Santa Claus Is Canadian!? 15 CRAZY Facts About Canada That You Probably Didn’t Know.

There are many stereotypes about that gigantic northern land mass known as Canada. From igloos, to hockey, to “eh,” to maple syrup… it’s easy to forget that this friendly country has a very rich history and culture. So let me hit you with some knowledge to enlighten you about the nation’s finer points. [googlead]

1. There’s a prison for polar bears.DailyMail

The world’s only polar bear prison is located in a former aircraft storage hanger in Churchill, Manitoba. In October and November, the town’s human population of 800 is outnumbered by polar bears. As the polar bears pass through the town, they have a knack for breaking into homes in search of food.

2. Churchill, Manitoba residents leave their car and front doors unlocked in case their neighbours need to quickly escape from polar bears. Polar Bear Alley

Polar bears are no joke and in Churchill, Manitoba, there are signs warning people to not walk in certain areas due to the risk of polar bears. Accordingly, residents end up driving instead of walking around town for safety reasons.

3. Part of Canada has less gravity than the rest of the planet.Will Go To & HowStuffWorks

The Hudson Bay region of Canada seems to have “missing” gravity. How is this possible? Convection in the Earth’s mantle has pulled down continental plates, decreasing mass. Furthermore, the Laurentide Ice Sheet was massive. The ice sheet was once over 3.2 km (2 miles) thick and weighed down the earth. Once it melted 10,000 years ago, it left a big “dent” on the planet. Consider that gravity is proportional to mass and now we can all go “oooooh!”

4. For one day in 1943, a hospital room in Ottawa was designated extraterritorial (international) so a Dutch princess could be born with full Dutch citizenship.Ottawa Life 

Dutch Princess Juliana had been living in Canada’s capital after fleeing the Netherlands during the German army invasion. When the Canadian government learned that she was pregnant, a hospital’s maternity suite was declared extraterritorial so that Margriet Francisca could be born with full Dutch citizenship. To show their gratitude for protecting their royalty during World War II, the Netherlands sends Canada thousands of tulips each year.

5. Kraft Dinner is the nation’s top-selling grocery item.The Walrus

Affectionately known as “KD,” the staple macaroni and cheese dinner is consumed by Canadians 55% more than Americans. That’s about 3.2 boxes per person, each year.

6. Canada’s hockey team was such a domineering force, it skipped the elimination games and the went straight to the finals for the World Championships in 1930.Hockey Gods

The other teams essentially played for the right to square off against the final boss: team Canada. Germany won this right, but Canada beat them 6-1 in the gold-medal game.

 

7.  Every year, Canada’s post office receives millions of letters addressed to “Santa Claus, North Pole” and they respond to every one of them as Mrs. Claus.Canada Post

The program is  an employee-led voluntary initiative. Current and retired employees donate over 190,000 hours of their time in order to encourage literacy among children.

8. Canada has an Apology Act.Canada.com

Sometimes, people just want to hear you say “sorry.” But in a sue-happy world, saying sorry can be taken as an admission of guilt. Not so with the Apology Act. The Apology Act makes apologies inadmissible in civil court.

9. Half of Canada’s provinces, which account for 85% of the country’s population, is governed by women.Globe and Mail

Okay, this isn’t “ridiculously crazy” but it’s definitely worth noting! Six provinces and territories are led by women. The strong female representation at high public office reflects Canada’s emphasis on gender equality.

10. The University of Victoria offers a course called the “Science of Batman.”Huffington Post

The course is run by the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education. “The extreme range of adaptability of the human body explored through the life of the Caped Crusader.”

11. The McLobster is exclusively sold by Canadian Mcdonald’s.Huffington Post

The McLobster was originally only sold in the eastern region of Canada known as the Maritimes, but it’s making it way west during special limited time offers.

12. “Trick or treat” was first used in Alberta.Smithsonian & Paul Ryburn’s Journal

“Trick or treat” was printed in the November 4, 1927 edition of the Blackie, Alberta Canada Herald. This was the earliest known reference to the popular Halloween dilemma.

13. Santa Claus is Canadian, according to the immigration minister.National Post

In 2008, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney officially declared Santa Claus a Canadian citizen.

14. A man from Ontario invented the Hawaiian pizza.Toronto Sun

The Hawaiian pizza was invented by Sam Panopolous in 1962. It was invented by accident at his restaurant called Satellite during a time when pizza was still a novelty in Canada.

15. Canada’s official phone number is 1-800-O-CANADA.

Seriously. That’s the number to call for information on the Government of Canada.

Source: Imgur

Congratulations, your life has officially been enriched by obscure Canuck knowledge.


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