When you're getting ready to move to Canada, you’re about to enter a whole new way of life. The country blends diversity, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. So, before you make the move, it's a good idea to get to know what makes you one with Canadian culture.
From the mix of cultures and free healthcare to the country's strong work ethic and love for the outdoors, this guide explores the Canadian way of life to help you adjust better and have a more enjoyable experience.
Canadian Culture
1. Multicultural Society
When you come to Canada, you'll notice how diverse it is. It is home to people from around the world and has a multicultural society. You'll meet people from various cultural backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities.
In fact, indigenous communities, South, Southeast, and West Asian, Chinese, Korean, Arab, and others are almost 30% of ethnicities found in Canada. So, make sure to explore Canadians' rich traditions, art, and history.
English (75.5%) and French (21.4%) are the official languages in Canada. But you'll hear many other languages, too, including Mandarin, Punjabi, German, Italian, and Spanish. While knowing multiple languages can be helpful, having a working knowledge of English or French should be enough.
Canada's diverse population has also led to a culinary landscape comprising international cuisines. You can try iconic Canadian dishes like poutine and butter tarts. Food is a universal language that brings people together.
So, trying Canadian food can help you connect with the locals. Plus, you appreciate local food businesses when you try their dishes.
A Filipino concert in a traditional Chinese garden in Canada! Power of multiculturalism & diversity! That’s why we’re so proud of living in such an amazing city @CityofVancouver!
— Lenny Zhou (@LennyNanZhou) June 17, 2023
Thx @lorrainelowe_& @vangarden for organizing Enchanted Evening to celebrate #FilipinoHeritageMonth! pic.twitter.com/uhOiIdP0vm
Canada hosts numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year, such as Folklorama, Calgary Stampede, Toronto Caribbean Carnival, and Canada Day Celebrations. They're a fantastic way to experience and learn about the different business cultures in Canada.
The Canadian culture gives you an edge when you speak with Canadian investors and other businesses in Canada.
2. Free Healthcare
Healthcare in Canada, called Canadian Medicare, is a publicly funded system. Canadians pay taxes, some of which go towards funding the healthcare system. This ensures residents can access essential medical services and don't have to stress about huge medical bills.
When you need medical care, you just need to show your government-issued health card. Most of your healthcare expenses, such as doctor's visits, hospital stays, and surgeries, will be covered.
This system ensures everyone gets the healthcare they need, regardless of their ability to pay. There might be wait times for non-urgent procedures, but it's a safety net that lets Canadians focus on staying healthy without fearing high medical costs.
3. Education System
In Canada, you'll find an outstanding education system covering everything from elementary school to college. You may find tuition fees for degree programs in Canada rising, but it is a valuable investment.
You'll learn in modern classrooms with dedicated teachers in a diverse and inclusive learning environment. From early childhood education to high school, schools don't just care about grades; they also focus on personal growth and development.
Moreover, the post-secondary institutions in Canada are globally renowned for their academics and innovative research. In fact, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University are among the top 50 universities in the world.
4. Politeness and Respect
Canadians are known for their warm and friendly behavior. So, keep your behavior polite and respectful. You can start with a simple yet impactful tip to fit right in: use "please" and "thank you" generously in your daily interactions. When you're apologetic, say, "Excuse me" and "I'm sorry."
Moreover, waiting your turn in line is a common practice in Canada. Canadians feel uncomfortable when faced with rudeness or when others disregard the principle of "first-come, first-served" in public services.
Canadians have a sense of social order, creating a friendly atmosphere. So, remember to embrace these social niceties as you become a part of the community.
5. Weather Extremes
Canada experiences a wide range of weather throughout the year, from hot summers to freezing winters. Summers can get pretty hot, with high temperatures in many regions. However, the winters are icy, with lots of snow and ice.
To fully embrace Canadian culture, get a warm winter coat, gloves, a scarf, and sturdy boots to keep yourself warm and dry when you go outside. And remember, be cautious on icy sidewalks and roads, as they can be slippery.
When fully prepared and adapted to the weather, you can enjoy skiing in the snow or the summer sunshine. Cities like Toronto, Windsor, Vancouver, and Victoria are known to have nice weather.
6. Strong Work Ethic
Canadians place significant importance on hard work and punctuality within the workplace. Diligence and equality are also fundamentals of the business culture in Canada and their work environment.
Despite the Canadian workforce belonging to varying ages, genders, sexual orientations, and races, people are treated equally and fairly, with efforts to remove discrimination.
To successfully integrate into the Canadian workforce, you should not only do your job well but also show up on time, respect your co-workers' time, and embrace workplace diversity. This will earn you appreciation, trust, and respect from colleagues as you come across as someone who always gives their best and takes their work seriously. This shows how truly in tune you are with Canadian culture.
7. Social Safety Nets
Canada's welfare system is designed to provide financial support and security to citizens during times of need. It includes the following programs:
- Employment insurance benefits
- Family & caregiving benefits
- Child benefit
- Dental benefit
- GST/HST credit
- Maternity, parental, and caregiving benefits
- Canada Pension Plan
- Old Age Security
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Retirement planning
- Funding for Jobs & Training
- Student aid
- Housing benefits
- Disability benefits
As a newcomer, you should get familiar with these perks. Knowing how they work will help you understand what you're entitled to, what you're expected to do, and how to avail them.
8. Strong Emphasis on Safety
Being the fourth safest country, Canada is one of the safest countries globally, with low crime rates (5856) in most areas. It has strong gun control laws. To enjoy life in Canada, follow local safety rules and regulations carefully. This way, you can live your life here with peace of mind.
Many communities have neighborhood watch programs, increasing a sense of security. Such initiatives can help you integrate and contribute positively to your local area and embrace Canadian culture more openly.
Coming to employee safety, the Canada Labour Code ensures the protection of worker and employee rights.
9. Environmental Consciousness
Canadians are committed to sustainability and protecting the environment. You'll see it in their daily routines, like recycling properly and trying to use less energy and water. They also make efforts to reduce their ecological footprint. In fact, the Government of Canada invests $6.7 million to support 22 environmental projects across Canada.
Clean water, clean energy, sustainable cities & communities, reasonable consumption & production, life below water, life on land, and climatic action are sustainable development goals of Canada for the 2023 Agenda.
So, when you come to Canada, joining in is a good idea! Be mindful of your energy and water use, support green projects, and respect the beauty of nature. By doing this, you're not just fitting in Canadian culture but also helping Canada stay beautiful and the world a bit greener.
10. Appreciation of Nature
Canada's love for nature is deeply ingrained in its culture, especially for the great outdoors and all the adventures it offers. There's so much to explore, such as national parks, hiking trails, and pristine wilderness all around.
Whether you're into hiking, camping, fishing, or just taking in the beauty of nature, Canada has everything. You can visit the rugged Rocky Mountains, paddle in crystal-clear lakes, or even catch the stunning Northern Lights up north.
But Canadians' love for nature is not just limited to fun activities; it's their way of life. Many Canadians work hard to protect their natural wonders for future generations. So, when you're here, experience their love for nature that defines this incredible country.
Find Your Best Reason to Be in Canada
Life is diverse and friendly in Canada. The country offers free healthcare, a strong work ethic that translates into great business culture in Canada, and a deep appreciation for nature. Canadians value politeness, safety, and environmental responsibility. The country's education system is top-notch, and social safety nets offer financial security. Cultural festivals and a rich culinary scene enrich daily life.
Learning about and accepting these parts of Canadian culture will make adjusting and having a pleasant experience in Canada easier.
If you have any more questions about understanding the know-how of business in Canada, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on info@matrixventurestudio.com today!
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