Today, July first, is Canada Day. Similar in festivities to the Fourth of July, Canada Day marks the passage of the British North America Act in 1867 that Canada became a confederation and the official end of colonial rule. Originally established as Dominion Day it was renamed with the passage of the Canada Act 1982.
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I'm a lousy historian but I suspect the future of Canadian politics probably has it's origin in a beer commercial. When I was a little kid I lived in the shadow of a Molson brewery, so I make no apologies if this looks like a beer commercial.
(Not dial-up safe!)
Happy Canada Day (YouTube Edition)
Today, July first, is Canada Day. Similar in festivities to the Fourth of July, Canada Day marks the passage of the British North America Act in 1867 that Canada became a confederation and the official end of colonial rule. Originally established as Dominion Day it was renamed with the passage of the Canada Act 1982.
...
I'm a lousy historian but I suspect the future of Canadian politics probably has it's origin in a beer commercial. When I was a little kid I lived in the shadow of a Molson brewery, so I make no apologies if this looks like a beer commercial.
The Rant
In all likelihood, you've seen 'The Rant'. I'm going to offer it up anyway because it's a critical piece pop-culture Canadiana. This is probably the most powerful piece of jingoist propaganda Canada has seen in a generation.
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The National Anthem
"Although Canada was traditionally the quiet neighbour of North America, most feel this has changed since the Molson ad." (wikipedia)
My experience holds that to be true, but it's also a sign of a demographic shift. Canada is the only country I know of that uses the national anthem as a drinking song at home, and abroad.
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So, you're from Canada... eh?
One of the reasons for the ad's success is a general distaste for being regarded as 'the 51st State' or the US's "retarded little brother" (Coulter, et al). From the other side of the line, the relationship frequently feels like this. |
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The Threat of Canada
Anytime some American pundit, politico and talking head starts up about a threat from Canada or the threat of Canada, Canadians look at eachother and think "WTF?" We kinda understand where they're coming from, history being what it is, but somehow 200 years seems like a long time to hold a grudge.
It's probably why they forgive us for the 'Eh?' jokes. |
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The Democratic Party Connection
I tried to find former Prime Minister Chrétien’s parting speech to the Liberal Party delegates. It's the sort of barn burner Kossacks love, celebrating diversity and denouncing unilateral military (Iraq) actions and so on.
No dice.
Instead, I offer this clip to show that there while our current President may not understand the US's largest trading partner, there are American who are loved up north...
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Musical Culture: Noufies
At the eastern tip of Canada is a little island province of Newfoundland. Because of the expulsion of French-speaking Arcadians to the United States during the French and Indian War (hence Cajuns) means this province is dominated by a culture strongly tied to the Scottish Isles. I met many fishermen in the Orkneys from families that had migrated back and fort to Newfoundland for generations.
Examples of "Noufie' music include Ashley MacIsaac, and this one from Spirit of the West.
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Happy Canada Day, DailyKos.