Eh! This is rochrox here, with my column all about the country I come from, Canada. Many Whyvillians are from the United States, who are in close proximity to Canada, but do not know much about it. My column will feature facts, history, and other fun stuff about Canada. This Week: The Basic's, All About Canada!
Geography: Canada is located in the Western Hemisphere, north of the equator, in North America. It boarders the United States on the south (and also Alaska), the Pacific ocean on the west, the Atlantic ocean on the east, and the Arctic ocean on the north. Canada is the second largest country in the world! It is made up of ten provinces, and three territories.
Language: Canada has two official languages, French and English. That means both languages must be printed on a cereal box. Quebec is the most French speaking province. The rest of Canada mostly speaks English.
Government: Canada has a similar government to the US. The biggest difference is that we elect a Prime Minister, while the US elects a president. Both countries use a democracy.
Myth Exposed!: Many people believe Canada is a snow-covered country, however, that is untrue! Canada has four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter, just like the United States. Most parts of Canada only receive snow from late November through early April, just like the northern states. This also means we do not live in igloos. The only exceptions are the northern territories, Yukon, Nunavut, and the NorthWest Territory. They receive much more snow than the southern provinces, but not continuously all year. They receive weather similar to Alaska, short summers and long winters. They also don't live in igloos!
Definitions: Here are some words I've used in my column that you may not know the meaning of.
Province/Territory: This is how the country of Canada is divided up. Provinces and territories are similar to states.
Prime Minister: An elected leader of a country (similar to a president).
Democracy: A system where a country votes for a political party they want to run the country, in Canada, the leader of the elected party becomes the prime minister.
Yukon/Nunavut/North-West Territory(NWT): The three territories in Canada, similar to states.
I hope you all learned something about Canada in my column, check back next issue for more about Canada!
This has been rochrox, watching the ducks in our swimming pool enjoy the nice April weather!
Editor's Note: Please join me in congratulating rochrox on becoming a Whyville Times Columnist. Her patriotism for her country is inspiring and exciting to share. If you have an idea for a column, email two samples along with an explanation of why your column is important and how you are qualified to write it to: times@whyville.net.
