One word to describe Canada --- SLOW
- Thread starter richmondrichmond
- Start date
Personally, I think Richmond has got a point on some of the things he said... like the one about technology. In all fairness, it has nothing to do with our ability or willingness (as Canadians) to adopt new technology but has everything to do with the companies and regulatory bodies the control our exposure to them.... like the CRTC. For example, OTA (Over the Air) HDTV.... not sure who is involved in this one, either CRTC or the cable companies, but it seems like the US is further ahead in this area than Canada. All that is available here in Vancouver is the weak-ass tower ontop of Mt Seymour in which you need a direct line of sight in order to pickup free HDTV. Have you ever watched a program and noticed the "Broadcast in HD where available" notice? Damn, I wish it were available here. Meanwhile, I have to spend some serious dollars on a set top box to get a dozen or so channels of HDTV. Similarly, cities all across the US are proposing for free wireless access for all... I bet you that it will happen in the US before here... mainly because of the telecommunication companies won't like this idea.
In regards to cell phones, I usually see Japan as the leader in this area because they have the latest and greatest stuff. You got a camera and wireless video capability on your phone? Guess who rolled out that feature first about a year ago? Heck, we don't even have single use disposable cell phones here yet. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,106116-page,1/article.html
I think that in certain areas of technology, the monopolistic grip of certain companies added with certain regulatory bodies have prevented or slowed some technologies from entering the Canadian market.
But on the good side is that although other countries get new technology first, they are the ones that have to iron out the bugs to get it to work for everyone... and we just copy what works. Less hassle.
As for customer service, I don't know maybe I'm just fugly or something, but the last time I wanted to go to the US, I went a bank to get some money changed. So I walk into CIBC with cash in hand, lined up for about 5 minutes, and when I get to the counter, they wouldn't change my money because I didn't have an account there... I was totally baffled... I wasn't changing a cheque, it was cash!!! So I walk across the street to the Royal Bank and got my wife to change the money. Well, not only did they change CAN to US dollars the rate was better and they didn't charge any fees! So the lesson is, the level of customer service really depends on how good looking you are.... ;-) I believe that goes for more than just customer service.
In regards to cell phones, I usually see Japan as the leader in this area because they have the latest and greatest stuff. You got a camera and wireless video capability on your phone? Guess who rolled out that feature first about a year ago? Heck, we don't even have single use disposable cell phones here yet. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,106116-page,1/article.html
I think that in certain areas of technology, the monopolistic grip of certain companies added with certain regulatory bodies have prevented or slowed some technologies from entering the Canadian market.
But on the good side is that although other countries get new technology first, they are the ones that have to iron out the bugs to get it to work for everyone... and we just copy what works. Less hassle.
As for customer service, I don't know maybe I'm just fugly or something, but the last time I wanted to go to the US, I went a bank to get some money changed. So I walk into CIBC with cash in hand, lined up for about 5 minutes, and when I get to the counter, they wouldn't change my money because I didn't have an account there... I was totally baffled... I wasn't changing a cheque, it was cash!!! So I walk across the street to the Royal Bank and got my wife to change the money. Well, not only did they change CAN to US dollars the rate was better and they didn't charge any fees! So the lesson is, the level of customer service really depends on how good looking you are.... ;-) I believe that goes for more than just customer service.
I love Canada.
After moving here for four years now, I call this my home. You can to almost anyone on the subway, grocery store and even in bank line ups. I actually thought it was slow at first ... but I would describe it as relaxed. I like the pace and I'm liking it more each day.
After moving here for four years now, I call this my home. You can to almost anyone on the subway, grocery store and even in bank line ups. I actually thought it was slow at first ... but I would describe it as relaxed. I like the pace and I'm liking it more each day.