My family makes around 150 grand a year and only pays the 7 percent.

Now that I think about it, I'd edit it down to 100 k before taxes.

But isn't there an obscene tax rate because of the socialized healthcare system?

That doesn't worry me. We have that sort of thing in the UK, and I'd prefer doing that instead of having to fork out a huge lump sum of money if I did injure myself / get ill.

You can actually stay indefinitely in Canada with no job. As long as you have a Canadian citizen who "hosts" you, you'll be alright.

Them "hosting" me meaning that I would be living with them, right? What if I wasn't?

About taxes: Although they may be higher, remember that you don't pay for healthcare and there are more social services, so it balances out.

And the people are friendlier.

Kas; taxes for the middle-class aren't and have never been obscene. We just ramp up taxes for the upper income brackets a little more.