A Hoser's Guide to Canadian History

Book excerpt: The great thing about being Canadian is simply this: we don't take ourselves too seriously, which works out pretty well because no one else on the planet takes us seriously, either. If you're reading this book, there's a good chance you're a Canadian. But what does that mean? There are the stereotypical nods, such as politeness and apologizing, but there's so much more! To be honest, you've probably taken part in (or at least talked about) hockey, poutine, curling, canoes, health care, snowshoes, parkas, camping, beer, road work, Canadian Tire, Slurpees, moose, maple syrup, and Tim Hortons in the last 24 hours. "A Hoser's Guide to Canadian History" is your ticket to even more things "Canadian" that you may have missed during your water-cooler discussions, online chats, or your seventeen-hour wait in the local emergency room. As you read this book, you'll discover new and exciting facts about Canada that simply weren't taught in school. As a History teacher, I found the need to spread the unvarnished truth of this great nation's past. People like Sir John "Eh" MacDonald, Tommy Douglas, and Pierre Trudeau all had a distinct impact on this great country of ours, and part of their stories are included in these pages. Even less-famous folks who helped to shape Canada got a mention: John Humphrey, Laura Secord, and Egerton Ryerson. (Yes, "Egerton" is a real name.) Canada has an exciting past, full of events that have brought us to where we are now. Like all countries, we have some things we'd like to forget, but most of those unpleasant moments happened because we had morons in Parliament, something that doesn't happen anymore. Canadians have no need to apologize for being nice, honest, and caring people. So, please enjoy this book, and if you don't, well, I'm sorry.