maybe Canadian cars are built differently because we use defrost so darn much? but I'm pretty sure my defrost does not use a/c (I can tell, my engine immediately loses power when I turn on a/c in the summer). It CAN if I want it too, there's a separate a/c on/off button, but I don't because there's no point - it's a dry climate.
I generally burn a lot less fuel in the winter than in the summer because I don't use a/c in the winter, as long as I don't idle but really, when it's -40 I have to let it warm up just to be able to turn the wheel. Also, if it's too cold my sliding doors don't work, the sensors go all crazy and think my door is always open, then I get to hear dingdingding as I drive. Stupid van. I do try to keep idling to a minimum though, but where I live it's just unavoidable at times. To make up for it, I don't drive unless I absolutely have to. People here go pick up their kids all the time when it's a 10 min walk, even when it's not cold. Not me, I'm mean mommy. My kids walk. 
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