Getting to Know Canada

from the 2007 edition of Welcome to Canada - What You Should Know by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)

The Canadian way of life

Canada is an immense country. It is very diverse in its people, its landscape, its climate and its way of life. However, Canadians do share the same important values. These values guide and influence much of our everyday life. These are values of pride, a belief in equality and diversity, and respect for all individuals in society and institutions that govern us. Women, men, children and seniors are all equally respected in Canada. Canadians may be different from each other but it is these shared values that make Canada a friendly, caring, peace-loving and secure society in which to live.

Fairness, tolerance and respect.
Canadians want fairness and justice for themselves, their children and their families. And most are fair and just to others, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Diversity and cooperation.
Canadians understand the value of cooperation. In a country as large and diverse as Canada, people must be able to resolve or ignore small conflicts in order to live happily and peacefully.

Equal Opportunity.
Canadians believe in equality. Each person is equal before the law and is treated equally by the law. Women and men have the same opportunity for success. Canadians let people live as they wish, as long as they do not limit how others live.

Civil rights.
Canadians appreciate their rights and freedoms, which apply equally without regard to such considerations as a person’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, colour, religion, mental or physical disability or sexual orientation. Most also want to contribute to our society. As a newcomer, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities. The right to participate in Canadian society implies an obligation to help it succeed. Canadian citizenship is about caring enough to want to get involved and make Canada even better.

Environmental responsibility.
Canadians are especially conscious of their natural environment and the need to both respect and protect it for the future. Canadians believe that economic growth should not come at the expense of a healthy environment and social well-being. There are some simple things we all can do to work toward sustainable development, such as participating in recycling programs that help convert garbage into usable materials; reducing household energy consumption; keeping parks and streets clean by putting garbage into garbage cans; and using public transportation, riding a bicycle or walking rather than using a car.