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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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Canadians have found a creative solution to combating both Prime Minister Harper's increasing waistline and Quebec's maple syrup crisis.

Since the end of the Winter Olympics, grateful Canadians have been donating their maple syrup to over 300 participating Bell Canada stores in an event known as "Project Maple Syrup". The end result was a very sticky 5.4 ton gift of appreciation to Norway's Bjoernar Haakensmoen.

At the Turin Olympics, the Norwegian cross-country ski coach handed Sara Renner a spare ski pole after the Canadian broke one during the Nordic ski sprint relay final. Renner went on to win a silver medal while the Norwegians finished fourth.

"It was natural for me to do it, and I think anyone should have done it," Haakensmoen told the Associated Press. "I didn't think about it. It was just a reflex ... but the response has been unbelievable."

In order to make it possible for Haakensmoen to accept the maple syrup, which is a rare item in Norway, both the Canadian and Norwegian governments waived any duty fees that would have been applicable.

The entire story can be found here, Canadians Reward Olympic Good Deed.