Hi there.

The more I read about moving to Canada, Canadian lifestyle etc, the more little things there seem to be to think about/check on/bear in mind before the big move (not complaining just an observation )

For example, the various taxes (GST/PST etc), tipping more frequently, tipping at the bar, dog licenses (rural/municipal/spayed/intact), limits to the number of animals in one house, the different ways that holiday pay is paid or accrued etc. Many of these things/laws perhaps apply to the UK as well, but we perhaps don't think about them or they may be more obscure e.g. VAT!

I just got wondering... what Canadian "idiosyncracies" or "peculiarities" (call them what you will) has anyone else noticed or have been caught out by?

Many idiosyncracies have been covered in a recent thread entitled, "You know you're becoming canadian when you... !" Actually I think that thread is still going strong.

In that thread I offered the example of having to take your shoes off when you enter someone's home in Calgary. I don't know that this is the case right across Canada. For example, I don't know that they do it in Vancouver and Victoria. However, it definitely is the custom here on the prairies, and you risk offending the occupant of the residence if you fail to do it.

Actually, come to think of it, I once typed up a list for new comers. I myself come from Swaziland in Southern Africa, which obviously had a hot climate. I've provided tips to newly arrived co-workers, etc., who have come from the former Soviet Union, Latin America, Asia and all over the place. So my list of suggestions covers a multitude of issues, including ones that people from warm climates might not have thought of. I realise this list may include things that Brits already are aware of. Anyway, for what it's worth, here goes.

Survival

Etiquette

Sorry to repeat a post, I'll recheck the other thread!

Thanks anyway Judy. I think most if not all of the Etiquette things, I would do in the UK as well. The survival tips are useful - will make a note.

One thing I have noticed from reading this forum is that many newbees assume that various things like education, health care, vehicle licensing, etc that are administered nationally in Britain are similarly administered in Canada, when really many, if not most, are administered by the provinces and so can vary a lot. I imagine that could cause a lot of confusion!

Also, don't assume most Canadians are incredible proud of some famous Canadian exports. (I'm specifically referring to Celine Dion here. ) And don't ever mention Ben Johnson!

Not forgetting, of course, that most Canadians will automatically apologize when someone else bumps into them or steps on their toes (and Phil has actually laughed over me doing this on the tube - believe me you have to break the habit quickly in London or you spend the whole journey apologizing...)

Just a note to your survival tips. Perhaps the plugging in your car over night is just a Calgary thing. I lived in Ontario for 20 years and we didn't plug it in once and it was fine every day. The winters were quite cold, -20, -30, (-40 once with the wind chill).

Taking shoes off when coming into house is the norm and I had a hard time not doing this when living in the UK. I think it mostly comes from the winter and trapsing in snow and slush.

Remembering to tip bar staff is one thing to get used to. THey are payed, in general, a rubbish wage and live off their tips. At least they used to. Perhaps since I left bar staff have worked to rule and now don't need their tips?!

Who the h*ll is Ben Johnson?...

Guilty of this also...

Ben Johnson? Olympic sprinter. Gold medallist (I think), until someone, quite literally, took the p**s. Naughty boy!

Yes, he got the world record at the time too. Great rocket fuel he was taking and for a day the Canadians did not let the Americans forget it. Unfortunately Ben did it again when he was finally allowed back into the sport. Not sure what he is doing now. I had heard coaching youth - heaven help our future in the sport.

Although Donavon Bailey was great too. He beat the Americans, got the gold and a World Record without any added help. I think injuries plagued him after that.

Definitely a popular BC thing also. Very polite and pleasant, too.

Rich

Ben Johnson is Jamaican born....well atleast thats the part the press emphasises post-olympics!!!

Goddam trains honking there horns at level crossings.

Certainly done here in Victoria. Especially at our home with 2 small kids and a dog!

The odd things I have noticed are that most people want to send you a fax rather than email! I found that quite astonishing as I haven't faxed stuff to people for at least 10 years in the UK.

The other thing that is very noticable is that most of the Canadian homes I have been into are very messy. Makes mine look incredibly tidy by comparison!!! I like that. It was a bit of a shock though as having lived in "very tidy" USA, I thought that Canadians would be the same as them.

I love the fact that Canadians "pop in" to see you like we all do in the UK. That never happens in the States either.

Most of Judy's points I do whether in the UK or in Canada anyway so they are no shock to me.