a Canadian celebity get the paparazzi off his lawn?

A: He comes to the door and says "Please get offf my lawn."


It's acceptable up here to be polite....the NRA response is not what always come to mind at first...:biggrin:


And fortunately it is only an unfortunate part of our society that comes up with the NRA response--- and they need to go away. :biggrin::biggrin:

These things seem to cross all the borders

[Edited on 7-19-2012 by DianaT]

Timo1 - 7-19-2012 at 03:53 PM

A couple years back someone I know here in Canada had what was first diagnosed as a stroke

We came home from baja and within a coupe months had every test known to
mankind preformed

I'm talking all the high-tech tests....everything

The monthly payment here is approx. $50

That was the cost for her $50

I read somewhere where (maybe here) that hospital costs in the US are the #1 leading cause for bankruptysy in the "Land of the free"

food for thought http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16K6m3Ua2nw&feature=relat...

Cypress - 7-19-2012 at 04:08 PM

Timo1, Canada has a population of 34 million. The USA has a population of 313 million(not counting the illegals). And there're a lot of folks that due to lifestyle choices are in dire need of cheap medical attention. Do the math.:biggrin:

Timo1 - 7-19-2012 at 04:13 PM

Yup and your 313 million should be able to support your own health care

do the math

Cypress - 7-19-2012 at 04:34 PM

Timo1, I've worked hard to pay my own way. I'm not happy about paying for a bunch of "free loaders" who have never contributed a dime to the "system". Most of their medical problems are the result of obesity, lack of exercise, and poor life choices. And I'm supposed to pay for their medical care?:biggrin:

DianaT - 7-19-2012 at 04:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Timo1
Yup and your 313 million should be able to support your own health care

do the math


:yes::yes:

The math works --- it is, unfortunately, a matter of will.

Cypress - 7-19-2012 at 04:41 PM

DianaT, :biggrin: The math works?:oA matter of will? How 'bout a matter of who? As in who's gonna pay for all the "dead beats"?:biggrin:

daveB - 7-19-2012 at 06:01 PM

As a Canadian, being away from your home province for long periods has limitations. Because Medical Coverage is a Provincial jurisdiction, province to province permitted time away may differ. In British Columbia it is 6 months, but I have "heard" that Ontario permits longer absences. If you are away too long there is usually a waiting period to get back into the system. There is also provision for planned longer periods out of the country, up to two years away,I beleive, and this is done through the fedral government but only once every "so many" years; how that affects your medical coverage I don'y know, maybe a new waiting period.

Canadians traveling to another province or territory within Canada should think about buying travel medical insurance. Many were shocked a few years ago when a young boy who had heart probems traveled to Yukon Territory, needed emergency care not available there, so was flown back to Vancouver. And parents were presented a bill for the emergency flight, one that would be of no charge if entirely in B.C.

I remember paying my doctor before I left. Short years later an apendectomy caused a four day stay in hospital, no cost up front or at all for me although my work deducted a small fee for me to be in the system. A few years ago a television series was devised to select "Canada's greatest person." Prime Ministers, sports pesonalities were among many being nominated, voted on via the internet after each program that documented a strong personality, someone who made a big difference. After many weeks it came down to one man, a one- time Saskatchewan preacher who could not understand why, if a farmer's wife was dyng of cancer, she too often had to bear the pain rather than risk having her family's farm be taken by the bank. This man was Tommy Douglas. you may have heard of his grandson, the actor Keifer Southerland.

windgrrl - 7-19-2012 at 06:29 PM

...yes, we Canadians have to buy travel insurance. You can claim it back on your income tax return.

In Alberta you can have longer absences than 6 months under certain conditions to stay eligible for health benefits, but you need to make an application beforehand, If you exceed the limit, you need to wait a few months to re-qualify. Anyhoo, Canadian federal law says you must be treated in an emergency, so you will get care no matter where you are from and the bill is sorted out later. The provinces have a system whereby they transfer payments to each other for some costs, e.g. if you are visiting from BC and need care in Alberta.

Additionally, if someone wishes to move to another province, there may be a wait period for health benefits and eligibility for public long term care.