Tootfinder

Good Morning #Canada
Normally, I'm posting about history or geography or trivia, but the July tourism numbers are dominating the news. We "Nasty" Canadians are choosing not to visit the USA, and trips across the border continue to drop month after month. At the end of 2024, U.S. tourism revenue from Canadians was projected to increase 16%. Surprise! Losses by USA businesses are already estimated to be in excess of $20B USD, and some states are bracing for government cuts due to a decrease in sales taxes.
#CanadaIsAwesome #ElbowsUp
https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/08/11/canadian-car-visits-us-plunge-37-percent/

Good Morning #Canada
For those of you dreaming of moving to an idyllic lifestyle in beautiful #PEI, consider this to be a public service announcement. No disrespect to our beloved potato province.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://youtu.be/CJxffIMhBd0?si=89VPMfodAtgSMrxS

Good Morning #Canada
Recent news may have some of you panicking with the announcement that AOL Dial Up Services will officially shut down on September 30th of this year. Yikes! But, the Canadian government has your backup plan as they attempt to provide high-speed internet services to 100% of Canadians by 2030. Current estimates put access at 94.5%, and the next target is 98% by the end of 2026.
I kinda miss the phone couplers, bragging about the size of my "Baud Rate," and the beep booping screeching announcement of going online. OK.... not really.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/high-speed-internet-canada/en/high-speed-internet-all-canadians

Good Morning #Canada
Todays edition of #BigStuffInSmallTowns involves a kinda boring object with an interesting story behind its installation. The tall tale of a man trading a paperclip for a house, and that may be oversimplified, takes us to Kipling Saskatchewan, the home of the Guinness World Record "World's Largest Paper Clip." The paperclip was unveiled on July 12, 2007 and is made of 3043 lbs of solid steel. It is 15 ft. 2 inches tall and 3 ft. 3 inches wide; 45 ft. 6.75 inches long.
Thank you to @… for the article that prompted this post.
#CanadaIsAwesome #RoadTrip
https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/on-video-the-tale-of-the-red-paperclip-trade-and-kipling-sask/

Good Morning #Canada
#HappyBirthday to
Sir James Douglas (August 15, 1803 – August 2, 1877) who was a Canadian fur trader and politician who became the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia. He is often credited as "The Father of British Columbia." Douglas was born in Guyana to a wealthy Scottish planter and a free woman of colour. He was educated in Scotland, and in 1819, at age 16, he went to Canada to work for the North West Company and then the Hudson's Bay Company. After a long career managing remote outposts, in 1851, he became Chief Factor at Fort Vancouver. In 1858, he became Governor of the Colony of British Columbia, where he oversaw gold rushes and fought against American annexation.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History
https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-james-douglas

Good Morning #Canada
We've arrived at our final province on Day #12 of The Dirt on Canadian Farming. It may not be the middle of the country, but I think we can all agree that it's the centre of the universe.
Ontario leads the nation in agricultural exports and is #1 in the number of farms, poultry and egg production, sheep and goat, vegetable and melon, and greenhouse, nursery and floriculture (31.8%). The province is home to one-quarter (25.5%) of total farms in Canada while making up 7.7% of the total farm area. It also employs 870K, more than any other province. There are numerous agricultural centers in Ontario but the Holland Marsh is significant. Just 50 Km north of Toronto lies 21,500 acres of rich black soil that provides vegetables to nearby cities and exports into the USA.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Farming
https://www.canadaaction.ca/ontario-farming-facts

Good Morning #Canada
The 2nd last province has arrived on Day #11 of our series The Dirt on Canadian Farming. What will be the final province? The suspense is killing me!
Manitoba is home to 14,791 farms on 17.1 million acres and, in partnership with Saskatchewan, invented Canola. So Canola and wheat dominate as crops, but a very close 3rd is Hogs, and the average farm in that sector has 5,000 pigs. Not surprising since the Bacon Centre of Excellence is located in Manitoba. Like many of our provinces with large tracts of fertile land, the agriculture in Manitoba is varied, which helps to create stability from year to year. They passed PEI in potato production a few years ago, placing them 2nd behind Alberta. They produce 72M eggs and 1.7M turkeys every year, and ranked #3 in Canada in beef and bison.
#CanadaIsAwesome #MmmmBacon
https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/markets-and-statistics/publications-and-proceedings/pubs/agriculture-sector-profile.pdf

Good Morning #Canada
The Webster–Ashburton Treaty was signed August 9, 1842, and resolved several border issues between the United States and the British North American colonies (the region that very soon would become the Dominion of Canada). The treaty would end disputes and controversies over the vague indefinite terms and text of the old peace agreement of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, which ended the American Revolutionary War. Specifically, it defined borders between Maine and New Brunswick, territory surrounding Lake Superior, and reaffirmed the western border on the 49th parallel. More importantly, it began a period of peace and friendly diplomacy between the two countries... until Americans decided a moronic spray tanner, suspected abuser of women, convicted felon, golf cheat, and narcissistic conman should be their president.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History
https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/webster-ashburton-treaty

Good Morning #Canada
We are entering our 3rd week in the new house and not yet taking advantage of the access to water - just a 5 minute walk to a community beach and dock on Cook's Bay on Lake Simcoe. But I'm already researching #Canoes and #Kayaks and deciding how serious I should be about adding that activity to my retirement schedule. Kayaks and Canoes are Canada’s gift to the personal watercraft community, and according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), 12.4 million Canadians enjoy boating each year. After a flat period during the pandemic, that number is on the rise, and recreational boating accounts for over $10 billion in annual revenues, with approximately 75,000 Canadians employed in the recreational boating industry. Recent tech in inflatables and folding boats is addressing portability and storage and expanding the market. Here is a great resource article on choosing between a Canoe or Kayak.
#CanadaIsAwesome #GetOutside #JStroke
https://www.accudock.com/blog/canoe-vs-kayak/

Good Morning #Canada
Today, we celebrate the reincarnation of Shep to the shores of Dorchester New Brunswick, despite being reinstalled without proper government approval. The original wood Shep was less than 20 years old when it began to rot, leading to a new, more durable version made of fiberglass and steel. At 2.4 metres high and 135 kilos, it should be able to weather storms and bureaucratic red tape.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BigStuffInSmallTowns
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/shep-2-sandpiper-statue-returns-dorchester-1.6805965

Good Morning #Canada
Last night, we attended a wedding dinner where they celebrated 5 years of marriage, 2 kids, and family finally sharing the event. Marriage trends in Canada are shifting with it happening later or simply deciding on common law. As an institution or cultural phenomenon it may be disappearing.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Marriage
https://madeinca.ca/marriage-statistics-canada/

Good Morning #Canada
#HappyBirthday to Peter Gzowski, one of Canada’s most beloved broadcasters. He was born in Toronto in 1934 and raised in Galt, Ontario. At the University of Toronto, he edited the school newspaper, The Varsity, and developed his passion for journalism. A born storyteller, he worked at newspapers in Timmins, Moose Jaw, and Chatham. In 1958, he joined Maclean’s where he became the magazine’s youngest ever managing editor in 1962. He was best known as the host of the CBC Radio's Morningside, the program that earned him the informal title of Captain Canada. Canadians from coast to coast to coast responded to his folksy style of interviewing everyone from Prime Ministers to celebrities. It is estimated that over his career, Peter Gzowski conducted some 30,000 interviews.
#CanadaIsAwesome #CanadianHeroes
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/peter-gzowski

Good Morning #Canada
It's a holiday across most of our nation today, so why not take 14 minutes to find out why Alaska isn't part of Canada and discover why Lord Alverstone is the villain you've likely never heard of.
Lord Alverstone, whose full name was Richard Everard Webster, 1st Viscount Alverstone, played a key role in the Alaska Boundary Dispute of 1903. As the British representative on the arbitration tribunal, he ultimately sided with the United States, leading to a decision that favored the US claim over Canada's claims regarding the Alaska panhandle. At the time, the British government was trying to rebuild relationships with the U.S. and likely instructed Lord Alverstone to rule against Canadian border claims.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History
https://youtu.be/woXBk3OAtSM?si=-pTwI7OKidfK2g2L

On the final day of #BeaverWeek, we focus on Beaver Rescue efforts. Many organizations across Canada care for injured Beavers, abandoned kits, or bonded pairs that have to be relocated. Here is a list of recognized Beaver rescue organizations (worldwide) in case you're feeling generous and looking for a charitable organization to support.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://martinezbeavers.org/beaver-friendly-organizations/

Good Morning #Canada
It's Day #10 of The Dirt on Canadian Farming, and today, we visit the cutest little button of a province sitting out in the Atlantic Ocean.
PEI has a total land area of 1.4 million acres and about 42.5% of the total land area (594,324 acres) is farmland. The 2016 Census of Agriculture counted 1,353 farms ranging in size from a couple of acres to 3,000 acres. Bonus points if you can identify the #2 farm crop on PEI.... and it's not potato skins. Beyond the almighty potato, the province has a healthy mix of dairy, barley, oats, wheat, corn, and blueberries. PEI-grown feed-grade cereals and soybeans are primarily fed to livestock on the island and elsewhere in Atlantic Canada and are part of their rigidly controlled crop rotation process. PEI is the only province that has laws governing crop rotation and farm size (individuals 1K acres, corporations 3K acres).
#CanadaIsAwesome #DoYouWantFriesWithThat
https://www.canadaaction.ca/prince-edward-island-agriculture-aquaculture-facts

Good Morning #Canada
Conservationists who focus on restoration of wetlands are increasingly "Leaving It To Beaver." Beavers are considered the ultimate Keystone Species because they area they re-engineer offer benefits to many other species, and an entire ecosystem can collapse if a Beaver is removed. A Beaver dam doesn't just hold and conserve water. Beavers increase the population of frogs, fish, insects, birds, and small mammals and extend the range of larger mammals like moose, deer, and bears. The quantity and variety of vegetation are increased. Water is filtered and saturates the land, refilling artesian wells. It's unbelievable that we almost lost this amazing creature because of a hat fashion trend.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BeaverWeek
https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2021/01/01/leave-it-to-beavers-keystone-species-provides-nature-based-restoration/

Good Morning #Canada
March 1975, the Beaver is officially designated as a National Symbol of Canada, meaning #BeaverWeek is helping us celebrate 50 years of celebrity status for the tail slapping mammals. The National Symbol of Canada Act came about because in January of 1975, a New York Senator proposed making the Beaver an official state animal. Canadians, who loved Beavers more than Americans, moved quickly. The youngest MP in history, 23 year old Sean O’Sullivan, introduced a private member's bill to counter the American attempt to grab our Beaver. O'Sullivan should be immortalized on the $5 bill.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/the-dam-the-myth-the-legend-50-years-of-the-beaver/

Good Morning #Canada
In my opinion, Great Bear Lake doesn't get enough attention or respect. It is the largest lake entirely in Canada (Lake Superior and Lake Huron are larger but straddle the Canada–US border), the fourth-largest in North America, and the eighth-largest in the world. The lake has a surface area of 31,000 square km and a volume of 2,234 cubic km. Its maximum depth is 446 m with an average depth of 71.7 m. In the winter, ice hijghways are opened across Great Bear Lake to supply northern communities and provide heavy equipment for resource companies.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://youtu.be/kJXBUbVwBNo?si=fyUDnLuvMs_BgdNL

Good Morning #Canada
OTD in 1977, Tim Severin landed on Peckford Island, Newfoundland. Severin had set sail from Ireland on May 17th with a five-man crew in a boat built using only techniques and materials available in sixth-century Ireland. The arduous 7,300km journey was meant to prove that St. Brendon had discovered North America almost 1,000 years before Columbus. I'm sure we were polite and didn't smirk when we welcomed him to Canada.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Myth
https://lookingnorth.blog/2020/07/the-brendan-voyage/

Good Morning #Canada
This week, in 2022, gold miners in the Yukon discovered a near complete, mummified baby woolly mammoth. The Yukon has a world-renowned fossil record of ice age animals, but mummified remains with skin and hair are rarely unearthed. Geologists, with the Yukon Geological Survey and the University of Calgary, traveled 6 hours to the site and retrieved the remains less than an hour before a storm struck.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Prehistoric
https://youtu.be/jR2ZmvckneQ?si=xD1x0GrlLSelVS5y

Good Morning #Canada
Today is World Population Day, established by United Nations as a result of the massive interest people had in Five Billion Day in 1987. It's a good day to get an update on Canada’s population growth, which was aggressive in 2023 when we hit 40M, and then hit 41M just a few months into 2024. The #StatsCan Real Time Tracker is not working for some reason, but we still have their Quarterly Estimates data. At the end of June, there were 41,548,787 of us strolling around Canada, with every province and territory showing growth.
#CanadaIsAwesome #INeedMySpace
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710000901

Good Morning #Canada
Today is move in day, so what better day to share some horror stories about unscrupulous movers. Everyone has horror stories about moving from one home to another, and even our meticulously planned event has had some hiccups. Like the truck being 4.5 hours late when we moved out and getting our keys for the new house 8 hours after the deal closed. But we didn't hire anyone from this CBC investigation, so it's all good.
#CanadaIsAwesome #MovingSucks
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-moving-companies-1.6371262

Good Morning #Canada
Day #8 of The Dirt on Canadian Farming takes us back east to New Brunswick, which is not that "new" BTW. If it seems like we're jumping around the country in this series, with no logic, well, congratulations, you're paying attention.
New Brunswick's agricultural and agri-food sector reached a record of $1.23 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023, with potatoes, blueberries, maple syrup, and dairy all key products. Within that number lies good and bad news. The province had one of the largest decreases in farm operators in the country, but profits per farm have increased. Blueberry farms increased, and the province is 2nd in Canada in production. In 2024, New Brunswick announced the Agricultural Sustainability Program to assist farmers with reducing tillage, maintaining ponds and wetlands, and protecting pollinator habitat, critical and marginal landscapes, trees, riparian areas and crop management.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Farming
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/95-640-x/2016001/article/14803-eng.htm

In August of 1977, Tim Horton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, just 3 years after losing his life in an automobile accident. Known as "the strongest man in hockey " during his career, he helped the Toronto Maple Leafs win 4 Stanley Cups. He would have been only notable with hockey nerds except for the fact that before he died, he was the namesake and primary investor for a Hamilton Ontario restaurant selling donuts and coffee. Today, most Canadians live within 100 metres of a Timmies and don't have a clue who the founder was, or that he died crashing his exotic sports car while drunk. (Insert tasteless joke about TimBits all over the QEW...)
#CanadaIsAwesome #NHL #Fame
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Horton

Good Morning #Canada
As the sun comes up over the grain elevator, we discover we are in Saskatchewan for Day #9 of The Dirt on Canadian Farming. And it's flat.... like crazy flat.
Saskatchewan is commonly known as Canada’s breadbasket because of the volume and diversity of crops that they grow. The province had set a target of $20B in exports by 2030 - which was achieved in 2023 with export revenues of $20.2B, placing them at #2 in Canada. The 34K farms in Saskatchewan manage over 40% of Canada’s farmland, and they are likely the top producer of any grain, oilseed, or pulse crop you can think of. For example - Saskatchewan produced 87% of Canada's chickpeas and was responsible for 91% of chickpeas exports. Which tells me Canadians don't really like chickpeas. The province is also a leader in new technology with GPS guided machinery and numerous testing sites for robotic farming. And don't forget the pigs - they exported 2M in 2023.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Bread #Oink
https://www.canadaaction.ca/saskatchewan-farming-facts

Good Morning #Canada
Next week is Beaver Week, a look at Canada's most loved wild creature. Consider today's post as a teaser or commercial for this important event.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BeaverWeek
https://youtube.com/shorts/tGQ1KBJPdDk?si=TBHCsLO63SAtHx-7

No Good Morning post today because we are a little behind in preparing for the movers imminent arrival, and I'm about to shut off the internet.
#CanadaIsAwesome

Good Morning Canada
One half of our move is complete and in 4 days we move to our new home. We're in good company as almost 1/3 of Canadians move once every 5 years. And like us, some are downsizing to a smaller home in their retirement years.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Moving
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/7309-moving-canada-good-bad-and-ugly

Good Morning #Canada
Before our move to #Innisfil, we spent 16 years in Caledon living on top of the Niagara Escarpment. We were fortunate to take advantage of the hiking trails and scenic beauty of the area with the Bruce Trail, Forks of The Credit Road, and numerous parks within a few kilometers. More Canadians should be aware of this approximately 1,050-kilometre geological feature that today is protected in Ontario as a continuous corridor.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://youtu.be/5V5DIgF2yag?si=Z4tTs4k-3htyv6V8

Good Morning Canada
On this day in 1991 Canada’s military suffered a casualty that made headlines across the country. Master Corporal Mark Robert Isfeld, known to his friends as Izzy, was killed while disarming a landmine in the village of Kakma, Croatia. He was famous for handing out Izzy Dolls to local children. The dolls were knitted by his mother, and the practice grew to be supported across the Canadian military family.
#CanadaIsAwesome #CanadianHeroes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Isfeld

Good Morning #Canada
July 1840 - British parliament passed the Act of Union 1840, and it was proclaimed officially on February 10, 1841, in Montreal. The act abolished the legislatures of Lower Canada (basically the East coast and Quebec) and Upper Canada (most of present day Ontario) and established a new political entity, the Province of Canada to replace them. British objectives were to exert more control of their colony and suppress the French speaking population. In 1848, the Province of Canada was allowed "responsible government," giving them limited rights to pass laws, and some of the more repressive laws of the Act of Union were repealed.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/act-of-union

Good Morning #Canada
Today is a good day to say thank you to all Saskatchewanians. On this day in 1944, Tommy Douglas became the seventh Premier of Saskatchewan, elected on the promise of #UniversalHealthcare for the province. IMO, Douglas, with his early life experience and education, was the right person at a specific moment in history, and it's not hyperbole to suggest we wouldn't have universal healthcare without his leadership.
#CanadaIsAwesome #CanadianHeroes
https://www.cbc.ca/history/EPISCONTENTSE1EP15CH2PA4LE.html

Good Morning #Canada
For Day #7 of The Dirt on Canadian Farming, we head west young man to a province we don't want to leave, but we wish their government would just go away.
Alberta's oil industry overshadows the importance and size of their agricultural sector. It's one of only two provinces where the number of farms increased in the most recent StatsCan reports (2021), and their farms generate the highest revenues per operator in the country. Due to the dry climate in they have invested heavily in irrigation, and over 72% of all irrigated farmland in Canada is in Alberta. Oil seed and grains, and beef cattle, dominate with almost 70% of their 40K farms involved in those products. Alberta ranks worldwide as a top exporter of beef, wheat, canola, and pulse crops. Which is interesting because if they separated, they would be surrounded by border checkpoints and tangled up in customs negotiations as a tiny country.
#CanadaIsAwesome #AllHatAndNoCattle
https://www.canadaaction.ca/alberta-farming-facts

Good Morning #Canada
It's a slow news day, historically speaking, so I'll share some local, very cool history related to my small community of Belle Ewart. As parts of our country experience heat waves, perhaps this post will remind you that it will get cold again. For you corporate types, a new definition of frozen assets. For everyone else, think about how far we've come as you rattle the ice cubes in your favourite drink.
#CanadaIsAwesome #iceIceBaby
https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/lake-simcoe-ice-company-thrived-in-late-19th-century-6192112

Good Morning #Canada
In August 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Quebec could not legally secede from Canada unilaterally. The court's decision affirmed that any secession would require a constitutional amendment negotiated with the federal government and other provinces. This ruling stemmed from a reference case initiated by the federal government following a close referendum on Quebec sovereignty in 1995. Although Quebec was represented at the Supreme Supreme Court hearing, they did not participate in presenting arguments. They essentially ignored the ruling and planned a future referendum, which never happened.
This ruling established an important precedent that Alberta separatists should pay attention to. But details such as this ruling, aboriginal rights, or common sense seem to escape their attention spans.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/supreme-court-says-quebec-can-t-separate-unilaterally-1.159509

Good Morning #Canada
One of the most influential Canadians that most of Canada has never heard of was Elijah Harper (March 3, 1949 - May 17, 2013). He served with distinction as a politician in Manitoba, serving as minister of Northern Affairs. Harper is best known for the role he played in scuttling the Meech Lake Accord, for which he was named the Canadian Press newsmaker of the year in 1990. The Meech Lake Accord was an attempt by then Prime Minister Mulroney to gain acceptance of the constitution by Quebec. The proposed amendments, negotiated in secret by the 11 Premiers, would have eroded federal powers by granting the provinces and territories more rights over key areas.
Without Harper's stubbornness, Canada’s federal powers would have been weakened, and we very well could have ended up splintered like the USA.
#CanadaIsAwesome #CanadianHeroes
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/elijah-harper

Good Morning #Canada
A Canadian inventor gave Mothers across North America a device that was beneficial and a little scary. We are, of course, talking about the Jolly Jumper, once referred to as "the Canadian Nanny" on a 1957 CBC broadcast. Susan Olivia Poole (1889–1975) was an Indigenous Canadian inventor who created the Jolly Jumper in 1910, but it was not until 1948 that they were produced for the retail market, and patented in 1957. They continue to be manufactured in Ontario by the company that purchased the rights in 1960.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Inventors
https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/olivia-poole

Good Morning #Canada
OTD in 1972, construction begins on Canada’s largest single-site #Hydroelectric project at Churchill Falls, Labrador. To commemorate this minor historical event in our country's impressive record of hydroelectric technology and power generation, let's focus on one of the newest projects. The controversial Site C in British Columbia will begin filling its reservoir this summer in preparation for starting operations.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://youtu.be/gZARb7pLQeo?si=Wo5iEWE9ushqGBaS

Good Morning #Canada
Rights affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people vary greatly by country or jurisdiction—encompassing everything from the legal recognition of same-sex marriage to the death penalty for homosexuality. Notably, as of January 2025, only 38 countries recognize same-sex marriage, out of 195 recognized nations. Canada has been a leader in LGTBQ rights and, in a recent ranking, places us 5th worldwide in protecting same sex and gender affirmation. The USA ranks 23rd but is likely to drop further as the report was based on 2024 data before the MAGA morons took office.
#CanadaIsAwesome #LGTBQI
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/lgbt-rights-by-country

Good Morning #Canada
It has been well reported that OTD in 1880 Dr. Emily Stowe became the first woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada. But actually she was the 2nd as Jennie Kidd Trout (born Gowanlock; April 21, 1841 – November 10, 1921) was the first woman in Canada to become a licensed medical doctor on March 11, 1875. Not sure why Trout was misplaced in the history books for a few years, but perhaps she was overshadowed by Stowe's much more public lifetime dedication to fighting for women's rights. Regardless, both were pioneers that helped establish educational opportunities in medicine for women in Canada.
#CanadaIsAwesome #CanadianHeroes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennie_Kidd_Trout

Good Morning #Canada
The Dirt on Canadian Farming now enters Day #6, and we'll hang around the east coast today.
Nova Scotia is one of the most challenging regions for agriculture as it is limited by ocean, a rocky landscape, cool and wet climate, and acidic soil. Some of those conditions are ideal for blueberries and apples, and those farms have increased recently with the rise in fresh fruit prices. Grape growing and wine production is another sector increasing and difficult to keep bottled up. Wineries are French hybrid stock suitable for the local conditions. The rest of Nova Scotia's agriculture is made up of dairy, pigs, and maple syrup. Mink production, once a sizeable portion of the province's exports, has decreased significantly since fur coats have thankfully gone out of fashion.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Pies
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/96-325-x/2021001/article/00003-eng.htm

Good Morning #Canada
So you're planning a weekend #RoadTrip and maybe thinking about something exciting like.... mushroom hunting. Well, Vilna, Alberta, is an addition to the #BigStuffInSmallTowns list because of a giant mushroom that is greater than 3 metres in height. A mushroom statue may not make a lot of sense in some parts of the world, but in Vilna, mushroom hunting has been a tradition since the early Ukrainian settlers arrived in the early 1900's.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://www.travelalberta.com/listings/worlds-largest-mushrooms-5627

Good Morning #Canada
With another #HeatWave hitting most of Canada this week, my goto combat plan is - Eat #IceCream. Most Canadians obviously have the same strategy as we collectively ate over $840m of tasty frozen concoctions last year. Chocolate is the most popular flavor, but I'm more of a butterscotch guy. I think a #MercerMemories video could get you motivated to get out and restock your freezer.
#CanadaIsAwesome #MMMGood
https://youtu.be/wwrHYN37yf0?si=vFdKrcCzyInsHQAo

Good Morning #Canada
Day 2 of our celebration of Canada’s delicious history of #Chocolate. Today, we present:
1) Neilson's, once our nation's largest chocolate maker, beloved manufacturer of now dead Jersey Milk. #RIP
2) A chocolate retailer named after a famous War of 1812 hero.
3) An entrepreneur with the worst traits of a ruthless and immoral capitalist, but apparently offered tasty treats.
I now have a craving....
#CanadaIsAwesome #MMMGood
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/online-exhibits/web-exhibits/web-exhibits-culture-people/made-in-toronto-chocolate/

Good Morning #Canada
Day 2 of our celebration of Canada’s delicious history of #Chocolate. Today, we present:
1) Neilson's, once our nation's largest chocolate maker, beloved manufacturer of now dead Jersey Milk. #RIP
2) A chocolate retailer named after a famous War of 1812 hero.
3) An entrepreneur with the worst traits of a ruthless and immoral capitalist, but apparently offered tasty treats.
I now have a craving....
#CanadaIsAwesome #MMMGood
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/online-exhibits/web-exhibits/web-exhibits-culture-people/made-in-toronto-chocolate/

Good Morning #Canada
On August 7, 1927, the Peace Bridge, an international bridge spanning the Niagara River between Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie, Ontario, was dedicated. This event commemorated over a century of peace between the United States and Canada. I'm guessing there won't be a ceremony for 200 years of peace since we're now the "nasty Canadians."
#CanadaIsAwesome #History #ElbowsUp
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/canada/peace-bridge-0

Good Morning #Canada
More like good afternoon.... sorry, but I had a busy morning. Welcome to the late edition of Day #4 of The Dirt on Canadian Farming.
Today, we leap west to British Columbia since it's still early morning there. B.C. has a wide variety of farm produce spread across the province, and most Canadians recognize it for fruits, nuts, vegetables, and wine. That last one doesn't grow on trees, BTW. Likely, the most recognizable region would be the Okanagan Valley. The valley is roughly 200 km long and 20 km wide and lies between the Columbia and Cascade mountain ranges, providing a unique warm and sunny climate with semi-arid conditions. This area is famous for its world-renowned wine and fruit industries, stunning natural landscapes with lakes and mountains, its farm-to-table food culture, and the legendary Ogopogo monster of Okanagan Lake.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Agriculture
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/agricultural-regions

Good Morning #Canada
Welcome to Day #Cinq of The Dirt on Canadian Farming. Today, we are in Quebec, at least metaphorically, to discover how La Belle Province contributes to Canada’s agriculture.
If you want awesome desserts, you have to go to Quebec. They have over 90% of maple syrup farms in Canada and also produce more blueberries and cranberries than any other province. Quebec also leads the nation in the number of dairy cattle and pigs, all of which must speak French by law. If you purchase cheese, and who doesn't, it's a good chance it came from Quebec as they produce more than 50% of all fromage in Canada. Quebec is also a leader in this country in organic farming and has a high percentage of sales direct to consumers.
#CanadaIsAwesome #DrinkMilk #Cheese
https://www.canadaaction.ca/quebec-farming-facts

Good Morning #Canada
Welcome to Day #3 of The Dirt on Canadian Farming.
When you think of Newfoundland and Labrador, fishing, rocks, and icebergs all come to mind. But there is a healthy farming industry in the province primarily built around vegetables. They also have the highest percentage of sales direct to consumers of any province, with farmers selling from stands and small retail shops on their property. Amazingly, there are no local farm crops used to make Screech.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Newfie
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/96-325-x/2021001/article/00001-eng.htm

Good Morning #Canada
Yesterday, we purchased a new #HVAC system - a gas furnace and air-source #HeatPump. It's our 2nd heat pump as 16 years ago we installed geothermal in our previous home, thanks to a $10K energy rebate available at that time. Back then, I thought everyone would switch to this technology, but rebates disappeared, and upfront costs were a barrier. But new data shows heat pumps are almost even with traditional furnace installs.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://440megatonnes.ca/insight/heat-pumps-continue-to-push-fossil-fuels-out-of-canadian-homes/

Good Morning #Canada
In yesterday's post about farming and fall fairs, I ruminated about a series on Canada’s agricultural areas. OK, ruminated may be the term as it was more of a random thought, like a retriever seeing a squirrel. But over the next 2-ish weeks, I'll try to highlight the significant crop regions in each province and teach myself more about our great country.
The first post should be easy because I'm sure most Canadians don't think a lot of farming happens in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut. But small areas within each can sustain crops in a short season, mostly potatoes, and commercial warehouse growing operations are being funded and encouraged. With a warming climate, more land is being used to farm, and additional types of crops are being tested.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Agriculture #Farming
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/feb-15-agriculture-moving-north-arrokoth-s-secrets-the-microbiome-for-flight-and-more-1.5463847/wheat-and-potatoes-in-nunavut-climate-change-could-bring-agriculture-to-the-north-1.5463850

Good Morning #Canada
On this date in 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded Québec, the city and the colony. For 25 years, he tirelessly championed the ambitious project to establish a French colony in the St. Lawrence Valley. And that ladies and gentlemen, is how Canada became famous for #Poutine.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History
https://youtu.be/5JbmGhS84WM?si=Pk6ajCXxkrXZSuaj

Good Morning #Canada
OTD in 1942, Sir Ian Fleming completed a training course for spies at Camp X, located just outside Whitby Ontario. This is also where Fleming met William Stephenson, the Winnipeg born businessman who created Camp X, the first training facility for spies in North America. Fleming later hinted that his character, James Bond, was based largely on Stephenson. So #007 basically exists because of Canada. You're welcome.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Spies #History
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/camp-x

Good Morning #Canada
#HappyBirthday to my eldest daughter and, coincidentally, one of my favourite painters, Tom Thomson. Born in 1877 and raised in rural Ontario, Thomson displayed no immediate artistic talent and worked several jobs in sign making and graphic design. He didn't start painting seriously until he was almost 30, and during his short career, he produced roughly 400 oil sketches on small wood panels and approximately 50 larger works on canvas. His art consists almost entirely of landscapes, depicting trees, skies, lakes, and rivers. An excellent collection of his work can be seen at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg.
#CanadaIsAwesome ##CanadianArtist
https://thegroupofseven.ca/tom-thomson/

Good Morning #Canada
Summer may be over, at least emotionally, but there's lots of nice weather as we enter Fall Fair season in Canada. Canada has incredible agricultural potential in every province - and maybe we need a series of posts on that - and fall is when rural communities celebrate the harvest with demonstrations and competitions. But city folk are invited and encouraged to visit your local event and get acquainted with plowing matches, the price of a new tractor, cattle judging, and who has the biggest watermelons. Here's a small list of some of the most prominent Fall Fairs out of the hundreds that take place annually.
BTW - In my only plant submission to one of these festivals (Erin Fall Fair), I got 3rd place for the tallest sunflower. Rookie mistake, I cut my plant at ground level, and it was 11.5 feet high. The winners ahead of me dug out the roots and submitted the entire plant. I was robbed!
#CanadaIsAwesome #FallFairs #Farming
https://www.mapquest.com/travel/the-12-best-fall-fairs-in-canada/

Good Morning #Canada
Summer is over, and this morning, approximately 5.5 million primary and secondary Canadian students go back to school. Lunches are packed, stylish new backpacks have a light load, and sneakers are fashionably untied. Stay alert for school busses, crosswalks, and that speed camera newly installed outside your local school. Yes, it's hectic today as you relearn how to get your kids out the door on time. Enjoy the change of pace because soon you'll be shoveling snow.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BackToSchool #WinterIsComing
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3710010901

Good Morning #Canada
Capitalism certainly doesn't waste an opportunity, and as entrepreneurs were trying to make Beavers extinct, they made use of every part, including the Beaver's secretions. Castoreum is a yellowish exudate from the castor sacs of mature Beavers used in combination with urine to scent mark their territory. Butt for centuries Beaver Castor Oil was used to flavour food, make perfumes more interesting, and cure every ailment known to the human race. Rumors persist about its use in many products, but it's rarely used today. I will not make a tasteless, smelly Beaver joke this morning.... you're welcome.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BeaverWeek #Eewww
https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-history-of-flavoring-food-with-beaver-butt-juice/

Good Morning #Canada
There is a little known reporting tool on the ##StatsCan website called Canada’s Quality of Life Hub. First proposed in 2021, and launched in 2023, it is a framework that gathers data and evidence to inform priority setting and guide decision-making in various policy areas, including the budgetary process. The Framework comprises five domains –prosperity, health, environment, society, and good governance – and two cross-cutting lenses: fairness and inclusion, and sustainability and resilience. Not enough Canadians have heard of it, and I suspect very few government policies are implemented before analyzing the impact on quality of life measurement by this tool. On a positive note, #StatsCan is looking for feedback on how to improve the hub.
#CanadaIsAwesome #QualityOfLife
https://www160.statcan.gc.ca/index-eng.htm

Good Morning #Canada
We should thank Prince Albert for helping to save the Beaver. His choice of wearing a silk tophat in the mid 1800s has been cited as one of the reasons fashion moved away from Beaver hats and thereby saved them after almost 3 centuries of trapping. And silk hats were easier and cheaper to make. Whatever the reasons fashion almost made the Beaver extinct, first in Europe and then in North America. When fashion trends shifted, the Beaver was saved.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BeaverWeek #MadHatter
https://digital.library.mcgill.ca/nwc/history/01.htm

Good Morning #Canada
And Happy #CanadaDay. The news media posts today show a distinct trend about Canadian patriotism. Increased interest in our history, record levels of flag sales and prominent display on homes, and elbows up everywhere. Back in 1982, Pierre Berton released a book titled "Why We Act Like Canadians" that connected our history with our culture. Read this review and see if it still resonates today.
#CanadaIsAwesome #CanadianLiterature
https://thecaptivereader.com/2010/08/16/why-we-act-like-canadians-pierre-berton/

Good Morning #Canada
When I'm on the interwebs looking for material to post every morning, I occasionally come across an interesting bit of history that isn't taught in school. Today, courtesy of @…, we get the tale of two French aristocrats who are embezzling from the colony of Quebec that they were sworn to oversee and protect. The wife of one of the men is having an affair with the other, apparently with permission. After narrowly escaping death by British cannonball, the trio fled to France after Quebec City fell to Britain. There, they faced scandal and were blamed for the loss of France's colonies, facing prison and banishment. French aristocracy knew how to have a good time.
#CanadaIsAwesome #LoveTriangle #History
https://youtu.be/PsdPCuBg3fs?si=olJU6_qOFUK_im8F

Good Morning #Canada
On June 30th, 1987, a Canadian one-dollar coin was introduced, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint at its facility in Winnipeg. The beloved #Loonie was born. But did you know the iconic Loon image wasn't meant to be the coin in production and only came to be because the original master dies were lost by a courier. We came close to embedding "Voyageurs" at centre ice during the Olympics.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Numismatist
https://www.mint.ca/en/blog/2022-07-a-tale-of-two-designs-loonie

Good Morning #Canada
I'm still recovering from doing almost nothing yesterday, so it's time for a #MercerMemories post. This gem is 15 years old and really nailed the complete career of #PeePee at that time. Rick is a clairvoyant.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Comedy
https://youtu.be/gnmgL5CZqfs?si=9MlC8VIiIxVoCHYZ

Good Morning #Canada
On May 10, 1534, French navigator Jacques Cartier became the first European explorer to encounter the eastern coast of Canada, as he entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the present-day province of Quebec. On June 29th, 1534, he discovered Prince Edward Island as he sailed past the northern tip on his way to the St. Lawrence River. And now you know how McCain's French fries were invented.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Potatoes #PEI
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/cartierbrebeuf/culture/histoire-history/evenement-event/cartier/a

Good Morning #Canada
It was pointed out to me that I rarely, if ever, post anything about #NewBrunswick. It's not my fault that the eastern province is less exciting than Saskatoon, but today, we fix that omission. Here's an article on the 10 best towns and cities to visit in the land of Purple Violets and Black-capped Chickadees. Just in time for #RoadTrip season. Look for the next New Brunswick post in 26-ish months.
#CanadaIsAwesome
https://www.todocanada.ca/10-small-towns-and-cities-to-add-to-your-new-brunswick-itinerary/

Good Morning #Canada
We are wrapping up a Canada-cation with the family at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario. This area has exploded as a year-round resort since my wife and I skied here in the mid-70s. One of the big tourist attractions that we never visited was Blue Mountain Pottery. Started in 1953 to help increase revenues in the gift shop for the ski resort, it produced pottery with distinctive mixtures of glazes, the most common of which included a blue-green and a dark grey or black glaze. The pottery became popular in Canada in the 1960s and 1970s; it was also exported to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. After Blue Mountain Pottery closed in 2004, the pottery became popular among collectors, and examples are held by the Royal Ontario Museum and the George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Pottery #CanadaCation
https://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/2014/07/how-pottery-saved-blue-mountain/

Good Morning #Canada
Before #PrideMonth ends, I wanted to promote a Toronto based non-profit that has assisted 15,000 individuals since their founding in 2006. Rainbow Railroad is a North American charitable organization that helps LGBTQI individuals escape violence and persecution in their home countries. It's an organization that I support because my daughter works there but also because they literally save lives.
#CanadaIsAwesome #RainbowRailroad
https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/the-latest

Good Morning #Canada
It's 1866, and there's no TV or interweb, so what do you do? We'll, if you live on a dairy farm near Ingersoll Ontario, you make a 7,000-pound wheel of cheese. It's helpful if you are also not lactose intolerant.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Cheesy
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/mammoth-cheese-ingersoll-ontario-1.7157633#:~:text=More than 150 years ago,enough milk to create it.

Good Morning #Canada
In the Ojibwe culture, a dreamcatcher is made with willow hoop, on which is woven a net or web and decorated with sacred items such as feathers or beads. Traditionally, dreamcatchers are hung over a cradle or bed as protection during sleep as Native Americans believed that at night the air was filled with dreams, both good and bad. Today, based on current events, we need numerous and bigger #Dreamcatchers to filter out the crap. I'm fortunate that the world's largest dreamcatcher, measuring 12.93 metres (over 42 feet) in diameter, is in my backyard, only 45 minutes north of where I live. It was created by Dale (Bobbie) Williams and located in Rama First Nation, Ontario, Canada, near Orillia. Williams was inspired to create it after learning the Guinness World Record holder for a dreamcatcher was in Europe and he felt it didn't meet the traditional definition. I think it had sausages hanging from it.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BigStuffInSmallTowns #RoadTrip
https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/worlds-largest-dream-catcher-aims-to-provide-powerful-energy-in-rama-8721002

Good Morning #Canada
The Beaver is the only mammal, besides humans, that is able to re-engineer their environment to support their lifestyle. Humans can use this Beaver superpower for good, rebuilding #Watersheds and increasing storage of water to combat drought and wildfires. Provinces are reintroduc8ng Beavers to their historical habitats, and even moving pairs of Beavers to desert regions in the U.S. to totally transform landscapes.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BeaverWeek #Engineering
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/nuisance-beavers-relocated-1.7268057

Good Morning #Canada
I know you have been crossing days off on your calendar, and you're excited, but there is still 1 more sleep until #BeaverWeek. To get you through one more day, we have some alternative critter content - the Richardson Ground Squirrel. Commonly called "gophers" or "prairie dogs" across Canada’s prairie provinces, they should not be confused with the Black-tailed Prairie Dog that is rare in Canada. They are generally disliked (putting it mildly) by farmers but tolerated in more urban areas. Hey, they may not be beavers, but we should show them some love because they're cute.
#CanadaIsAwesome #PrairieDog
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/gophers-richardson-ground-squirrel-gail-michener-lethbridge-zoology-1.5782301

Good Morning #Canada
Collingwood Ontario today is known as a resort town, supporting skiers at Blue Mountains and swimmers at nearby Wasaga Beach. But the town was built on their reputation for ship building for over 100 years. The Collingwood Shipyard, established in 1882, was a major shipbuilding center, building over 200 ships including Great Lakes freighters, naval vessels, and the HMCS Hochelaga. During #WWII the shipyard launched ships for the Canadian Navy. The shipyard was famous for its unique side-launching technique, necessary due to harbour constraints, which became a significant local spectacle. It closed in 1986, and after significant remediation efforts, the site is now a waterfront park with mixed housing and a marina.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History
https://definingmomentscanada.ca/all-for-9/historical-articles/whats-a-side-launch/

Good Morning #Canada
In 1713, with the Treaty of Utrecht, Acadia was ceded to the British. On June 23rd of that year, a proclamation was issued that all Acadians must pledge allegiance to Britain or leave the territory. After decades of resistance, in 1755, the British began forcibly deporting Acadians. This proved the British applied equal treatment to anyone who lived in the eastern territory before them, Native or French.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History #Colonialism
https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/mapping-the-acadian-deportations/

Good Morning #Canada
The Battle of Lundy's Lane, also known as the Battle of Niagara, was fought on July 25th 1814, during the War of 1812. An invading American army clashed with British and Canadian defenders near present-day Niagara Falls, Ontario. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and one of the deadliest battles fought in Canada, with approximately 1,720 casualties, including 258 killed. The engagement was marked by intense musketry at close range and instances of friendly fire on both sides amidst the smoke and confusion, which caused several units to break entirely. The two armies fought each other to a stalemate; neither side held firm control of the field following the engagement. However, the casualties suffered by the Americans precipitated their withdrawal and signaled the beginning of the end of the War of 1812. This battle therefore gave Canada a strategic victory.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History #ElbowsUp
https://youtu.be/TfOqx-qO9gM?si=W-JF7tkWZDxgwweN

Good Morning #Canada
Finally... the moment you have been waiting for. It's Day #1 of #BeaverWeek. Who knows what fascinating facts of Castor Canadensis we will discover together this week. Our Beavers fought back from near extinction because their fur made awesome hats to become an increasingly important mammal restoring water conservation in an era of global warming. The odd double entendre, totally unintentional, of course, might slip into the conversation.
The best place to start is with this highly interesting Canadian Geographic article that provides some history and habitat info on our beloved Beaver.

#CanadaIsAwesome #ClimateChange
https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/rethinking-the-beaver/

Good Morning #Canada
July 24th, 1534, the original Cross of Gaspé was erected overlooking the bay of Gaspé, by the crew of Jacques Cartier on his first trip exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Planting the cross symbolized the ownership of the territory on behalf of the King of France. Today, a granite Cross of Gaspé, erected in 1934, has replaced the original. Amazing that the installation of a religious artifact defined clear ownership of a continent you didn't know existed just days prior.
I have a small Easter Island statue in my garden that I'm going to install in the middle of my neighbour's yard. Wish me luck.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History #Colonization
https://youtu.be/aXZkwrI3V10?si=8abMJ6iEnSgGLUCr

Good Morning #Canada
#HappyBirthday to me. It's my 69th, and mentally, I feel young, but parts of my body have exceeded the "best before date." According to bornglorious .com there are 137 "famous" Canadians born on August 24th. Most are nobodies like me - politicians, actors, or NHL players you've never heard of. But there are a few notables. Like Alex Colville (1920-2013), a favourite Canadian conceptual painter. Or chain-smoker René Lévesque (1922-1987), who tried to tear Canada apart. But perhaps the Canadian born on this day with the most impact is Rocky Johnson (1944-2020). Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Johnson was a Canadian pro wrestler and the first black champion in WWE history. Oh yeah.... he was also the father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Famous
https://youtu.be/dhdOPhTHeoE?si=U6ddnjhi5-iyXywU

Good Morning #Canada
#HappyBirthday to Mike Smith (1972) and Cory Bowles (1973), Canadian actors who both starred in the groundbreaking series "Trailer Park Boys." The Canadian mockumentary television sitcom began airing in 2001 as a continuation of his 1999 film bearing the same name. The show follows the misadventures of a group of trailer park residents, including two lead characters in and out of prison, living in the fictional "Sunnyvale Trailer Park" in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The series premiered on Showcase on April 22, 2001, and originally ran for seven seasons before concluding on December 7, 2008. During its run the series also spawned four films.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Comedy #Legends
https://youtu.be/8INC618ybFo?si=r6ZSLH7GgH_RY16d

Good Morning #Canada
For over 20 years, this 17-meter tall musical instrument has struck a chord with visitors to Sydney Nova Scotia. This installment of #BigStuffInSmallTowns showcases the biggest fiddle in the world and is a must stop selfie spot for cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the harbourfront. But Sydney has a reason to fret about their fiddle dominance as the original artists has been asked by two other towns to create an even bigger version to take the world title.
#CanadaIsAwesome #BigFiddle #RoadTrip
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/big-fiddle-celebrates-10th-anniversary-on-sydney-waterfront-1.3076554

Good Morning #Canada
It's National Junk Food day, which, for me, is any day ending with the letter "y." Celebrated every year on July 21st, this day is dedicated to the foods we like to snack on, meaning today, you can eat junk food for every meal. Junk food is not a new phenomenon, as crafty entrepreneurs have been taking advantage of our taste buds for over a hundred years. Here's a look back at some of Canada’s best versions of this food category.
#CanadaIsAwesome #MMMGood #GuiltyPleasure
https://canadianfoodfocus.org/canadian-food-stories/the-snack-story-a-history-of-canadas-favourite-snack-foods/

Good Morning #Canada
Yesterday, we upgraded our water filtration and, to ease the pain in my wallet, I thought I would share some facts on well water for those who care.
- approximately 11% of Canadians rely on non-municipal water sources.
- the vast majority of wells are drilled wells because they are safer, provide higher volume, and generally last longer.
- dug wells (like ours) are less common and are usually placed where there is a high water table. They are more susceptible to surface runoff.
- well water, although free, is not necessarily cheaper than municipal supply. There is a large upfront cost, which can vary greatly depending on soil conditions, but $25K for drilled and $10K for dug is not uncommon.
- a pump and filtration equipment can cost another $10K, depending on water treatment needed. We needed an additional Iron Filter due to high concentration. Sediment filters and UV treatment require annual maintenance, typically $400 .
#CanadaIsAwesome #Water #GlassHalfFull

Good Morning #Canada
Today is a tough day for our family, so something with positive vibes is needed. It's a perfect opportunity for some #MercerMemories chock full of Golden Retrievers.
#CanadaIsAwesome #DogsOfMastadon
https://youtu.be/x75HcXnmwbA?si=yfRVkGw3HgOdlOXE

Good Morning #Canada
The Canadian Universal Healthcare system has been under tremendous stress since COVID, and it's easy to have the impression today that it is broken. IMO, I would characterize it as bent or wounded as it continues to provide medical services that save lives. This article points out that several of Canada’s hospitals rank amongst the world's best , particularly in cancer and cardiac treatment. Let's continue to fight to improve our current system and vote out any clown (cough... Ford... cough) that threatens to erode the universal affordability principle through privatization.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Healthcare #FuckCancer
https://www.uhn.ca/corporate/news/pages/uhn-canadas-top-hospital-ranks-third-in-the-world.aspx

Good Morning #Canada
On August 19th, 1942, Operation Jubilee was launched. Commonly known as the Dieppe Raid, it was a disastrous Allied amphibious attack on the German-occupied port in northern France. Over 6,050 infantry, predominantly Canadian, supported by a regiment of tanks, were put ashore from a naval force operating under the protection of Royal Air Force fighter aircraft. Aerial and naval support was insufficient to enable the ground forces to achieve their objectives. The tanks were trapped on the beach, and the infantry was largely prevented from entering the town by obstacles and German fire. After less than six hours, mounting casualties forced a retreat. Within ten hours, 3,623 of the 6,086 men who landed had been killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. 5,000 were Canadians, who suffered a 68% casualty rate, with 3,367 killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. The operation was a fiasco and a dark day for Canada’s military.
#CanadaIsAwesome #History #WWII
https://youtu.be/jiFKJNiXFok?si=fWzmcigVM8ZFfmHE

Good Morning #Canada
Yesterday, hundreds of women flocked to Washington D.C. to tryout for a few dozen spots in the new Women's Professional Baseball League. It's #Historic because it last happened over 70 years ago. It gives hope to young women who played baseball or softball at a high level in their youth, but there was no career path that involved a sport they loved. Many of those participating in the tryouts are from Canada, and certainly, one of the most interesting is Alli Schroder. At age 16, Schroder pitched the final inning for Canada’s National Team that won Bronze, and more recently, she has been striking out men in a university league in B.C. while her day job is fighting wildfires. Here's a TSN feature on her released a few years ago.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Baseball #Historic
https://youtu.be/_cOhV3giZZc?si=W3mLddxEBHshxktu

Good Morning #Canada
I think most Canadians know what an #Inukshuk is, but this post is intended to give you a greater understanding of these iconic piles of rock. An inuksuk, or inukshuk (plural inuksuit) is a type of stone landmark or cairn built and used by Inuit, including Iñupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other peoples of the North American Arctic. These structures are found in northern Canada, north of the Arctic Circle, which is dominated by the tundra biome and has areas with few natural landmarks. These structures, often resembling human figures, serve various purposes, primarily as navigational aids and markers, but also as symbols of the Arctic landscape and Inuit culture.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Inuit #Sculpture
https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/inuksuk-inukshuk

Good Morning #Canada
It's National Fishing Day, which means that with over two million lakes and rivers that flow into five major ocean drainage basins, Canadians will be pulling on hip waders and checking tackle boxes. There are 3.5M recreational anglers in Canada, plus another 700K (ish) tourists, driving a $1.75B dollar industry. The fishing capital of Canada is Kingston, Ontario... according to Kingston area "experts."
#CanadaIsAwesome #GoneFishing
https://www.queensjournal.ca/kingston-named-canadas-fishing-capital/#:~:text=The Confederation Basin Marina is,in Canada's prime fishing hotspot.

Good Morning #Canada
It's World #Emoji Day! Let's all celebrate by sending small cartoonist images that people over 50 can barely see. Why are they so small
It's also a great day to celebrate the creation of the most important Emoji in history. Yes, after thousands of years waiting, the iconic 🦫has only been with us 6 years, but it feels like forever. Here is a repost of how Canada’s favourite mammal opened up communications with the rest of the world.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Beavers #History
https://slate.com/technology/2019/05/beaver-emoji-proposal-is-hilarious-and-extremely-correct.html