Canada is known to wear many different hats in the opinions of foreign citizens, says Blacklock’s Reporter.According to the Department of Foreign Affairs research, Italians associate Canada with mountains and maple syrup, while those in France associate Canada with sled dogs and Niagara Falls..The Research Study: Italian Perceptions stated: “Canada’s image has its strengths and weaknesses, beyond the traditional and clichéd perceptions of Canada, namely large open spaces and beautiful landscapes.”.The study continued: “Italians have identified some of the core values of the Canadian identity such as our vibrant economy, high standard of living, commitment to the environment and multicultural society.”.Findings were taken from a survey group of 2,000 Italians. The department of Foreign Affairs paid Léger Marketing Inc. $78,044 for the research..When asked whether or not participants were cognizant of the fact that Canada had 10 provinces and three northern territories, 70% of Italians replied no. Half of the respondents said “Canada and the United States share pretty much the same culture,” and 52% said “Canadian and American lifestyles are very similar.”.When participants were asked what they thought of when Canada comes to mind, 32% named “wide open spaces and beautiful landscapes.” Another 21% called Canada “a country rich in raw materials.” Thirteen percent of Italians complimented it as “a country where you could spend your vacation or even settle down.”.When asked “Which Canadian products might interest you?”, 30% said maple syrup. Sixteen percent could not think of any..“While most Italians are unfamiliar with Canadian geography, three out of 10 respondents have some connection to Canada,” said the report. Sixteen percent said they had friends or family here..Finally, 52% of participants named Germany when asked “which countries produce the safest food products?” Only 29% named Canada. Products of China were rated safe by 2% of Italians..This study follows a 2019 survey of people in France that found most residents associated Canada with wildlife and Céline Dion. Words most often used by the French to describe Canada were “green,” “vast,” “camping,” “Niagara Falls” and “sled dogs.”.Respondents in France also commented on “the lifestyle of Canadians who drive four-wheel drive vehicles,” said the report..“One of the negative aspects highlighted by participants concerned Indigenous people. The impression was they are placed on reserves, that they are penned in, or that the police can move them to make way for pipeline projects.”.Jackie Conroy is a reporter for the Western Standard.jconroy@westernstandardonline.com
