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There was a wonderful moment during the opening cerimonies at the olympics where Shane Koyczan, a Vancouver slam poet read his "We Are More" to the world. I think it does a wonderful job of summing up something of what Canada is, and what it means to be Canadian. Enjoy:

We Are More

by Shane Koyczan

When defining Canada
you might list some statistics
you might mention our tallest building
or biggest lake
you might shake a tree in the fall
and call a red leaf Canada
you might rattle off some celebrities
might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
might even mention the fact that we've got a few
Barenaked Ladies
or that we made these crazy things
like zippers
electric cars
and washing machines
when defining Canada
it seems the world's anthem has been
" been there done that"
and maybe that's where we used to be at
it's true
we've done and we've been
we've seen
all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
and turned into theme parks
but when defining Canada
don't forget to mention that we have set sparks
we are not just fishing stories
about the one that got away
we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
and yes
we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
who inspired little number nines
and little number ninety-nines
but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
and some say what defines us
is something as simple as please and thank you
and as for you're welcome
well we say that too
but we are more
than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process
of being realized
we are young
we are cultures strung together
then woven into a tapestry
and the design
is what makes us more
than the sum total of our history
we are an experiment going right for a change
with influences that range from a to zed
and yes we say zed instead of zee
we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
we dream so big that there are those
who would call our ambition an industry
because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
we are vineyards of good year after good year
we reforest what we clear
because we believe in generations beyond our own
knowing now that so many of us
have grown past what used to be
we can stand here today
filled with all the hope people have
when they say things like "someday"
someday we'll be great
someday we'll be this
or that
someday we'll be at a point
when someday was yesterday
and all of our aspirations will pay the way
for those who on that day
look towards tomorrow
and still they say someday
we will reach the goals we set
and we will get interest on our inspiration
because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
more than backpacks and hiking trails
we are hammers and nails building bridges
towards those who are willing to walk across
we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
of those who clamour for the failings of others
we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
we are cousins
we are found missing puzzle pieces
we are families with room at the table for newcomers
we are more than summers and winters
more than on and off seasons
we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
because we are more than what we say or do
we live to get past what we go through
and learn who we are
we are students
students who study the studiousness of studying
so we know what as well as why
we don't have all the answers
but we try
and the effort is what makes us more
we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
so keep exploring
go far and wide
or go inside but go deep
go deep
as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
and suddenly there was this location scout
trying to figure some way out
to get inside you
because you've been through hell and high water
and you went deep
keep exploring
because we are more
than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
we are more than hills to ski
or countryside ponds to skate
we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
a country that is all the ways you choose to live
a land that can give you variety
because we are choices
we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
" keep exploring... we are more"
we are the surprise the world has in store for you
it's true
Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
so don't say "been there done that"
unless you've sat on the sidewalk
while chalk artists draw still lifes
on the concrete of a kid in the street
beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
don't say you've been there done that
unless you've been here doing it
let this country be your first-aid kit
for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
let us be the story told to your friends
and when that story ends
leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
next time pack for all the things
you didn't pack for the first time
but don't let your luggage define your travels
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.

Tomorrow is a day hundreds of Canadian athletes and millions of Canadians have been waiting for: the Opening Day of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver! We get to watch our finest take part in a competition that’s all about representing your country on the world stage, and this year, that stage is set right here at home.

It would be an understatement to say that I am a sports nut. To me, this is like Christmas all over again.

I’m not alone.

All over this country, we’ve been watching the Olympic Torch make its way across Canada, we’ve been reading stories about the athletes and their struggles to make it to this point, we’ve been waiting for the moment our top sportsmen and women put on their skates, skis, protective helmets, etc. and show the world what they’ve got.

That’s not the best part, however. The best part, in my opinion, is all the other athletes from more than 80 countries who are coming to Canada to show us what they’re made of, too.

This country is known for welcoming people from all over the world who arrive here and put their education and skills to use and keep our society moving forward.

And hosting the Olympics is the perfect symbol for that.

"Canadian Heritage is responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada's civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians. "

At this site you can learn about Canadian arts, culture, citizenship, multiculturalism, as well as government events and initiatives. Explore well over 100 different subjects and topics related to Canada. I think the site is a great resource.

Available in both official languages (English and French).

Go to the Canadian Heritage website - http://www.pch.gc.ca/

Follow The Expatriate Mind at http://expatriatemind.blogspot.com

Even Jason Kenny has heart. I know it might be hard to believe for those who are in the midst of their immigration applications, but it's true. The Immigration Minister's response to the crisis in Haiti, where thousands of children have been orphaned reveals that under the layers of his Tory armour, he's still Canadian after all.

"Haitian children are expected in Canada within days as Ottawa fast-tracks the adoption process for those where homes are already waiting for them, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Wednesday.

"We have already identified about 100 such applications (at different stages) ... in our system and we are working to contact those adoptive parents to let them know what we are doing," he told a news conference.

"I hope that we can bring these children to Canada within the coming days," Kenney said of those cases where there is evidence that approval has been granted by Haitian authorities.

The federal government will also provide temporary resident permits, waive fees and temporarily cover health costs as it steps up its efforts to bring orphans to Canada."

Read the article here - http://www.thestar.com/news/world/haiti/article/753696--haitian-children-expected-in-days-as-ottawa-fast-tracks-adoptions

Follow The Expatriate Mind at: http://expatriatemind.blogspot.com

I'm a Montrealer, and my city is home to more than 100,000 people of Haitian origin.

That's about the same number of people that were initially feared lost in the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti, although the number is now estimated to be closer to 50,000.

Quebec is by far the primary destination of Haitian immigrants to Canada. Everywhere in the province people are desperately trying to reach family members in Haiti, and many have been unable to ensure their loved ones are safe.

Canadians' response to the crisis is overwhelming the aid agencies. I found an article in the Montreal Gazette about how websites and phone lines of humanitarian agencies are crashing because of the sheer volume of people trying make donations. You can read that article here:

http://tinyurl.com/ybmvhk8

Some phone companies have already started programs where you can donate $5 just by sending a text!

Like any Montrealer, I'm an avid hockey follower, and I was moved to learn, as I watched the broadcast of last night's hockey game between our Montreal Canadiens (who have a Haitian-Canadian player on their roster) and the Dallas Stars (who have another Haitian-Canadian on theirs), that the team is collecting donations from fans and matching the amount they collect over the next few games.

In addition, our government almost immediately announced $5-million in initial aid to be sent to Haiti immediately, and later announced that it would be matching our donations dollar for dollar up to $50-million... That's a potential for $100-million aid for Haiti from Canada alone.

Of course, this isn't even counting the Canadian government and non-government agencies that will physically be in Haiti to provide relief and later help with the rebuilding efforts… or those that are already there coordinating rescue and evacuation efforts.

It's incredibly difficult to watch the pictures and videos of the devastation in Haiti, and even more difficult to imagine what Haitians and their communities abroad are going through. But learning about Canada's response to the situation makes me so proud and inspired to be Canadian.

That's what our country is all about.

I found this article and thought it would be of interest to all of you who are in Canada or thinking of coming here.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hFXwiAsjK6ZO0ZGYNrw5f0qRwxug

It shows how well Canadians or Chinese origin integrated in Canada and it even mentions the upcoming Olympics!
:)

Hi Loungers!

With the Olympics coming up faster than Canada speed skaters, here are a few useful links to websites featuring info about the Olympic capital, Vancouver and other Olympic information! Of course, LoonLounge will be THE place to get your Olympic fix everyday!
I hope these will be helpful to you all!

http://www.yougottabehere.com/home/
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/vancouver/2010_olympics/2010_olympics
http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/

Follow us on Twitter and LoonLounge where we will discuss all aspects of the competitions and watch the medal count!

Let the Olympic spirit sweep you away on LoonLounge!

This week, Canada is celebrating Citizenship Week, a week for all Canadians to reflect on what their citizenship means to them.

The Canadian Citizenship Act came in to effect on January 1, 1947, and Canada was the first country to get its own citizenship laws. Before that, Canadians were considered British subjects living in Canada. Since then, more than 6.5 million people have been granted Canadian citizenship, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Permanent residents who have lived in Canada for three or more years in the last four can apply for Canadian citizenship, and the rights and privileges that come with it. Canadian citizens have the right to carry a Canadian passport, have the right to vote in Canadian elections, and the right to hold public office in Canada.

But Canadian citizenship brings other, intangible benefits to many people. I myself am incredibly proud to be a citizen of such a country. A country that welcomes newcomers in such a way that the United Nations sees it as a model for other countries. A country that promotes knowledge and the development of new skills, technologies and industries. A country that is one of the safest in the world, one of the most stable in the world, and one of the most egalitarian in the world.

What does it mean to you? Were you born with it? Did you obtain it after immigrating? Are you still a permanent resident in Canada with citizenship as your goal? And why is it important to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.