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Canada's economy is slowing due to its overwhelming reliance on the economic conditions in the U.S.A. As an example, reports from Stats Canada show that almost 3 quarters of Canada's exports have been to U.S.A. (73.3%).

The worldwide recession began in the U.S. In 2008. Between 2008 to 2009 Canada's exports to the U.S. decreased by more than a quarter (just about 27%).

The once heralded Canada-U.S. North American Free Trade Agreement has become a handicap that shakles Canada to trade with the U.S.A. at prices no higher than it would normally charge itself. In such twin-ed markets in contraction this becomes a death spiral of negatives.

From 2008 to 2009 Canada's over-all Trade Balance has shifted from +$45 billion to a negative -$4.7 billion, importing more from the U.S. Than selling to the U.S. (Source: Stats Canada Exports v Imports).

Most recently, Canada's overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has fallen between April to May 2011 by -0.3%, with its mainstay category of prosperity, that of Mineral Resources, falling in the same period to by -5.3% (mining, oil, gas extraction); Source: Statistics Can.

In a nutshell, the income side of Canada's ledger is shrinking while the Cost of Living for average Canadians is growing.

According to Stats Canada reporting for July 2011 over July 2010, the Consumer Price Index has increased in these categories: All-Items by virtually 3%, Food by more than 4%, and Energy by just about 13%.

Lastly, many believe Canada is a land of equal opportunity. The reality of the opposite is revealed in cold numbers. According to Statistics Canada, Immigrants are 1.5 times more unemployed vs natural Canadians.

The percentile of those Born in Canada with No Work: 20% (15 years old to 24 years old is 14.2%, 25 to 54 years old is 6.1%, Total: 20%). The % of Landed Immigrants with No Work: 30% (15 years old to 24 years old is 19.4%, 25 to 54 years of age is 9.5%, Total: 30%). Source: Stats Can.

With some professionals foretelling even slower business performance for the U.S. And Canada, immigrants looking for another country to call home might do well to analyze other possibilities. Those alternatives may include nations in South America where their economies would possibly not be squeezing its citizens, either economically or in legal action.