Canadians know that the promise of a recession didn't happen because of anything we did here. If you look at all the causes of the recession problems in mortgage markets the problems in the banking sector the problems in government finance in countries like Greece none of those problems were in present Canada.

In Canada women's rights are a vital part of our effort to build a society of real equality - not just for some but for all Canadians. A society in which women no longer encounter discrimination nor are shut out from opportunities open to others.

Dad went to Canada to learn how to fly with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He took me on my first airplane ride where I could have a hand on the stick.

If I am to be known for anything I would like it to be for encouraging Canadians for knowing a little bit about their daily extraordinary courage. And for wanting that courage to be recognized.

Canadians can easily 'pass for American' as long as we don't accidentally use metric measurements or apologize when hit by a car.

Canadians tend to be a bit more religious than most Europeans - though not more than the Poles or Ukrainians. Most important their attitude to immigration and ethnic minorities is more positive than that of most Europeans.

I think that Scottish people like Canadians are often misunderstood and what I like about my Scottish friends and relatives is how quickly it can go from love to anger. It's a great dynamic.

I think as a Canadian hockey player you go through it in your mind so many times being able to stand on that blue line and hear your national anthem play and being a gold medal champion you dream of that. And then to be able to accomplish that and actually win a gold medal and represent your country its an amazing feeling.

The only way to get gay issues off the front pages of Canadian newspapers is to grant gay and lesbian people our full civil equality and leave it alone.