Facts and Tips for Visitors to Canada

Brought to you with affection from the Program and Host Committees:

1. You are crossing an international border. YOU MUST BRING A VALID PASSPORT. If you are not a US citizen, please check if you will need a visa to enter Canada.

2. Canada has a parliamentary system of government with a multi-party system and the Prime Minister is the leader of the party that forms the government in the House of Commons. There is very little US-style lobbying since elected officials (Members of Parliament or MPs) vote with their party. The Governor General is the Head of State.

3. Ottawa is the national capital and has embassies from most nations in the world. The bars and restaurants are smoke-free.

4. Canada is a mostly urban country with 80 percent of Canadians living in cities. It is also the second largest country in the world (after Russia) in land mass and has the same population size as California. It has the greatest amount of fresh water per capita of any country in the world. Because our theme is “Beyond Borders,” when providing resources with illustrations, maps that include all of North America are always a nice touch.

5. Most environmentally designated funding in Canada goes into land conservation and forest issues. Canadians, including new Canadians, recognize that these assets form the matrix of our identity as a people and as a nation. However, much less money is available for other pressing environmental problems, such as pollution or climate change.

6. Visitors from the US may think the beer is stronger, but really it just tastes better.

7. The US dollar buys approximately $1.35 Canadian. Spend lots and help the local economy.