Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About More Differences Between Canada & the USA

Yesterday I wrote about some of the differences this "Lost Canadian" is learning about with the USA and Canada. Today I want to share a little more about what I'm learning about how they are different - and there are some significant and important differences in how their Governments function.

• The US was founded on freedom - with a focus on equal rights - including free speech, liberty, freedom of religion, etc.
• The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms does have a section on Fundamental Freedoms including “freedom of expression”, hate speech is not tolerated in Canada. Perhaps this is a cause for the polite Canadian stereotype.
• The US Senate is elected, and considered the more powerful house even thought they only have 100 seats (two from each State), in comparison to the “lower” House of Representatives with 435 seats (based on each State's population.)
• The Canadian Senators are appointed by the Governor General on behalf of the Prime Minister, and they serve for life until they reach mandatory retirement at age 75.
• In the US, the Cabinet cannot be part of either Congressional House. Instead, these individuals are often the Secretary (head) of specific departments that are vital to American life (such as State, Defense, etc.).
• In Canada, the Cabinet is composed of elected members of the Legislature, including the Prime Minister. Although it is not required by law for Cabinet Members to be MPs (and sometimes Senators), it is the common practice. Each of these Members has a portfolio (a category) to oversee and report on before the house, for example: finance, status of women, health, etc. 
• The American people also vote directly (well, as directly as you can vote through the densely complicated Electoral College… at least the President’s name is on the ballot) for the President, no matter where they live.
• Canadians will only vote for the Prime Minister if they live in his electoral district. The rest of Canadians vote for the Candidates in their own electoral districts, and whichever party gets the most candidates elected becomes the governing party, and the leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister. 
• In the US, there is quite a divide between their two-party system, as the Democrats and GOP duel it out.
• Canada functions with a multiparty system. Currently in the House of Commons, there are members from five different parties, and three independent MPs. 
• The US does not limit campaign spending.
• In Canada, there are specific funding limits to follow during elections. Corporate and trade union donations are not accepted, and personal donations are limited to $1600 to each party/candidate/EDA.
• In the US the federal government has very distinct roles and responsibilities laid out in the Constitution, and everything else is left to state and municipal governments.
• Canadian jurisdiction is the opposite; if it’s not left to the Provinces, it’s most likely the responsibility of the federal government.
• In the US, one out of every 44 eligible voters cannot vote, due to a felony conviction.
• In Canada, it is a constitutional right for inmates to vote.
• The US has Medicare and Medicaid to assist the elderly, the disabled, and low-income individuals. About 55% of the population receives health insurance from employer-sponsored insurance. If an American does not have the appropriate health insurance to receive life-saving assistance, this care is not available to them.
• Canada’s state funded healthcare is available for each Canadian citizen to receive medical treatment in a hospital or from a physician. 

This "Lost Canadian" is very happy to know I am part of a country which sees government's "job" as something to make life better for its citizens. This will be new and appreciated. You will find more information on the differences at this link.