Ask A Canuck

July’s winner is Jami of www.carminemag.com

She will be receiving a bag packed with Canadian sweets for her comment on the post: How Do You Take Your News?

Remember, this contest runs monthly. Entering is easy! Just leave a comment on any of the blog’s latest posts and you’re instantly entered to win. Be sure to follow the blog to see if you’re next month’s lucky winner.

This past April the Canadian government passed a new law that bestowed citizenship to what could potentially be hundreds of thousands of people. Most of these brand new Canucks are said to be American.

Obviously Canada was feeling a little lonely. Or was it guilt at having stripped these people of their citizenship in the first place?

See, sometimes Canada is a little wishy-washy on its rules and regulations, especially when it comes to who we consider to be part of our lavish land. From 1948 to about 1977 we forced a lot of people to give up their Canadian title once they became citizens of another country.

We didn’t know how to share very well.

Luckily, we’re now cleaning up our act. This means that the people who were earlier torn from their Canadian title can now reclaim it…and so can their children.

This is where things get tricky.

Second or third generations can’t claim citizenship, but anyone born to someone who themselves was born on our native soil is eligible. These changes came about as the result of a few key groups’ struggle to earn back what they felt was rightfully theirs.

The Canadian government even sent out this video wherein a man falls asleep and wakes up in the throws of Canadian ecstasy.

If you’re curious about your potential Canadian citizenship then go to: www.cic.gc.ca/citizenship

Also, don’t forget about our monthly contest. Comment and you are entered to win a package filled with Canadian goodies.

Do Canadians really say, ‘eh’?

Yes. Yes we do. We do it all the time.

Why? Basically, it’s a well-integrated part of our country’s slang. We use it as a way of saying, “Don’t you agree”, or “Say that again?” or even as a check to see if you’re REALLY listening. Throwing down an ‘eh’ in the middle of a sentence usually means that the person talking wants some feedback. So, speak up buckaroo, because Canadians will call you on your silence!

The origin of the word is a bit of an unknown. Most speculate that it’s a form of the word ‘hey’ as pronounced by native French speakers. Regardless of where it began, Canadians have adopted it as their own. We use it on our paraphernalia, our beer commercials, and even our sports teams.

And we really don’t mind the mocking. At least we don’t say ‘y’all’ like the south or throw random letter Rs into things like our British friends. No, Canadians are pretty okay with their ‘eh’.

If you’re REALLY serious about wanting to know more about how Canadians use ‘eh’ in everyday language, you can check out this essay. It has a nice chart with examples of everyday usage.

What slang terms are popular in your neck of the woods? Curious Canucks would like to know.

Also, don’t forget about our monthly contest. Comment and you are entered to win a package filled with Canadian goodies.

The topic of the french fry is obviously very dear to my little Canadian heart. We’ve had our chat about the infamous poutine and now we’re going to delve into even stranger territory. Yes, Canadians like to top their tasty taters in cheese curds and gravy, but sometimes our palates yearn for a different set of flavours.

The number one fry topper/dipper/soaker in Canada is ketchup. Heinz ketchup to be exact. The brand is very important. I know some Canucks whose restaurant choices are based solely around which establishments have the beloved, holy grail of ketchup known as Heinz.

Following just after ketchup is vinegar. The type used varies, but is most often just your run-of-the-mill white vinegar. You know, the stuff used to make salad dressings, clean your windows, or remove the skunk smell from your dog.

I’m not making it sound particularly appetizing am I?

Really though, it’s not a bad companion to the fry. There are, as always, a few things to watch out for when experimenting with this ingredient. Make sure your fries can stand up to a splash of liquid. Limp fries will turn to mush in the face of this potent fluid. The amount you apply and the speed at which the fries are eaten are also very important variables to take into account. Too much liquid can kill even the crunchiest of the potato clan. Too much chatter in between fry consumption can lead to an equally devastating mushy massacre.

Of course, we have to give a nod to our British brethren for our love of fries and vinegar. We didn’t come up with it ourselves.

Beyond that, many people have their own interesting concoctions to act as fry dip. Some include mayo, barbeque sauce, mustard, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and I’ve even heard rumours of Wendy’s frosties being used as a dunk tank for fries. I can’t say I quite endorse that one.

What do you dip your fries in? Is it a regional thing or personal preference? Be sure to let me know!

Also, don’t forget about our monthly contest. Comment and you are entered to win a package filled with Canadian goodies.