Why ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are more than just Canadian stereotypes

While our neighbours to the south appear to be locked in a spiralling cycle of mutual suspicion, a new survey from the Pew Research Center suggests that the "Great White North" remains significantly more unified when it comes to social cohesion.

The study found a staggering divide: 53 percent of American adults now describe the morality and ethics of their fellow citizens as “bad”. Meanwhile, in Canada, the sentiment is almost exactly the opposite. A robust 92 percent of Canadians say their fellow residents are "good” people-the highest trust level recorded in the worldwide survey. Only 7 percent of Canadians describe their fellow citizens as "bad".

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For Canadian HR professionals, these numbers are more than just a reason for national pride; they represent a distinct competitive advantage in the global talent market.

The Cost of the ‘Moral Deficit’

In the United States, the workplace has become a minefield where a majority of the population views the person in the next cubicle as fundamentally unethical. This "moral deficit" is a known productivity killer - costing an estimated $1.6 billion in lost work every day. High levels of distrust lead to "affective polarization," where employees are less likely to collaborate or share information with those who hold different political views.

In contrast, the Canadian workplace benefits from high "social capital." When nearly 3 out of 4 employees believe their colleagues are essentially good people, the friction of collaboration decreases.

• The Trust Dividend: Canadians are significantly more likely than Americans to say fellow residents are "somewhat good" or "very good".
• The Politeness ROI: While Americans struggle with demonizing those in the opposing political party-with 63 percent of Republicans and 35 percent of Democrats viewing the other side as “immoral"-Canadians maintain a deeper degree of shared morality.

A Look at the ‘American Meltdown’

The Pew data reveals that the U.S. was the only country among 25 polled where a majority of residents viewed their countrymen as "bad people". Experts suggest that in the U.S., morality has become entirely tied to political identity.

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Essentially, for many Americans, "good" has become a synonym for "voted like me." In Canada, we have avoided the point where a political disagreement leads to a permanent character judgment. As the study notes, there is a sharp gap between the negative views Americans have of one another and the more temperate Canadian perspective.

Why This Matters for Canadian HR

While it’s tempting to simply enjoy the view from the moral high ground, Canadian HR leaders should use this data to reinforce unique workplace cultures:

1. Recruitment Magnet: As American offices become increasingly distracted by political friction, Canada’s reputation for civility makes us a primary destination for global talent seeking a psychologically safe environment.
2. Protecting the "Canadian Nice": High trust is fragile. HR professionals must remain vigilant against the "algorithmic demonization" and political echo chambers that have eroded the American social fabric.
3. Leveraging Collaboration: With 92 percent of our population starting from a place of mutual respect, Canadian companies can move faster on cross-functional projects that require high levels of trust.

The Bottom Line

The American "state of morals" is, by their own admission, in a state of negativity. In Canada, we still believe in the shared humanity of our neighbors. For HR, our job is to ensure that while we might import American technology, we never import the cynicism currently occupying the American office.