Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a federal state with a democratic parliament. The Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa, consists of the House of Commons, whose members are elected, and the Senate, whose members are appointed. On average, members of Parliament are elected every four years. Canada has 10 provinces, 2 territories and 1 Aboriginal state. There are three levels of elected government in Canada: Federal (issues relating to all Canadians), Provincial (issues relating more regionally) and Municipal (issues of a local nature). Canada has two official languages: French and English. There are two systems of law in Canada: Common Law and Civil Law/Droit Civil in the Province of Quebec. Our right to establish our own autonomy and identity arrived when the Constitution came home (patriated) in 1982. Also in 1982, Canada enacted the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: the basic rights of all persons who are in Canada (even non-Canadians). As well, this was the first time that Canada recognized and affirmed the existence of Aboriginal Peoples as different from those of other Canadians! (Better late than never I guess.) Canada facts! .... And more facts!

Canada's land base is huge. The second largest Country in the world. Unfortunately a huge segment of it has hostile terrain and climate. Many Canadians live in this wilderness and have my complete admiration. I, on the other hand live in Vancouver -- a city rated as one of the most liveable in the world. Canada is a very quiet and relatively peaceful country. She is not one of the super powers of the world (thank goodness). Canada is a peace keeping nation and readily sends Canadians to other lands to assist the United Nations in their endeavours.

Most Canadians are very quiet about their love of country. This should not be mistaken for a lack of interest in their country's welfare or reflect a lack of patriotism. Most Canadians would readily die to protect their land, but few would stand up and shout it to the world. July 1st is Canada Day (formerly Dominion Day): which was celebrated at the beginning of our country's birth when the British North America Act was passed in 1867; joining the Upper and Lower Canadas, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island into the Dominion of Canada. Canada Day is celebrated right across Canada and is a day when generally reticent Canadians strut their patriotism by painting their faces red and white, lighting fireworks, picnicking with their families and generally whooping it up for love of country.

Canada is a young country compared to many many others, with a very interesting history. Canada prides herself on her cultural mosaic (a Multicultural Act was enacted into law by the Federal Government in 1988) ... with most nationalities that come to Canada retaining whatever parts of their previous culture, language, etc. that they wish to. This is very different from the USA, for instance: where individuals give up their past and merge publicly as a melting pot of Americans. In Canada there are many many neighbourhoods that could transport you to other lands. The diversity of our culture is one of our very special charms. People can come to Canada and be anyway they like. We have freedom of language, movement and our respect of an individual's human rights is world renowned.

Currently Canadians all over our country are struggling with an "identity". This came about when a revisiting of our "Constitution" occurred in 1987. If we weren't such a young country, this would have been settled many years ago, i.e. the Civil War in America. Unfortunately, these struggles at this time appear worse than if they were just a time in history. I have great confidence that Canadians will come through this struggle with grace and dignity and that we will only become stronger as a result of looking at ourselves. So the question still remains "What exactly does it mean to be Canadian?"

I have traveled all over my wonderful country and I am continually amazed at the diversity of culture, scenery, climate and tenacity of the Canadian people to survive in such a huge somewhat hostile land.

To my great pleasure, there are more and more Canadians stepping forward on the World Wide Web (WWW) and declaring their patriotism. I have included many of their pages in my links. As well I have included what I think are many interesting and informative links to THINGS CANADIAN .

Come share and learn about this amazing land (silently and peacefully influencing the world), that I consider the only place to live on planet earth!

I AM ONE CANADIAN STANDING UP AND WHISPERING (albeit loudly) THAT I AM CANADIAN AND PROUD!!!!