Every year on July 1st, proud Canadians celebrate the 1867 Act that brought their country into existence. On the day that’s in it, here are some of the great things that make Canada such a delightfully unique place (and we’ll try and refrain from cultural stereotyping, even though it goes without saying that Mounties are indeed wonderful).
Maple syrup
Grades of maple syrup (Image source)
It’s not a stereotype but a fact that Canadians take their maple syrup very seriously - they even have their own dedicated grading system based on the varying strengths and colours of the stuff. But if they weren’t so passionate about this particular treacle, we’d have never reaped the benefits of this most glorious of sugary treats.
Pancake and bacon fans everywhere are better-off because of the €100 million-plus of maple syrup Canada export every year.
Quebec sovereignty movement
Let us take a moment to reflect on Mouvement souverainiste du Québec, the ongoing political and social struggle being waged by passionate people from the region of Quebec. It’s a valiant effort to recognise the cultural (not to mention linguistic) uniqueness of the predominantly French-speaking province.
The groups involved have often splintered and disagreed on the specifics and methods, while a majority of other Canadians largely reject the movement - indeed, opinion in Quebec itself is split. Still: it’s always encouraging to see such an enthusiastic, peaceful and oftentimes productive attempt to defend an endangered culture.
A nation of actors and filmmakers
The list of Canadian actors is a fascinating one - from wildly successful comedians (Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Mike Myers) to Hollywood superstars (Ryan Gosling, Keanu Reeves, Ellen Page) to cult icons (William Shatner, Nathan Fillion), acting talent from Canada has had a major impact on cinema - and stage & television - as we know it.
They’ve thrown out some hugely influential directors too, including James Cameron and David Cronenberg. In people like actor/directors Sarah Polley (whose excellent documentary Stories We Tell is gracing Irish screens at the moment), Seth Rogen (who made his directorial debut with This Is The End) and even Keanu Reeves (who directed the forthcoming Man of Tai Chi) we have the best of both worlds.
Ice hockey
There are few sports as straight-up enjoyable to watch as the intense, aggressive and fast-paced game that has become one of Canada’s two national sports (lacrosse being the other). Yes, most people watch in expectation of epic brawls, but sure we can probably say the same about a lot of other sports.
The music
Oh, the music! Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Arcade Fire, Feist, Gil Evans, Deadmau5, Rush, The New Pornographers... the range of great musicians hailing from Canada is diverse and exciting. Some of their musical exports are undoubtedly, shall we say, ‘divisive’ - Celine Dion, those Bublé / Bieber guys - but there’s really something for everyone. We’re not exactly sure if Carly Rae Jepsen is considered a good or bad musical export, though - can she be both, maybe?
