I agree with you beachman, Alberta has right now the best economy compared to other provinces.
And yea, most do have pick ups and I laugh about it, but they don't care.
I didn't live in other provinces to do the comparison, so I can only talk about albertians.
They are very polite, very friendly, say what they have to say to your face, and they try to help you if they can.
The winters are hard, not easy for everyone, they is no architecture, no nightlife, nothing fancy, and as you said no cultural events etc.
So it comes down to priorities. I didn't come here for the culture, or the weather, or else I would stay in my home country.
I left friends and family to get a good job, with good salary and good opportunities to move up.That's why I chose Alberta.
Once I get enough canadian experience and put enough money on the side then I might consider moving to another province. But being a newcomer I have to be rational and take my best bet to survive. Unfortunately neither Ontario or BC would offer me this.
So I will put up with awful weather, pick ups, oil sands etc and do the best I can for myself.
There is no point in complaining about things I don't like, nothing good can come out of it. It's "take it or leave it" and I chose to take it when I applied to come to this country.
And I would suggest you to reconsider Alberta..it's not that bad at all. Boring oh yea, but the people are really great and the province helps newcomers. I felt so welcome by everyone I met so far, I think I wouldn't mind spending some years around here.