When wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia forced the evacuation of thousands a few weeks ago, many in Quebec were counting their lucky stars a little early during what seemed then as a late and chilly spring. Then, perhaps predictably, the consequences of climate change caught up with us, too.
I spent the past few days inside my garage getting my old motorcycles ready for another season of riding. I enjoy working on my classic rides – including a 1998 BMW K1200RS, a 1992 Yamaha FJ1200 and an even older 1978 Honda GL1000 Goldwing. I’ve had these bikes for years and as they age, they need more and more servicing to keep them running well.
Now let’s get this straight. First the Canadiens go down, then the other Canadian team founders, then they all are gone. Who’s left to cheer for? Well, a few First Nations hockey players, that’s who.
As many have said before – home is where the heart is. However, it’s hard at times to know where the heart is.
According to scientists, climate change is warming the North much faster than the South. I think we can see it with all the irregularities we have encountered these past years during Goose Break.
There is a great deal of anxiety around Maachestan, the Cree word for “spring break-up”. There are so many variables and chance events that can turn an average break-up event into a disaster.
Saviez-vous que la langue française est plus forte qu’elle ne l’a jamais été au Québec? Oui, c’est vrai. It’s unlikely most people know this fact, because for the past several years a steady drumbeat of apocalyptic disinformation about the imminent death of the French language has dominated the news media in Quebec.
There’s an old comedy bit by the late Canadian comedian Norm Macdonald about a friend of his who’s suffering from the disease of alcoholism. It begins with Macdonald telling his buddy that he has the best disease because he gets to drink all the time.
The roar of an old snowmobile cuts through the early pre-sunrise fog. Its distinct sound of muffled cracking accentuates the quiet drone of a two-stroke engine. Then the total silence is briefly renewed when the motor is cut off before some quiet talk can be heard between a few shadowy figures. Another sled draws up close, this one a quietly efficient four-stroker.
Recently I had conversations with friends’ family about how important it is to help others, especially those who are marginalized and who have addictions. We agreed on the fact that too many Indigenous people deal with addictions because of colonization and racism.
