12 Things Americans and Canadians Argue Strongly About
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The United States and Canada are neighbors in geography but often worlds apart in opinions. To capture the unique relationship between these two countries, the late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau famously said, “Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and temperate the elephant, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.”
The age-old friendly rivalry between Americans and Canadians is a tale as old as time itself, filled with playful jokes, good-natured punches, and some serious debates. Americans and Canadians seem to find ample fuel for their light-hearted feuds, giving us a glimpse into the rich North American culture and identity. Read on to find out the 12 things that these two friendly nations don’t see eye to eye on.
Maple Syrup
The debate around maple syrup heats up faster than a pancake on a griddle. Canada and the U.S. are the biggest world’s maple producers. The Canadian Maple Syrup Producers Association proudly states that maple syrup is a uniquely Canadian product that symbolizes their identity. Canada produces 71% of the world’s maple syrup, with Quebec alone responsible for about 90%.
This sweet industry generated over $546 million in revenue in 2020. Vermont is the leading state in maple syrup production in the U.S., producing over 2 million gallons in 2021. Americans prefer drizzling it on waffles, but in Canada, it is enjoyed in almost every meal, especially a hearty stack of pancakes. Maple syrup certainly makes breakfast conversations interesting and sweetens the friendly rivalry.
Health Care System
One of the most heated debates revolves around healthcare. Canadians take pride in their publicly funded healthcare system, which aims to provide accessible medical services to all citizens. Americans, however, experience a more privatized system focusing on choice and innovation. Canada often ranks higher in healthcare efficiency compared to the U.S.
The American system also has its strength as it’s ahead with cutting-edge medical research and technology. Canadians must tolerate longer wait times in their healthcare system, and many Americans struggle with skyrocketing medical bills. Both sides have valid points, making this an evergreen topic of discussion.
Weather Woes
Weather is another contentious topic. Canadians often joke about their harsh winters, with temperatures plunging to extreme lows. Winter, dreaded in America, is a fun season in Canada. Americans face diverse weather woes, from hurricanes in the South to snowstorms in the North.
Canada experiences an average of 58 days of snow yearly, but parts of the U.S., like Florida, barely see any. The debate over who endures more challenging weather conditions can go on forever, but it’s safe to say both nations have unique climate challenges.
Sports
Sports fans on both sides are incredibly passionate, but their interests often diverge. Hockey in Canada isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. The NHL is a source of national pride, with Canadian teams often dominating the league.
Americans, however, are football fanatics, with the NFL drawing millions of viewers every Sunday. Super Bowl Sunday is literally a national holiday in the U.S. Canadians gather around the rink for the Stanley Cup finals. Both sports have their die-hard fans, making this a never-ending debate.
Measuring Systems
One of the most fundamental differences is the measurement systems each country uses. Canadians primarily use the metric system, measuring distances in kilometers and temperatures in Celsius. Americans stick to the imperial system, using miles and Fahrenheit.
This difference can lead to amusing misunderstandings, for instance, when discussing the weather or giving directions. Both systems have their merits, but the debate over which is superior is a classic point of contention.
Poutine vs. Burger
Americans take pride in their burgers, and Canadians boast about their poutine. Poutine is a dish comprised of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy that is a staple in Canada. It’s so popular that it even has its national holiday on April 11th.
Americans argue that nothing beats a classic burger and fries combo. They celebrate National Hamburger Day every May 28th and have countless fast-food chains dedicated to perfecting this American classic. The debate over which is the ultimate comfort food may never be resolved.
Coffee Culture
A day without coffee is a day without sunshine for many people. Coffee culture is deeply ingrained in daily life on both sides of the border. Canada and the U.S. have unique coffee cultures, with each side claiming to have the best coffee shops and blends.
Tim Hortons is considered a national treasure in Canada, with over 3509 locations nationwide. Americans often gravitate towards Starbucks, which has over 16,621 stores nationwide and counting. The debate over which country has better coffee can spark some intense discussions, but at the end of the day, both nations enjoy indulging in this beloved beverage.
Political Systems
The political landscape is always a topic of discussion, especially during election season. Canada has a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy, and the U.S. is a federal presidential constitutional republic. The debate over which system is more effective or fair can get heated.
Canadians have a parliamentary system with multiple parties vying for power, but Americans have a two-party system that often leads to debates between Democrats and Republicans. Both nations have their share of political controversies and scandals, making this an exciting topic among citizens.
Spellings
Language is the cornerstone of any culture, and it’s no surprise that Canadians and Americans have unique spelling variations. Canadians embrace British English, and Americans use American English. This brings out the subtle differences in spelling that can cause some confusion.
For example, Canadians add a “u” to words like color and neighbor, while Americans omit the “u.” Canadians also use the British spelling for words like “centre” and “theatre,” while Americans use “center” and “theater”. This difference may seem small, but it has sparked many debates about the correct version.
Gun Control
One of the most significant differences between Canada and the U.S. is their approach to gun control. The debate over gun control laws has been ongoing for decades, with both sides holding solid opinions on the matter.
Canada has stricter regulations on firearms ownership and possession compared to the U.S., where gun ownership is considered a constitutional right. This difference in approach often sparks heated discussions about safety, freedom, and responsibility.
Transit Systems
“Transit should be like a heartbeat for a city, pulsing with the life of its community,” says former Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, and both countries showcase this idea in their own ways. The debate over transit systems can really brew up a conversation. Many cities in the U.S. heavily rely on private transportation due to underfunding, but Canada has invested heavily in its public transit systems. Canadians often praise their expansive public transport networks, with The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) serving over 1.7 million riders daily on its subway and bus systems.
This makes it the largest public transit agency in Canada and one of the busiest in North America. Americans, especially in busy cities like New York, thrive on a system that manages 5.5 million trips on the subway every day, as revealed by the MTA. Both nations are working to modernize and expand their systems, and the playful rivalry continues, with each side keen to showcase their public transit prowess as the ultimate urban lifeline.
Pint Size
This shared passion for pints resonates on both sides of the border, but what distinguishes them is the significance placed on beer size. The standard Canadian pint is 20 ounces, unlike the U.S. pint, which is 16 ounces.
On average, Americans consume about 75 liters of beer per person annually; this is slightly higher than the average beer consumption in Canada, which is around 69.3 liters per person, as reported by Beer Canada statistics. The pint debate showcases an unyielding friendship that transcends borders.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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