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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy Canada Day


Yep, it's that time of year again.

For all of my American friends today is Canada's 142nd birthday. Happy birthday to us.
So here are some relevant facts about Canada.

On July 1, 1867 Canada was born, consisting of the four provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec. We are now a country with 10 provinces and three territories. Newfoundland was the last province to join Canada in 1949.

Canada is the second largest country in the world with an estimated population of over 33 million people. But with only 3 people per square km, it has the forth lowest population density in the world (though tell that to someone who lives in Scarborough!)

It was on this day in 1980 that "Oh Canada" was established as our National Anthem.

The official languages of Canada are English and French. Contrary to popular belief, not all Canadians speak both. (many Canadian residents can't speak either)

The worlds first legally recognized same sex wedding took place in Ontario in 2001.

Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world. More than 49% of it's residents are foreign born representing over 20 different countries

The following things have been invented in Canada or by Canadians; basketball, the electric light bulb, the electric range, standard time, the television, the telephone, and the zipper and insulin.

The Canada Goose mates for life. They are also loyal friends. While flying in their trademark V formation if any goose in the formation becomes injured or sick and must leave the group another goose will stay with it until it recovers or dies before continuing it's migration.

Canadians enjoy Universal Health Care and 52 weeks of paid maternity leave.

Canada's national animal is the beaver. It is a rodent. Our 5 cent coin has a beaver on it.

Canada is the birthplace (and still home for some) very famous people including; Pamela Anderson, Bryan Adams, Dan Aykroyd, William Shatner, Alex Trebek, Michael J. Fox, Ryan Gosling, Graham Greene, Jason Priestly, Ryan Reynolds, Donald Sutherland (and while Keifer was not born here, he was raised here), Neve Campbell, Elisha Cuthbert, Rachel McAdams, Shannon Tweed (that's right, Gene Simmons "unwife" is a Newfie!) Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Rick Mercer, Howie Mandel, Leslie Neilsen, and the late John Candy. We breed some pretty talented folks!

On a little bit of a personal note, today would have also been my mom and dad's 37th wedding anniversary.

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