HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-06-21, Page 29Wednesday, June 21, 2017 • Signal Star 29
Mt vp;
COAST-TO-COAST PRIDE
OFFICIALLY
CANADIAN SINCE...
1949
Oh, Newfoundland: Canada's historical paradox. Did
you know that England's oldest overseas colony was
actually an independent country before joining
Canadian ranks in 1949? In fact, Newfoundland's
decision to join Canada contradicted the province's
lengthy history. Many decades before, Newfoundlanders
brazenly rejected Confederation in favour of a
destiny alongside Canada, rather than within it.
LOOKING BACK...
In 1907, Newfoundland acquired Dominion status
from the UK, which put the now -province on equal
ground with Canada. The two countries self -governed
side by side until 1933. Faced with unsustainable
government debt following the First World War,
rapidly declining fish prices and the astronomical cost
of maintaining a trans -island railway, Newfoundland
was forced to give up its independence in exchange
for the Crown's support.
At the dawn of the Second World War, however,
Newfoundland began to prosper anew, and locals
aspired to break from English rule once more. But
political leader Joseph "Joey" R. Smallwood, the last
Father of Confederation, strongly believed a wider
union with Canada would lift the province and its
people out of poverty by providing a social safety net
and paving the wayfor industrialization.
Was Newfoundland to join the Confederation or retum
to self-govemment?After two consecutive referendums,
Newfoundland became the tenth province to enter the
Canadian Confederation on March 31, 1949, and in
December 2001, an amendment was made to the
Constitution to change the province's official name to
Newfoundland and Labrador.
LICENCE PLATE SLOGAN
SAM PCE
•
1993-2001: A World of Difference
NOT TO BE MISSED
Every year, travellers near and far
are drawn to Canada's eastem
edge for its inspiring natural beauty
and rich culture — a product of
Newfoundland's English, French, Irish
and Aboriginal heritage.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Between ancient rock formations,
rugged coastlines, thick boreal
forests and teeming herds of
wildlife (caribou, seabirds, moose,
black bears, humpback whales,
etc.), Newfoundland's wild, natural
beauty surrounds you at every tum.
With its four national parks, 18
wildemess and ecological reserves,
and numerous botanical gardens,
there are many ways to revel in
Newfoundland's natural glory.
Stand on top of the world at Gros
Marne National Park, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site; travel back
in time to where the Vikings settled
some 1,000 years ago at L'Anse aux
Meadows National Historic Site;
get up close to a 10,000 -year-old
glacial giant drifting down Iceberg
Alley; or opt for a primitive camping
Gros Mome National Park
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR,
experience among the unspoiled
forests of Terra Nova National Park.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
If you're searching for live music
and rousing theatre performances,
then Newfoundland should soar
to the top of your list of travel
destinations. Home to some of the
country's finest writers, musicians,
actors and comedians, there's no
shortage of festivals and events in
Newfoundland, especially during the
summer months! Set in the heart
of the winding colourful streets of
St. John's, the Newfoundland and
Labrador Folk Festival in August is
the most attended cultural event of
the season. And if you're a history
buff, you won't want to miss the Gros
Morne Theatre Festival, which kicks
off in June, as it brings Newfoundland
and Labrador's vibrant past to life.
Between lighthouse picnics, art
gallery tours and walking festivals,
Newfoundland is brimming with
cultural experiences for every type of
traveller!
DID YOU KNOW?
• There are more varieties of English spoken in Newfoundland and
Labrador than anywhere else in the world. In fact. the province has
its own English-language dictionary and encyclopedia. the
Dictionary of Newfoundland English.
• Approximately 94% of the province's total population resides on
the island of Newfoundland. and half of that population lives in St.
John's.
• St. John's is the provincial capital and the oldest city in all of North
America. Explorer John Cabot became the first European to sail into
the harbour in 1497. although this tidbit of history has been hotly
contested. According to archaeological findings and the ancient
tales of the Norse Sagas. the infamous Vikings may have been the
first Europeans to make land in the New Worldsettling in
Newfoundland and Labrador (or Vinland. as they called it) over one
thousand years ago.
�....'Z rcrrrrn. .,
o�L •,�_ r Rte:;
..�t _ 4!444
• While the rest of Canada lives and breathes hockey. Newfoundlanders
go crazy for.. rugby! (Although they also like a good game of soccer.)
Swilers Rugby Park in St. John's is the biggest rugby stadium in all of
Canada. with a maximum capacity of 6.500 people. This difference in
sports culture is due in part to the province's long history under
British rule.
• In addition to being some of the friendliest people on Earth.
Newfoundlanders are known for their knack for storytelling.
DEMONYM
People from Newfoundland and Labrador are officially called
Newfoundlanders, but the colloquial term Newfie is often
used in Canada to refer to the province's locals. Considered
a slur from its past use by American and Canadian military
personnel stationed in the province who used the term loosely
in their jokes, "Newfie" is sometimes perceived as being
offensive. However, many Newfoundlanders would argue that
it's actually a source of pride.
OFFICIAL MOTTO: Prime Regnum Dei
(Seek Ye first the kingdom of God)
PROVINCIAL NICKNAMES
• The Rock (in reference to the Island of Newfoundland)
• The Big Land (in reference to Labrador)
Happy 150th Canada
From the -
Knights of Columbus and
The Goderich Columbus Centre
At 390 Parsons Court - Goderich