Retiring in Canada

I read my friend, BT's blog with interest.  His teacher and a classmate retired in Canada and are very healthy.  Teacher is mid-80 and classmate just past 70 years old.  Canada is one place I consider to retire in.  I enjoyed living there and know the system.  Only issue is long cold and dark winter.  My mum is there and she is doing well considering she has medical condition that will be bad if she is living here.  I like to hear this kind of stories.