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It’s easy sometimes to think of Canada and the US as the same place, particularly in the every day consumer activities and in the media we consume. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been caught talking about the US election as if it were our own. It’s okay to admit it, because as much as we acknowledge our similarities we are different in so many more ways. It’s those differences that make us Canadian, from how we treat media to how we regulate firearms, the regulations that our government imposes help to define who we are as a people.
Movie Ratings
Here in Canada the governing body that rates movies is different in each Province and Territory. In the United States the classification board is the MPAA (The Motion Picture Association of America). In general, both our countries offer similar ratings to movies, like a ‘G’ or general rating to children’s movies, and PG or PG-13 (parental guidance) for most summer blockbuster films. But most people don’t know that our rating system in Canada is more progressive when it comes to harsh language and nudity on screen. In the United States for instance, a film that often receives an ‘R’ rating is given a 14A rating in British Columbia.
Why does the difference matter? Well, smaller audiences for restricted films make it harder for theatre owners to exhibit a mature film on as many screens. In the United States, many art house or Oscar Bait films end up with something called an NC-17 rating, which means that only an adult audience can see the movie, even when accompanied by an adult, children and teens under the age of 17 cannot be admitted. Many filmmakers and production companies believe that the system in the US is responsible for a ‘dumbing down’ of content. Here in Canada, our ratings are more lax, allowing for younger audiences to see more mature content. Not every parent loves that idea though, so be sure to check the movies your children are watching by reviewing the content and the trailer for yourself.
Alcohol Sales
Most Canadians have spent at least one evening debating alcohol sales with friends at a party or barbecue. In every province liquor sales are handled differently, and in British Columbia the government is very involved. Recently the Provincial Government outlined plans to change the way it enforces liquor laws, but for now, alcohol sales are heavily taxed and sold at a premium here in BC. You can’t buy alcohol at a grocery store or supermarket and you can’t serve alcohol in a movie theatre or many sporting events without a special license or adult only seating area.
The United States on the other hand generally offers much more affordable alcohol for sale everywhere from Walmart to 7-11. You can buy a 12 pack of beer or a bottle of wine for half what it costs in BC and in some states you won’t even be taxed for the purchase. You can also bring a minor into a bar with you, which has it’s practical advantages and moral disadvantages. In many states you can also buy liquor 24 hours, but in others you’ll be restricted from purchasing in the AM or on Sundays.
Why does it matter? Depending on which side of the argument you prefer, the freedom to buy cheaper alcohol is good for the economy and easier on our pocket books. On the other hand, in Canada we drink 50% more than the worldwide average and that is with regulations more extreme than other countries. Regulation also means more tax income, which goes to greater public good. And not for nothing, but the people who sell alcohol in Canada, at least in BC, make better wages as union employees. Given that, which country do you think has the better rules on alcohol?
Cell Phone Plans
Another way we lag behind the US is in our cell phone plans. You’ve probably seen the nightly news report on the issue, from sky high cell phone bills to unreasonable term lengths. In Canada we pay almost double what our American brethren do. Cell Phone companies say this is because of the cost associated with a wide reaching network that spans larger rural areas putting more burden on the folks in cities like Coquitlam. Others say it’s because of an unfair monopoly by Bell, Telus and Rogers that limits fair competition.
Recently the Canadian Federal Government announced plans for an auction to give a new company a slot in the Canadian Communications market. Critics of this auction, including the three major cell phone providers mentioned above, say this amounts to nothing more than an excuse to open up the market to an American provider, allowing the US to buy their way in to Canada’s market and upset the norm. Still, in recent polls most Canadians welcome the competition.
In their campaign to level the playing field and win support, Canadian companies recently moved from three year terms to two year terms, even before a recent court ruling that said longer contracts were illegal. The big three and their subsidiaries also offer unlimited calling with national long distance and better rates on data. But even given all that, prices on phones, plans and roaming are way higher in Canada. So where do you stand on this issue? Would you like to see more competition in Canada or do you think higher priced cell phone bills are part of the trade-off of living in the true North strong and free?
Air Travel
Almost immediately following the attacks on New York and Washington DC in September, 2001 air travel changed the world over. Particularly in the US, which has seen a number of news worthy, controversial changes to security. In Canada, most regulations carried over, with limits to foreign liquids, sharp objects and until recently, a requirement to remove your shoes when going through security. Politics and No Fly Lists aside, we play by most of the same rules if you don’t count the fact that most Americans fly for less than we do per mile here in Canada.
Once you board the plain, things tip in the US’ favour even more. Despite their own problems with airlines Americans still receive perks like free luggage and meals on cross country flights, where Air Canada has raised it’s prices to stay cost effective. And then there’s cell phones and other electronic devices. Have you ever been perplexed by the need to turn off your phone before a flight? After all, if those concerns the airline had about cell phone’s bringing down the plane had any merit, security would probably confiscate them faster than your oversized toothpaste tube.
Recently in the USA, the FAA (the Federal Aviation Administration) changed it’s policy to allow cell phones and electronic devices to be used during take off and landing, but here in Canada we still don’t have guidelines in place to do the same. Why? Well as it turns out the answer is just bureaucracy, but it’s likely we’ll enact similar policies soon. Who do you think has the better air travel and why?
Americans also have less regulation in almost every other major area, from State and Municipality controlled police forces, longer summer vacations for students in public school and even higher speed limits. What area of difference is most important to you? Respond on Social Media and give us your perspective!
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