We Canadians love our multiculturalism, hockey, universal health care, and disdain for guns, or so they say. So, we have an exciting read for you below!
1. Guns are bad for us
One research institute based in Geneva found that the United States ranked at the top of the list for civilian gun ownership in 2007. It had 88.8 guns per hundred citizens. On the other hand, Canadians own 30.8 guns per 100 citizens. However, the fact is that Canada ranked thirteenth out of the 178 nations surveyed in the survey. We are twice as likely to own guns per capita as in Australia, Mexico, and England.
2. We have a great healthcare system.
Although free and suitable for all, it’s not unique. Based on a 2010 report by the Health Council of Canada, 52 per cent of Canadians believe that “fundamental changes” are needed to improve the healthcare system; ten per cent want it wholly rebuilt. In the 2010 survey, Canada scored poorly with patients regarding achieving same-day and next-day doctor appointments. It tied with Norway for last place.
3. Canadians are hockey fanatics
Based on Statistics Canada, only 11 per cent of Canadian children and teenagers aged five to 14 play hockey regularly—less than swimming (12 per cent) and soccer (20 per cent). Canadians love hockey but not to the extent that the world thinks we do. Therefore, golf is the most popular sport in Canada among adults. Hockey was first bumped out of the top spot in 1998.
4. Canadians are better educated than Americans
Americans are often accused by Canadians of being ignorant, especially concerning our country. We are not exceptionally knowledgeable about Canadian history either (another reason this website exists!). As recently as 2009, the Dominion Institute (now the Historica-Dominion Institute, an independent body dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of Canadian heritage) asked Canadians to identify ten famous figures in photographs. The first Prime Minister of Canada (John A. Macdonald) could be identified only by 41% of Canadians.
5. Canadians are very tolerant
An Institute 2008 survey of Canadians found that 27% thought immigrants and refugees arriving in Canada each year represented a “crucial risk” to Canadian interests. A 2010 Angus Reid survey found that 30% of Canadians (including 41% of seniors) think multiculturalism has negatively affected Canada. One-third of respondents also believe that Canadian society has an intolerant attitude towards Muslims, while one-quarter believe Indian immigrants from South Asia are intolerant. Canadians are tolerant, but they have limits.