I use a couple wall modules that don't plug into anything then setup a HomeKit trigger to bridge other systems. You can trigger the wall module from a Luton switch and that will trigger the HomeKit automation.

The hack is worth it for the reliability of Lutron. The Caseta system never fails for me.

Most (all that I am aware of) health facilities here in Toronto will charge you before you get service unless you can prove you have coverage in the province. So yes Americans who are visiting will be charged for health services.

Healthcare in Canada is done by province -- there isn't a national system, just 10 different ones that have to comply with a federal mandate. They're all a little different.

That said, as an American in Alberta I can confirm for sure that they'll make you pay up front here too.

Cost out of pocket was much, much lower than it would be in the US, but certainly not trivial.

That's not entirly true. The branch manager has discression. I know because when I first moved to Canada I had no such ID and opened an account after asking for the branch manager.

How did you not have a passport when you first moved to Canada? How did you get into the country?

Until 2008, US citizens didn't need a passport to enter Canada. What initially changed in 2008 was actually that you needed the passport to return back to the US.

I don't know what the rules were back then for moving to Canada, but you could stay 180 days at a time back then.

Thanks for sharing. I didn't know that. I always assumed it was policy. I've spent my whole life needing a driver's license or passport when I do anything money or government related.

I'm glad they can make discresionary decisions like that for special circumstances, such as someone who clearly can't have an ID or passport yet.

Mind if I ask, did they ask for your passport?

This post is amazing! The best quote is ...

"For example, the biggest time I scrubbed out in my entire life was a choice that I made almost a decade ago: going to college."

A refreshing insight from a very intelligent individual!

I have more complex feels about it as a general thing, but for me, I'm not sure I made the right call. I did learn a lot, and I made some very dear friends, but it was extremely expensive. If you (or anyone reading) are someone who's making this decision, please give it serious consideration, and don't just copy me: this is a really, really big choice to make in your life, and one you deserve to make for yourself.