Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with canadian

WTB: 1 Young American Operating Manual, pref Canadian translation

256 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:50:36 -0800

Young Canadian couple is expecting to have a newborn American added to their family. Wonders if the child will need any special care above and beyond what would be given to a newborn Canadian. So, my wife and I are currently living in the USA on a three year work visa. My wife is pregnant with our first child, and we fully expect that the baby will be born here in the States. I understand that this would entitle him/her to American citizenship.

We don't intend to immigrate to the USA. In fact, it is our hope to be back in either Canada or the EU (where we have lived before and where my wife has citizenship) well before our child reaches school age.

We would, however, like to do everything we can to make it so that, should our son or daughter later want to make use of their American citizenship, it is easy for them to do so.

To be clear, I'm not looking for legal advice or visa-related advice for the present. We already have access to an immigration lawyer to answer those questions for us. Also, we're not particularly looking for general baby advice, we have plenty of family, friends, literature and doctors already quite happy to provide that.

What we're really looking for is particular gems about non-American parents having a baby with multiple citizenship which includes American. I can't provide a really good example of the sort of thing I'm looking for because, by definition, I'm not in a position to know it. Okay, here's an example: Make damn sure that the circumstances surrounding the child's legal right to American citizenship is well documented because it passing snuff now won't prevent people from wanting to go over it with a microscope should our child choose to run for political office in America some time down the road.

I'm hoping that there are more interesting tidbits than that but, hive mind, I'm leaving it in your hands to determine what it is you think we need to know.

How do I cash a Canadian Student Loan while in South Korea?

Knigel — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:04:37 -0800

Need to cash my Canadian student loan but I am in South Korea. I've been confirmed to receive my Canadian student loan; however, I need to bring the form to the Canadian post office so that they can confirm it. Unfortunately I can't seem to do it from South Korea. Last semester, I had the same problem; however, my mother sent me the form, I signed it, and sent it back to her and there was no trouble when she brought it in. They put the money into my bank account. This time, the post offices state that I need the power of attorney. What can I do? My classes have already started and I need to pay for everything.

Do Ian and Sylvia Tyson Still Play Together?

howgenerica — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:34:53 -0800

Do Ian and Sylvia Tyson ever play together anymore? I really, really want to see them together.

Canadian flag stuff needed!

sucre — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:01:33 -0800

where can one get Canadian flag memorabilia in Minneapolis or St. Paul before Saturday afternoon? ...for a friend. he's looking for things like patches, stickers, et cetera, for a party this saturday, 9/19.

thanks everyone!

Canadian diamond wedding band in NYC/NJ?

exhilaration — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:21:18 -0800

Know of any jewelers that carry Canadian diamond wedding bands in North Jersey or Manhattan? I need a wedding band (getting married in 2 weeks!), and my fiancé doesn't want an African diamond after watching Blood Diamond. I'd like someone I can deal with in person rather than a website. I called like 15 local jewelers in New Jersey and none carry Canadian diamonds. What's up with that? I tried two local Ultras and they don't have wedding bands. Any other recommendations?

Calculating Canadian customs duties?

fogster — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:18:15 -0800

CustomsFilter: I shipped something to Canada and messed up the declared value. How do I calculate what the recipient will have to pay? I sold some used electronics to someone in Quebec. (I'm in the United States.) I just realized that I mistakenly included shipping in the cost I put on the customs form. As I understand it, he will have to pay customs taxes when receiving the package, but I'm wholly clueless about the process. I would like to reimburse the buyer for the difference between actual cost and the mistakenly-too-high cost. (The goods were worth $25, and shipping was another $25. The shipping cost was mistakenly included, so the package has a declared value of $50.)

It seems like answering this should be a quick task for Google, but the results suggest that there are actually a number of components involved and depend on things I don't understand. Can someone explain how to calculate this? There's a duty charge, and some of GST, HST, and PST, from what I have read. The recipient is in Quebec. I have no idea whether it will go Canada Post or Priority Courier, or even what the difference is.

The gory details: Shipped USPS Priority Mail; USPS form CP72 customs declaration filled out and indicates $50 value, with "Merchandise" box checked. (Not a gift.)

I'm specifically interested in the difference between a $25 and a $50 value, so that I can reimburse the buyer for the unnecessary costs, but I'm curious about how to calculate it, since I'm now curious about how this works.

Canadian Mutual Fund Filter: Funds Ending in Class

jules1651 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:42:35 -0800

When a Canadian mutual fund ends in the word class, eg the AGF Canadian Stock Class, how is that fund different to ones that end in fund, such as the AGF Canadian Stock Fund? Are they different funds? Acuity Short Term Income Class is an example of a "class" fund where there isn't also a "fund" fund offered.

I just found out I have stigmata! Or is that astigmatism? The doctor's writing is kind of blurry.

synecdoche — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:59:49 -0800

So, apparently I need glasses. Where can this Canadian get the best deal on some designer frames? After a visit to the optometrist today, I'm shopping for glasses. I found a pair that I quite like—Armani 500s—but I'm wondering if I can get them any cheaper than the $165 CDN they're charging at the local store. I've scoured previous AskMes and been reading about shopping for glasses online, checked froogle and ebay, and have found cheaper sticker prices but after you factor in shipping and the exchange rate and (I'm assuming) duty, the deal isn't quite so good.

Where do Canadians get their designer frames? Or is there some secret way to find good quality replica frames that will be available on the discount sites that I have read about here? My concern with the online sites are that I can't try on the glasses to make sure they look okay or that the quality won't be so great. Or should I just go and try the cheap glasses they have in so many stores and try to find something to pop my prescription into?

So, I guess my question(s) boil(s) down to:

1) Are designer frames worth the price, or are they just the same as the cheap ones with somebody's famous name on them?

2) If I go for the nice Armani glasses, is there a cheaper place to get them than the store I was in? (Note also that I do not have a Costco membership)

To maintain one's sanity, one tends to become interested in the esoteric specifics of the media to which one exposes one's children...

Mrs Hilksom — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:20:10 -0800

Who is the narrator of Treehouse (Canada) tv's stingers & show teasers? Gimme a break, it was 11:45pm and I'm sitting with a very awake toddler with whom I ill-advisedly screened the first Spider-Man movie earlier tonight. Note to other parents of preschoolers: they may have the sticker books, the sippy cups, the full-body Spider-Man costume. But they'll be scared shitless of the Green Goblin for hours and hours even if you mute the sound and ffwd the Willem Dafoe bits. Just the blinky screen captures of that GG face are enough.

So there we are, unusually late at night, in front of Treehouse... and I'm wondering, who does the "Who are the Wonder Pets going to help today!?" etc. voiceover narration for Treehouse?

Is there a proof of claims deadline for Canadian bankruptcy creditors?

AgentRocket — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:33 -0800

Canadian (you are not my) lawyers: is there a deadline for filing a proof of claim in personal bankruptcies? A client recently filed personal bankruptcy in Ontario. The bankruptcy notice says that for a meeting to be held they must receive a certain percentage of proofs of claim within 30 days of the bankruptcy filing requesting such a meeting. But there does not otherwise appear to be any deadline for filing proofs generally, and neither Google nor the Act appear to suggest one.

We are not a huge creditor and don't have much hope in recovery, so I don't care to request a meeting; I just intend to file the proof of claim and go from there.

I know you are not my lawyer and are not giving me legal advice; any direction you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Oh wise investors please teach me your tricks!

saradarlin — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:12:27 -0800

Starting a Canadian Investment Club in Ontario. 10 people will contribute $100 each per month for 5+ years. We are looking to do a stock buy every 1 - 2 months. What do I need to know from a tax standpoint? How should I structure the club (i.e. Incorporation has too many fees)? Also I'd love tips, advice or Canadian specific links from anyone who has done something similar. Google provides great American info but I didn't find stuff for Canucks!

As an expat, should I register with the Canadian govt?

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:52:11 -0800

I'm a Canadian (Ontario) citizen, currently living in Eastern Europe. I usually "register" with the Canadian govt. each time I live abroad, just because, well, you never know what might happen. But this time, I have a couple questions: 1. I do not have a work permit for the country I am living in. I do visaruns every time my tourist visa expires. Will the Canadian govt. share my regstration info with my host country? (I've read the privacy policy, and they *can*, in case of criminal/terrorist activities, or if I was kidnapped, etc.. but I specifically mean, do they hand over a list and say "Hey [country], these Canadians say they're in your country for the next year")

2. Will they send a call over to the OHIP offices? OHIP gets temp. canceled once you've been out of the country for more than 152 days or so, and it takes 3 months upon your return to get it reinstated. I just want to know if the folks at OHIP will know I'm gone, because of registering.

I'm just trying to weight the consequences of the decision, either way. Any advice or knowledge would be awesome. Thanks, mefites!

BTW, here's the link to the "Registration of citizen's traveling abroad" that I'm talking about.

McGarrigles French Record Lyrics?

dorgla — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:07:19 -0800

In the CD liner notes for the McGarrigles "French Record," partial translations of the lyrics are printed in English, but not in French. Fully expected to find French lyrics online, came up empty. Can anyone provide a clue?

I only get one spam in my gmail - but 30x a day. WTF?

bartleby — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:27:31 -0800

I only get one piece of spam in my gmail inbox. but I get it 30x a day. WTF? I loves me some Gmail. But I've laways wondered why although spam is almost nonexistent in my account, I do get the same "A Great Canadian pharmacy is here at your fingertips!" in my spam folder several dozen times a day. I don't seem to get any other spam, so why this one gets me is a mystery.

Anyone know what I'm talking about?

better than sex

randomstriker — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:35:05 -0800

Vancouver source for biggest selection of ketchup chips? A friend of mine loves ketchup chips, lives overseas. I get on a plane tomorrow morning. I want to buy as many different brands of ketchup chips for her as possible, so would like to know where in Vancouver there is a store with the biggest selection.

I want to buy some money

lockedroomguy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:44:27 -0800

Where can I get five crisp Canadian $5 bills in London, England? I know the answer might be "a bank" but does anyone know a specific location?

Where should I go to med school?

snoogles — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:52:57 -0800

Where can I get a quality medical education for cheap in Europe when dual French and Canadian nationalities? I'm an undergrad student in my 3rd year of an Honours Degree in biology at a university in Ontario, Canada. Right now, I'm on exchange in France.
I have both French and Canadian nationalities, but I've been living in Canada for the part 10 years, meaning that I fail the "residence" test for qualifying for EU tuition (i.e cheap tuition) at most European medical schools that I've looked at.
I'm looking to get a medical education in Europe, because this is where I'm planning to live and practice medicine. However, there is no way I can afford the exorbitant tuition rates that is charged to international students. I'd stay and do it in Canada, but that degree is not recognized in France (and other European countries, AFAIK).
To complicate matters, I'd prefer not to attend med school in France, because they would ignore my undergrad education, and I would have to start at the very beginning of the 8 year med program.
If it makes a difference, I'd also be interested in pursuing a masters in biology before med school, especially if that makes qualifying for EU tuition possible.
Any ideas? What's the best possible way of going about this to make it the easiest for me to get a "short", cheap, and transferrable medical degree? Or should I just suck it up, do it in Canada, and then jump through the hoops to be able to work in Europe later?

Who should I vote for?

birdlips — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:57:16 -0800

Canadian living in the US trying to educate himself on Canada’s October Federal election. Who should I vote for? I have been living in the states for about 8 years but maintain a Canadian residence. I pride myself in being as informed about American politics as possible. I regularly discuss and read about the candidates and other government policies. I cannot vote in the US but I do my best to convince others who can to get out and vote (hopefully for the candidate I like).

However, through living here and focusing on the American election I have totally lost touch with Canadian politics and therefore have no idea who I should be voting for.

So I am asking for Canadians (and informed Americans) to help me understand. What are the items that make each candidate an attractive/unattractive choice? I am mainly interested in Stephen Harper, Stephane Dion and Jack Layton, however, any info on any candidate is welcomed.

As a side note my electoral district is Nanaimo -- Cowichan

Thanks!

How do I stop vicious libel?

MaxK — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:21:29 -0800

Canadian Libel Lawfilter: How do I send a cease & desist for libel made on the internet? A good friend of mine has been the victim of a rather vicious libel attack making claims that she downloaded the contents of a database she did not access and committed libel against the website the database belongs to. Both statements are patently untrue. I'd like to help her write a cease & desist and take other legal steps as necessary. What applicable laws should I be aware of if both parties reside in Vancouver, British Colombia? Is there a good template for writing a Canadian C&D?

Would you like some more tax sir?

Smegoid — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:24:03 -0800

Any Canadian graduate students at an American university to help clear this mess up? According to other CDN graduate students and a previous MeFi post we're not to be taxed on our stipends by Canada. However, despite much letter writing and form filling (i.e. form NR73) the Canadian Revenue Agency insists that I file my taxes. So what exactly did you do to get free of them? I previously appealed to MeFi about being a Canadian Grad student in the USA (Would you like to tax that tax sir?). According to the excellent advice I received, Canadian grad students should not have to file Canadian income tax, or at least need not declare their stipend as income. Speaking a to a fellow gaduate students here, I heard same. I was recommended to fill in form NR73 and send it to the CRA which, in theory, should have written me back to say I was deemed non-resident for tax purposes. Well they did just the opposite! According to them since I am not US citizen, I am still a resident of Canada.

Apparently this whole thing boils down to me declaring on form NR73 that I am not considered a resident of the USA. My understand of US law is that CDN graduate students are not considered residents (hence why we file Non Resident Alien tax forms in the USA). However, this ruling seems patently wrong based on what I was told in the above post.

Do any other Canadian graduate students in the US have experience with this? Did your NR73 go through? Thanks for the help!

It might be easier to just fill out an application that comes in the mail...

cgg — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:57:42 -0800

I need help finding the best deal on a Canadian credit card. My current point-getting Canadian credit card (which has served me relatively well for the last few years) is ending their program, so I'm looking to replace it.

In order of priority, I'm looking for a Canadian card that:

* is a visa (seems to be accepted in more places than mastercard)
* has no yearly fee
* low interest rate (I don't usually carry a balance, but I sometimes get stuck with a due date on the 21st, and payday is the 30th.)
* Has a good cash-back system (as opposed to a points-for-merchandise deal)
* decent fraud protection
* from a bank that I've at least heard of.
* good starting credit limit (the one I'm canceling currently has about a 10K limit; I really only need at most half that.)

I've seen those sites that compare credit card offers side by side, but they're usually for american cards. Does such a thing exist for Canadian cards? (My google-fu is failing me here.) Or, does anyone have a credit card deal that's still available that they'd recommend?

What are some super awesome and reliable Canadian email hosting companies.

chunking express — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:54:49 -0800

What are some super awesome and reliable Canadian email hosting companies. A friends company is looking for a company to do email hosting for them. She doesn't want to use Google Apps for your domain, and she doesn't want to use an American company -- like Dreamhost for example. Can anyone recommend a Canadian company that does this? Preferably one that you or your company uses already. (She can google for Canadian email hosts as well as the next girl.)

Unique Canadian gifts for Americans

joelf — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:43:31 -0800

HEY AMERICANS! What would be a good gift from a Canadian? I'm on a road trip down to the states for the next 3 weeks. Are there things I got you don't got? I'm going to bring down some boxes of Smarties.

Can you think of anything else that might make a unique gift?

How does a Canadian pay US taxes for 2 months of work in NJ?

TheyCallItPeace — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:49:31 -0800

I am a Canadian who worked for two months in the NJ last year. How do I sort out my taxes in the US? I am a Canadian citizen and resident, and I worked for two months in NJ doing a research internship. Now it is time to sort out my taxes. I figured the easiest way to do it would be using some sort of online software, like Turbo Tax, but it is asking me odd questions, and it seems to be oblivious to the possibility that I am a foreigner who only worked and lived in the US for 2 months (they ask me about my other incomes throughout the year, etc).

Worse yet, when I get to the state tax portion, it insists that I enter a US state for my residence, and a postal code, although for the federal portion it allowed me to give a foreign address.

Any Canadians out there that have been in a similar situation? Can I just go to HR&Block and have them sort this shit out for me? Is it easier to just go through the forms on my own anyways, instead of using this software?

Please help ...

Sorry sir, this table is Reserved.

pickingoutathermos — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:51:08 -0800

Canadian Military Reserve: Can any current or past reservists (Army, Navy, Air) give me a rundown of what it's like from joining, training, to practicing ? Is the reserve the place for me ? My education/training so far has been almost completely academic, and the combination of training (athletic conditioning, trades/technical, tactical, firearms, discipline, survival, teamwork) the military offers is something I find very interesting. It seems training like that would make me a more rounded and capable person. I also train in martial arts, so part of my interest stems from there.

I specified the reserve as I currently have an engineering career I don't care to abandon, and I don't wish to become a fulltime soldier, or fight in wars, but I do desire the type of training and experience the military provides.

Is the reserve the place for the training I want, or am I better off getting training/studying those areas elsewhere ? All comments welcome, but I would especially like to hear from Canadians in the reserve forces.