Nation

When I moved to Canada from Ukraine four years ago, I knew there would be some big cultural differences to get used to. But what I didn't expect was how many little things about everyday life in Canada would still surprise me years later. From Canada's obsession with camping and Tim Hortons coffee to the way Canadians use credit cards, pay sales tax and even treat Canada geese, there are plenty of things that still feel completely foreign to me. Don't get me wrong — there's so much I love about living in Canada. The stunning landscapes, welcoming people and sense of community have made this country feel like home. But after growing up in Ukraine, I've realized that some Canadian habits take a lot longer to get used to than others. Here are seven things about living in Canada that I still can't quite wrap my head around, even after four years. Nothing says "Canadian summer" quite like grilling outdoors. Alona Vasylieva | NarcityIt didn't take me long to realize just how much Canadians love camping. But here, camping often means towing a massive trailer into the forest — basically bringing your entire house along for the ride.

“This weekend, Canadians are gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and give thanks. For what and who you value most in life. As we gather, we give thanks for Canada – for the rights, freedoms, and opportunities we share. Across our provinces and territories, in communities large and small, we bring different histories, traditions, and perspectives. Canada’s founding insight is that unity is not uniformity, that our differences are strengths to nurture rather than risks to manage, and that our values serve as an unshakeable foundation. This Thanksgiving comes at a consequential moment. The world has changed, and Canada faces threats to our economy, our security, and our sovereignty. Meeting these challenges takes a strong country – and Canada is strongest when we stand together. We see that strength in Canadians supporting local businesses, buying Canadian, and looking out for their neighbours. We see it in people giving back to their communities and working to create a better future for their families. Together, these choices add up to something greater than any of us could achieve alone.

Darlene Mulcahey started My Menopause at Work after she took leave from her job in Ottawa. Now, the estrogen patch she relies on is often out of stock. The Advocate is a regular feature by Diana Zlomislic that helps Canadians hold companies and policymakers to account for the goods and services they provide. If you need help or want to share your story, email Diana at dzlo@thestar.ca

Open this photo in gallery:French Ambassador to Canada Hélène Farnaud-Defromont at the French Embassy in Ottawa, on Friday. Keito Newman/The Canadian PressFrance’s new ambassador in Ottawa says her country is open to working closer with Canada on defence procurement, despite its push for Europe to develop a fully autonomous arms industry. “In the defence sector and in other equally strategic sectors, France advocates for a European preference in procurement,” French Ambassador Hélène Farnaud-Defromont said in a French-language interview. “The ideal for us would be to achieve 100 per cent European content but, once again, we’re being realistic. We know we’re all going to need a bit of time to reach that goal.”Farnaud-Defromont said France can help Canada build up its defence base by sharing best practices. “France is the only member state of the European Union today to have retained a comprehensive defence industrial and technological base,” she said. “We have some really interesting ideas to put forward and develop together.”In February, Canada became the first non-European partner in an EU loan program for joint defence projects called Security Action for Europe, or SAFE.

Skip to Content Car Finder Most Popular Cars Tesla Model Y Honda Civic Toyota RAV4 Tesla Model 3 Honda CR-V Toyota Corolla Cross Ford F-150 Nissan Kicks Ford Bronco Subaru Crosstrek Car Rankings 2026 Best SUVs Best Luxury SUVs Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Best Hybrid SUVs Cheapest Electric Cars Car Rankings 2025 Best SUVs Cheapest Electric Cars Best Hybrid SUVs Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Best Luxury SUVs Car Rankings 2024 Best SUVs Cheapest Electric Cars Best Hybrid SUVs Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Best Luxury SUVs Brands Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Kia Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lotus Lucid Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Nissan Mitsubishi Nissan Polestar Porsche Ram Rivian Roll-Royce Subaru Tesla Toyota Vinfast Volkswagen Volvo Reviews Previews First Drives Road Tests Comparison Tests Road Trips Reader Reviews Owner Reviews Used Vehicle Guides News New Vehicles Technology Awards and Surveys Info For Drivers Industry News Entertainment Crash, Bang, Wow Local News Auto Shows Driving en Français Advice Maintenance

AtlanticNova ScotiaNew BrunswickPrince Edward Island Newfoundland and LabradorCalgaryLethbridgeKitchenerGuelphNorthern OntarioSudburyNorth BaySault Ste. MarieTimminsOttawaKingstonBrockvillePembrokeReginaYorktonSaskatoonPrince AlbertTorontoWatchWeatherPeelHamiltonDurhamYorkHaltonNiagaraQueen's ParkToronto City HallIn PicturesVancouverVancouver IslandCanadaLocal SpotlightRoyal FamilyPoliticsNanosPower PlayQuestion PeriodFederal Election 2025WorldMideast ConflictRussia-Ukraine WarWatchLatestCaptured on CameraPoliticsLifestyleConsumerHealthExplainedEntertainmentTechnologyDeception DecodedAutosEnvironmentBusinessInflationReal EstateAutos

A battle between Arctic and Gulf air will leave Atlantic Canada in the crosshairs as multiple rounds of rain are forecast throughout the week. The soggy pattern will be thanks to a hot and muggy, high-pressure system stalled over the southeastern United States, where daytime highs are in the 30s, and a freezing high-pressure system over Hudson Bay. The result? A conveyor belt of active weather aimed right at Atlantic Canada. DON'T MISS: Canada's Winter Sneak Peek: El Niño puts record warmth in playA widespread 20-40 mm of rainfall is forecast across Newfoundland and the Maritimes through the week, with locally higher amounts possible across southern Nova Scotia and along Newfoundland's coast. Round 1: Isaias remnants kicked off the soggy patternThe damp, cool weather is forecast to linger through Tuesday as a new system begins to make its way into the Maritimes. SEE ALSO: Fight flu season with nature: Four immune-boosting foods to try this fallRound 2: Heavy rainfall moves in Wednesday before the main eventModerate to heavy rainfall is expected to spread across the Maritimes through Wednesday morning as this second system makes its way east.

This weekend, Canadians are gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect – and give thanks. Give thanks for who and what you value most in your life. And it’s a chance to give thanks for Canada. For the rights, freedoms, and opportunities that we all enjoy. For the education, the health care, the security that we have – because we are Canadian. This year, Thanksgiving is a bit different. A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future. Whether to remain part of Canada or begin a long and uncertain process through which Alberta could separate from Canada. Now, I have some perspectives on this choice. I grew up in Alberta. I went to school right here in St. Francis Xavier High School in Edmonton. I’m back home a lot these days because we are building big things again in Alberta. Thousands of new homes. High-speed rail. A new pipeline to the West Coast that will create lasting opportunity and prosperity for hundreds of thousands of people – in this province and across the country. In fact, we’re building across Canada at a speed and scale not seen in generations. Canada is working.

TORONTO — International engineering and technology group Sener is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its establishment in Canada. Since beginning operations in 2016, the company has developed alongside one of the country’s largest periods of investment in – and transformation of – its transport networks, states a release.

AtlanticNova ScotiaNew BrunswickPrince Edward Island Newfoundland and LabradorCalgaryLethbridgeKitchenerGuelphNorthern OntarioSudburyNorth BaySault Ste. MarieTimminsOttawaKingstonBrockvillePembrokeReginaYorktonSaskatoonPrince AlbertTorontoWatchWeatherPeelHamiltonDurhamYorkHaltonNiagaraQueen's ParkToronto City HallIn PicturesVancouverVancouver IslandCanadaLocal SpotlightRoyal FamilyPoliticsNanosPower PlayQuestion PeriodFederal Election 2025WorldMideast ConflictRussia-Ukraine WarWatchLatestCaptured on CameraPoliticsLifestyleConsumerHealthExplainedEntertainmentTechnologyDeception DecodedAutosEnvironmentBusinessInflationReal EstateAutos

Skip to Content Subscribe My Account Manage My Subscriptions FAQ Newsletters Canada Canadian True Crime Canadian Politics Health World Israel & Middle East Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Comics NP News Quiz New York Times Crossword Horoscopes Modern Life Eating & Drinking Style Sponsored Play for Ontario Travel Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Essentials Culture Books Celebrity Movies Music Theatre Television Business Essentials Advice Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Buy Canadian Home Living Outdoor Living Kitchen & Dining Tech Style & Beauty Personal Care Entertainment & Hobbies Gift Guide Travel Guide Deals Savings National Post Store More Sports Hockey Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Golf Tennis Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide Obituaries Place an Obituary Place an In Memoriam Classifieds Place an Ad Celebrations Working Business Ads Archives Healthing Epaper Manage Print Subscription Profile Settings My Subscriptions My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ Newsletters Canada World Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Modern Life Shopping Epaper Manage Print Subscription

French Ambassador to Canada Hélène Farnaud-Defromont is photographed at the French Embassy in Ottawa, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. OTTAWA - France’s new ambassador in Ottawa says her country is open to working closer with Canada on defence procurement, despite its push for Europe to develop a fully autonomous arms industry. “In the defence sector and in other equally strategic sectors, France advocates for a European preference in procurement,” French Ambassador Hélène Farnaud-Defromont said in a French-language interview.