Oh Canada!

[Leigh]

hello my fellow Canadians,

I know we have various forums to connect in but I don't see one for all us Canucks so I thought well heck I'll start one! No matter where you reside in the country, I'd love to get to know more of the Canadians here on the Planet and maybe someday plan a Canadian BFP gathering/weekend. I know it's been talked about before so why not make it a reality? Anyone interested just let me know, throw out ideas and heck we will see what happens :-)

Sending love to everyone!

[Mel C.]

I'm not a Canadian, but I would attend a get-together if I was welcome. cool thread Leigh

[Leigh]

oh absolutely you'd be welcome Mel and so would anyone else not just those of us here in Canada - I just think it'd be a nice change of pace to have a gathering here :-)

[sis]

When I'm in town, I'm based out of Manitoba. Love the idea of a BF gathering; love the idea of folks from all over being welcome.

Deb

[Leigh]

I'm in Winnipeg and would love to see a gathering of us BFP peeps here in Canada :-)

[Mel C.]

Is anyone here planning to attend World Pride in Toronto? Linky to events is http://worldpridetoronto.com/festival/worldpride-2014/
I think Melissa Etheridge is performing a free concert at the opening ceremony

[Paradox]

Not a bad idea. Something worth considering. I live in Toronto.

[Leigh]

I wish I could attend that World Pride in Toronto but that weekend in my dads 60th birthday so I am planning a surprise get together of family and friends :-)

[Morice Diesel]

Happy to find an active Canadian forum on the Planet. Finally unnecessary to leave a box of timbits and sparkly things to lure you into the open. Thank you to the creator of this forum. For the love of Canadian femmes and butches please keep this space alive.

[Leigh]

nothing wrong with leaving Timbits and Timmy's coffee for everyone here :-)

[Syr]

Timmies? Where? Lol. Northern, Ontario here.

[Leigh]

lol Syr, I brought some in and left coffee and Timbits and bagels with cream cheese and some donuts etc from Timmy's for everyone :)

[sis]

I for one could use a Timmy's fix right about now but I'll have to wait until July 5th ...... YVR, please have a large coffee with 4 creams and something sweet and seasonal ready to go! lolol

Deb

[Femmadian]

Would love to meet some of the people here, though I live on the coast with the scraggly fishermen, smiley-faced tugboats, and noisy-ass bagpipes so I'm afraid that won't be happening any time soon... Nice to dream though!

If anyone decides to hit up the Maritimes however, I'm game!

:pirate-steer:

[Breathless]

Originally from northern Ontario, transplanted to the middle of oil in this country :-) Central Alberta.. I could be easily persuaded to attend a Canadian event.

[imperfect_cupcake]

Flakey left coaster here. I have lived in toronto for just over a year.
I can't travel, broke student.
I find there is a trickle of prairie butches coming here due to the over abundance of single femmes to butch ratio over a certain age (35). That said, a lot of masculine females don't ID as butch here. They now call themselves genderqueer instead. So it's the genderqueer community that's hoppin'.

[Curley]

From Vancouver here too and agree with honeybarbara, butch -femme ratio sucks , recruitment time for butches to relocate to vancouver lol

[SaltyButch]

I'm near Toronto and find it very frustrating to find femmes who embrace the butch femme dynamic...so would certainly like to get something happening so those that could,could get together..and Mel your my brother of course you are invited.

[Cid]

Hey everyone. I'm from southern Ont and I don't think there's a stone butch anywhere near here! I found one...and you never go back to an ex so....Time to bring some stone butches to the southern (Ont) girls :sunglass:

[bobbi46]

West coaster here. Vancouver love it beautiful. Lived in Tdot for a few years came back when wife passed just trying to find my way pass all the drama. Lol
Im so up for get together.
Be well bobbi

[fever]

Waving from the Wet Coast. I don't even try to find stonebutches here in BC any more. I am just happy to meet gay women who are willing to let ME be the femme I am, talk about what I want and need, and hopefully, one day, Hy will appear. lol I believe you have to work with what you have. Years of wishing have left me lonely and alone.

Thanks for starting this thread, Leigh. Come on out to BC any time. My door is always open.

Namaste

p.s. I am still shy, innocent, demure, and naive, for anyone who has known me from other sites. :-)

[EnderD_503]

Will definitely be floating around World Pride in Toronto. I live literally a street away from the village, so its not as though I'd be able to avoid it even if I wanted to :p

[sis]

On the eve of Canada Day I generally reflect on what it is to be a Canadian. As my computer is in the hospital at the moment and I only have access at work, I decided to post this a few days early. I have traveled a bit over the past two decades and in response to spending many Canada Day celebrations outside of Canada I share the following with you. (Note: I'm a life long Winnipegger and I write from that experience!) . Enjoy!

Deb

“Oh, Canada!”

Take a step back in time with me to when you were five or six years old. There you are, standing “at a tension” in the gym with the entire school for an assembly. You try your best to join in on a song you have only heard during Hockey Night in Canada if you were fortunate enough to have a television. Your arms are parallel to your body and your hands are pressed tightly to your thighs. Your eyes face forward and you see the principal standing stiffly at the front leading the school in our national anthem with the music teacher pounding out the melody on an old upright that has seen better days and is probably in need of a tuning. Though you are young, you sense that history is taking place although you can’t exactly come up with that word; you just know that this is an important moment in your life, a turning point. You have graduated from ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and ‘Mary had a Little Lamb’ to the big leagues. You now know a real song - a song that is majestic, patriotic, meaningful and a song that will follow you through your life.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

Throughout the world Canadians are known as peaceful people - peacekeepers, if you will. Many a time in my travels, after proudly admitting I’m Canadian, the response of those whose country I was visiting would change - huge smiles of welcome, shared memories of their visits to Niagara Falls, Banff, Vancouver and Churchill, comments on how cold it is here, and jokes about how big the mosquitoes are. Further discussion would lead to comments about our role in promoting world peace and sending aid to countries in need. People would ask me why we do so much for the world, why don’t we simply take care of only ourselves. And I would tell them, its because we are Canadian - it is in our social fabric to reach out, lend a helping hand by volunteering our services to aid all people and make the world a better place for all inhabitants. Our ability and desire to give is a direct reflection of the freedom we have as Canadians. Until you go away you just don’t know what you are missing because you’ve taken it for granted all your life. It is a gift to live in Canada.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

Go back to that five or six year old and picture yourself standing outside in the school yard while the janitor hoists a rectangle of red and white (and blue for the Union Jack). The cloth climbs and climbs to heights unknown and as you watch, a breeze picks up the end of the fabric and seemingly inflates the flag to its full breadth. As it flutters and flaps in the wind you gaze past it into the sky and you imagine yourself up there at the top of the pole looking toward the horizon. For me, I would see the endless prairies - a patchwork of greens, browns and yellows, with ribbons of blue meandering through it. If I could have looked all the way East I would see the entire Canadian Shield, the Great Lakes, the Laurentians, right to the fishing boats off the coast of Labrador. To the West I would have seen the quilted land rise and fall with buttes and coulees until you reached the majestic Rocky Mountains and beyond to the Kootenays and the Okanagan Valley and down to the Coast. To the North I would have seen an endless landscape of snow, polar bears, igloos and Eskimos who were noted for kissing with their noses (go figure, that was a known ‘fact’ when I was a kid!). To the South were ‘The States’ but I didn’t really know what that meant. With this geographical ‘knowledge’ of my country ever present as I grew up, I began to learn about Canada’s history and how it was an entity that had come into its own decades before I was born and continues to evolve to this day. Look around you and really ‘see’ the people in your world. Whether you are Korean, Chilean, Swiss, Russian, Sri Lankan, Thai, British, American or ???, know that you have made a difference to the fabric of Canada by living here.

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

I have celebrated ‘Canada Day’ all over the country and the world. It seems to me the days of simply having picnics, baseball games or fireworks at Assiniboine Park are passe. Now, every town has chosen to have a festival, Wonder Show rides, live music, craft sales, or possibly the ever popular Karaoke contest in Canadian Idol style. Many houses have Canadian flags flying; red and white balloons decorate businesses and garage sale signs; the ‘bang for your buck’ stores sell China-made ‘Canadiana’ stuff that ranges from tasteful to tacky and people are buying it and displaying it proudly! I too buy into this thinking. While living abroad I celebrated Canada Day by going to events organized by the local Canadian Chamber of Commerce or Canadian Embassy. I wore red and white to school on July 1st; I joined other teachers in hosting a Canada Day assembly and participated with my students (yes, indeed, those four year olds could belt it out with the best of us) in the singing of ‘O Canada’. And every year while singing, as tears of joy would stream down my face, I would offer up a silent prayer of thanks for my good fortune at being a Canadian.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

My life journey has taken me all over the world. After several years of living and teaching in Southeast Asia, my employer hosted a farewell party for staff, including myself, who were moving on. A hot, humid day in April found us gathered together telling each other we would keep in touch, extending invitations to come to Canada, sharing e-mail addresses and promising to write. Typically, many speeches were made interspersed with a plethora of dances, skits and songs. As the party progressed we Canadians who were leaving had begun to focus on our upcoming adventures while our Asian co-workers were beginning to mourn the emptiness tomorrow would bring to their lives. An announcement was made that there would be a final tribute to the departing Canadians. As many of us sat in wonder at what could ice the cake after all that we had shared this afternoon from food to entertainment to gifts, our Asian co-workers assembled themselves to sing one final song. As the opening bars of the song began, the six year old within me slowly surfaced. In awe and wonder I rose, placed my arms tightly against my sides and faced forward to see my Asian co-workers in a new light - their eyes focused on sheets of music, singing unfamiliar words with enthusiasm, joy and respect, leading us in our national anthem. As my mouth opened to join in, my face streamed with tears of pride and love for my heritage and my heart soared with longing and appreciation for the ‘land glorious and free’. The first real song I learned so many years ago - received by others and given back - a priceless parting gift, a humble honour, and a gentle reminder that life is good.

[Candelion]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/memorium_zps7e18bfef.jpg

[fever]

I have certainly changed my way of thinking since July. lol I have started going to Meet Ups in the area. There are a lot of interesting people out there! Just checking in with out Canadians.

Waving at Candelion, sista friend!:byebye:

[Candelion]

Hey, Fever! Right back at ya! Don't burn down my old hometown...I like to come back every once in a while. May the giant raspberry forever stand tall and proud. :byebye:

[Candelion]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/RM_zps6dcfc734.jpg

[Candelion]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/justin_zpscb5e0161.png

[SaltyButch]

I am so enjoying this Fall like weather for Winter, can we just keep it like this for the whole Winter...please...imagine a year ago we had one of the worst ice storms ever.

[Femmadian]

I agree, Salty! This winter beats the pants off last winter! It was brutal! We had a green Christmas out here this year and so far, most of the snow that has fallen in the past two months hasn't stayed for more than a day or two. I normally shy away from praising any aspects of climate change, but dammit, after last winter, I'm okay with admitting I like this one... :p

This was me (most Canadians, really) this time last year for comparison:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f1/e5/e8/f1e5e8e86896e891f7569c5563974598.jpg

I haven't had to shovel once so far and I am a very happy Maritimer! :D

[Candelion]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/CanadianValentine_zps4f13e7f1.jpg

[girlin2une]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/its-legal-there#.uvddvdO2jA

[C0LLETTE]

HAPPY CANADA DAY ALL YOU GLORIOUS CANADIANS!!!!!!

Sent from the Nation's Capital ...Coast to Coast! Left and Right!

[C0LLETTE]

Bump Bump....Not many of us so we have to do double duty:

HAPPY CANADA DAY ALL YOU GLORIOUS CANADIANS!!!!!!

Sent from the Nation's Capital ...Coast to Coast! Left and Right!

[girlin2une]

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!

[MsTinkerbelly]

Happy Canada day to our neighbors to the North!(f)

[C0LLETTE]

Was a glorious Canada Day here in Ottawa despite the rain , wind and chill. Fireworks went on despite the weather and good spirits everywhere. Now nightfall comes and the drunks will be out in force...screaming, yelling , puking...oh well, I guess you're only young and stupid once...well, young, anyway.

Happy Canada to all you Canadians and all you wannabes...lol

[Candelion]

P0yx61IoVWo

[SaltyButch]

So my fellow Canadians...what are your thoughts about the recent election. Do you think a majority government is a good thing? What do you think about the worlds reaction to Justin's comment about his cabinet?

I think this government has alot to live up to...he has so far done what he said he was going to do but it is still early. If he does only a little for our country that his father did, we will be a very lucky country. I for one am looking forward to the future, and can already feel the paradigm shift that this election has done in regards to how other countries feel about my beloved Canada.

[DapperButch]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/transgender-judge-kael-mckenzie-manitoba-appointment-1.3446720

[Soon]

London Lesbian Film Festival
North America's Only Lesbian Film Festival (http://www.llff.ca/2012-films/)

The films look really interesting this year but this one looks especially intriguing. ;)

Gender Troubles: The Butches
USA, 2016, 54 Min
Butches are not trying to be feminine and failing. They are not going through a rebellious stage or imitating men. Rather they are lesbians who, while being true to their authentic selves, challenge society’s assumptions about what it means to be female.

There are other events too (a dance and brunch w/comedian). Should be a great weekend and passing it along in case anyone is in the area and would like to meet up!

[Greyson]

London Lesbian Film Festival
North America's Only Lesbian Film Festival (http://www.llff.ca/2012-films/)

The films look really interesting this year but this one looks especially intriguing. ;)

Gender Troubles: The Butches
USA, 2016, 54 Min
Butches are not trying to be feminine and failing. They are not going through a rebellious stage or imitating men. Rather they are lesbians who, while being true to their authentic selves, challenge society’s assumptions about what it means to be female.

There are other events too (a dance and brunch w/comedian). Should be a great weekend and passing it along in case anyone is in the area and would like to meet up!

I know it is most likely true but it was a bit of a surprised that this is the only Lesbian Film Festival in North America; that is sad.

[DapperButch]

I know it is most likely true but it was a bit of a surprised that this is the only Lesbian Film Festival in North America; that is sad.

It's not true. Unless they are talking about "at this very second".

I have been to more than one lesbian film festival here in the U.S.

And of course, there are annual queer film festivals all over the U.S. Two of them near me.

Maybe they just did a "quick and dirty" google search?

[Soon]

It's not true. Unless they are talking about "at this very second".

I have been to more than one lesbian film festival here in the U.S.

And of course, there are annual queer film festivals all over the U.S. Two of them near me.

Maybe they just did a "quick and dirty" google search?

I'll have you know, Dapper, the investigation is underway--getting to the bottom of this festival's annual claim has become a top priority! :detective:

P.S. I'm pretty sure they don't mean "at this very second."

[SaltyButch]

This is the one of the more renowned film festivals in Canada otherwise known as North of America, it is I have heard quite an enjoyable event for anyone who may be near London.

[Soon]

It's not true. Unless they are talking about "at this very second".

I have been to more than one lesbian film festival here in the U.S.

And of course, there are annual queer film festivals all over the U.S. Two of them near me.

Maybe they just did a "quick and dirty" google search?

Dapper,

I forgot to get back to you on this, and I'm sure many others have also been waiting with bated breath to hear the results of my investigation after your disputing this event's yearly claim of it being 'North America's Only Lesbian Film Festival.'

I did write the organizers to ask them for verification of the claim, but, unfortunately, I haven't received a response back. I do plan on asking about this yearly claim to an organizer when I attend the event next weekend.

However, after an EXTENSIVE online search (and I do admit the fallibilities of Google), I did not find ONE solely LESBIAN film festival. There were LGBTQ (or some variation of) and Queer and even ones identified as Women's film festivals; however, this is the only one I can find that is solely identified as a LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL in North America.

Dapper, what were the names of the SOLELY lesbian film festivals you attended? Maybe that will help. As you know, LGBT or QUEER or Women's film festivals will not be allowed as contradicting the London's festival's claim. It must be designated as a soley LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL in order for your opposition to their claim to be warranted.

P.S. Tickets are still on sale! (http://www.llff.ca/)

[Candelion]

85k4RxqRyv8


FhpezwGtDEg

[*Anya*]

I'll have you know, Dapper, the investigation is underway--getting to the bottom of this festival's annual claim has become a top priority! :detective:

P.S. I'm pretty sure they don't mean "at this very second."

Dapper,

I forgot to get back to you on this, and I'm sure many others have also been waiting with bated breath to hear the results of my investigation after your disputing this event's yearly claim of it being 'North America's Only Lesbian Film Festival.'

I did write the organizers to ask them for verification of the claim, but, unfortunately, I haven't received a response back. I do plan on asking about this yearly claim to an organizer when I attend the event next weekend.

However, after an EXTENSIVE online search (and I do admit the fallibilities of Google), I did not find ONE solely LESBIAN film festival. There were LGBTQ (or some variation of) and Queer and even ones identified as Women's film festivals; however, this is the only one I can find that is solely identified as a LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL in North America.

Dapper, what were the names of the SOLELY lesbian film festivals you attended? Maybe that will help. As you know, LGBT or QUEER or Women's film festivals will not be allowed as contradicting the London's festival's claim. It must be designated as a soley LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL in order for your opposition to their claim to be warranted.

P.S. Tickets are still on sale! (http://www.llff.ca/)

Not Canadian but my curiosity was piqued so I hunted, too. I found no other strictly lesbian-identified film festivals besides the one you listed Soon.

If you found an additional one, you were a better investigator than I!

There are tons of film festivals but they are all-inclusive: LGBTQ.

[Stone-Butch]

Lived in Toronto most of my life and love it. Just celebrated Victoria Day long weekend with lots of fireworks. Canada, we do stand on guard for thee. I love this country. I do hope we have a get together somewhere I can attend. I met many American and Canadian lesbians at our last meet in Toronto. Nice bunch of women.

[kittygrrl]

if Trump wins, I want to move to Canada..his way of doing things is very scary:worried:

[Soon]

Not Canadian but my curiosity was piqued so I hunted, too. I found no other strictly lesbian-identified film festivals besides the one you listed Soon.

If you found an additional one, you were a better investigator than I!

There are tons of film festivals but they are all-inclusive: LGBTQ.


This is a new one running this year for the FIRST time. They bill themselves as 'The ONLY All LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL in the USA!'

http://nebula.wsimg.com/1b43c768cfafb12e4ee5dc9d9c04cafe?AccessKeyId=85CFB 14ED161FD171238&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

[*Anya*]

This is a new one running this year for the FIRST time. They bill themselves as 'The ONLY All LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL in the USA!'

http://nebula.wsimg.com/1b43c768cfafb12e4ee5dc9d9c04cafe?AccessKeyId=85CFB 14ED161FD171238&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Love it!

None in California but one in Kentucky!

As the Brits say: brilliant!

Good hunting Soon.

[Soon]

Lived in Toronto most of my life and love it. Just celebrated Victoria Day long weekend with lots of fireworks. Canada, we do stand on guard for thee. I love this country. I do hope we have a get together somewhere I can attend. I met many American and Canadian lesbians at our last meet in Toronto. Nice bunch of women.

Let me know when your next get together is--maybe I can attend (it's about a four hour drive/train ride for me). :)

[kittygrrl]

I would love to live in where it rains the most..rain every day would be grand..

[Mel C.]

I'll be in Toronto August 19th-22nd. Anyone up for a get-together?

[SaltyButch]

I'll be in Toronto August 19th-22nd. Anyone up for a get-together?

I think I might be able to make it....

[A. Spectre]

*Warning! Spoiler Alert. Wimbledon Mens Finals Results


Congratulations to Milos Roanic! The ONLY Canadian mens finalist at Wimbledon.Ever.

http://e0.365dm.com/16/01/768x432/milos-roanic-australian-open-tennis_3403070.jpg?20160121110649

A few fun facts about Milos:

1. He’s True To Canada: Despite not being born in Canada (Raonic was born in what is now Podgorica, Montenegro and moved to Canada with his family when he was three years old), he has remained loyal to his Canadian ties. “It’s important to me to defend the Canadian colors. And I don’t just do it in tennis. I might not follow hockey as much as the average Canadian, but I support several Canadian teams,” he said. “Basically, it’s a country with a lot of great things. And so yes, I’m proud to be Canadian.”

5. His Idol Is Pistol Pete: Raonic is very open about the fact that Pete Sampras was his idol growing up, and their similarities are uncanny. Raonic was able to meet him for the first time in San Jose last year and described the moment as “surreal,” saying “It was nice to connect the man to the game that I watched for so many hours. I taped most of his matches and watched them over and over again. If he was playing in Melbourne, my parents would let me stay up. Sampras was the person to study, the model to learn from. It's something else meeting someone you've always looked up to.”

You'll get 'em next time Milos!

[MitchM42]

if Trump wins, I want to move to Canada..his way of doing things is very scary:worried:

Totally agree. However, it is not easy to find work in Canada as an American. Been there, tried that.

[Candelion]

With the U.S. election less than a week away, the number of celebrities, public figures and everyday people threatening to migrate north should Donald Trump land in the White House are multiplying.

I guess we should feel flattered that our American neighbours consider us a suitable alternative. Like we're the best friend who takes you in after a terrible fight with your boyfriend. Yet, I can't help but feel like a jilted lover reduced to sloppy seconds. Or like first runner-up in a Miss USA pageant. Second choice doesn't really sit well.

Netflix chat show host Chelsea Handler rattled off a roster of celebrities on her show this week who intend to move to Canada should Trump prevail. "I'm going to need to go to Canada if he [Trump] gets elected," she said. "I don't know what the rules are to move there but a lot of us are feeling that way. A lot of us are going to want to leave the country."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Girls creator Lena Duhnam has set her sights on the West Coast. "I know a lovely place in Vancouver, and I can get my work done from there," she said.

Actor Bryan Cranston has also said he'll move to Canada if Trump is elected president. "Absolutely. I would definitely move. It's not real to me that that would happen. I hope to God it won't," Cranston told the Bestseller Experiment podcast when asked if he would take an extended holiday to Vancouver if Trump is elected.

"It wouldn't be a vacation. I'd be an expatriate," Cranston added.

Actress and fashion darling Chloë Sevigny says she's moving to Nova Scotia, which I'm sure confused a lot of people who perhaps were not aware that it's a Canadian province.

Even beloved American songtress Barbara Streisand told Australian journalist Michael Usher, "I'm either coming to your country, if you'll let me in, or Canada."

While the thought of Babs donning a toque and sharing a plate of poutine with husband James Brolin is completely and utterly appealing, I have bad news for our famous friends. Immigrating to Canada isn't that simple. In fact, unless you marry a Canadian citizen, it's damn near impossible.

Much like Canadians looking to immigrate south, there is no open door policy between our two nations. Swing by for up to six months on a visitor visa, sure. But during that time you are not permitted to work or have access to health care or any other social services. You're simply a tourist.

I'm wondering if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should hold a press conference to reinforce our immigration policies to ensure there isn't any confusion come November 9. Perhaps another Vogue spread is in order to drive home the message?

More than anything, Americans need to know that living in Canada is not a consolation prize. Living in Canada is like hitting the cultural and geographical jackpot. A country rich in diversity, where natural resources abound and the scenery will take your breath away. A country whose musical contributions include Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Drake. While we sympathize with our American friends, we're busy opening our borders to refugees who really need it, not privileged people with a lousy Republican candidate.

I have faith in my American friends. I have faith that they'll make the right decision on election day. And I'm all about telling America it's already great, because I live there and I see it for myself every day. But let's be clear -- Canada isn't a second-rate alternative. Living in Canada is a privilege.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/heather-magee/moving-to-canada_b_12801930.html?ncid=fcbklnkcahpmg00000001

[Greyson]

I agree with you. Living in Canada is a privilege, not a consolation prize. I have wanted to live in Canada for many years now, but it is not in the cards for me. I am aware that my American vote or lack of voting resonates globally. I do take this into consideration when i vote at the national level and at the State level. (I live in California and I know California also has a huge sphere of influence in trade and various other matters.)

I have a great deal of respect for your country and it's people. My hope is that Canada and the USA will forever be allies. As for the rich people who can buy their way into almost anything, it must be nice. However most of us cannot. I do care about the fate of my country and I will continue to vote and do what I can to maintain a democracy and work to be a conscientious global and national citizen.

[Candelion]

My hope is that Canada and the USA will forever be allies.

Amen to that, Greyson! Canada is privileged to have such a great country as a neighbour.

[kittygrrl]

I don't know if you are referring to my post but I've never considered living in Canada a consolation prize. I've talked about it for years and the last few years (with spouse) have looked at it seriously and even chosen a place or two that we think we would enjoy. It's kind of a shock to see anyone would have a problem with someone who's dreamed of living Canada- as if you owned it personally. You don't. It belonged to the indigenous people who lived there thousands of years before your family got there, so technically you are a the product of immigrants and the empire building of England and whose sub ligation of it's people allowed you to take over their country and claim it as your own.

Don't worry, I'm sure you will be able to keep your playground intact. Nobody will want to come where they are not welcomed. But let me make a prediction and say when you have poisoned your land and water with tar sands and killed all your trees and your land is barren, you will cry and beg that America will let you in and I am sure we will be far more welcoming then the reception then you gave me in this thread. Peace.

[Candelion]

I'm sorry kittygrrl, I did not post this article as a response to your post. I was on my lunch break and I came across this article...I thought it was a light-hearted observation by a Canadian living in the US on the pronouncements by a few celebs that they will move to Canada if Trump wins. I thought my fellow Canadians would enjoy, or at least find interesting, this sort of "hey, we're great, too" perspective.

Sadly, Canada does not have a monopoly on destroying the environment. And the race by both our countries to completely destroy our natural surroundings is not a finish line I want to be at.

I'm sorry you took offense to the article. None was meant when I posted it.

[C0LLETTE]

I don't know if you are referring to my post but I've never considered living in Canada a consolation prize. I've talked about it for years and the last few years (with spouse) have looked at it seriously and even chosen a place or two that we think we would enjoy. It's kind of a shock to see anyone would have a problem with someone who's dreamed of living Canada- as if you owned it personally. You don't. It belonged to the indigenous people who lived there thousands of years before your family got there, so technically you are a the product of immigrants and the empire building of England and whose sub ligation of it's people allowed you to take over their country and claim it as your own.

Don't worry, I'm sure you will be able to keep your playground intact. Nobody will want to come where they are not welcomed. But let me make a prediction and say when you have poisoned your land and water with tar sands and killed all your trees and your land is barren, you will cry and beg that America will let you in and I am sure we will be far more welcoming then the reception then you gave me in this thread. Peace.


You really think you'll be around after we have poisoned our land and water? I give you , maybe a year. It'll be your companies, your corporations, your energy companies, your drive for capital that destroys us all. we are your liberal , "nice" neighbours...and if you destroy your own country, we have little doubt you'll eat and destroy us first.

So, please don't go on about how we will have killed off everything you look for up here...you'll have levelled and laid us to waste long before you start eating your young.

We struggle to survive being your neighbours but we know full well you will not respect anything about our survival or culture if yours is at stake.

Want to come here? Great! But come because you love what you see is possible here, not because you think we are are just mini versions the USA... and not because we exist only in your shadow and will come begging for help once you've raped everything we fight so hard to protect.

Kitttygrll..we really are a decent, peaceful and culturally respectful country. If you don't believe that, you, honestly, don't need to have us on your wish list. But please do find some other country to bash. Long as you leave us alone, we'll be fine and we will treat refugees, even yours, with generosity and respect.

[Candelion]

Want to come here? Great! But come because you love what you see is possible here, not because you think we are are just mini versions the USA...

This is exactly what I got from the article. I thought it was more of a reminder to Canadians, rather than an admonishment to Americans, that Canada is not a second choice. Canadians have a subdued but fierce pride, but uncharacteristically I am going to indulge in a little flag waving here. Canada is a great country...a country one should run to with open arms, not a convenient place to land when running from something.

[kittygrrl]

You really think you'll be around after we have poisoned our land and water? I give you , maybe a year. It'll be your companies, your corporations, your energy companies, your drive for capital that destroys us all. we are your liberal , "nice" neighbours...and if you destroy your own country, we have little doubt you'll eat and destroy us first.

So, please don't go on about how we will have killed off everything you look for up here...you'll have levelled and laid us to waste long before you start eating your young.

We struggle to survive being your neighbours but we know full well you will not respect anything about our survival or culture if yours is at stake.

Want to come here? Great! But come because you love what you see is possible here, not because you think we are are just mini versions the USA... and not because we exist only in your shadow and will come begging for help once you've raped everything we fight so hard to protect.

Kitttygrll..we really are a decent, peaceful and culturally respectful country. If you don't believe that, you, honestly, don't need to have us on your wish list. But please do find some other country to bash. Long as you leave us alone, we'll be fine and we will treat refugees, even yours, with generosity and respect.

I don't think you ever heard me say I wanted to live in Canada because I think of it as a mini U.S. That is so wrong! I've visited Canada on so many occasions and have loved the people I met and the peaceful nature of your country. I consider myself a person without a country as many indigenous people of the Americas have. My people were killed by the thousands by disease introduced by missionaries. Our land and country stolen. Our people shot with cannonballs. That fire still burns bright whenever I think about it. But that is the past and there is no way I will ever get my country back again. The U.S is a violent society and while there are beautiful things here, it doesn't make up for all the ugly things I see. As far as the destruction of both lands because of oil and natural gas you don't have to be a prophet to see it is happening in Canada to an alarming degree and I don't understand why Canadians are not stopping it. In any case, it seems some here want to jump to conclusions about my motives without first asking why I've wanted to move there. I have stated a few and to be honest I really don't believe I should have even had to explain myself at all but I don't like it when someone assumes they know my motives. Maybe Canada isn't as wonderful as I always believed it to be. It's fine, if I have the time I will dream another dream.

[C0LLETTE]

I don't think you ever heard me say I wanted to live in Canada because I think of it as a mini U.S. That is so wrong! I've visited Canada on so many occasions and have loved the people I met and the peaceful nature of your country. I consider myself a person without a country as many indigenous people of the Americas have. My people were killed by the thousands by disease introduced by missionaries. Our land and country stolen. Our people shot with cannonballs. That fire still burns bright whenever I think about it. But that is the past and there is no way I will ever get my country back again. The U.S is a violent society and while there are beautiful things here, it doesn't make up for all the ugly things I see. As far as the destruction of both lands because of oil and natural gas you don't have to be a prophet to see it is happening in Canada to an alarming degree and I don't understand why Canadians are not stopping it. In any case, it seems some here want to jump to conclusions about my motives without first asking why I've wanted to move there. I have stated a few and to be honest I really don't believe I should have even had to explain myself at all but I don't like it when someone assumes they know my motives. Maybe Canada isn't as wonderful as I always believed it to be. It's fine, if I have the time I will dream another dream.

I suppose I was simply responding to your prediction that "... when you have poisoned your land and water with tar sands and killed all your trees and your land is barren, you will cry and beg that America will let you in and I am sure we will be far more welcoming then the reception then you gave me in this thread". My question is :Why would you want to come here if you believe we will be begging you (America ) to go there? I don't think most Canadians see themselves that way or headed to such a bleak future.

I actually believe you would be quite welcome and happy here if that is what you would like to do. On the whole, we really are trying to be a peaceful, welcoming and liveable nation.

[cathexis]

I suppose I was simply responding to your prediction that "... when you have poisoned your land and water with tar sands and killed all your trees and your land is barren, you will cry and beg that America will let you in and I am sure we will be far more welcoming then the reception then you gave me in this thread". My question is :Why would you want to come here if you believe we will be begging you (America ) to go there? I don't think most Canadians see themselves that way or headed to such a bleak future.

I actually believe you would be quite welcome and happy here if that is what you would like to do. On the whole, we really are trying to be a peaceful, welcoming and liveable nation.

When i have been to Canada, folks have been quite warm and welcoming. Your country's reputation on human rights is very inspiring, and your record re: Native Peoples is well more compassionate than the USA's.

Have been to Canada many times (live about 20 miles from the border). My Partner and i are your neighbors.

[C0LLETTE]

When i have been to Canada, folks have been quite warm and welcoming. Your country's reputation on human rights is very inspiring, and your record re: Native Peoples is well more compassionate than the USA's.

Have been to Canada many times (live about 20 miles from the border). My Partner and i are your neighbors.

Hello Neighbour...I'm waving to you!
BTW...check out that "u" in neighbour. Neighbour or neighbor, we get along just fine except I had to override spellcheck to be able to drop the "u" lol.

[Candelion]

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Any time another falls, we will gather here
In any kind of weather, any time of year
Watching for the headlights down the 401
Respect and dedication for our bravest ones
Hearts fill with sorrow and with pride
As the fallen pass below, on the final ride

Along the Highway of Heroes we stand
In a show of gratitude from right across the land
Standing on the bridges faithfully
Because you keep our true north strong and free

Soccer moms, firefighters, legion members too
School kids and teachers, folks like me and you
Standing at attention with the Maple Leaf held high
A grassroots benediction for the ones who died
You’re all our daughters, all our sons
And you make us proud Canadians

Along the Highway of Heroes we stand
Here to show the gratitude from right across the land
Up here on the bridges we will be
Because you keep our true north strong and free

Now it’s our turn to stand
It’s our turn to stand
It’s our turn to stand on guard for thee



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[Soon]

I have faith in my American friends. I have faith that they'll make the right decision on election day. And I'm all about telling America it's already great, because I live there and I see it for myself every day. But let's be clear -- Canada isn't a second-rate alternative. Living in Canada is a privilege.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/heather-magee/moving-to-canada_b_12801930.html?ncid=fcbklnkcahpmg00000001

well, the author (and myself) were wrong about that bolded part

:(