Tomorrow is Canada Day! So like most of you it got me wondering… what the heck is Canada Day? Well, after some online searching and a history lesson from my Canadian roommate, I am now the foremost expert on all things Canadian (maybe), so please allow me to drop a little knowledge on you.
Canada Day takes place on July 1st to commemorate the Constitution Act of 1867, which combined the territories of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Quebec) and granted Canada significant independence from Britain.
The first official celebration occurred on Canada’s 50th birthday in 1917, but it was not until 1958 that the holiday was first recognized by the government. 1967 marked the first nationwide celebration of Canada Day, and with Canada’s official emancipation from Britain in 1982, Canada Day became the nation’s official holiday.
Like July 4th for the United States (Or Australia Day for Australians or-well you get the point), Canada Day is a great source of pride and nationalism for all inhabitants of the Great White North. The holiday is celebrated with fireworks, barbeques, parades and concerts. So in the spirit of celebrating Canada’s awesomeness, here are a few great things those “up north” have given to us and the world:
1. Insulin
Frederick Banting discovered this miracle drug in 1921, saving millions who suffer from diabetes.
2. Petroleum (at least for the US)
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of oil imported by the United States doesn’t come from the Middle East, but rather from Canada. Everyday, Canada exports 2.9 million barrels of oil to the US. (Of course not all Canadians are happy to give away their oil, so Americans make sure to tip your cap north next time you're at the pump.)
3. Maple Syrup and Peanut Butter
Can you imagine living without these two amazing food groups? I can’t.
4. Hockey
No brainer here.
5. The 0.7% Target
Not sure what that is? Basically it calls for nations to donate 0.7% of their Gross National Product to support development programs. Coincidentally, my colleugue wrote a piece explaining the entire plan and Canada's failure to meet its own mark.
6. Standard Time
Yeah, knowing what time it is helps out a lot. You can thank Canadian inventor Sandford Fleming for that.
7. Fresh Water
Canada is home to 9% of the world’s fresh water supply. With droughts like the current one in California, water could one day become Canada’s greatest gift to the world. (Once again, not every Canadian is thrilled with the prospect of parting with their precious water reserves. But as an American, I thank you in advance.)
8. Justin Bieber
Sorry but any list of Canadian things wouldn’t be complete without him… and he is pretty good looking.
I could keep going on about other reasons why Canada is so great but that would take a while. So instead how about everyone just agrees Canada is awesome, and use today as an excuse to BBQ and say: Happy Canada Day eh?