Just out of curiousity, what were the changes in the UK that gave you culture shock?There is no class system in Canada - so coming back to that was a shock.
Also the housing situation - well I won't go on about that because we both know what it's like! Horrendous is a good word to use! I didn't recall it being as bad when I left although I was insulated as I was married then and co-owned a home. But having rented in Canada - well coming back to the UK is like the dark ages with respect to renting.
Also huge inequality - it's present in Canada but not to the same degree in the UK in part because the Canadian housing market isn't a mess like UK - a third of people rent in Canada.
Also the right wing press here - Daily Mail etc - horrid! You don't get that vitrol to the same degree in Canada. The national newspapers are much more balanced.
Also Canada is immigrant friendly - I hate the anti-immigrant sentiment here. It's misplaced - it should be directed at the government for not building adequate housing or investing in health services, schools etc adequately. And if employers are employing immigrants on the cheap then the government should tighten up rules around employment and what people are paid - not blame immigrants. Most immigrants are just trying to get by - they shouldn't be blamed if they are taken advantage of by employers. Also, it's really hard being an immigrant and most people who haven't done it, don't realise what it's like to live in another culture. In the UK when English people go abroad they're called expats - but really they are immigrants! As well there is something really lovely about how Canadians celebrate other cultures - everybody celebrates everyone's celebrations! It's so nice
Also the narrative around the poor here is horrid - again going back to the Daily Mail etc.
Also hate the cuts to the UK library services - am looking forward to experiencing Canadian libraries again - open long hours and they are brilliant.
It's easier being self employed in Canada as well which is actually quite nice - I did it for a bit but didn't earn enough. But I'd like to have a business on the side again if I can - I learnt a lot from it.
Also loved the North American optimism and while I understand the downbeat British sense of humour, I can't bear the way people who are well off here moan about taxes etc.
Gotta go - but those are some of the things that come to mind!
BTW I'm pretty sure I'm going to move back to Canada! But planning on a visit this summer to check and to sort out things - probably in July or August.