NEVER Do This in Canada! Worst Mistakes Immigrants Will Make in 2024

Summary

This video script offers insights into the cultural norms and societal behaviors that newcomers should be aware of in Canada. It discusses the importance of understanding Canadian values such as collectivism and politeness, the necessity of adjusting to the tax system, and the uniqueness of Canadian culture compared to its American counterpart. The script also touches on the significance of soft skills, the etiquette of personal space, and the challenges of Canada's vast distances and harsh winters. It concludes with advice on how to navigate these cultural nuances and the benefits of embracing Canadian societal norms.

Takeaways

• 💼 Taxes in Canada are calculated before income, meaning you should add sales tax to prices and subtract income tax from salaries to get the actual take-home amount.
• 🤝 Canadians value collectivism and teamwork, so being humble and collaborative is more appreciated than being overly competitive or a know-it-all.
• 🇨🇦 Canadians are distinct from Americans, with different cultures and histories, so it's important not to conflate the two nations.
• 🌟 Canadians are known for their politeness and apologetic nature, so adopting these behaviors can help integrate into Canadian society.
• 🤔 Avoid controversial topics like religion, politics, and race in discussions unless you have a close relationship with the person.
• 🙅‍♂️ Personal matters are private in Canada, so it's not common to discuss such topics with someone you've just met.
• 🚶‍♂️ Maintaining a respectful social distance is important in Canada, as too much physical closeness can be seen as invasive.
• 🌍 Canada is vast with large distances between cities, which can be a shock to newcomers from more densely populated areas.
• ❄️ Canadian winters are harsh and unpredictable, so always check the weather forecast and dress appropriately to stay warm.
• 🚴‍♀️ Cycling is popular in Canada, and cyclists follow the same traffic rules as drivers, so be mindful of them on the roads.
• 🛣️ Public transit in Canada can be unreliable, with frequent delays and breakdowns, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Q & A

Why is it important to be aware of Canadian cultural and societal norms as a newcomer?

Being aware of Canadian cultural and societal norms is important because it can significantly improve the newcomer's life in Canada by helping them integrate more smoothly and avoid potential misunderstandings.

What should one consider when looking at prices or salaries in Canada?

One should consider that prices and salaries in Canada are typically listed before tax. It's necessary to add sales tax to the listed price when budgeting, and subtract income tax from the salary to get the actual take-home amount.

How can one quickly calculate their take-home salary after taxes in Canada?

One can use tax calculators available online where they can input their salary, select the province, and get an estimate of how much they will actually receive after all deductions.

Why might having two jobs in Canada to make more money be problematic?

Having two jobs in Canada to make more money can be problematic because the more money one makes, the higher the tax bracket they fall into. This could result in a higher overall tax rate, so it's advisable to consult with an accountant before doing so.

What is the general attitude towards 'know-it-alls' in Canadian society?

Canadian society, which values collectivism and teamwork, tends not to appreciate 'know-it-alls'. Being knowledgeable while also being helpful, supportive, and collaborative is more valued than being overly competitive or arrogantly displaying one's knowledge.

How are Canadians generally described in terms of their demeanor and politeness?

Canadians are generally described as some of the nicest people, being welcoming, friendly, polite, and often apologizing even when it's not their fault.

What topics should be avoided in discussions with Canadians unless there is a close relationship?

Topics like religion, politics, and race should be avoided in discussions with Canadians unless there is a close relationship, as these can be controversial and Canadians tend to avoid saying anything that might be offensive.

Why is it important to be aware of personal space and social distance when interacting with Canadians?

It's important to be aware of personal space and social distance in Canada because standing too close or touching someone while talking is not appreciated. Canadians value personal space and consider direct physical contact as potentially intrusive.

How do the cultural differences between the United States and Canada manifest?

The cultural differences between the United States and Canada manifest in various ways, including different political systems, histories, languages, and attitudes towards competition and individualism versus collectivism.

What are some challenges one might face when traveling within Canada due to its vast size?

Challenges when traveling within Canada due to its vast size include long distances between cities, potential traffic in larger cities, unreliable public transit, and unpredictable weather conditions that can affect travel times.

Why is it crucial to be prepared for Canadian winters, especially if you come from a warmer climate?

It's crucial to be prepared for Canadian winters because they are notoriously icy, snowy, and windy. Proper clothing, checking weather forecasts, and understanding the impact of winter on daily life and transportation are essential to stay warm and safe.

What precautions should drivers and pedestrians take when encountering cyclists in Canada?

Drivers and pedestrians should be aware that cyclists in Canada must follow the same traffic rules as drivers but can sometimes behave unpredictably. Checking blind spots before turning or opening car doors, and being vigilant as a pedestrian are important precautions.