Happy Canadian Thanksgiving. Or as they say in Canada, "Happy Thanksgiving." We usually take the Thanksgiving Monday to reflect on Canada from a broader perspective.
For the last few years, we have been fortunate to gather together for a Canadian Thanksgiving on U.S. soil. We worked hard over the years to get more people. In the last couple of years, the total has been around 100 people. Unfortunately, the place where we gathered closed in early April and we couldn't find another space that suited the needs of the Thanksgiving dinner.
Gathering with a smaller group is very nice but the camaraderie of a large group was very special.
The CFL football games will also be a part of the day or maybe even an Ottawa Senators matinee game.
CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage
I haven't been able to travel as much to Canada lately. I am sad that this has been happening but thankful the situation will improve soon. I also know where I would love to go.
We have a couple of Canadian films in the Chicago International Film Festival. We should have word on the film lineup for the Windsor International Film Festival this week. If you can't travel, film is a good way to experience the world in a place other than where you are.
Despite childish threats by Donald Trump, Canada should hold out for a good NAFTA deal
U.S. trying to force sunset clause on NAFTA; Canada can't accept that demand
We haven't reflected too much on NAFTA 1.5. aka USMCA. A lot needs to be said about the deal but the large and small details we've seen are depressing. This agreement should not pass as is but some of the scarier parts aren't as scary.
The idea of being thankful for a new trade deal is more about recovering from the shock. And oh yes, all the horrible tariffs are still in place. The words extortion and "gun to the head" have been used a lot without exaggeration. We will in time have more to say.
Quebec turns to Coalition Avenir Québec to run province
New Brunswick will have a minority government
We have seen dramatic elections recently in New Brunswick and Quebec. You might not agree with the outcomes but more representation from outside parties makes democracy a bit more vibrant.
Some parts of Canada (above) got quite a bit of snow. Yes, there can be snow in some parts but early October snow is a bit of a shock. Speaking of snow in Alberta, Calgary is in the top 3 finalists for the 2016 Winter Olympics. Calgary is on the list with Stockholm, Sweden and Milan-Cortina, Italy. Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Our guide to legal marijuana in Canada
If nothing else, Canada legalises recreational marijuana coast to coast to coast next Wednesday.
Enjoy your family and friends and have a really nice Thanksgiving from all of us at CanadianCrossing.com.
photo credit: CityTV
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