15 Things That Canadians Tolerate That Americans Would Never Accept
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Canada and the United States share a long border, but there are distinct differences in social norms and behaviors that set them apart. For Instance, Americans are often portrayed as assertive and outspoken, but Canadians are known for politeness and tolerance. Canadian comedian and author Rick Mercer humorously notes, “Canadians don’t complain; we just wait for it to snow.”
A 2020 Canadian Institute for Health Information survey found that most Canadians support universal healthcare. This highlights their acceptance of governmental involvement in healthcare, something that often faces criticism in the U.S. Read on to learn the quirks of Canadian tolerance that may perplex Americans and get a glimpse into the diverse Canadian culture.
Universal Healthcare
Canadians tolerate longer wait times in their healthcare system, valuing access for all over immediate service. Healthcare in the U.S. is privatized, and experiencing such delays could lead to widespread frustration and outcry. Canadians genuinely embrace the concept of universal healthcare, and it’s easy to see why. A report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information in 2019 revealed that nearly 90% of Canadians express satisfaction with their healthcare system, feeling it ensures access to medical services regardless of their financial situation.
A 2021 Gallup poll revealed that only 43% of Americans are satisfied with their healthcare system, highlighting a notable disparity. Many Americans grapple with skyrocketing medical bills and insurance complexities. Canadians are confident that health issues won’t break the bank.
Apologizing for Everything
One of the most charming characteristics of Canadians is their natural inclination towards apology, even if it sometimes seems excessive to Americans. When faced with inconveniences, Americans may raise an eyebrow, but for Canadians, a heartfelt “I’m sorry” is simply part of their everyday lives. Canadians view apologizing as a social lubricant that can defuse tension and foster goodwill.
Nearly 90% of Canadians believe that saying sorry is important for maintaining harmony in social interactions. This cultural norm contrasts with the American perspective, where a more confrontational stance might prevail.
Embracing Winter
Americans dread winter but Canadians have turned it into a season of fun. Americans dream of escaping to warmer destinations during this season. Canadians take pride in their ability to endure and even enjoy the harsh winter weather.
Canadians find ways to make the most of their long winter season, such as ice skating on frozen lakes and skiing down snowy mountains. They also deeply appreciate warm beverages like hot chocolate and mulled wine, making cozying indoors part of their wintertime ritual.
Metric System
Canadians have fully embraced the metric system, which can be confusing for Americans. Most countries in the world use this more logical and standardized system, but the U.S. has retained its imperial units for weight and measurement.
Americans may feel lost without their customary measurements, for instance, when looking at a Canadian recipe with degrees Celsius or trying to understand distance signs in kilometers while driving. Canadians take pride in the metric system and are happy to explain their preferred system when asked.
Gun Control
Canadians have stricter gun control laws than Americans. Many U.S. citizens believe in the right to bear arms, but Canadians support tighter restrictions on firearm ownership. The majority of Canadians support sensible gun control measures that reflect a commitment to reducing gun violence while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners, as highlighted by Wendy Cukier, a noted expert on gun policy.
According to a 2018 study by the University of Toronto, Canadian gun owners are more likely to support stricter regulations than American gun owners. This difference in perspective highlights how Canadians prioritize community well-being over individual freedom when it comes to guns.
Poutine
Poutine, a dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, is a beloved Canadian comfort food. This sounds unappealing to some Americans, but this hearty dish is integral to Canadian cuisine and soul. Poutine has gained fame for its simple yet delicious combinations. It has become so beloved in Canada that even fast-food chains like McDonalds have added it to their menus.
Americans may view it as a strange and greasy concoction. Canadians take pride in their poutine, and each region fiercely defends its own variation. They also appreciate the versatility of this dish and creatively incorporate different toppings like pulled pork or smoked meat.
Natural Cheese
American cheese is a staple in many households, but Canadians prefer natural cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss. American cheese is easier to melt and has a longer shelf life, but Canadians value the taste and quality of natural cheeses over convenience. This preference for natural cheese highlights the Canadian emphasis on food quality and enjoyment over efficiency.
The U.S. also has strict regulations on raw milk cheese production, limiting the availability of certain cheeses in the market. Canadians have a more relaxed approach to food safety regulations and are willing to take the risk of enjoying delicious artisanal varieties.
Obsession with Hockey
Hockey isn’t just a sport in Canada; it’s a way of life. Hockey is considered Canada’s national sport and is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture. Americans have a wider range of popular sports like football, basketball, and baseball. Hockey has been a source of pride and passion for Canadians, with many growing up playing or watching the sport.
The obsession with hockey in Canada goes beyond just watching or playing the game. It also extends to traditions like backyard pond hockey, street hockey, and hockey pool participation during the NHL season.
Pint Size
Canadians take their beer pint size very seriously. The standard Canadian pint is 20 ounces, unlike the U.S. pint, which is 16 ounces. This extra four ounces may seem trivial, but for many Canadians, it reflects their love for good beer and socializing. It’s no surprise that Canada boasts over 1,000 craft breweries, contributing to a booming industry valued at approximately $9 billion in 2022, as reported by Statistica Canada.
Most Canadians enjoy drinking craft beer, with preferences often leaning toward local breweries. This cultural difference underscores the Canadian approach to leisure and community and highlights the entire experience of enjoying a beer as something to be savored rather than rushed.
Canadian Punctuality
Canadians are reputed to be punctual and respectful of time. This might not always align with the more relaxed approach to timekeeping found in certain parts of the U.S., where being “fashionably late” is often acceptable. The majority of Canadians believe being on time is important in both professional and social settings.
The phrase “land of the polite” is often used to describe Canadians’ behavior. A time management expert, David Allen, states, “Your ability to make and keep commitments defines your success.” This resonates deeply with Canadians, who often pride themselves on their reliability and dependability.
Public Transportation
Canada is known for its efficient and reliable public transportation systems, with approximately 2.3 billion trips taken on public transit annually. Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have well-developed subway systems, light rail trains, buses, and streetcars that provide affordable and convenient ways of getting around.
Many cities in the U.S. heavily rely on personal vehicles due to inadequate or underdeveloped public transportation options. This reliance on cars often leads to heavy traffic congestion. Canadians prefer reliable and sustainable commuting options over the hassles of driving in congested urban environments.
Tolerance for Long Queues
Canadians are known for their patience and tolerance when waiting in lines. They will patiently stand in line without complaint. This is often seen as a reflection of the Canadian value of patience. Many Americans dislike long lines and would likely choose to leave rather than spend hours waiting for their turn.
Americans tend to be less patient, which may stem from their culture, which prioritizes personal satisfaction and efficiency. The concept of “cutting in line” is frowned upon in Canada and viewed as disrespectful toward those who are already waiting.
More Vacation Time
Americans are renowned for their workaholic culture. One in four workers doesn’t receive any vacation time or holiday pay in the U.S. Canadians enjoy more vacation time than their American counterparts, with a standard of two to three weeks of paid vacation for most workers. Canadians receive an average of 10 vacation days in their first year of employment, but Americans often have as little as five.
This cultural appreciation for work-life balance is well embraced as most Canadians believe that vacations improve their overall quality of life. Embracing leisure time fosters personal well-being and promotes stronger family relationships, a trend that resonates with the Canadian ethos of valuing community and connection.
Maple Syrup
The world’s maple syrup is produced in Canada and the United States. Canadians, however, take their maple syrup seriously. As revealed in 2023 maple production statistics, Canada produces about 71% of the world’s supply of maple syrup. This sweet treat is an integral part of Canadian culture that Americans might not fully grasp.
Maple-flavored snacks and annual maple syrup festivals are common in Canada. Canadians use maple syrup to give baked goods and savory dishes like roasted meats and maple syrup-glazed salmon a unique and delicious flavor. Typically, most Americans would not choose this option.
Political System
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government, and the United States is a republic with a presidential form of government. The United States political system is a constitutional federal republic. Canada’s political system is democratic, often seen as more progressive and left-leaning compared to the U.S., with policies like universal healthcare and stricter gun control laws.
America has a two-party political system dominated by the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. This is different in Canada, where multiple political parties exist. The varying political systems also lead to different approaches to international relations, with Canada often prioritizing diplomacy and cooperation over military intervention.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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