Canada, who is also known by his human name Matthew Williams, is a character who embodies the nation of Canada. Physically, he is depicted as a young man of fair complexion with blonde hair that curls into a distinct, often drooping curl, and eyes that are typically portrayed as violet or blue. He is the younger twin brother of America, with whom he shares a strong physical resemblance, a fact that is a constant source of frustration as it frequently leads to others mistaking him for his louder sibling.

Personality-wise, Canada stands in stark contrast to his energetic and brash brother. He is a gentle, shy, and quiet individual who possesses a calm and polite demeanor. His personality is often described as being that of a well-mannered and sensitive young man who dislikes conflict, even though he is capable of defending himself when necessary. The most persistent and defining gag associated with Canada is his perceived lack of presence. He is frequently ignored, forgotten, or completely overlooked by the other characters, a trait that has led to fans affectionately calling him a ghost or a "transparent". This invisibility is not merely a social joke but manifests as a literal ability, as he can become invisible to others, often without intending to.

Canada's motivations are largely driven by a quiet longing for recognition and a desire to be seen as an individual separate from his brother. He is often disappointed when people fail to notice him or when his contributions go unacknowledged. Despite this, he takes pride in his cultural identity. He has a profound love for maple syrup, so much so that he tends to incorporate it into everything, and he is a skilled hockey and lacrosse player. His love for sweet things extends to pancakes and other similar foods. He is often accompanied by his pet polar bear, named Kumajiro, although the two have a peculiar relationship where they frequently forget each other’s names.

Canada's role in the story is that of a supporting character who is often on the periphery of major events. His background is rooted in the colonial struggles of North America. In his youth, he was cared for by France, who acted as a paternal figure, before being passed to the care of England following their conflict. It was during his time with England that he was first introduced to his twin brother, America. His most significant relationship is, of course, with America, who is his neighbor and brother. While Canada is fond of him, he is often overwhelmed by America's loud and intrusive nature. The other key relationship is with France, who is one of the few characters who can instantly recognize Canada, often commenting on his soft, silky hair which he inherited from the French side of his heritage. Over the course of the series, Canada experiences little dramatic development in his personality, but he is occasionally given focus episodes that explore his backstory and his quiet struggles with being forgotten, showing a resilient and kind heart despite his feelings of loneliness. Aside from his notable ability to turn invisible, Canada does not display many flashy powers, relying instead on his quiet intelligence and his skills on the hockey rink.