The name Canada originates from the language of the Iroquois, which means “village,” but this name was not actually favored when it came to naming the young country after it gained independence in 1867.
The names that were initially proposed were Borealia, Laurentia, Ursalia, Victorialand, and Transatlantica. We must say we prefer Canada!
Voltaire and Canada
Voltaire was an 18th-century writer known for his cutting remarks as well as his well-put phrases, but he thought very little of Canada.
He belittled Canada, saying that it is a "country covered with snow eight months of the year, inhabited by barbarians, bears, and beavers."
Polar Express
The town of Churchill, Manitoba, is situated right on the rim of the Arctic and being so far north; it is frequented by polar bears, who are often seen lumbering through town or holding traffic up.
It is customary for people in this small town to leave their houses and cars unlocked in order to offer some safety for a resident, in case they need to flee from a hungry bear!
A Serious Choice
Back in 1995, the Canadian province of Quebec had a vote on whether they wanted to remain as part of Canada or leave and form an independent state. A massive 93% of the province came out to vote on the issue.
A very small amount of around 50,000 voters chose "No" on that day.
Canadian Content
Canadian content regulations specify that at least 35% of the music played on Canadian radio must be Canadian in some way or form.
These regulations only apply from 7 AM to 9 PM, now that's a lot of Celine Dion!