The idea for this blog was born in the wake of the nationalist fervour that swelled during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. My goal is to provide a regular injection of Canadian content to my readers. The format remains for now somewhat unstructured – I will post whatever springs to mind. That being said, I will strive to make my posts relevant to a particular date, week or month. As it stands now, my head is overflowing with ideas, icons, and anecdotes I am eager to interpret, analyze, and share. I think my propensity to look up vintage commercials on YouTube, drool over the latest addition to the Hudson Bay Signature Collection, or wonder what happened on this day in Canadian history may as well be channeled into something productive. I also think the question What makes us Canadian? is worth trying to answer. Why do certain events, images, and symbols resonate in our collective memory? I can’t promise this blog will steer clear of clichés, but I will at least try to uncover the meaning behind them. Through the Plaid Canoe I will attempt to distill the Canadian experience.
I consider myself one lucky Canuck, born and raised in Toronto. Over the past several years, I have noticed an increasing number of my friends and family living abroad, for work or school. The Plaid Canoe is written with them in mind. It is dedicated to all Canadians: past, present and future.
So put on your dressing gown and toque, grab a poutine, take a seat on the chesterfield and … enjoy!
Happy Paddling,
Clarice
January 2011
This will define excellence. I can’t wait.
Great idea. Will be sure to subscribe and check back frequently! Nice one!
Love! Am avidly reading across the pond!
I wish this existed when I lived in Ireland a few years ago. It would have helped me to tell the Irish why being a Canuck is so great!!
Hi Clarice, I tried really really hard to find a way to contact you about the Duncan Mills ruins but this is the closest I can get. I’ve known about these ruins for a long time before they were even published in the news in 2011, for some 5-6 years, because of its proximity to the Bayview Glen private school. I just wanted to let you know that they weren’t really “discovered” in 2011 – they’ve been known to the public for much longer (and the “ruins” were visible from Duncan Mills Road if you drove along the bridge right in front of the school!)
Hello! Thank you for your comment. Many local residents knew about the ruins prior to last year – the point of the Metro Morning spot was to share them with the larger community. Thanks again for your interest!