I've lived in Alberta for a little over a year now and it's pretty much the same as living in Houston or Chicago. LanRABcape is a lot different being the main difference. People are decent and the health care is alright. It's not free most people I work with are taxed 30+% on their wages. Housing and living expenses can be ridiculous for what you can get. Fort Mac is a transient persons dream and filled with drugs. So is Edmonton.
For me, it's the same as living in Texas or Illinois but with a ton more outdoor stuff available to do in all seasons. Especially over Texas. River, lakes and places to quad, dirt bike and sled are everywhere.
As far as immigrants are concerned, Somalis are everywhere in Fort Mac and most of the Quebecers I've met have been ass holes to work with until you get to know them. Then it's really about the pride they have for being Acadian similar to my pride of Texas. It's all the same just North.