Articles in Canadian Life
Broken English
I don’t feel as self-conscious about my English as I used to be, probably because I’m fluent now. Besides, I spend my days editing, reviewing, writing and translating documents in both official languages. Obviously, my English is good enough for that.
That said, there are mistakes I keep on making, no matter how many times I catch myself and correct them.
8 Things More Expensive in Canada than in France
Comparing cost of living between two countries is a national sport among immigrants. It’s a touchy debate because unless you’re an economist, it’s hard to make an accurate cost of living comparison. First, it depends on where you lived before (for instance, life in Paris is invariably more expensive than in Brittany) and where you are in Canada (you can’t compare Nunavut with Saskatchewan). Second, our perception is also easily skewed even though economically it all comes down to purchasing power.
Splitting Hair on Haircuts in Canada
I don’t care about my hair. I don’t dye it (although I used to when I was a teen), I don’t blow-dry it (that’s what the wind is for, right?) and I don’t style it (why bother?). I had long hair, braided hair (please, don’t ask for pictures, that was a long time ago) and I’ve had short hair for a few years now. I do have very thick hair though. It’s a blessing in disguise: I need a haircut once in a while otherwise it looks like I’m wearing a wig, but it keeps me warm and I don’t really need to style.
8 North American Social Events and Traditions You May Not Know
How can you translate something that doesn’t actually exist in your home country? Most French will understand “Halloween” or “Thanksgiving” (thank you Hollywood!) but chances are a lot have never heard of “Boxing Day” or “Tailgates parties”. I know I hadn’t anyway.
Spring is Campaign Signs Season
It’s spring, flowers are blooming, the grass is green and… nope actually. Sorry, I was dreaming. It’s still cold and the only thing that seems to be growing these days are campaign signs. These big pieces of cardboard, commonly known as “lawn signs”, popped up magically the night after the federal elections were announced and are now spreading across the country. In fact, some signs were even up before the election was called!
... And The Government Fell
So, here the big news: on Friday, the government fell. On Saturday, Harper met with the Governor General who agreed to dissolve Parliament. Placards grew overnight on front lawns and we are heading to the polls again on May 2nd, 2011.
Five Great Songs About Canada
Music is a powerful medium. Songs stir memories and can perfectly evoke places, express feelings—and yes, give a snapshot of a country.
Here are five songs that talk about Canada and evoke an aspect of the country, from funny city names to hockey, from the famous Canadian winters to Canadiana.
Woman Seek Doctor
I got my first health card in 2005 when I became a permanent resident. This gave me the right to benefit from the many health care services paid for by OHIP, the Ontario Health Assurance Plan. Unfortunately, the card didn’t come with the following warning, which I think should be mandatory: “the quality of care is excellent but good luck accessing the system”.
