What Makes Canadians and Americans Different?

Introduction

Our giant southern neighbour has been our close friend and ally ever since World War I. We share the world’s longest undefended international land border at almost 8900 kilometers, as well as the world’s “largest fresh surface water system”. We also share a rich tapestry of cultural ties, from hockey to music to parks symbolizing the everlasting peace between the US and Canada, most notably Peace Arch Park. Yet, since Monday, January 20, 2025, a mere 30 days into Trump’s second term, tensions have significantly risen between the two countries, from booing the The Star-Spangled Banner to changing the Canadian National Anthem during the 4 Nations Face-Off to 3 hockey fights during the first 9 seconds of the finals match. Canada-US relations are spiraling down towards an unknown predicament. Fists were flying and tweets were tempestuous. In a time of impending threats of becoming the 51st state, what makes us truly different from Americans? To understand the underlying cultural and political differences between Canadians and Americans, we must first examine their respective histories. 

History & Politics

In 1607, the first English settlement was founded in Jamestown, Virginia; a year later, the first official settlement of Canada, Québec, was founded by Samuel de Champlain. 155 years later, Canada was controlled and administered by England. The end of 1783 saw the independence of the United States after Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris. After the revolution, the “United Empire Loyalists” fled the newly-established country to the True North, bringing with them a wide variety of ideals, including a distaste for excessive democracy, value of public education, and the abolishment of state religions. From 1812 to 1815, “Aboriginal peoples, local and volunteer militias, and English- and French-speaking regiments fought together to save Canada from American invasion,” successfully defending itself until the Treaty of Ghent (Stephen Harper, 2011). The Constitution Act of 1867 created the Dominion of Canada, defining the Canadian system of government. The 20th century saw a closing of ties between the US and Canada, from military cooperation in WW1 and WW2 to post-war economic integration. Defense treaties such as North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and economic agreements such as the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is now succeeded by the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), promoted an effort to coalesce ties between the two countries. 

Although we faced many historical challenges together, fundamentally, “unlike the Americans, our war of independence was not fought against the country from which we became independent, but alongside it.” (Cowan, 2017) Due to Canada’s spectacular–although sometimes ruthless–contributions (such as throwing corned beef into the German trench, and replacing those cans with grenades when the Germans least expected it, as described by Lieutenant Louis Keene) in the first World War, we gained respect and independence from Britain. 

In the 21st century, Canada is a federal constitutional monarchy, while the US is a federal republic. Both countries have a bicameral legislature, with the US Constitution establishing the Congress, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives, while the British North America Act forming the Parliament of Canada, which consists of the Senate and the House of Commons. 

Culture & Languages

Ultimately, it is the stereotypical representation of Canadians versus Americans that gained the most interest and popularity. Ever seen a lumberjack or a fur trader living in an igloo, eating poutine with a bottle of maple syrup on the side while entrenched in a white curtain of powdery snow? While that is an exaggeration of Canadian stereotypes, some hold true. We (mostly) love our hockey games; we (mostly) love our maple syrup and poutine; and we especially love our Timmies–at least before it was bought by Restaurant Brands International, a Brazilian company. On the other hand, there are Americans. Ever seen a cowboy wearing an American flag-imprinted leather jacket, driving a blue Ford F-150, one hand gripping the wheel, the other enveloping a Deluxe Quarter Pounder With Cheese, while a majestic bald eagle squawks in the background? This is another exaggeration, but some hold true. Americans love their country; Americans love individualism; Americans love their fast food, their double big macs and extra large cokes; and Americans love their oil–sometimes a little too much. 

Now, let’s compare languages. Ever said sorry? Ever said sorry nine times per day? Well, if you have, congratulations, you share a characteristic with over 1,500 Canadians. We as Canadians say sorry so frequently that the The Apology Act of 2009 had to be enacted to “limit the liabilities of chronic apologizers.” Now, in the US, an apology “is often framed as an admission of inadequacy, weakness or guilt” (Keeler, 2017). Americans are also usually seen as more outgoing and extroverted. I still remember that whenever I asked for the washroom in a restaurant in America, I got pelted with confused looks—it's the “restroom” for them. 

Conclusion

As of February 25th, 2025, the ongoing tensions between the US and Canada over Trump’s statements regarding sovereignty and tariffs have resulted in Canadians boycotting American products and cancelled American trips. As well, a parliamentary petition was created to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship, accusing him “of acting against Canada's national interest and undermining its sovereignty”. This petition garnered 280,000 signatures, to which Musk responded: "Canada is not a real country." In such turbulent times, it's crucial to maintain your Canadian identity, and let the True North be strong and free.