I don't think pop culture is a reference to pop music. It's more of a general cultural disposition to a particular set of popular attitudes towards fashion, art, entertainment and style. Sort of a 'going with the flow' thing.
What our American friends need to realize about Canadians is that while we have some unique regional and national biases, in accordance with other geographically disparate populations, the bulk of our pop culture is very close to their own. We listen to the same music and watch the same television programs. Recognizing that most trends are spread through these media channels means that we share the same influences. We aren't so much mimicking the south as simply being part of a united North American culture.