I like banks on the one side. .. I like the fact that the banking system in Canada is extremely stable. They make their money, they give their services and for the most part do a good job.

It's really important for the stability of an economy that the stewards of the money are in really healthy and great shape. I don't even mind the banks making the kind of profits that they do. I'm not exactly sure how much is enough profits for the big banks. I think it is important that they make enough to sustain long term growth and economic stability.

There is always a price to pay for stability in an economy. The banking customers have to pay for that service. The contrast are the banks in the U.S. There are many banks that are like corner stores in the United States. They have thousands of banks in the U.S. Their management is not centralized in one major location as with the Canadian banks. These corner store banks don't have the financial might that the major banks do. They are more susceptible to market problems.

As with all things in life major benefits come major problems. The banks in Canada are way too rigid. They are not in the habit of giving in too much to consumer requests. I am a little more aware of this now that I have a business bank account in Las Vegas Nevada.

My Las Vegas bank manager is also the vice president of the bank. I actually sat down with him and had a coffee while I was opening my account. I was shocked. I have talked to but never met in person, any vice presidents of any Canadian banks that I deal with.

Just recently I needed a "favor" from my Las Vegas vice president bank manager. I needed him to look after something on my account. I needed him to waive a fee that was incorrectly charged on my account. I couldn't believe that I called him up, and resolved the issue with him. He was very cordial and made me feel like he appreciated and NEEDED my business.

In the 28 years or so that I've been banking, I've never felt like the bank has ever needed my business. If they don't need my business, then they're probably not going to feel they need to do any more than they have to, to get the job done.

Although the banks in Canada are wonderfully stable, they are horribly apathetic.