Canada was listed fourth, well ahead of the United States which was in 13th place.

“Most migrants, internal and international, reap gains in the form of higher incomes, better access to education and health and improved prospects for their children,” said the report. “These gains often directly benefit family members who stay behind as well as countries of origin indirectly.” (read the full article)

Meanwhile, the surge in activity has begun to spread to new homes as well. While new home prices in November 2009 remained below those of November 2008, prices have begun to rise on a month-to-month basis. And Statistics Canada reported a surge in starts of new homes for December 2009. (read the whole article)

“Approved destination status marks a significant moment in the history of our relations with China, indicating not only our mutual commitment to strengthening our diplomatic and commercial partnerships, but also our people-to-people ties.” said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in statement released by his office in December 2009. (read the rest of the article)

“Supply of properties for sale is dropping as demand bounces back, which is working to heat up prices again in many parts of the country.” says Robert Hogue, senior economist, RBC. (The Royal Bank of Canada)

Home ownership in Canada became more affordable for the fifth straight quarter with modest improvement registered across the country, says the second quarter housing report by RBC Economics Research.

“Following the biggest quarterly improvements on record in the first quarter and continued improvement in the second quarter, the national home affordability level has been restored to pre-housing boom levels” says Robert Hogue, senior economist, RBC. However, the recuperative phase of the affordability cycle seems to be drawing to a close with housing prices firming up in many parts of the country and mortgage rates no longer trending downward. (read the rest of the article)

?The leveling off of home affordability is not expected to stop the impressive resurgence in the housing market,? says Hogue.

Toronto, ON – A new Ipsos Reid poll conducted on the newly launched Multicultural Connection Panel finds that ethnic and new Canadians view overall quality of life as better in Canada compared to their home country.
(browse the full article)

Touring Canada has to include some educational stimulus with a visit to one of the country’s many museums. We chose the Norman Bethune museum and family home in the town of Gravenhurst, province of Ontario, as it turns out I am a distant relation of his. A sign inside the museum states “Norman Bethune remains the most famous Canadian in the world, largely by virtue of his status in China.”

Having travelled extensively throughout China, I can say without exaggeration that every single Chinese person I asked knew the name Norman Bethune, or at least his Chinese name, which is Bai Qiu En.  They will all tell you that they had to learn about him in school and memorize the essay that Chairman Mao wrote as a tribute after Bethune’s death in China. The result of Bethune’s legacy in China is that the general Chinese population exhibit a very warm and friendly attitude towards the Canadians who visit their country.

View photos from the museum.

After a long summer break, I am back. I spent the entire summer travelling through my homeland of Canada, enjoying as many typical Canadian summer pastimes as possible. Curious as to what that includes? Check back regularly for updates.

When Steve Schweller and Derek Muhs, both international real estate investors came to Jim Smith Lake (pictured above), they applauded the community of this exclusive area of Cranbrook for not allowing noise pollution in the pristine tranquil lake environment. Steve said, “I’m sure it must be tempting for the kids who live here to want to strap on the water skiis, but this is the way to keep a peaceful setting, and congrats to the local authorites for doing so”

The two property investors fell in love with this part of Cranbrook and have secured a fantastic piece of land in a joint venture with the Olympus Group from the UK. After much research, they chose this section of Canada’s spectacular west coast because, as Derek said, “Cranbrook BC gives investors the nature, the lifestyle, and the new international airport. This is always a formula for success. Access these days is a key element to any property investment.”

Say Kimberly, and I can’t help but smile. Only one week and a few fantastic days of fun, snow and exhaustion…On my way to Kimberly BC, from our comfortable hotel in Cranbrook, I was actually pleased to drive the spacious roads to the Kimberly ski and snowboard resort. On passing through one small village, we even had to avoid about a dozen deer on the main road! Don’t worry, no deer were harmed in the making of this road trip.

The ski resort was better than I had ever imagined, and the Keg restaurant at the bottom of the mountain was truly a haven for the wet and weary! After an amazing day of snowboarding, the beer and fireplace were some of the most welcome distractions I can remember. What a surprise when the grooming machines came out at night, only to leave us the best runs of the day to be skied or boarded at NIGHT! The night boarding was fantastic.

Until next time, stay classy Kimberly.