Grace Hern’s Journey to Canada

Grace Hern, 36, relocated to Canada in 2023 to pursue graduate studies and escape the turbulent political landscape in the US. She aspires to inspire her friends and family to consider a move to Canada as well. However, the increasing displays of nationalism in Canada have made her acutely aware of her identity as an American living there.

This narrative is derived from a conversation with Grace Hern, an office assistant who transitioned from Milwaukee to the greater Toronto area in September 2023, accompanied by her husband. The dialogue has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

The Decision to Move

“When people asked me, ‘Why did you move?’ I often found myself responding, ‘I’m somewhat fearful of what my country may do next.’ Wisconsin, while progressive, is a purple state. I often thought, ‘What if someone takes charge and begins to dismantle laws? What if someone removes the person I trust in leadership, altering the legal landscape drastically?'”

“The tipping point for me was when Roe v. Wade was overturned. That solidified our decision to seek out a country where I could receive comprehensive healthcare.” Upon sharing her plans to move to Canada with friends, she was surprised to find that many expressed interest in the possibility. “I initially thought my choice was extreme, but everyone I spoke to responded with curiosity about whether they could make a similar leap.”

Making the Move

“I kept urging my friends to get their passports ready and come visit — I’m more than willing to show them around and share my immigration experience.” Grace believed that pursuing a student visa was the best way to enter Canada. “My husband and I were fortunate to have saved enough to make the transition and that our jobs weren’t tied to Milwaukee. Additionally, we had never purchased a home, so we weren’t financial prisoners to the city.” Today, they reside in the greater Toronto area, equidistant from both Toronto and Stratford.

“People say I moved ‘up north,’ but technically, I moved east across the lakes. Our parents will mention snow, and then we get hit with it two days later.” Grace enrolled in a year-long graduate program, believing it would simplify their visa process and allow her to earn income as a teaching assistant. After graduating, she quickly applied for a post-graduate work visa. “My partner and I decided to marry to ease our immigration process. After 13 years together, we figured this was the official step we needed for crossing borders.”

Housing Challenges

“Finding suitable housing has been a struggle. The market is competitive, and scams are rife. We could only choose between two apartments we actually viewed in person; we felt stuck with those options since we didn’t want to risk a scam.” Fortunately, she made connections that led to secure housing. “One of my friends had an aunt who owned a home, which allowed us to rent the basement. Although it lacks air conditioning and is smaller compared to our previous home, we consider ourselves lucky.”

“In Milwaukee, we paid $1,200 a month for a spacious two-bedroom with a yard and parking. Here, I’m paying $1,800 CAD (approximately $1,258). Our first small apartment was listed at $2,040 CAD (about $1,422) but was misleadingly advertised as two bedrooms, causing us to rent a storage unit upon arrival.”

Finding Her Place in Canada

“Right now, I feel uncertain about my standing with Canadians. The locals often react dramatically to news about tariffs; I might ask about the latest, and they’ll express frustration over the price of orange juice. There’s a noticeable rise in economic nationalism, with people showcasing their Canadian pride more prominently.”

“Some Canadians are putting flags on their cars and homes, adopting a more nationalistic stance. For me, the sight of flags stirs anxiety; I remember when American flags became ubiquitous, often linked to white nationalism.”

“I wonder if those displaying Canadian flags are genuinely inclusive of everyone residing in the country — including international students and immigrants. Back home, flag patriotism had an exclusionary feel.”

Confronting Differences

“While I recognize the differences between the Canadian and American flags, I find it disconcerting that flag-waving might not signify unity here. I would love to see an assurance that those displaying patriotism are, in fact, welcoming of all communities.”

“Social dynamics also differ; Canadians tend to be more polite whereas Americans are perceived as friendly. Navigating these interactions has been perplexing, especially since Canadians often diplomatically express their views.”