Interesting Newsweek article on Canada

http://www.newsweek.com/id/183670

So much for the American dream eh?

Yeah, but it's kind of a 50% story. The banking system was conservative and old-fashioned which is why Canada didn't have a disaster, but on the other hand it's very conservative and old-fashioned. The InterAC system is nationalized basically, which is why it's so crap. A lot of people have started using their credit cards for everything because the credit card system works better. But we're not allowed to have Mastercard debit cards because the nasty US companies will take over.

And it seems to be an article of faith that Americans on the left go on about how wonderful the Canadian healthcare system is, but it's pretty bad compared to most European countries. The American system is bad if you're poor, if you can afford it it's better, at least imx.

How it works in most European countries is that you have the choice, you can use the nationalized system or private hospitals if you're on a waiting list or want a private room, etc. In Canada you don't have a choice, it's the Government's way or the highway (literally, because you have to visit another country).

I actually much prefer the banking in Canada. Here in the US we seem to be a bit behind the times technologically speaking, and Americans in general seem to be later adopters of banking technology. They still write cheques when they buy groceries for pity's sake!

Plus, it takes my current credit union/bank here in the US up to 3 or 4 days to update my account for any POS or ATM transactions. Back home, I'd have been able to make a POS purchase, go home and immediately see it reflected on my account on-line.

And don't get me started on healthcare

Personally I think the system here is diabolical, in fact it's so bad I read in the Star the other day they're thinking of allowing Mastercard and Visa to compete with InterAC finally. It's so annoying not being able to make debit card purchases on the internet or over the phone like you can in the US. And the banks give you this crappy ATM card with a magnetic strip on that any kid who has ever worked in Radio Shack for a day can make illegal copies of. And there are so many card readers the damn card doesn't work half the time. Drives me mad. Apparently they're finally going to issue chip and PIN cards this year, finally.

http://www.thestar.com/article/590977