6 ms·

Sweet! Seriously startups, come to Canada, free healthcare, lower taxes, and you get major portions of your R&D costs refunded. (Yes, refunded, as in if you sp

by fleitz 12y ago

Sweet! Seriously startups, come to Canada, free healthcare, lower taxes, and you get major portions of your R&D costs refunded. (Yes, refunded, as in if you spend $1 million, and don't make ANY income, you get $500-700K back)

maxsilver 12y ago
And how does a startup do that, if they aren't already Canadian citizens (or well funded).
- starburst 12y ago
  You just wait and you'll receive plenty of solicitation from so called R&D company that exists specifically to exploit this program. I've seen a company get reimbursed ten of thousands for a few line of javascript doing nothing. I know this in the software industry and it could very well helps legitimate enterprise but this is really a huge scam with a lot of taxpayer money going to waste.
  - deleted 12y ago
    [deleted]
- cbhl 12y ago
  Canada's Start-up Visa Program: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/start-up/index.asp?utm_source=slash-startup&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=generic http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/start-up/ind... If you're in the SF area, you may remember these billboards from last year: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-10/canada-tells-geeks-to-flee-silicon-valley-head-north.html http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-10/canada-tells-geeks-...
moggflunkies 12y ago
lol
adventured 12y ago
Not to mention Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal are all dramatically safer, and nicer than most major US cities. Canada is also mostly lacking the police state brutality we're seeing increasing persistently in major US cities. Seriously considering seeking dual citizenship and looking at Vancouver. I don't know a lot about the process yet, other than having researched the tax consequences. The US has most of the burdens of a huge welfare state, without most of the amenities.
- jfim 12y ago
  Note that tax brackets have significantly lower bounds than in the US. For example, an individual making 90k here (Quebec) would be have an income tax rate of about 50%, on top of a 15% sales tax. This is likely to be significantly lower in other provinces, though. Also, with regards to tax consequences, the RRSP system is a bit different than the US IRA and 401(k) system. From speaking informally with an accountant in the US, it seems to combine the benefits of both programs, with the intent of encouraging retirement savings.
  - fleitz 12y ago
    Yes, quebec is ridiculous, but you're only paying 30% in total deductions rather than 50%, total taxation would probably be about 50% in Quebec. This is a good page for figuring out actual tax rates in Canada. http://www.ey.com/ca/en/services/tax/tax-calculators-2014-personal-tax http://www.ey.com/ca/en/services/tax/tax-calculators-2014-pe... I was speaking more towards corp tax rates which are 19% in Vancouver, personal taxes are bit higher in Canada, but probably cheaper once you factor medical.
brianbreslin 12y ago
if only it wasn't SO COLD.
possibilistic 12y ago
That sounds incredible, but I still have environmental concerns. How cold does it get on average, or how are the temperatures distributed? I'm a wimp and literally cannot survive sub-zero celcius. I'm an Atlantan that thrives on summers that reach 90 F. I'm not looking forward to winter. You know how we handled snow here last year... Don't take this as being too lazy to Google; I was hoping to hear some anecdotes about acclimation or something.
- dfxm12 12y ago
  Take a look at Vancouver. It's Canada's warmest major city & the average temp there doesn't fall below freezing. Of course, the highs are generally only in the 70s... I'm from the mid-Atlantic, and I think the weather there was generally "nicer" than it was back home - the Summers aren't as hot & humid and the winters aren't as harsh, but there tends to be more rain in the Pacific Northwest than the East Coast.
- cgh 12y ago
  The only place for you to live in Canada is the Lower Mainland of BC, aka Vancouver or Victoria. Victoria has probably the best climate in Canada but there's not much work there. Vancouver has stuff going on but it's rainier and occasionally gets cold. For a few days each winter, it will drop below zero and in most years there is a dusting of snow although it doesn't last long. Schedule this period (basically January) as vacation time. Of greater concern is that Vancouver is expensive and rental accommodations are subpar. Forget about buying a house unless you are rich. The transit infrastructure is mediocre and the city is plagued by terrible architecture and a general blandness. This is offset by the tremendous potential for outdoors fun: skiing, sailing, rock climbing (in nearby Squamish), etc.
  - bmh_ca 12y ago
    I can't speak for Vancouver, though I hear it is great, but some may also consider Niagara fairly mild. Probably not as nice as Vancouver area, but still not bad.
    - 12y ago
m0dE 12y ago
Hi, is there a gov website where i can read more about this "refund" policy? Thanks!
- cgh 12y ago
  Yes: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/menu-eng.html http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/menu-eng.html
mahyarm 12y ago
And cheaper labor too, which is why I moved to SF. :/ Vancouver has one of the highest living costs : income ratios in the world, it's worst than SF. The problem with Canadian start-ups is the venture capital investment access part. There is a bit of a dutch disease where investors are more interested in resource extraction vs. risky software startups. Which wouldn't be too much of a problem if your planning to bootstrap.
- fleitz 12y ago
  I swear when I say 'data mining' in Vancouver I get puzzled looks wondering what kind of metal can be extracted from this 'data ore'.
nilved 12y ago
I've lived in Canada for all my life and feel qualified to say that it's a terrible place to live for a great many reasons (that I would actually love to get into if asked.) If you're looking to expatriate from America, look to Europe.
- jkaunisv1 12y ago
  Ok, go for it. Why do you think it's a terrible place to live?
  - nilved 12y ago
    Terrible health care: my friend in Ontario developed terminal brain cancer while waiting six months to see a specialist. We have extremely accessible healthcare, but doctors are overpaid and underworked. As a result, wait times are incredible and often prohibitive. If you have a mental illness or another condition that doesn't require "right this second or you'll die" attention, you may never see a doctor in time. Terrible taxes: I lose about 35% of my pay check to taxes. I don't mind taxes, especially when they go to improving the accessibility and efficiency of our healthcare, but I do mind them going to militarizing our police force and the pockets of bureaucrats as is often the case. Terrible culture: Canada is notorious for its lasting and continued racism, notably to native Canadians. Right this minute hundreds of aboriginal women are missing that the RCMP has no interest in investigating. Historically, our police have outright murdered aboriginal people for fun (Neil Stonechild, Dudley George) but it's not limited to that group (Somalia affair, Sammy Yatim).
    - deleted 12y ago
      [deleted]
    - mef 12y ago
      It seems like I read plenty about racism and high taxes in Europe. Which countries in Europe do you consider to do better on these issues?
    - mahyarm 12y ago
      If your working in tech, you have a good chance of being in New York or California, which has similar tax levels as BC,Canada. There is a lower corporate income tax too, and since you don't pay for health care, your not paying the health insurance 'tax'. In the end for most immigrants both places are about equal tax wise. I live in SF personally, and I lose an equal amount to taxes, and my employer is paying for my health care, so in total 'cost' I'm actually paying even more than I would in Canada. In day to day life with normal Canadians, Native Americans do not experience much racism at all, especially if they live in the city. They get many benefits that other minority groups don't even approach in getting in the USA. The USA's historically discriminated against ethnic groups include natives, but since they are so outnumbered by black and hispanic groups, their plight is ignored. In Canada, the only group that is left to be historically discriminated against is native americans, which is why it's in the national consciousness compared to the USA. American horror stories of being dropped by their medical insurance or just being too poor to get health insurance whenever they get cancer is as common as car accident deaths. The top cause of bankruptcy is medical bills in the USA. It's hard to say which one is worse.

by fleitz 12y ago

maxsilver 12y ago

And how does a startup do that, if they aren't already Canadian citizens (or well funded).

starburst 12y ago
You just wait and you'll receive plenty of solicitation from so called R&D company that exists specifically to exploit this program. I've seen a company get reimbursed ten of thousands for a few line of javascript doing nothing. I know this in the software industry and it could very well helps legitimate enterprise but this is really a huge scam with a lot of taxpayer money going to waste.
- deleted 12y ago
  [deleted]
cbhl 12y ago
Canada's Start-up Visa Program: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/start-up/index.asp?utm_source=slash-startup&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=generic http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/start-up/ind... If you're in the SF area, you may remember these billboards from last year: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-10/canada-tells-geeks-to-flee-silicon-valley-head-north.html http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-10/canada-tells-geeks-...

moggflunkies 12y ago

lol

adventured 12y ago

Not to mention Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal are all dramatically safer, and nicer than most major US cities. Canada is also mostly lacking the police state brutality we're seeing increasing persistently in major US cities. Seriously considering seeking dual citizenship and looking at Vancouver. I don't know a lot about the process yet, other than having researched the tax consequences. The US has most of the burdens of a huge welfare state, without most of the amenities.

jfim 12y ago
Note that tax brackets have significantly lower bounds than in the US. For example, an individual making 90k here (Quebec) would be have an income tax rate of about 50%, on top of a 15% sales tax. This is likely to be significantly lower in other provinces, though. Also, with regards to tax consequences, the RRSP system is a bit different than the US IRA and 401(k) system. From speaking informally with an accountant in the US, it seems to combine the benefits of both programs, with the intent of encouraging retirement savings.
- fleitz 12y ago
  Yes, quebec is ridiculous, but you're only paying 30% in total deductions rather than 50%, total taxation would probably be about 50% in Quebec. This is a good page for figuring out actual tax rates in Canada. http://www.ey.com/ca/en/services/tax/tax-calculators-2014-personal-tax http://www.ey.com/ca/en/services/tax/tax-calculators-2014-pe... I was speaking more towards corp tax rates which are 19% in Vancouver, personal taxes are bit higher in Canada, but probably cheaper once you factor medical.

brianbreslin 12y ago

if only it wasn't SO COLD.

possibilistic 12y ago

That sounds incredible, but I still have environmental concerns. How cold does it get on average, or how are the temperatures distributed? I'm a wimp and literally cannot survive sub-zero celcius. I'm an Atlantan that thrives on summers that reach 90 F. I'm not looking forward to winter. You know how we handled snow here last year... Don't take this as being too lazy to Google; I was hoping to hear some anecdotes about acclimation or something.

dfxm12 12y ago
Take a look at Vancouver. It's Canada's warmest major city & the average temp there doesn't fall below freezing. Of course, the highs are generally only in the 70s... I'm from the mid-Atlantic, and I think the weather there was generally "nicer" than it was back home - the Summers aren't as hot & humid and the winters aren't as harsh, but there tends to be more rain in the Pacific Northwest than the East Coast.
cgh 12y ago
The only place for you to live in Canada is the Lower Mainland of BC, aka Vancouver or Victoria. Victoria has probably the best climate in Canada but there's not much work there. Vancouver has stuff going on but it's rainier and occasionally gets cold. For a few days each winter, it will drop below zero and in most years there is a dusting of snow although it doesn't last long. Schedule this period (basically January) as vacation time. Of greater concern is that Vancouver is expensive and rental accommodations are subpar. Forget about buying a house unless you are rich. The transit infrastructure is mediocre and the city is plagued by terrible architecture and a general blandness. This is offset by the tremendous potential for outdoors fun: skiing, sailing, rock climbing (in nearby Squamish), etc.
- bmh_ca 12y ago
  I can't speak for Vancouver, though I hear it is great, but some may also consider Niagara fairly mild. Probably not as nice as Vancouver area, but still not bad.
  - 12y ago

m0dE 12y ago

Hi, is there a gov website where i can read more about this "refund" policy? Thanks!

cgh 12y ago
Yes: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/menu-eng.html http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/menu-eng.html

mahyarm 12y ago

And cheaper labor too, which is why I moved to SF. :/ Vancouver has one of the highest living costs : income ratios in the world, it's worst than SF. The problem with Canadian start-ups is the venture capital investment access part. There is a bit of a dutch disease where investors are more interested in resource extraction vs. risky software startups. Which wouldn't be too much of a problem if your planning to bootstrap.

fleitz 12y ago
I swear when I say 'data mining' in Vancouver I get puzzled looks wondering what kind of metal can be extracted from this 'data ore'.

nilved 12y ago

I've lived in Canada for all my life and feel qualified to say that it's a terrible place to live for a great many reasons (that I would actually love to get into if asked.) If you're looking to expatriate from America, look to Europe.

jkaunisv1 12y ago
Ok, go for it. Why do you think it's a terrible place to live?
- nilved 12y ago
  Terrible health care: my friend in Ontario developed terminal brain cancer while waiting six months to see a specialist. We have extremely accessible healthcare, but doctors are overpaid and underworked. As a result, wait times are incredible and often prohibitive. If you have a mental illness or another condition that doesn't require "right this second or you'll die" attention, you may never see a doctor in time. Terrible taxes: I lose about 35% of my pay check to taxes. I don't mind taxes, especially when they go to improving the accessibility and efficiency of our healthcare, but I do mind them going to militarizing our police force and the pockets of bureaucrats as is often the case. Terrible culture: Canada is notorious for its lasting and continued racism, notably to native Canadians. Right this minute hundreds of aboriginal women are missing that the RCMP has no interest in investigating. Historically, our police have outright murdered aboriginal people for fun (Neil Stonechild, Dudley George) but it's not limited to that group (Somalia affair, Sammy Yatim).
  - deleted 12y ago
    [deleted]
  - mef 12y ago
    It seems like I read plenty about racism and high taxes in Europe. Which countries in Europe do you consider to do better on these issues?
  - mahyarm 12y ago
    If your working in tech, you have a good chance of being in New York or California, which has similar tax levels as BC,Canada. There is a lower corporate income tax too, and since you don't pay for health care, your not paying the health insurance 'tax'. In the end for most immigrants both places are about equal tax wise. I live in SF personally, and I lose an equal amount to taxes, and my employer is paying for my health care, so in total 'cost' I'm actually paying even more than I would in Canada. In day to day life with normal Canadians, Native Americans do not experience much racism at all, especially if they live in the city. They get many benefits that other minority groups don't even approach in getting in the USA. The USA's historically discriminated against ethnic groups include natives, but since they are so outnumbered by black and hispanic groups, their plight is ignored. In Canada, the only group that is left to be historically discriminated against is native americans, which is why it's in the national consciousness compared to the USA. American horror stories of being dropped by their medical insurance or just being too poor to get health insurance whenever they get cancer is as common as car accident deaths. The top cause of bankruptcy is medical bills in the USA. It's hard to say which one is worse.