Finding Home in the Great White North: Leslie Redmond’s Journey from Alaska to Canada

Leslie Redmond, a 38-year-old assistant professor of nutritional science, made the bold decision to leave her life in Anchorage, Alaska, and start anew in Winnipeg, Canada, in 2022. Born in Virginia, Leslie had previously moved to Alaska in 2019 for a job at the University of Alaska, a place she once imagined would be her “forever home.” However, life had other plans when she met her future husband by chance, setting off a chain of events that led her north of the border. Today, Leslie reflects on her journey, sharing insights into the cultural differences she’s observed, her experiences navigating Canada’s immigration process, and her perspective on the tense U.S.-Canada tariff debates.

Navigating Love, Career, and Immigration

Leslie’s life took a dramatic turn in 2019 when she moved to Alaska for a job at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. She fell in love with the rugged beauty of the state and envisioned building a long-term life there. However, her world was shaken when she met her future husband, a Canadian federal government employee based in the Yukon, a remote territory about an eight-hour drive from Anchorage. The couple married in 2020 after a whirlwind romance, and their decision to settle in Canada was both practical and personal. Leslie, whose work in public health nutrition aligns with Canada’s collectivist values, found the transition to Canada relatively smooth compared to what her husband might have facedhad he moved to the U.S.

The immigration process, while daunting, was manageable for Leslie. The couple chose to apply through Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program, a points-based system designed for skilled professionals. Despite the challenges of gathering paperwork, such as police records and medical exams—complicated by living in a remote area during COVID-19—Leslie described the process as “relatively easy” for her, thanks to her English proficiency, education, and financial resources. She acknowledges her privilege in this process, recognizing that others, especially those from countries with fewer resources, face far greater barriers. In 2022, Leslie was granted permanent residency in Manitoba, where she now works as an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba.

Embracing Canada’s Collectivist Culture

Leslie has been struck by the cultural differences between the U.S. and Canada, particularly the latter’s emphasis on collectivism. Canadians, she observes, seem more focused on the common good, a mindset reflected in policies like universal healthcare and subsidized childcare. While similar values exist in the U.S., Leslie finds them more prevalent in Canada, a trait she deeply appreciates as someone working in public health nutrition. She describes a sense of shared responsibility, where individuals are not only concerned with their own well-being but also with that of their neighbors. This cultural shift has been a refreshing change for Leslie, who feels that her values align more closely with Canada’s progressive and community-oriented approach to governance.

Despite these positive aspects, Leslie acknowledges the challenges of adapting to life in Winnipeg, a city known for its harsh winters and high cost of living. She and her husband purchased a single-family home in a neighborhood near the university, but the rising demand for housing has inflated prices. However, they feel their home, bought for just over $500,000, was a fair investment, especially given the long-term benefits of living in Canada.

The Cost of Living and Building a Life in Winnipeg

One of the most noticeable differences between life in the U.S. and Canada is the cost of living. Winnipeg, while considered one of Canada’s more affordable cities, is still more expensive than many parts of the U.S., particularly when it comes to groceries. Leslie notes that food prices in Winnipeg are often twice as high as those in neighboring North Dakota. Additionally, the cold climate brings its own set of expenses, such as winter tires and increased car maintenance. However, Leslie and her husband are fortunate to have stable, well-paying jobs, allowing them to navigate these challenges with relative ease.

The higher cost of living in Canada is partly due to taxes that fund social programs, including healthcare and childcare. While these taxes may be burdensome for some, Leslie and many Canadians view them as investments in a system that benefits everyone. For Leslie, the trade-offs are well worth it, especially when considering the generous maternity leave policies and affordable childcare options available to parents in Canada. As a mother of an 18-month-old and expecting another child, these policies have been a game-changer for her family.

Caught in the Crossfire of U.S.-Canada Tensions

As an American living in Canada, Leslie finds herself caught in the middle of the ongoing tariff debate between the two nations. She describes the situation as “tense” and “emotional,” with many Canadians expressing confusion and disappointment over recent U.S. policies. Leslie often hears her Canadian colleagues and friends voice frustrations about the tariffs, which they perceive as unfair and harmful to both economies. At the same time, she is aware of the strong opinions held by her American friends and family, creating a sense of emotional strain.

Leslie believes that Canadians, who once viewed American politics as a form of entertainment, are now realizing the real-world consequences of U.S. policies. This has led to a sense of unity among Canadians, who are rallying to support Canadian-made products and buy locally as a form of resistance. Despite the challenges posed by these tensions, Leslie remains optimistic about her decision to move to Canada, a country she believes offers a brighter future for her family.

A New Chapter in Canada

For Leslie, moving to Canada has been a decision she does not regret. She and her husband are building a life in Winnipeg, where they are raising their young children and enjoying the benefits of Canada’s progressive social policies. While the journey was not one she had planned, it has opened doors to new opportunities and allowed her to align her personal and professional values with a culture that prioritizes the common good. As she looks to the future, Leslie is confident that she has found a place to call home—a place where she can grow both personally and professionally, while contributing to a system that supports not just her family, but her entire community.