India 42 said "In my experience, AC is one of the best airlines when it comes to checking seatbelts, after the sign is switched on. I feel sorry for the Air Canada crew - it must be very difficult dealing with passengers who don't understand why seat belts are so important."
Unfortunately in my limited experience AC are NOT very good at checking seatbelts. I've flown several times with them, most recently LHR-YVR and back. The return flight was after the AC88 incident but that hasn't seemed to changed their procedures. I'd roughly guess that the seat-belt sign went on about 7 times on those last flights and only 2 generated a cabin announcement. Rest of the time crew seemed oblivious to the fact and there were people strolling around to washrooms which were not locked. I've noted this on previous flights as well.
So, probably not just a cultural thing. BA aren't any better
