Canada is a cultural mosaic, meaning that it’s a collection of several subcultures. Whether they are regional, aboriginal or ethnic. Because the two official languages are English and French and because they are used for day-to-day life in most parts of the country, Canada is like a melting pot with strong connections with the rest of the English- and French-speaking world, although this differs from region to region. For instance, some Government policies tend to differ from those in the US. E.g. publicly funded health care, higher taxation to distribute wealth and so on.
Historically, Canada was influenced by British, French and aboriginal cultures and traditions. Through those cultures, and their language art and music, the aboriginal subcultures still influence the Canadian identity. Many Canadians value this multiculturalism and see their multiculturalism as part of their national heritage. The Government even protects the creation and preservation of the Canadian culture through programmes laws and institutions.
But even though they are so proud of their own cultures, American media and entertainment are still popular, if not dominant, in the English speaking parts of Canada. Also Canadian cultural products and entertainers are very popular in The States and even worldwide.
Canada’s official national sports are ice hockey and lacrosse. Hockey is a national pastime and the most popular spectator sport in the country. Seven of Canada's eight largest metropolitan areas (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg) have franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL), and there are more Canadian players in the NHL than from all other countries combined.
Symbols Canada's national symbols are influenced by natural, historical, and Aboriginal sources. They have a number of symbols for every category. Natural symbols are the Maple leaf (pictured on the flag and coat of arms), the beaver, the goose and the loon.