I had a new (tax prep) client come in last year, 30yo from Montreal and in the course of discussion he said: "I'm Canadian so I don't mind paying taxes" which made me laugh when I heard that. I work with plenty of US libs and even though they all vote in the social programs, not a single one wants to pay for them. At least this guy stood behind his convictions but still... The paradigm seemed nuts to me.
Thing is, I don't think they are suffering. I visited QC and Montreal last summer and both places were friendly and safe. Yeah, the Montreal druggies came out after the sun set but both places were very friendly and we never felt unsafe no matter where we went or which group of yoots we happened to pass by. Dare I say (with my limited view) it almost seemed like big city done right?