Canbits and Finnbits

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien (Liberal) has retired from politics after a 40-year career.

Before handing the reins over to incoming leader Paul Martin Jr., he reflected on Canada's role in the world and staunchly defended Canada's choice not to send troops to Iraq earlier this year. "It was because of our deep belief as Canadians in the values of multilateralism and the United Nations that we did not go to war in Iraq," he said.

Chretien started his career in Canadian politics in 1963, and during his 40 years as a Member of Parliament he held roles in various ministerial positions, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Minister of Industry and Trade. In 1984, he ran unsuccessfully for the Liberal Party leadership; he left politics in 1986 to continue his career in law. In 1990, he stormed back to win the Liberal Party leadership, sat as leader of the opposition for just under three years and handily defeated the Conservatives in the 1993 election.

He led three majority governments in the House of Commons, and on November 3 he held his last question period as leader of the Liberal Party. He received many tributes from his colleagues and has indeed left a mark on Canadian politics.

Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation


Got the travel bug?

In my mind, Canada is becoming a more popular destination for Finns. I base my idea on something I noticed recently. Been to the travel guide section of a bookstore lately? There has been an explosion of guidebooks about Canada appearing on the shelves! Back in June, before a visit home, I purchased a copy of Lonely Planet Toronto for my boyfriend. It was his first time in Toronto and he said he wanted to do something fun. Upon making a return visit to the bookstore prior to the Caisa fair, I was surprised and happy to see several guidebooks about Canada gracing the shelves—Toronto, British Columbia, Montreal, the Maritime Provinces and many others! Go to your local bookstore and ask about Canadian titles!


Check out Youthmedia

Youthmedia is a new national youth publication in Canada that focuses on promoting journalism, volunteer work and awareness in the youth community. It is available in Canadian high schools, YMCAs, youth centres and libraries all across the country. Youthmedia is slated to become a full-fledged magazine in the fall, available in Canadian embassies, consulates and high commissions around the world.

Youthmedia wants to invite Canadian youth and their families living abroad to submit articles about their experiences with different customs and cultures while adapting to life outside of Canada. Youthmedia coordinator John O'Sullivan also wants to reach out to people who have spent time in their youth in Canada and relate their experiences to their readers. Youthmedia also encourages the submission of pictures to enhance articles and clarify reader understanding.

O'Sullivan anticipates high participation and believes it would mean a great deal to youths who have never travelled abroad, but hope to do so some day. He is eager to make as many connections as possible in the coming months.

By Carmen Boudreau-Kiviaho