1) Canada was just a little behind infection curve relative to most other countries, which gave a little bit of breathing room to make decisions. Given the exponentiality of this, just a few days earlier on lock-down can make a big difference. In relative terms (days after 1st 100 cases) I think Canada locked down sooner than other places.
2) Canada was testing way more aggressively early on.
3) Canada has a public healthcare system - so it's coordinated by default. The hospital systems are prepared at the provincial level for pandemics, it's not a big coordinating effort.
4) Canada is smaller, so possibly a little bit easier to coordinate.
5) Interprovincial and political issues are not nearly as severe as in the US. There isn't a lot of arguing, relatively speaking.
6) This is hugely speculative ... but I think Canadians are more compliant and risk-averse in general. 'Stability and Good Order' vs. 'Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness' means I think Canadians are systematically more likely to follow the rules as they develop. Honestly, Canadians are so not like New Yorkers ... it's definitely measurable on some level.
7) Because everyone has healthcare, nobody is afraid to go to the hospital and get tested.
8) Paid sick leave means people are not afraid to take a few days off if they have to.
I think it's mostly 1 and 2 though.
I also think Coronavirus is going to expose any system that doesn't have fairly universal coverage.
If 5% of Americans have no coverage, and another 20% are afraid of their co-pay, and as a result don't get tested, or delay that - what that will do is make life much more miserable for the remaining 20%.
I'm not going to promote the 'Canadians system' as 'better' - there are serious deficiencies, but I would say that definitely America has to work on getting everyone covered, one way or another, by hook or by crook.
I drive a taxi in the GTA. Was driving an essential worker home to Toronto last night and there were still lots of people on the streets, although not as many as before obviously.
I recall Vancouver having great nightlife when I was there a few years ago. I hope it returns soon (after this). :)
I suspect culture has something to do with it too. People are more likely to seek treatment or call public health authorities when they don't worry it will bankrupt them.
