In the 1980s a friend of mine from Ontario came to Winnipeg on an extended visit. He had never been out west before, and was impressed that the city was laid out with a system of back lanes behind every street. (I was raised in Winnipeg and was amazed to learn that every city didn’t […]
This didn’t really happen: Prior to passing the National Symbol of Canada Act in 1975, a parliamentary committee discussed the importance of the beaver to Canadian history and heraldry. All parties agreed that the beaver is a suitable emblem for Canada. It was raised in committee that the beaver does not have the majestic bearing […]
I wrestled with the idea of writing this column. We’re a biweekly, after all, and the news of elected officials from various parties and all levels of government travelling over the holidays first broke more than 10 days ago. In the meantime, a lot of ink and political blood have been spilled. I don’t want […]
Imagine this: you’re on a long road trip in your good old reliable car. It’s been a good trip—it’s fun, you have good company, the scenery has mostly been enjoyable. The weather has been agreeable for the most part, but now it’s dreary. Then it’s nasty. According to the radio, you’ll be coming out the […]
“Two draft.” Countries around the world have their own customs and traditions around serving and drinking beer. Canada’s provinces all have their own liquor laws and licencing regulations, but now their pubs, bars, and beer halls just barely maintain a distinct regional character. When I was a kid—I mean, a young adult—in Manitoba, hotels were […]