What is Canada and the US's relationship like?

Question

From the Canadians I've spoken to, it sounds like both countries operate with a policy of comfortable tolerance to each other, especially after the disagreement with the War in Iraq, etc. Although both countries could be considered allies, it doesn't seem like they have any stronger connection with each other than any of their other allies, except geography and proximity to each other.

Also, I get the impression that both countries are significantly different politically, and do things very differently. Some Americans view Canada's more liberal, and socialist influenced policies as being a great role model for the US to follow, and some seem to view it as something American politics should turn sharply away from.

I've spoken to quite a few Canadians about this issue, and some who live near the border have told me they have no interest in going into the US, even though they live as little as an hour away from it. It said he find the American attitude to be self-rigious and arrogant and how they seem to automatically think they're superior to Canada.

Also, I went on a work trip to Canada once, and there were a few Americans there too, and I noticed they seemed to prefer the British party to the American party, and would occasionally make remarks about them.

I'm not taking sides here by the way, I'm just reporting what I've heard from a lot of Canadians and Americans.

Answer 1

First of all, congratulations on finding Americans who have heard of us. I can almost bet you didn't meet them on YA. LMAO

Personally I really like that American's are always supplying me with great material for my little comedic rants. When I was a kid we lived in the country. My buddy and I had a running bet going based on how many Americans would stop by to ask where the nearest downhill ski resort was  - in August. I won so many dimes I was convinced that my parents paid their friends to pose as Americans so that I could win. I'm in my 70s. My parents passed away decades ago but the American tourists still stop with the same question. And they are still so grateful  for our standard answer - follow that road until you get to the first igloo and turn left. Gotta love them!  

Answer 2

I have traveled to the states a few times and have always had a good time. I have spoken to a few people while there and some have no desire to travel to Canada and some love to come here. The ones that like to come to Canada seemed to have relatives here and I imagine that is the main reason of there journey here.

I do feel like I have more links to Europe then I do to the US, I think that may be from the way that I was raised.

I don't think that I am better then the Americans, but I do think that Canada has a few benefits... health care for one. I can't imagine having to pay for that. I cringe every time my cat has to go and see the vet. But a lot of people abuse it, using it to get every cough and ache looked at, maybe having to pay a little will make a few of our doctors stay in Canada.

Reading Caroline J's answer is what most would have writen but she sums it up to a tee.

I thank you for this thought provoking question, and hope you get all the answers you need.

Rita

Answer 3

Your impressions are fairly correct.  Most Canadians don't have any problem with the American people, it is the Bush Administration that has soured their like for the country.  But that isn't limited to just Canada, pretty much the whole world feels that way.  But on the other hand, we are all aware of who put Bush in as president, not once but twice, and our respect for the intelligence of the American people has dropped sharply.  Of course not everyone voted for Bush, but more than half did and that is disturbing.  

Speaking to fellow Canadians, however, many find that the general attitudes of  Americans can be irritating and considering that the US is not far from Canada it is interesting to note how few Americans have any knowledge of Canada.  Even those who live on the border;  this can be seen in the many inane questions about Canada on YA.  The enormous amount of religion in the US also makes them come across as self-righteous.  The impression given to Canadians is that we should be 'thankful' for sharing the continent with the United States, and of course that is offensive.  Canadians in general have a good sense of humour, rarely have I met someone who didn't, and what we find funny seems to differ; and aside from the difference in politics this is the main thing that differentiates Canadians and Americans.  In my opinion.

Answer 4

They have great hockey teams and talk funny, eh.

Answer 5

we're stuck with bush till January!

Answer 6

The Americans keep electing idiots.

*Looks at Harper*

Never mind......

Answer 7

I plan on moving to Canda when I finish College then eventryully move to Europe. Unless this election gos the way i want and big changes are made here...... Even still I think im movin outta of this country

Answer 8

Thank you for asking such a poignant and well -written question.  Unfortunately, the questions in this category posted by American YA users are usually bordering on assinine. We try to be polite when we answer the, but sometimes we slip up and let our sarcastic side out. It's nice to see someone is truly interested in exploring the differences between two countries that the rest of the world views as similar.

You might be interested in reading this article: http://www.theseminal.com/2007/06/01/bef...  I stumbled upon it while doing research for another YA answer.  It explains some of the historical and political differences.

I'm very sorry to tell you that many Americans do act quite arrogant when they travel.  We are smart enough to know that they do not represent ALL Americans, but the arrogance can be a little irritating. Many tend to not be very good international travellers.  I've worked internationally in the hospitality industry for many years -- I could tell you some remarkable stories about your fellow countrymen.  

And we don't understand why Americans want to live in fear all the time.  The whole terrorist-colour-warning thing is very strange to us.  Alot of decisions seem to be made based on irrational fear.  For example, you may have heard that there was recently a horrific murder on a bus in Canada.  Instantly, American YA posters started to say that there should be metal detectors at all bus stations -- Cdn posters said that they did not want to punish the millions of honest people who use the bus system everyday because of the actions of one person (who clearly had some mental breakdown).  We also allow you to get your gas prior to paying for it.  Why?  Because it's better to risk that one dishonest person MIGHT steal gas, than it is to inconvenience a whole population.  Sorry -- I hate having to pay for my gas before I pump it.  It's irritating.

I do feel we are more alike people in Europe, specifically Britain, than we are similar to the US.

By the way, I recently posted an answer regarding the Federal tax rates being less in Canada than they are in the US (most people assume all Cdn taxes are higher -- they are not).  http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

In response to my answer, one of your fellow US citizens emailed me privately, called me a bunch of racial slurs, and said a bunch of other very impolite things.  It's not very nice to be called a racist for quoting Federal Tax Rates -- it made me think that US citizens are brainwashed to think that they only way you can have universal healthcare is to pay more taxes than anyone else.  How many Canadians do you see complaining about paying taxes?  There are a few, but you'll find the educated ones will never complain about paying them.

The healthcare issue is a huge divide.  Canadians have universal health care.  We do not worry about getting hurt, or getting sick.  It helps us lead happy, worry-free lives.  We also tend to not look for someone to sue if we slip and fall.  I think it's because if a Cdn slips and falls, we just go to the hospital and get ourselves fixed -- no need to sue someone for negligence, it was an accident.

Obviously, the differences are much more complicated than gas pumps, personal injury lawsuits and bus station security measures, but I think we can only learn if we actually talk about our differences in a mature an open manner.  Good job on opening the door. :)

Answer 9

As a Canadian who grew up in a border town, Niagara Falls, and had many occasion to travel into the States for hockey and to visit family in Buffalo, I can say your observations are quite correct. I don't feel the need to elaborate, as the above poster said it all.