Profiles in Culture: Canada
Keys to understanding the culture of Canada
(The following piece was originally published in the former “Relocation Journal.”)
Canada is a unique nation — settled by Great Britain and France, and tied geographically to the United States. Essentially it is an Anglo nation, and shares certain traits with the United States, Great Britain and Australia. But it also bears the influence of the French culture of Quebec.
Canadians have long sought a way to verbalize their identity, and often define themselves more by what they are not, rather than by what they are. Nevertheless, following are some key themes that will help your expats develop an understanding of Canadian culture.
Individualism in the context of community
Much in the same way as the British and Americans, Canadians view life in individual terms, choosing careers and homes, for example, based on the individual’s rather than the group’s needs. They are, however, more group-oriented than either the Americans or the British, and place greater emphasis on the importance of community. Canadians also stress the individual’s responsibility to the community at large, and are concerned that everyone enjoy a comparable quality of life.
There is little regard in Canadian society for the more extreme forms of individualism…
