Misconception: He’s
weak

Reality: Far from
it. The man’s been through a lot, emotionally especially.

Ex: During a heated
argument with America, he’s able to close the door on him. It’s hinted that
Canada may have super strength, but he dismisses this.

Ex: He’s more
than capable of standing up from himself if necessary. Even a pushover has their limits.

Admittedly, he does excuse a lot of Cuba’s hostile behaviour
towards him. It’s only because Cuba mistakes him as America, though.

Ex: Canada’s
emotional insecurity can easily be seen as a strength. It takes a lot out of a
person to remain so generous and friendly, despite being historically ignored and
neglected by those close to you.

Misconception: He
and America hate each other.

Reality: While
they may have had some extremely rough times together, they’ve done more than
enough to make up for this.

Covering the progress of their relationship in more detail
will require a whole series of posts, but these are the basics.

Despite growing up together, they argued a lot following
America’s independence. Britain acted as the most prominent wedge between them. For some time before, they also couldn’t see eye-to-eye due to profound age differences.

Canada held resentment towards America for being selfish,
reckless, and too imposing.

Ex: America
actually pushed for Canada to gain his independence. This didn’t occur until quite a while later, obviously.

Ex: When Canada
does get his independence, they reconcile for the better…after having another argument of course. Siblings will be siblings.

Although, as you’ll
see soon, they still argue over the same things. Canada’s main tooth to pick
with America is his egotism and boisterousness.

Ex: America knows
little about Canada’s pop culture, meanwhile Canada knows everything about his.

Nonetheless, the two are still extremely close…

Ex: America helps
Canada figure out his identity. Canada’s multiculturalism [in the strips only,
of course] is inspired by America’s own diversity of cultures and ethnicities.

As such, Canada suddenly finds South Korea and China staying
at his place. The East Coast of Canada, especially Vancouver, is where many
East Asians immigrate to.

Ex: America is
jealous of Canada’s natural ability to get along with everyone.

Ex: The two co-host an online cooking show together. Yes, it’s called “America’s Cooking Channel, but Canada is on there enough times to deserve the title of a co-host.

Misconception:
France is his father.

Reality: France temporarily
acted as a big brother figure to Canada before England took hold of his
jurisdiction. As such, this would explain why Canada inherited France’s hair. It’s
mere influence. They’re not blood-related.

We’ve already see with Hong Kong how one nation’s influence can impact the
physical/ personality traits of another.

Ex: England’s
influence on Hong Kong’s personality. England also cursed Hong Kong to have
thick eyebrows like him.

Ex: Seychelles was originally supposed to have one
thick eyebrow and one thin one to represent French and English influences on
her nation’s culture.

Misconception: Canada’s invisible for no reason.

Reality: There’s
a real historical reason for this. Being a dominion, Canada was often
overshadowed by Britain.

For instance, in WW1, other than the occasional Canadian Red
Ensign flag – which also had a Union Jack on it – Canadian troops fought under
the Union Jack. In return, Britain absorbed much of the credit for the feats
accomplished by Canadian soldiers.

Ex: America thinks that Canada hides in Britain’s shadow. He holds back from saying this out loud.

Later, Canada’s shown to recognize this on his own. 

Ex: Canada wanted
to sign a treaty with America, however he was too scared to talk to America
directly. He was worried that America wouldn’t be able to see him.

Bonus Facts:

He cried when Seychelles remembered him as being part of the
G8.

He served in the French army at Waterloo.

Maple syrup is his fuel.

He smoked marijuana.

He once yelled at America for three hours straight, pointing
out his faults. America cried afterwards. Predictably, this was quickly fixed with
a burger.

He aged at a much slower rate than America.