Canadian facts and figures

Official and other Languages

There are two official languages in Canada, English and French. English is most commonly used, but all federal government offices and services are offered in both languages. Many hospitals, schools and other services will employ people who speak a wide number of languages. As Canada prides itself on its multicultural diversity, many other languages are commonly used in different parts of Canada. No matter where you are in the country it is likely that there will be a community or local organization that supports the traditions and languages of your home country.

Multiculturalism and Religious Freedom

One of the most important elements of Canadian culture is respect, appreciation and pride in the many different cultures that live together in Canada. In Canada people are fee to practice any religion of their choice and there are hundreds of different multicultural and religious organizations. Diversity and multiculturalism is a cornerstone of Canadian beliefs.

Provinces, Territories and Time Zones

There are 10 provinces and three territories spanning over thousands of kilometers in Canada. There are five different time zones in Canada! If you want to find our what time it is in a specific part of Canada, click here.

British Columbia observes daylight savings time and therefore the clock moves one hour back the last Sunday in October and moves one hour forward the first Sunday in April.

Legal Ages

There are different legal ages across Canada for various privileges.

Driving: 16 years of age, some provinces have graduated licence's and each province has its own licensing branch and requirements.

Drinking alcohol: Drinking alcohol: 19 years of age across Canada, except for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec where it is 18 years of age.

Voting: 18 years of age

In Canada you are considered to be a minor if you are under 18 years of age. If you are studying in Canada and are under 18, you may require parental consent to pursue activities outside of class time. Please check carefully with the school you choose to attend to find out more about the types of parental consent they may require.

Official/Statutory Holidays

There are 10-11 statutory holidays in the year. Depending on which part of the country you are in, many services may be closed on these days.

• New Years Day: January 1st
• Good Friday: Changes each year. Check here for dates.
• Easter Monday (some businesses treat this as a holiday other do not) Check here for dates.
• Victoria Day: The Monday preceding May 25th
• Canada Day: July 1st
• British Columbia Day: First Monday in August
• Labour Day: First Monday in September
• Thanksgiving: Second Monday in October
• Remembrance Day: November 11
• Christmas Day: December 25
• Boxing Day: December 26 (some businesses treat this as a holiday others do not)
• Religious holidays: It is against Canadian law to make some one attend work or school on an official holiday for their religion.

Other recognized holidays

These holidays are "celebrated" but are not official holidays

• Valentines Day: February 14th
• St. Patrick's Day: March 17th
• Mother's Day: Second Sunday in May
• Father's Day: Third Sunday in June
• Halloween: October 31st

Other facts and Information

National Capital: The Capital of Canada is located in Ottawa, Ontario. If you have the opportunity to visit Ottawa you can take tours of the parliament buildings and other national and historical sites. When you are in BC, make sure you take a tour of the provincial capital buildings located in Victoria, BC.

System of Government: Canada is a democratic constitutional monarchy, which is divided into three branches, the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Canada is a federal state with power being divided between the federal (national) level and the provinces. For more information about the Canadian system of government, click here.

National Symbols: The Canadian flag depicts Canada's national symbol and colours: the maple leaf in red and white. Other Canadian symbols include the beaver and each province has its own flag, flower and other symbols. The national anthem of Canada is "Oh Canada" and was originally composed in 1880 by Calixa Lavalee.

Electricity: Canada's electrical plugs use 120 volts and uses both 2 and 3 prong plugs. If you plan on using electrical equipment from overseas make sure you check to see if it will work, or, buy an adapter.

Measurement: Officially, Canada uses the metric system for the measurement of weights and distances, and our temperature is measured using the Celsius scale. Howwever the English system is still widely used. To convert from one system to the metric system please click here.

Emergencies: For emergency assistance, for instance if you needed an ambulance or needed immediate assistance from the police, dial 911. You can call the local operator by dialing zero. Local non-emergency phone numbers for the local police, hospital and other community services can be found in the front pages of the phonebook.