Since you have chosen Canada, you should be able to look at it as you do at China. It is too early for you to rush into any conclusions.
You hinted the sales tax . Most Chinese immigrants cannot accept the concept of sales tax. This is an issue how you feel like things. Actually, some friends even get a conclusion that Canadian tax rate is as high as 52%. We spend money to buy commodities and services. It is not important if this money is called sales tax or has already been included in the price. In this world, there is no free lunch. In Deleware of USA, there is no sales tax; In Florida, there is no state tax(
corresponding to province tax); in Alberta, there is no prinvince tax. However, the governments has other ways to get revenues.

You are an IT professional. You are already a lucky guy. Some friends have been doing
generic work and they have little chance to have a high-pay job. Think about them...