Home  Starting Out in Canada The Canadian way of life
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The Canadian way of life |
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STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS
Some
of Canada's standards for public behaviour may be more conservative
than you are used to, while others may seem more liberal. For example,
Canadians may seem impersonal and cold to some newcomers; to others, we
may seem overly friendly.
Important social standards
Social
practices -- not laws -- govern many types of behaviour in Canada. Some
traditions are well established and are politely but firmly enforced.
For example:
- Lining up, or queuing: People
normally line up or queue according to the principle of "first-come,
first-served." They will be angry if you push ahead in a line-up
instead of waiting your turn.
- Not smoking in private homes: Most
Canadians do not smoke. When you are in people's homes, you should
always ask their permission to smoke. If they do not smoke themselves,
they may ask you to go outside to smoke.
- Being on time:
You should always arrive on time -- at school, at work and for any
meeting. People who are often late may be fired from their jobs or
suspended from school. Many Canadians will not wait more than 10 or 15
minutes for someone who has a business meeting. For social events,
people expect that you will arrive within half an hour of the stated
time.
- Respect for the environment:
Canadians respect the natural environment and expect people to avoid
littering (dropping waste paper and other garbage on the street or
throwing it out of your car). They will expect you to carry your
garbage until you can find a proper garbage can.
- Bargaining:
Bargaining for a better price is not common in Canada, but there are
some exceptions. For example, almost everyone bargains for a better
price when buying a car or a house, or other expensive items such as
furniture. People who sell things privately may also bargain.
- Smart shopping:
Stores compete with one another to attract customers, so it is wise to
check and compare prices at different stores before you buy. Note: The
price marked on goods in stores does not usually include the federal
and provincial sales taxes, which add from 7 percent to 15 percent to
the cost of an item, depending on the province in which you buy it.
SOME CANADIAN LAWS
Some laws you should be aware of
- It is illegal to drive without a driver's licence, registration and insurance.
- It is illegal to drive if you have been drinking alcohol.
- The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times when driving in Canada.
- Babies
and children who are too small to wear seat belts must be placed in
properly installed infant or child car seats, appropriate to the age
and weight of the child.
- Children under 12 years of age cannot be left at home alone, or to care for younger children.
- All children aged six to 16 must attend school.
- Smoking
is not permitted in federal buildings, in elevators, on Canadian
airlines, on buses and on other public transportation, nor in many
banks, shops, restaurants and other public places (some municipalities
have banned smoking in all public buildings).
- Depending on which part of Canada you live in, you must be either 18 or 19 years old to buy or drink alcohol in any form.
- It is against the law to hit your spouse or children, either in the home or in public.
- It is illegal to use, buy or sell marijuana, heroin, cocaine and other addictive drugs.
- It is illegal to make any kind of sexual remarks or advances if the other person does not like them.
INTERACTING WITH OFFICIALS
Knowing
how to behave and what to expect can be very useful when you are
dealing with public officials and people in authority. Usually, there
is no need to worry about making mistakes. Except for matters of law,
most Canadians do not insist on strict formality. Officials who know
that you are a newcomer will make allowances for your inexperience with
Canadian ways.
People in authority
In
Canada, a person's authority is related to his or her position and
responsibility. Women hold the same kinds of positions as men and have
the same kinds of authority. People do not have authority just because
of their name, status, social class or sex.
Public officials
Public
officials will normally treat you in a polite but impersonal way.
Public officials follow set procedures. They do not make the rules.
They may not want to or be able to become involved with your situation.
Do not respond to them in a personal or emotional way. Never try to
bribe a public official. Bribery and other forms of corruption are
illegal and will offend most Canadians.
Police officers
The
police are part of the community and are accountable to the public.
They may be either men or women. They are trained to serve and protect
the public, including you. Police operate within strict regulations and
follow established procedures. Canadians expect honesty and fairness
from the police.
Calling the police: Most cities and towns have
an emergency number for the police. Call this number if you or someone
else is hurt or in danger, or if you see a crime taking place. In most
parts of Canada, the emergency number is 911. Emergency numbers are
always printed inside the front cover of the telephone book.
What if you are questioned by a police officer?
- Call the police officer "officer."
- Accept the police officer's authority; do not try to argue.
- Be
ready to show identification if a police officer asks you for it. If
you are stopped by the police while driving a car, the officer will
probably ask you for your driver's licence, proof of insurance and car
registration.
- Tell the officer the facts about what has happened. Do not offer your own opinion.
- Never try to give money to a police officer. Canadians do not bribe police officers. It is a serious crime to do this.
What if you are arrested by a police officer?
- Police officers must tell you who they are and show you their badge number.
- They must explain why they are arresting you and tell you what your rights are.
- They
must allow you to call a lawyer right away. If you don't have a lawyer,
they must give you the Legal Aid telephone number and let you call.
- You do not have to give any information, other than your name and address, until you have talked to a lawyer.
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