Why is Canada so much different from America?

[Zidneya]

Something I have been wondering for a while, and perhaps people here could help shed some light on it this, why is Canada so different from the US in many ways?
I mean most of the Canadian population is within a few hours drive of the american border, we watch the same shows, and speak the same language, but our countries are fundamentally quite different. I hope this does not come off s patronizing or bragging but, so many of the issues that plague the US aren't here. We don't have a failing education system, or as much violence, or nearly as many religious nuts trying to influence the government. Despite the fact that separation of church and state is not nearly as enshrined in our laws.
It's enough to make you wonder why? Especially given our longstanding close international relationship.
I seriously don't mean to sound supremacist in this, there are countries that seem to be doing better then canada. And yes I wonder what they did different too.

You make it sound like Canada should be more like America. Or that America should be more like Canada? Whichever way it is that still raises the question. Why should they resemble each other? There are many countries living right next to each other that are very different therefore: why does it surprise you that Canada is so much different from America?