Lifestyle

Imtiaz Ali Khan, because Canada is such a large country, there are many different societal norms in different areas. How people socialise in Vancouver, is different from how they socialise in Toronto. City culture differs from suburban and rural culture, so there is no specific answer. This also applies to standards of life. With so many different religions, socio-economic groups and geographical regions you will find almost any "standard" you can imagine.

For the most part, Canada embraces a working culture a bit like the United States. Work is first, your career is your focus and becoming successful is a driving force. In my career continuing education was an expectation, so I frequently took courses to improve my job performance or achieve promotions. One of the first questions you might be asked after "how are you, nice to meet you" is "what do you do?" Meaning what do you do for work. (I never cared for the heavy focus on work and felt it was better to find a good balance between my job and my home/social life.)

Sadly, you will come across racial discrimination almost everywhere, but we like to think that as a whole we are tolerant, even embracing, of other cultures. Most people find other cultures fascinating, but get defensive if expected to incorporate some of those norms into their daily lives. (Example: one culture might require people to not wear blue clothes on a Friday and be judgmental of those that do. Most will support the culture to the point that they would never make the individual wear blue on a Friday, but want the freedom to wear it if they want to without being told they're sinning or going to hell etc.)

I don't know if that helps at all. I love Canada, being Canadian and the general kindness of our people, but I'm not blind to our flaws either. We are not perfect, but I'm proud to call it home.