Canada: A Do It Yourself History

1. CANADA: A DO IT YOURSELF HISTORY Canada is about to turn 150 years young, and in that short time, it’s become one of the greatest countries in the world. DIY Protection is a proud Canadian company and we want to celebrate the do it yourself work ethic of Canadians throughout history. Laura Secord Laura Secord is a Canadian hero, noted for helping Canada stave off a takeover from aggressive forces in the War of 1812. Her DIY Ethic Laura’s husband James was a soldier in the War of 1812 and legend states that Laura stopped a group of three enemy soldiers from taking his life in an attack. Laura was responsible for nursing her husband back to health all while raising children and rebuilding her home which was looted during the war. While this is an amazing feat on its own, this was only the start of her heroic deeds. Secord is most famous for a courageous walk that helped put an end to the war. Secord overheard a conversation of American generals planning a surprise attack. With that information handy, Laura walked over 32 km in enemy territory to warn Lieutenant James FitzGibbon of the attack. Although not as recognized during her lifetime, she is now credited as being one of the key figures in Canadian history. John A. MacDonald Sir John Alexander MacDonald was Canada’s first Prime Minister in1867 and served as the country’s leader (non- consecutively) for nearly 20 years! MacDonald was a noted lawyer, business person and leader. His DIY Ethic Sir John A MacDonald took on one of the largest DIY projects in the country’s history: Confederation. MacDonald led the charge in getting approval on the British North America (BNA) act, receiving approval from Queen Victoria. Canada becoming its own country was a long and hard process, but on July 1, 1867 Canada was born with four

2. provinces, and the promise of a bright future. The confederation of Canada led to another large project: the Canadian Pacific Railway. Canada was built in part on the promise of a railway connecting the vast land expanse. The railway was to be national in reach, and the project succeeded, connecting Canada from the east to the west coast. The railway became a symbol for Canada, with hard work and determination bridging us all together. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Pierre Trudeau is the controversial former Prime Minister of Canada and left one of the most interesting legacies in Canadian history. His DIY Ethic Trudeau turned his personal popularity into the most powerful position in the land when he rode the wave of Trudeaumania into the Prime Minister’s office. Although he held office on two separate occasions, Trudeau was polarizing, and once won an election without receiving any seats west of Manitoba. He would have to bridge the gap between provinces, much like John A MacDonald had done a century earlier. He would also enact a document over 100 years in the making. Trudeau is best remembered for Patriation, which led to full Canadian sovereignty. The Constitution Act, 1982, represented Canada’s full independence from the Crown, and was approved by Queen Elizabeth II. The Constitution Act, 1982 was once thought of as a pipe dream, but Trudeau worked tirelessly to ensure it became a reality. Trudeau is also largely responsible for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, also enacted in 1982. Many people will also recognize the surname Trudeau as part of his legacy, as the current Prime Minister of Canada is his son, Justin. Canadians have a long and proud history of DIY projects leading to amazing things. As Canada turns 150, celebrate the amazing work ethic of the past century and a half which has brought us together, and has truly made it one of the greatest countries in the world! Visit - http://diyprotection.ca/canada-a-do-it-yourself-history/ DIYProtection 153 Bridgeland Ave. Unit 3 Toronto, ON, M6A 2Y6 Phone #: (844) 898-8349