Canadians are nothing more than 30-somethings still crashing at their parent's house. When someone else is picking up the tab, it frees one up to pursue more esoteric activities, like hanging around the beach all day.
Specifically, Canadians get to devote their budget towards social programs because we cover their ass on security. Even better, we provide a giant market for their goods/services. All in all, not a bad deal for the Canadians.
Who would you rather be, the draft horse or the rider? Problem is, while we may be the workers, we still can spit out the bit and run around the field. They may be getting a free ride, but they're stuck in that saddle and can't get out.
The northEast US is more towards the Canadian style.
Canada is a conservative society. Why change if you don't have to? Americans are concerned with excellence and doing things better. Canadians are content with mediocrity and prize the value of stability.