Canadian Expatriates, its contributors, and readers have been invited by Foreign Affairs Canada to participate in a series of eDiscussions. The current topic is “Showcasing Canadian Culture and Know-How Abroad”.

We are asked to consider the following questions:

What role does Canadian culture and know-how play in our foreign policy?

How might the government best promote Canadian talent and expertise in the world?

The eDiscussion runs from April 4 to May 6, 2005. At its conclusion, a summary of the discussion will be sent to senior policy planners.

The Expat admin team encourages its readers to join in the eDiscussion at the Canadian International Policy website.

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Posted by Admin

The administration team is currently searching for Canadian expatriates who would be interested in contributing to the Expat Blog. The subject matter is wide open, but must remain family friendly.

If you are interested in joining our blogging team, please send an email our way!

Thank you!

On this day in 1874 Canada's most patriotic song, The Maple Leaf Forever, was performed for the first time at a foundation stone laying ceremony for the Christian Baptist Church in Newmarket, Ontario.

Written in October of 1867 by Alexander Muir, the lyrics to The Maple Leaf Forever served as a last minute entry in the Caledonian Society of Montreal's patriotic poetry contest. The poem won second prize but went on to become one of English Canada's most patriotic songs when Muir later composed music for his anthem. In 1997, a "politically sensitive" version of the song was written by Vladimir Radian. Lyrics to both versions can be found here.

Collections Canada's Virtual Gramophone has a few recordings of the song, including performances by Tenor Edward Johnson and Robert Price.