Happy Canada Day!

Good day and happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!  Though we seem to be few among the card making/scrapbooking/blogging community, we are still mighty and very proud of this amazing country!

For those of you in other parts of the world that may not know too much about us, let me bust some of the myths out there....

Myth #1:  It is Always Cold in Canada

I hate to break it to you but if you are thinking of coming to Canada to get away from the heat of the summer months south of the border, don't expect it to be chilly up here.  Okay so the extreme northern parts of Canada may not have high temps and extreme humidity but the lower half of the country certainly does.  Just this past Sunday the temperature was 36° Celsius with the humidity (that would be 96.8° for all you Fahrenheiters) and that was in northern Ontario.  Often we can reach the mid 40's and most of southern Ontario stays in the low to mid 40's (with humidity) for a great deal of the summer.  That is just Ontario alone!  Of course we won't talk about the winter temperatures.  Just know that it doesn't snow across the entire country all year round.

Myth #2:  Toronto is the Capital of Canada

While Toronto happens to be the largest and most populated city in Canada and also the financial centre of our country, it is not in fact the capital of Canada (although it is the capital of the province of Ontario).  The honour of our country's capital is actually Ottawa.  If you thought it was Toronto, don't feel bad.  Unfortunately, there are a number of Canadians who hold the same belief!

Myth #3 - All Canadians Speak French

Bonjour!  Comment ça va?  While my French vocabulary might have a little more in it, it is not extensive.  I certainly can't carry a conversation of more than just a few sentences.  The worst part is that the hubs speaks fluent French.  It is after all, his first language.  While I got A's in French all through school, I just never mastered it.  I'm not alone.  While over 10, 000, 000 Canadians can carry a conversation, that is roughly only about 30% of our country's population (Statistics Canada, 2011).  Most of the French-speaking population lives in Quebec, where French is the official, provincial language.  That is where my good friend Vicky from Crafting Vicky is from. Outside of Quebec you'll find other high concentrations of French speaking people living in New Brunswick and Manitoba.  Northern Ontario has a higher concentration as well but you'll also find quite a few people in the Ottawa and London areas of Ontario who speak French too.  I'm sure there are many other communities across Canada with a portion of dedicated French speakers.  The reality though is that 70% of our country does not parlez-vous Français.

Myth #4 - Mounties in Red Uniforms Atop Horses Police our Country

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, more commonly known as the Mounties, is the national police force of Canada.  However, you are not apt to find them galloping through our cities and countryside in their red jacket, navy jodhpurs, brown boots and hat.  That particular dress form is usually reserved for official or ceremonial reasons.   Now while the majority of Canadian provinces do contract out their provincial law-enforcement responsibilities to the Mounties, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador maintain their own provincial police forces.  Additionally, many First Nation's Reserves have their own police forces established through agreements between the governing Native Band, the province and the federal government.

Myth #5 - All Canadians Say "Eh."

Well Okay.  You have us here.  Yes,  the majority of English speaking Canadians has uttered an eh or two (thousand) in their lifetime.  However, keep in mind, Canada is a very big country with many different people who speak many different languages with different dialects.  Not everyone can be accused of this stereotype, eh?

 ______________________________________________________________________

So there you go!  It is possible that you've just learned a bit more about this beautiful country that I am lucky to call home.  Of course, I couldn't let today go without giving out a freebie to honour Canada Day.  So check it out...

To grab this paper click HERE or on the preview above to be taken to a download location.  I'm trying something different.  This way, the credit information and terms of use will be kept with the creation itself. As usual, the paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels (i.e. 12 inches) and published at 300 dpi.  

Now even though this paper is in honour of Canada Day, anyone can make use out of it.  While it is just starting out, I'm hoping in the long run to have a whole kit honouring Canada, aptly called, "Oh Canada".  Oh and don't worry, I wouldn't forget the celebration coming up later this week in honour of my southern neighbours; so, be sure to come back on Friday for an Independence Day freebie.

Stay tuned as it is a busy day with double treats.  In just a couple hours I'll be posting my Scribbles Designs midway post and then at noon, I've got...well you'll just have to come back and see what I've got for you.... 

Until then,