I was writing this up on the other thread while y'all started this one, so I'll repost my reply here about why I'm going to Canada and how hard it is to get there.
It's doable but takes some planning. Regarding the point system, you have to remember that the Canadians can raise or lower the "pass mark" at will. After 9/11, they raised it considerably and I didn't have enough points. In Sept. 2003 they lowered it to where I qualify. So if you're thinking of taking this route, get in while the gettin's good.
My story:
I am (1) disillusioned with the direction the US is taking on a number of levels (2) queer as a 3-dollar bill (3) an outdoors nut (4) liberal and pacifist in the extreme.
In Canada, I can live in one of the best countries in the world (with its national health system, livable climate, educated and tolerant population, budget and trade surpluses), speak English, drive on the right side of the road, feel somewhat less of a target for violent extremists, and legally marry my SO.
It is possible to immigrate in the Skilled Worker category as I am if you meet their point system requirements. Points are given for education, speaking fluent English or French, work experience, age, etc. My useless English degree finally paid off! There are other immigration categories if you have relatives in Canada or marry a Canadian.
Sadly, they eliminated the Retirement category some time ago. That's why it was important for me to apply before I was 50...you start to lose points then in the Skilled Worker scheme.
It took me about 2 years total to get through the immigration process...making the decision to go, collecting all the required documentation, submitting the application, undergoing medical check, getting FBI fingerprint check, etc. For the two of us, it cost about $3500 total in fees, medical tests, photos, fingerprint check, express mail, etc.
All Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to be covered by the provincial health care system of the province they reside in. I'll have a 3-month waiting period when I move to BC, but that's it. Dental and vision coverage are not included; from what I've read on the newsgroups, most Canadians self-insure for those.
And I will be paying into the system after I move to British Columbia via the GST (Goods and Services Tax) and PST (Provincial Sales Tax). These add about 15% to just about every purchase you make of goods and services. That's where funding for their health care system comes from.