The beaver, maple tree and maple leaf are symbols of Canada

In the late 1600s and early 1700s explorers, realizing that Canada was not the spice rich Orient, saw the fur trade as an opportunity to acquire revenue and both English and French fur traders soon were selling beaver pelts at a great profit. The beaver really achieved national significance when it was first featured on the first Canadian postage stamp –

THis week, THIS MONTH

by Larry Ellis

the “Three Penny Beaver” in 1851. The beaver obtained official status as an emblem of Canada when it gained recog- nition as a symbol of Canada in 1975. In the mid-19th century, the beaver was near extinction but due conservation the largest rodent in Canada is alive and well. The beaver is prominent of the Canadian five cent piece.

Trees have played a meaningful roll in history and the development of Canada as they continue to be of commercial, environmental, and aesthetic importance to all Canadians.

Maple wood products, maple sugar industry, beautifying the landscape are all attributes of the tree known for its hardness, toughness, and other properties. The maple tree was officially proclaimed national arboreal emblem of Canada on April 25, 1996.

“The Maple Leaf Forever” was written by James Muir as Canada’s confederation song in 1867. The coats of arms for Quebec and Ontario were created the following year and both included the maple leaf. Between 1876 and 1901 the maple leaf was on all Canadian coins and appeared on the Canadian one cent piece. During the First World War the maple leaf was displayed as badges on uniforms and at the time of World War 11 troops used the maple leaf as a distinctive sign of Canadian forces. On February 15, 1965, the Red Maple Leaf Flag was inaugurated as the National Flag of Canada.

I hope you celebrated Canada Day with pride of accomplishments of our great country!

Barrhaven Lions Club celebrates 43 years of service to the community

Service Clubs have been waning in many communities over the past few years, but fortunately this group is alive and strong. The local Lions Club now has 32 members, increased by six in the last year. With government cutbacks in community services, it’s important that private citizens band together for the benefit of those in need. The Lions focus on raising funds to support issues like childhood cancer, hunger, environmental issues, blind and visually impaired individuals and diabetes outreach.

This week marks the 43rd anniversary of this important community service club and the introduction of the new board of directors for 2023-24. If you would like to devote some time to this important initiative, please contact Margaret Tucker at lionmargaret@gmail.com Did you know—Helen Keller challenged The Lions to champion The Blind? There are Lions clubs in 141 Countries. The modern challenge is to recruit younger members.

Pictured from the Barrhaven Lions Club are, back row from left, Gerry Langevin, Les Buckley, Sharon Baldwin, Paul Duguay, Robert Gilchrist, Tom Gowe, and Dave Voisey. Front row, from the left, are Susan Greenberg, Don Zogalo, Marilyn Southall, (incoming President), Nancy Campbell, (Immediate Past President), James Doyle, and Ameet Bhalla.

G A Ry Cou Lo M B e P h oTo