A paradise way up north? If you say so

Regarding the story “Northward Bound” (June 19): As a U.S. citizen who immigrated two years ago to British Columbia ... not everything is as rosy as some real estate agents might say.

It is illegal for people without official status as landed immigrants to be in Canada for more than six months of any one year. Public schools charge fees to non-landed immigrant children. Landed immigrant status is not quick or easy to qualify for.

The current provincial government, named the Liberal Party, is in fact very conservative and is selling off government assets and privatizing public services. Environmental regulations are weak and poorly enforced.

On the very island where the Roveda family moved [Salt Spring Island], many unwary purchasers have been surprised to find their wells dry in summer or naturally contaminated with arsenic. Lakes have blooms of toxin-producing algae.

Resentment against wealthy purchasers, often Americans, is increasing, as they have driven up local housing prices so much that young Canadian families and workers cannot find places to live. As trees are cleared for new subdivisions, this island looks sadly more and more like the suburbs people left behind.

Maxine Leichter

British Columbia, Canada