Re: girlfriend vs. family: worth it?
I disagree with the notion that you have to choose. Its not an issue of family vs the girlfriend. This is not street fighter. You love her and you love your family. That is obvious. She has valid concerns as well as she wants to be with you, wants to start a new life and the distance is most likely killing her. Long distance is not easy but it is doable and it makes it all the more worthwhile when you are finally together. So I would suggest you speak with her explain your situation and discuss the matter with her as an equal. Your family is going to be her family at some stage and in that regard she needs to be part of the decision making process.
At the same time you need to communicate clearly and honestly. Women from my very basic understanding of them wish to be treated as people who are our equal and need to have their voices heard. So talk to her, explain your situation, inform her you are happy to marry her and do what needs to be done and that it will take time and you have commitments to multiple people. If she truly loves you (and being together for 5 years I believe she does) she will understand and you guys can compromise.
One should not just dump someone you care about because of some hardship or a disagreement. Life, marriage and relationships are built upon trust, compromise and honesty. So if she doesn’t agree talk to her again and again and again. But dumping her is not an option. Neither is taking a decision on your own. If you are a couple start acting like it and discuss things together.
If a girl makes the guy choose between his family and herself, this is not only disagreement but being selfish!! cause no one has the right to value themselves more than the other persons parents!! if this is the case and she dosent agree, then no, tough luck there seems to be no other option but tell her to choose between waiting for you or living a life in canada without you!