#immigration Saskatoon

[jaerie]

Visiting some old friends

[uicimmigration]

Universal Immigration Consultancy offers Immigration services to help foreign nationals enter Canada under various immigration programs

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Rethinking Tourism: Embracing Nature, Diversity, and Inclusivity

[carrickbender]

St Patricks Day

In front of our house, the starry plough flag of James Connolly flies proudly today. Connolly was a Irish Socialist and Republican who was executed as one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. We celebrate he, Patrick Pearse, and all of the women and men who carried the banner of revolution. And we celebrate those who ran from Crown rule in Ireland, and made new lives in towns like Saskatoon, Boston, Butte, Durango, and carried their Irishness to the far corners of the earth.

For my family, it's also a day to remember people like my uncle Bill(Butte Irish), a hard drinking union tough who would would weep at hearing Liam Clancy sing but get 'animated' talking about Ian Paisley and marching season on garvaghy road in Northern Ireland. And amongst all the people I remember today, my grandmother Glenna is particularly on my mind. She impressed on me at a young age that, "even your college educated Irish family were greeted with signs that said 'workers wanted, Irish need not apply'- its our job to welcome the opressed, to show them kindness, and help them build new lives'

How sadly so many people of Irish heritage in America have forgotten those lessons, and have picked up the mantle of the hatred of immigrants, when they too were hated not so many years ago.

In mass this morning, our priest gave what was probably his last sermon thanks to pancreatic cancer. He's a wonderfully feisty man who speaks a few languages and sings the communion prayer, something which... yeah, even with his shaky voice, is moving... anyhow, his sermon was about the seeing the divine and being the hands of the divine in our communities by taking care of the sick, the poor, the oppressed, and being servants. From an old school Episcopal priest, it's always good to hear the same message as I got from those who raised me, and a great message of renewal in the times where you'd think all religious folks were the angry immigrant hating crowd.

Anyhow, it's late, but never give up hope. Like the motto says, Tiocfaidh ár lá! (Our day will come).

Here's a song for those I've lost and loved I remember this day. Thanks for reading, and much love to you!

[foodies-channel]

🍥 Lomo Saltado, a popular dish in the Peruvian-Cantonese “chifa” tradition. Served with a side of “chaufa” – fried rice. The owners of this restaurant, whose matriarch is originally from Guangdong, recently immigrated to Saskatoon, Canada after operating a Chifa in Lima, Peru for three decades.

🍔YouTube || 🍟Reddit

[wavevisa001]

Top Livable Cities in Canada for Newcomers in 2024

Table of Contents

Introduction: Discover Canada’s Most Livable Cities

Victoria: The Best City for Newcomers

Top 20 Livable Cities for Newcomers in Canada

Why British Columbia Dominates the Rankings

Ontario’s Top Cities for Newcomers

Methodology Behind the Rankings

Explore Your Canadian Immigration Options with Wave Visas

Introduction: Discover Canada’s Most Livable Cities

Canada offers a diverse range of cities ideal for newcomers. Every year, The Globe and Mail ranks the Most Livable Cities in Canada, with one category dedicated to newcomers—defined as individuals who have arrived in the past five years. This blog explores the 2024 rankings and highlights why these cities are excellent choices for immigrants.

Victoria: The Best City for Newcomers

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, has been crowned the most livable city in Canada for newcomers in 2024. This is a step up from its second-place finish in 2023. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and accessibility, Victoria is the perfect place to start a new life in Canada.

Top 20 Livable Cities for Newcomers in Canada

Here are the top 20 cities for newcomers, according to the 2024 rankings:

Victoria, British Columbia

North Vancouver, British Columbia

Penticton, British Columbia

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Regina, Saskatchewan

West Vancouver, British Columbia

Pitt Meadows, British Columbia

Whitehorse, Yukon

Kamloops, British Columbia

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Vernon, British Columbia

Calgary, Alberta

Brandon, Manitoba

Terrace, British Columbia

Saanich, British Columbia

North Cowichan, British Columbia

Erin, Ontario

Delta, British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Why British Columbia Dominates the Rankings

British Columbia secured the top three spots in the 2024 rankings and dominates the list overall. The province’s reputation for safety, stunning landscapes, strong economy, and inclusive communities makes it a magnet for newcomers. Cities like Victoria, North Vancouver, and Penticton offer not only natural beauty but also opportunities for career growth and a high quality of life.

Ontario’s Top Cities for Newcomers

While Ontario didn’t dominate the list, it did feature a few notable mentions. Erin, ranked 18th overall, was the highest-ranked Ontario city. Other Ontario cities in the top 20 include Oakville, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ottawa, and Guelph. These cities provide access to excellent schools, healthcare, and cultural diversity, making them attractive for newcomers.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The rankings by The Globe and Mail evaluated 448 Canadian cities with populations over 10,000. Key factors considered for the newcomer-specific rankings included:

Integration Support: Ease of community integration

Housing Affordability: Access to affordable housing

Basic Amenities: Proximity to healthcare, education, and transportation

Economic Opportunities: Job prospects and economic stability

Demographics: Population trends and diversity

The study analyzed 50 variables across 10 categories, including healthcare, safety, community, climate, and education.

Explore Your Canadian Immigration Options with Wave Visas

Planning to move to one of Canada’s most livable cities? Wave Visas Immigration can guide you through the process, from selecting the best immigration pathway to settling in your chosen city. With expert advice and tailored services, we’ll help make your Canadian dream a reality.

Contact Wave Visas today to begin your journey to Canada’s most welcoming cities!

[tummanoj9]

🏠 Are Smaller #Cities 🌆 Becoming the Next #RENTAL #Hotspots? 🔍 #shorts by Manoj Atri, REALTOR® 📈 Explore the impact of immigration on rental markets, highlighting how demand fluctuates across cities like Toronto and Saskatoon. 🏙️ Discover trends in rising rents and the allure of smaller markets for newcomers seeking affordable housing. 💡 Don't miss these insights into the evolving real estate landscape!🏡 🚫 Don't Get #SUED! What #Buyers Need to Know Before #Closing 🏡 🤔 Are you thinking of buying a home in Toronto but feeling overwhelmed by the legal complexities of the process? 😟 Don't worry, you're not alone! 🙌 Many buyers are unsure of their obligations and the potential risks involved in a real estate transaction. 🙁 #RealEstateToronto 📌 #TorontoRealEstate 🌆 Full Related YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/bB3JxfUQdfc 👉 Subscribe Now for more Tips and Insights: https://www.youtube.com/@ManojAtri9?sub_confirmation=1 ✨ Help me reach 1000 Subscribers! 🎉🙌📈 🌆 Hot News Daily: Toronto Real Estate Digest! 📈 Friday 29th Nov 2024 Newsletter: Review Entire Podcast 20 Hot off the press News Articles Here: https://bit.ly/3ZzyG0J ▶ Visit the following website links for HOT New TORONTO REAL ESTATE for Sale Listings → https://bit.ly/3zE97S3 ▶ Manoj Atri, REALTOR® with Architectural Experience Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage 401 – 685 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON M2K 1B6 Office: [416] 494-7653 | Cell: [416] 275-2089 Fax: [416] 494-0016 | Email: Manoj@ManojAtri.com ▶ "Disclaimer: This Shorts Video's content summarizes multiple news articles. Full attribution is available in the original linked sources & in full related YouTube Video. The thumbnail, newsletter, podcast audio and video are AI-generated. Video title, description, and supporting content are created for context." *** Not intended to solicit any Buyer or Seller under Contract. *** #ImmigrationImpact #RentalMarket #AffordableHousing #RealEstateTrends #HousingDemand #Toronto #Saskatoon #MarketAnalysis #RentalPrices #UrbanDevelopment via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXIWGvLdghM

[eviesessays]

7. Who are the best cooks in your family?

My aunt Mary was a great cook.  She was the wife of my mother’s oldest brother, Jack Schreyer.  My maternal  grandparents, Peter and Anna Ottenbritt Schreyer immigrated to Canada from Bergensdorf, Germany in early 1900.  The Canadian Government was giving wheat farmers land in exchange for bushels of wheat at harvest time.  Land in the prairies was plentiful and wheat was scarce .  It was just five years before my grandfather owned his farm outright.  He continued to enlarge his holding so my uncle Jack and my aunt Mary inherited a very large wheat farm.  Aunt Mary was in charge of the vegetable garden.  She also milked the cows and killed the chicken for dinner.  She made sauerkraut in a wooden barrel and she churned her own butter which was the greatest tasting butter ever.  She made quarts of dill pickles and preserved jars of every vegetable to use through the long cold Winter in Ladywood, Manitoba.  She baked her own bread, both black and white.  She shared with me the joy of what is still today my favorite sandwich, cucumber on black bread.  She made the very best perogies always smothered in onions, butter and sour cream. My aunt Mary was an incredible cook.

My mother was a great cook.  Every Sunday there was a roast of beef or chicken for dinner.  She breaded pork chops that were tender enough to cut with a fork.  I still don’t know how she could do that.  Her talents escaped all her children except perhaps my brother, Carl.  He was not a gourmet cook  but an adventuresome outdoors man.  He hunted and fished .  He made an annual pilgrimage to Bella Coola in British Columbia to catch his limit of sockeye salmon.  He canned and smoked sockeye and Coho salmon. He hunted deer and moose .  He  cut meat into ribs and roasts and made his own sausage. He had a smoke house and smoked some meats.  Later in his life he began making wine.  His primary choices were raspberry and Saskatoon berry wine.  I liked his fish and meat much better.  I do not know of any special culinary talents of my other siblings.  Once when Michael and Dora visited Warner, Michael and I decided to make a watermelon, cantaloupe, champagne punch.  By the time we finished tasting it along the process I dont think we were reliable judges of our product.

Of my children, Peter makes great turkey chili.  that is his entire repertoire.  Heather abdicated her cooking chores to John when she returned to work.  They are now retired but John is still cooking.  Robin’s husband, Bob was a great cook and did all of it.  He also did all the shopping.  He continued until a few weeks before he died after a long battle with brain cancer.   Jaylyn is the best cook of all my children and her husband is equally as good. They serve epic dinners that  are better described as feasts.  

Then comes the next generation and I think Anne is the greatest cook.  There is no challenge that she will not tackle.  I would not even consider planning a, “leg of lamb” dinner, but no hesitation from Anne.  There is no spice, herb, grain  or exotic vegetable too hard to find or no equipment  too much of a nuisance.  Anne’s significant other, Dan is a chef and readily admits Anne is a better dessert cook.  Her Tiramisu is incredibly delicious and her carrot cake melts in the mouth. I think Anne is the best cook in the family.  Hillary makes delicious and exquisitely beautiful cakes.  Kalote makes delicious salads and breakfast sandwiches and both are probably better cooks than i am aware of.  Digger has a most eclectic diet.  Having spent several years in Japan, he has a repetoire of rice recipes.  Harry and Will are appreciative partakers of any meal prepared by others.  Anne is the best  cook.

[brentwoodsask]

The year is 1923.

It was called The Passage to Fortune. Hundreds of Chinese immigrants to Canada were offered work, with the promise they could make enough money to bring their families to Canada. But much of it was indentured servitude.

These immigrants received very little help, but many did go on to bring their families to Canada, eventually. There was only a few bright spots during this time.

Harry Wong had made his way north, finding work in a mining camp just outside Brentwood, Saskatchewan. There he found maybe a dozen other Chinese workers. The work was long and arduous, and for little pay. But each of them had accommodation and travel to and from Brentwood. It wasn't long before a Chinese district sprang up in Brentwood's north east side.

Wong built his own laundry. A friend of his Edward Chen, built a restaurant. A clothing store soon opened. By the end of the 1920s, there was a full street of Chinese businesses in Brentwood's north west section, with residential areas branching off from it.

And much like the past, many of the city's other residents supported these small business ventures. Soon, Brentwood had one of the largest Chinese populations in Canada. While city's like Vancouver obviously had the largest Chinese immigrant population, word spread about Brentwood.

Thanks to the influx of people to Brentwood, it became the fourth largest city in Saskatchewan, behind Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw.

And this would not be the last group migration to come to Brentwood. As for Harry and Edward, both would go on to become important members of the business community, even going so far as to help new businesses open up in the community. Edward would go on to organizing a charitable organization to assist with the creation of housing for new residents, and he grew interested in building a sporting tradition in Brentwood.

Today, both the family names of Wong and Chen are just as important to Brentwood as many of the French Canadian, Metis and Indigenous families that live in the city.

[uicimmigration]

In this informative, we shall discuss why you should consider immigrating to Canada and why you would need UIC Canada Immigration.

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Rethinking Tourism: Nature, Diversity, and Inclusivity at the Heart of World Tourism Day

[brampton-consultancy94]

Affordable student cities in Canada 

Affordable student cities in Canada 

Canada provides low tuition rates and globally recognised degrees for its top-notch education. Additionally, the nation is home to a sizeable community of international students because of its top-notch colleges and a wide variety of courses. It is apparent to think about the cost of living before travelling to Canada to study. Knowing which Canadian cities are the cheapest will help you budget your money effectively.

Best Immigration consultancy in Brampton

Canada’s most cheap cities for students to live

Therefore, you should look at some of the possibilities listed below if you’re seeking the cheapest student city in Canada for international students. You should also consider that even if the cost of living may be high in certain places, the average income rates for international students are more excellent there. This is not because they have the lowest living expenditures. Therefore, they are more affordable than the cities with the lowest cost of living.

1. Victoria, British Columbia

With a population of 350,000, Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a tidy, peaceful, and welcoming medium-sized city. Known as the “City of Gardens” and one of the top 15 friendliest cities in the world. At the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, there is a well-known, year-round tourist attraction known across the globe that is one of the greatest sites to learn more about Canadian culture. This location provides an endless variety of things to see and experience.

Victoria is the mildest climate in Canada and is one of the most attractive locations to live in. Vancouver, located one hour away by boat or 30 minutes by plane, receives 60% more rain than Victoria.

2. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary offers both top-notch educational institutions and leisure activities for visitors. It is hardly surprising that Calgary, Canada’s fourth-largest city, is also its most culturally diversified location. The city is home to more than 200 different ethnic groups, which fosters a friendly global atmosphere. According to Oxford Economics’ North American home affordability study, Calgary is the tenth most affordable city in North America.

In addition, Alberta’s income tax rates are between 10 and 15 per cent, whereas the federal tax bracket goes from 25 to 48 per cent, meaning that even if you pay the lowest tax rate, you still make 15% more each year than residents of other provinces.

Compared to all of Canada’s major cities, Calgary has the second-highest level of educational accomplishment. Close to Toronto. If you live in Calgary, you can be confident that your educational needs will be satisfied to a high quality acknowledged worldwide.

3. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Despite being the largest city in Saskatchewan, Saskatoon needs to be better liked by international students. Most overseas students have a hazy understanding of Saskatchewan province and believe it to be one of Canada’s coldest and remotest regions. But the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic College are located in Saskatoon.

With a population of around 317,480, Saskatoon’s economy has traditionally been tied to potash, oil, and agriculture, but more recently, its digital media and IT industries have experienced exponential growth. Saskatoon has one of the lowest living costs among the leading Canadian cities. Thus, the cost of housing, bills, food, and taxes is lower for students who attend school in Saskatoon.

With an average yearly pay of C$30,000 to C$40,000, McDonald’s, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and Home Depot are the biggest employers of part-time workers in Saskatoon.

4. Regina, Saskatchewan

The capital and largest city of Saskatchewan, Canada, is Regina. The city expanded quickly after World War II to become a significant manufacturing, distribution, and transportation centre for a sizable agricultural region. The city is well connected to all major railroads, including the Trans-Canada Highway and Regina International Airport. It is also quite accessible. Oil, natural gas, potash refining, food manufacturing, rich grasslands, and mineral resources contribute to its economy.

The leading grain-handling firm, with its headquarters in Regina, is The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the largest wheat pool in the world. It has relationships both domestically and abroad. The city has recently begun to transform into an IT hub as well.

Steel fabrication, agricultural implement manufacture, communications equipment manufacturing, paint manufacturing, and building material manufacturing are other well-liked job sectors in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan government has declared around 98,000 job openings across the province between 2019 and 2023 to support the economic growth in the area, and Regina will have a significant portion of these possibilities.

Additionally, Regina city is home to industries actively employing, including wholesale and retail, healthcare, agriculture, and educational services. The region will also see increased sales, skilled crafts, transport operators, business, finance, and administration. A single person’s monthly expenses, including rent, come to about C$1,500; if they share a room, they fall to C$1,200. The median after-tax income in Canada is $3,465 and can support 2.3 months’ worth of spending.

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5. Winnipeg, Manitoba

The province of Manitoba’s capital, Winnipeg, is close to the eastern edge of the Canadian Prairies. Among Canada’s major cities, Winnipeg is ranked as the third-fastest growing economy. The town is a haven for immigrants and international students due to its low cost of living and low rental revenue. Despite the severe winters, the city continues to be an industrial and tourism powerhouse for Canada. As the location of the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, Red River College, and the Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology, it has developed into a vibrant student community that offers both locals and immigrants a wide variety of job opportunities.

One of Canada’s top cities for new and expanding firms, Winnipeg offers newcomers excellent professional choices. It is a centre for manufacturing, and its leading industries include ICT, agribusiness, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

Did you know that manufacturing firms employed more than 35,000 people in Winnipeg as of 2021? All businesses in Winnipeg benefit from clean, renewable hydroelectric electricity and the lowest energy expenses in North America. The typical yearly student income in Winnipeg is roughly $34,000, while monthly payments are standard $900.

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6. Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario

The Tri-Cities sometimes referred to as Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge (KWC), are dispersed between 100 and 120 kilometres (62 to 75 miles) southwest of Toronto. Daily commuters will find this helpful. Housing costs have surged around the Greater Toronto Area as a result of its continued growth, and many individuals look forward to moving to Toronto to work to avoid the increased living expenses. People like living in the tri-city, which is a 1-hour drive from the GTA region, for the same reasons as Silicon Valley is, and the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor is developing into one of the biggest tech centres in North America after it. Canada may not have as many chances in the tech industry compared to America, but the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor stands out as the “Silicon Valley of Canada.”

The smartphone maker, with a market worth of more than C$80 billion and approximately 20,000 workers during its peak in 2008, was founded in Waterloo.

All techies interested in relocating to the tri-city area will have access to various job possibilities, including those in drones, wearable technology, intelligent marketing, and space manufacturing. It is also the location of Google. Kitchener is one of the most balanced places to live and work, with a healthy combination of open space and busy downtown. International students’ average monthly living expenses in tri-city are C$1,275, but their average yearly income is C$40,000.

Over 5000 start-ups and 15,000+ tech firms operate in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region, employing over 300,000 IT professionals.

7. Montreal, Quebec

Given that it has more than 11 universities and 60 institutions, Montréal, the capital of Canada’s French-speaking region, is frequently named one of the greatest cities in the world for students. It is also the second-largest city in Canada and is renowned as the country’s centre for the arts, fashion, and technology. It also has one of the largest video game businesses in the world, ranking within the top five.

Montreal is home to some of the world’s most significant video game firms, including UBISOFT, Warner Bros. Games, Gameloft, and EA Games.MNCs like Facebook, Microsoft, Google, and Samsung are among Montreal’s significant investors and IT behemoths, serving as a hub for AI research worldwide.

Along with being a Canadian industry powerhouse in the financial, film, television, oil refining, aerospace, and pharmaceutical sectors, it also boasts a thriving video game industry. With a low cost of living of about, the average yearly salary for international students working part-time in Montreal is approximately C$33,200.

The majority of people in Montreal are multilingual, speaking both English and French (making it the second-largest primarily French-speaking city after Paris).

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8. Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton, commonly known as “Atlantic’s Business Capital,” is a tiny city with a respectable population and a large number of open employment that has recently started drawing a lot of immigrants and foreign students. Prominent educational institutions with the most affordable tuition rates include New Brunswick Community College, Mount Allison University, and Crandall University.

Within the first two weeks of moving to Moncton, immigrants get jobs, earning an average yearly salary of C$32,000 against the city’s cheap cost of living of C$800–C$900. The students select Moncton not just for its low cost of living and education but also for its Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, which enables them to relocate within six months after finishing their degree.

Moncton is a clear victor regarding the quality of life because of its thriving city, engaged residents, and balanced, easygoing way of life. Here, students have quick commutes to both employment and school.

The RBC Royal Bank and Tangerine are the only two major financial institutions with headquarters in Moncton, thanks to the city’s advantageous location, skilled workforce, and affordable business costs.

9. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax, the largest and most well-known city in Nova Scotia, also has the most university campuses. Students make up 25% of Halifax’s population due to the city’s affordable tuition and top-tier colleges. Because of the sizeable student population, most things in the Halifax area are already reasonably priced, whether they be goods for food, drink, or clothing. With each graduating class, Halifax offers IT firms a consistent supply of fresh employees, making it a vibrant start-up environment.

The city’s manufacturing sector saw the most job growth last year, up 20%, followed by professional, scientific, and technical services, which witnessed a boost of 17%. 

Due to Halifax’s consistently expanding economic opportunities and educational sector, thousands of immigrants have been welcomed to the city, and its population is expected to reach 500,000 within the next five years.

Halifax’s cost of living is about. Compared to the average student wage of C$35,000 per year, C$1230 is a relatively small amount.

It would be best if you also kept an eye out for the following cities in addition to the ones named above: Kelowna, BC; Edmonton, AB; Moose Jaw, Regina; Brantford, MB; Oshawa, ON; Windsor, ON; Laval, QC; Fredericton, NB; St. John, NF; and Charlottetown, PEI. These towns provide excellent employment and relocation options. It is also simpler to obtain admissions and early approval to apply for a study permit to begin your academic career in Canada. 

[raincitygirl76]

I’m not sure that Canadian cops are that much better than American ones. Ever heard of the “starlight tours”?

The Saskatoon police murdered an awful lot of indigenous people on the margins of Canadian society. And I highly doubt it was only the Saskatoon cops that did that. They’re just the ones who got caught.

Legally it was manslaughter, but it was also systematic over a number of years. Even if it’s technically “only” manslaughter, on an ethical level, they absolutely have those men’s blood on their hands.

And then there’s the whole missing and murdered indigenous women and girls issue. The police in multiple different Canadian jurisdictions didn’t give a shit because these women and girls weren’t white and weren’t important. They assumed they were all drug addicts and/or sex workers.

And then there was Robert Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant who was tasered to death by a swarm of RCMP officers in my own backyard. For the capital crime of getting agitated at Customs processing at Vancouver airport while not speaking English.

And then there was suburban Vancouver based serial killer Robert Pickton. He confessed to raping and murdering 49 women. And there were probably more than 49, judging by the DNA evidence. Mostly marginalized sex workers from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Astonishingly, it took 20 years of serial killing (all in the same city) before he finally got arrested. The cops didn’t give a shit because the women he preyed on were on the margins of society. Many were indigenous or other women of colour, many struggled with addiction. But the police didn’t give a shit until Pickton had been at it for 2 decades.

And then, not in my backyard (for once) there was serial killer Bruce McArthur, who terrorized Toronto’s gay village. Again, quite a few of the men he murdered were marginalized. The cops didn’t give a shit about these queer guys until they had to.

Bruce McArthur: Toronto serial killer destroyed gay safe space https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42980512

Admittedly, the American police tend to take police brutality to astonishing extremes in terms of the sheer number of people they extrajudicially kill. But the Canadian cops are pretty good at extrajudicial killings too. And then there’s the Canadian police indifference and incompetence when it comes to victims who aren’t white, middle class, and cishet.

And don’t anybody give me the “bad apples” theory. This shit is systematic and structural.

Also, I am almost 47 and am white and middle class. I’m not straight, but I’m cisgender and I’m not “obviously” queer, so to speak. I have never had a single negative interaction with a police officer in the nearly 5 decades of my life.

The closest I ever came was in 2018 when a young black woman was filming 2 police officers hassling an indigenous man who appeared to be homeless and intoxicated. But he was not, as far as I could see, doing anything in particular. The police were being aggressive with the girl of colour who was filming. They were threatening to confiscate her phone and/or arrest her, saying her filming them was illegal. Spoiler alert: it isn’t.

I came over, I started filming too, and asked the officers for their names and badge numbers. They politely explained that they were just doing their jobs, and this girl was interfering. I politely asked again for their names and badge numbers. I also politely asked the girl for her contact information so I could send her video to my city councillor. Since it was a longer video than mine.

The 2 officers immediately apologized for the misunderstanding (to me, not to the black girl or the homeless man), got back in their squad car, and drove off. They did not give me their names or badge numbers, but they didn’t try to intimidate me, either.

I was a fortysomething white woman dressed in business casual, with a laptop bag over my shoulder and an employee ID hanging from my neck. I also obviously spoke English as my first language. I probably screamed “white collar worker who can’t be easily intimidated, and whose complaint to City Council will get followed up on”. So they didn’t even try to intimidate me. They just went away as fast as they could.

Not every Canadian is lucky enough to be in my position.

There's a certain amount of violence and repression inherent to any system of policing, but it seems pretty clear that US police are significantly worse than police in other comparable countries in a lot of important ways. You read about the amount we spend on police and how much of that goes into overtime pay instead of hiring more people, the toothless nature of civilian oversight, the constant offhand racism and the body count that comes with it, the ganglike organizations that emerge within certain units, the lack of training, the abysmal clearance rates...

If you're a hardcore abolitionist, you don't really care about any of this beyond pointing out how much it sucks. But if you think that your ideal society involves some form of policing, understanding the difference between comparatively good and comparatively bad police departments is pretty important.

There's no single cause of all of these issues, but if I had to name a big one, the police unions seem like a focal point for siphoning money out of city budgets into the hands of career cops, inhibiting civilian oversight and control, making police forces more insular and ganglike, and preventing the firing of the most violent cops.