Why is it you hear "reset transponder, squawk xxxx and ident" in the US whereas in Canada this would constitute two seperate methods of radar identification?
Actually it's three methods.
"reset your transponder" would be heard most often if an expected target correlates on radar as a prime target only, and the aircraft's transponder doesn't appear to be working. Resetting the transponder (tuning it off for 5 seconds and turning it back on) recycles (resets) the aircraft's transponder to the assigned code.
"squawk xxxx" is another method of identification. If an aircraft doesn't get his code on the ground you'd hear this if the aircraft was required to change his transponder code for some reason enroute (not too common, usually for airline types, the code is kept from start to finish). For VFR aircraft if they've been out of controlled airspace they are probably squawking 1200. To enter controlled airspace for a landing let's say at an airport with radar, the aircraft would be requested to "squawk xxxx"
"ident" If an VFR aircraft is already on an assigned code from another ATC sector, and the aircraft has already been assigned a code, the new controller may ask him to "ident". The target with flash on the screen for 10 seconds of so. Another form of identication in Canada anyway is to observe the correct transponer code within a mile off ther end of the runway. If the aircraft is beyond that point because of radar coverage or other reasons, the controller will get the aircraft to "squawk ident" even if he sees the correct tag in the general area where it should be, but more than a mile.