3 STEPS FOR Businesses To Understand CANADIAN ANTI-SPAM LEGISLATION (CASL)

IMG_9019If you read the past blog entry 3 Steps to Understand How the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) Applies to Your Charitable Organization, hopefully some of you had the opportunity to breath.  In this blog entry I will highlight 3 key steps to embark on the CASL and your business. The CASL came into effect July 1st 2014 and the chatter in the digital space was that some start ups shared a collective concern in being able to comply by the date.  I also noticed a few companies didn’t realize the legislation’s seriousness and importance.  I’m an Interactive Media Manager, not a lawyer, so my paraphrasing of random items within the legislation is for the purposes of this blog only.   I’m just telling a story and you take from it what you will.

My understanding of the legislation is that businesses need permission to send people spam mail (mass email) selling their wares, keeping customers abreast of company growth and information.  The way businesses that operate in the digital space have operated over the course of years has been defined by the CRTC as commercial electronic messages (CEM). As an example, if your marketing firm releases a mass text message campaign asking to support a local DJ by voting for them at a particular website this may be a CEM.

For a good chunk of the larger companies I saw examples of well thought out campaigns combined with timing and execution while launching their consent campaigns, all to gain consent from the masses.  Mail outs were happening a month in advance of the legislation coming into effect, which is the sign to me of a smart company that has trust that upper management all working together as a finely tuned machine.  For some startups, there were challenges and roadblocks.  For the most part these challenges and roadblocks from my opinion are self-generated.  Within an era where business owners are consciously watching their purse strings, every step is generally prefaced with “is this going to cost me”.  Well, I’m not sure. What I am sure of is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and the fines associated with the CASL are rather significant if the legislation isn’t followed.

Other concerns that stick out to me is the general notion that it’s going to be one of the most challenging pieces of legislation to enforce, and as a startup your company will be fine.  As noted before, the fines associated with the CASL are significant, why be the company that wants to challenge the machine?  With legislation such as this it’s built to prevent the ill doings of people who choose to abuse the system.  To put it into further perspective, years ago the CRTC came out with the National Do Not Call List (DNCL).  This platform provides consumers with a choice about receiving telemarking calls.  It also came out with a code of conduct called Telemarketers Responsibility.  These rules are present to protect the consumer from the enormous amount of phone calls that would occur during dinnertime.  The DNCL rules are enforced in using citations, violations and penalties.  Businesses started getting reported and penalties were to be enforced 2009 and are still being reported to this date, decisions related to administrative monetary penalties are only known up to 2012.

Another aspect that I found interesting was the last minute start up scramble.  This aspect was a little concerning for me when it came to startups.  How many of us received an email requesting consent the week it was due?   As a mature post grad student, I’ve been re-learning time management for myself.

The last minute scramble are signs your staff managing the implementation of your digital space didn’t get on the same page soon enough.  It’s not anyone’s fault as startups live and learn, but if its your own your start up you should have had that sit down with your interactive manager to find out how much time would be needed from their end to carry out the process 2 to 3 months prior to the legislation being passed.  As an eager intern, I brought it up to mine the day after I learnt about it in May 2014.  As Interactive Media Managers we need time roll out campaigns.  For example, if you work in the digital space and have an understanding of what it takes to roll out a campaign you know that sometimes it can take up to a week for an average sized (2500 to 5000 emails) mailing lists to be distributed.  A fair assessment would be that we have 1.5 to 2 months total to provide a quantitative report.   With at least a week for the mail outs to be sent from the vendor, a month for people to respond and 2 to 3 weeks to collect the user-generated data of the campaign.  This is a crucial point in adhering to timelines for any campaign.

Whether you’re a start-up that felt like a deer in the headlights or haven’t complied thinking the law may not apply to you or your business did a quick fix thinking you could hide under the radar here are three key steps that I have that will provide you with what you need from an interactive Media Managers point of view:

 

STEP 1:  TALK TO LEGAL COUNSEL

A lawyer that is knowledgeable of the laws in the digital space and an understanding of what your companies do in the digital space will be able to provide you with the proper advice to move forward.  If you are an Interactive Media Manager and you work for a start up and they come straight to you to ask you to deal with it, this would still be my 1st recommendation if I were in your shoes.   Only a lawyer who has become familiar with the laws of the digital space can find out how the law applies to you, what needs to be done and possibly provide you with what the key wording of the campaign needs to be.   Legalese may confuse some people and the companies communication department can work with the lawyer in order simplify the wording.

 

STEP 2:  BREATHE

If you are truly trying to do your due diligence and adhere to the legislation Step 1 should have been completed, successfully.  Breathe again, now you should know, or have an idea of additional costs and manpower.  It’s going to be okay, you will be able to recoup the additional costs.  Focus on the fact you are leading the pack amongst your peers in a good way.

 

STEP 3:  TRUST YOUR INTERACTIVE MEDIA MANAGER

Your Interactive Media Manager is the individual within your company that manages your online content. This individual may also be responsible for supervising the roll out of your online campaigns.  This individual will be aware of how long it takes for a picture to be posted for your brand on Facebook or send out a mass email campaign to your customers in a timely manner.  Trust in that information.

 

3 STEPS FOR CHARITIES TO UNDERSTAND CANADIAN ANTI-SPAM LEGISLATION (CASL)

Canadian_flagI had the wonderful opportunity to embark on an Interactive Media Manager post-grad student journey this last year as of May I have been in the role Interactive Media Manager Intern. Immediately, as I began in this role I experienced Canadian history in the digital space. I engaged in conversation with various individuals during the countdown to July 1st 2014. In the lead up to Canada Day we as Canadians eagerly anticipate the 1st long weekend of the summer. This year, some were dreading it with the anxiety of having to comply with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (“CASL”), which came into effect on.   July 1, 2014.  This is considered to be the toughest commercial electronic messaging (“CEM”) legislation in the world, with substantial fines for violations (including fines up to $10 million for organizations).  I wanted to understand CASL to the best of my ability. Where some were feeling like a deer caught in the headlights, I refused to let it intimidate me. My hope is to create a blog setting out 3 key steps for charities to understand CASL.

I’m not a lawyer, but as I understand it, the scope of the legislation is still in the process of being defined and stakeholder knowledge sharing networks such as Imagine Canada and Ontario Non-Profit Network are making huge strides to help us. I believe the overall objective of this legislation is not to make life challenging for organizations that operate with a best business practice model to the best of their ability.   I believe just like the telemarketer issues North America experienced in the past this is a preventative piece of legislation. In the end, none of us want unwanted and emails that were not asked for in the first place. CASL and its primary purpose regarding charities would probably be with organizations utilizing CEM to raise funds for the given charity.

Newsletters, online and offline marketing campaigns, including social media and even text messaging, may all be forms of communication that may be defined as CEM under the act.  My further understanding is that the regulations do provide an exemption for charities for commercial messages that have a purpose of fundraising. In the end, due diligence is required by the charitable organization to have your lawyer assess whether or not your organization falls within the exemption.

For the most part, I’ve been exposed to grass roots charitable organizations in Canada, United States and the Caribbean. If a charitable organization in any of those regions sends messages to Canadians this legislation applies. From my experience, charities are making efforts to comply with CASL; this is a good thing.  Some have had difficulty in determining the scope and this is understandable. The general consensus is that CASL is not completely clear in its scope.  Let’s be real for a moment, it’s legislation my friends. There is always the possibility that legislation will require further definition and explanation. Remember, as a “best business practice” government does take the time to engage with resources such as industry stakeholders, governing bodies and other trusted industry organizations to assess and solve potentially vague definitions with new legislation.  As the years go on when or if gaps are identified in legislation, amendments to the legislation may occur. This being said, there are resources out there to help, organizations just have to be proactive and assess which sources to access.

Below are the 3 steps that I recommend to my colleagues. If you feel like a deer caught in the headlights, which is understandable, take these 3 steps to understanding CASL:

STEP 1 – OBTAIN LEGAL COUNSEL

The digital space is a space that’s growing at a rapid rate.  It’s a space where we (Organization Administration and Interactive Media Managers) need to ensure we are managing our online properties responsibly whether it’s the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or CASL.   If you’ve been through the process of obtaining your Canadian Charitable Tax Number you probably have a lawyer in your corner somewhere. Contact them.  One of the worst things an organization can do in this scenario is ask their Interactive Media Managers “Deal with the CASL stuff”.  Interactive Media Managers can execute the roll out of the campaign for an organization(s) but legal counsel must be the one to inform the Organization Administration (Executive Director) how the legislation applies to the organization. Once you speak to the organization’s lawyer, find out what needs to be done to comply, maybe ask the lawyer and your Communications Coordinator to work together to re-word specific wording so it has your organizations branded “Voice and Tone” and, THEN, you as Interactive Media Manager will implement the campaign in the digital space.  Make sure to ask all your questions so that you’re confident that your final product is in compliance with the legislation.

STEP 2 – RESOURCES AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization whose cause is Canada’s charities. They’ve created an “unofficial” FAQ section specifically for registered charities regarding the CASL.  It’s important to note:  Imagine Canada is a resource and association of Canadian Charities and stakeholders; it is not a replacement for a lawyer.  Though Imagine Canada is part knowledge sharing and part implementation of public policies as an amalgamation of charities, I recommend that you still make Step 1 a priority.  The CRTC has also made themselves available for specific questions about CASL.

RESOURCE LINKS

STEP 3 – BREATHE AND PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE

I personally have not hired a lawyer to advise me on CASL but my sense from the legal community is that due diligence is at the core of this process. If step one and step 2 lead you to believe that CASL applies to your organization, create a timeline with your online manager and then begin your campaign to incorporate identification, consent and unsubscribe into your CEM. How your online Manager obtains email addresses, tracks and maintains your email listing is an important process for you to know so that all CEM are compliant. All credible email vendors generally provide what’s required. MailChimp is an example of a vendor service where you can pay for your campaigns and emails to be maintained, documented and exported as a quantifiable report if need be.  There are other services such as Constant Contact out there it’s just a question of how much you want to save, spend and the functionality for your organization and the users of your interactive products.

 

 

Of Mice & Men in Victoria BC

Greetings to all of you who chose to take a read here from time to time!   I thank you!  I also have to thank those who have opened me up to the twitterspere and are supporting me through those channels.

If you haven’t done so already please click the subscribe button that’s on the page.   I’ve promised myself to document in a couple of different ways over the course of the next while but the blog will be where it will be rooted.  Take this as the first instalment as I begin to document my journey to Victoria BC this summer.  I’m looking forward to this summer as I prepare to perform as Crooks in the Blue Bridge Repertory production; Of Mice & Men in VictoriaBC at McPherson Playhouse. 

It’s directed by Brian Richmond and the play is considered one of  Steinbeck’s iconic tales that take place in depression era California.

The story is about George and Lennie and how their caught in a world of relentless work and little promise – they both joyfully aim into the universe to live off the “fat o’ the land”. The play comes from Steinbeck’s novella of the same name.

I’m looking forward to working with both Gary Farmer (best known for his co-starring role with Johnny Depp in Jim Jarmusch’s film Dead Man) and veteran actor David Ferry. Farmer will play Lennie and Ferry George. Other cast I’m excited about having the opportunity to work with are Brian Linds as Candy, Sebastien Archibald as Whit, Michael Armstrong as Carlson, Ashley O’Connell as Curly and Samantha Richard as Curly’s Wife.   For a complete list of performance days and times, click here.

To be connected to the website for tickets or more information please click here :

Laurence Dean Ifill in the Theatre again with HUGHIE

This past January and February I had the wonderful opportunity to work on the rarely performed Eugene O’Neill play Hughie.  The history behind the play Hughie is a short two-character play by Eugene O’Neill set in the lobby of a small hotel on a West Side street in midtown New York during the summer of 1928.  The play is essentially a long monologue delivered by a small time hustler named Erie Smith to the hotel’s new night clerk Charlie Hughes, lamenting how Smith’s luck has gone bad since the death of Hughie, Hughes’ predecessor.  O’Neill wrote Hughie in 1942, although it did not receive its world premiere until 1958, when it was staged in Sweden at the Royal Dramatic Theatre with Bengt Eklund as Erie Smith.  It was first staged in English at the Theater Royal in Bath, England in 1963 with Burgess Meredith as Erie.[1]  

American playwright Eugene O’Neill suggested that his play Hughie was “written more to be read than staged”.  That hasn’t stopped the likes of actors Jason Robards, Ben Gazarra, Al Pacino and, Brian Dennehy at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2008 from turning Hughie into a star vehicle.  David Ferry has very eloquently left it open to be perceived as a “2 hander” by some thus far.  Please check out what Toronto’s The Globe & Mail had to say about our performance online, still waiting to see the print though:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/hughie-director-shows-that-oneills-short-play-doesnt-require-star-power/article2332530/

The journey of this particular production was interesting for me on numerous levels.  On one avenue of my journey was having the opportunity to work with actor Michael Kash.  Michael is as natural as they come.  When watching this individual from the first day of rehearsal his fluid and flowing approach to character is one that I’ve seen that often.  Michaels’ skill doesn’t sit in the seat of “let me wait and see” but he takes command of the journey of cause and effect.  Michael is every actors dream in terms of a solid scene partner and dedication to being present.

Another avenue of my journey that I find interesting is working with David Ferry once again.  For those who don’t know David, he was the first individual in Canada to travel the Canada to create a library of dialects that was sold in stores such as Theatre Books.  David is also a Stratford and Shaw alumnae and the body of work goes on and on.  David is always an interesting leg of a journey.  At 61 David still wakes up to be at the gym for 6:30am.  This workhorse maintains a level of out of the box thinking that gives high-grade octane to any production.  Moreover, I also believe when the long days leading up to opening become tapped out of creative petrol, David finds a reserve from somewhere within to surge forward and pulls out some key direction that makes the production fly high.  David has taken the Eugene O’Neill note of being able to see the Night Clerks thoughts and utilize surtitles above that provide the clarity required.  Kudos to David for casting the roll of the Night Clerk as an African American, check out the video below to hear his thought process on making the decision.

The crew for this production is stellar.  The equation of Mike Sereny, Joe Madziak, Thomas Neuspiel & Melissa Joakim and Leslie Humphry is one that comes from a dream.  Leslie holds down the fort as our Stage Manager and is exactly what’s needed to make this production roll smoothly for the month.

Overall, I commend Michael Kash for stepping up to the table as a trailblazer in Canadian independent theatre.  He maintains integrity, positive growth and definitive drive as a producer.  Michael is aware of the challenges that stand before him as a theatre producer and never professes to know it all.  Throughout the whole process Michael has always been grateful for the learning curve and is present on all counts.

It’s been a cool 10 years since my last journey acting on stage, David Ferry called me and I’m here.  I got to say that I’m not impressed with the fact that not that much has changed in terms of Toronto’s support structures.  Since I’ve been back I’ve noticed our production and it’s internal energy reminding me vaguely of my time spent in San Francisco where the creative energy was bubbling with independent innovation; theatre’s perfect equation for success.  Unlike San Francisco, support from the media is a little sparse and lacking in Toronto.  Media or journalists in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Texas represent themselves by reporting to the public to be aware of quality theatre for just being quality theatre.  This is probably the one avenue of my journey that I wish I had a different feeling about.  It’s like going back to a hometown after a while and when you notice some things have changed and some things haven’t.   There are some in Toronto that would like to give the impression that it supports it’s artists but so far I see that support coming mainly from other artists and online publications, trust me, we’re grateful for that support.  I guess I was hoping that the birth of the journalist while I took a moment away from theatre who would want to stand out amongst their peers and say “I broke down the door for that production”.  It’s no secret that those with the majority of disposable income in 2012 are 60+.  The majority of those individuals that I know of don’t read their news from a tablet or computer.  Those that are 60+ still require and respect tangible paper; but this blog isn’t about me ranting by any means.  The audience support that our production of Hughie has received after it’s first week is beautiful, we’re grateful for all who’ve come thus far please don’t stop coming.  To all of those outside of Canada but still receive this blog, you never know what will occur!

VENUE: The Theatre Centre Toronto, 100-1087 Queen St. W.

DATES: Preview: February 7
Run: February 8 through March 3

TIMES: Tuesday through Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

TICKETS: Adults $25; students and seniors $20

Available at 416.538.0988

Tabby Johnson – A Royal Treasure

In taking personal time for myself last Friday night, I had the opportunity to take in a one night only performance by the exquisite Tabby Johnson.  For those who still have Rick James in your music collection she was one of the Mary Jane Girls.  For those who remember when Hair first came to Toronto and she was in the original cast.  For those who had their children watch Big Comfy Couch she was there every week.  “I’m still doing my thang” emotes Tabby at the Flying Beaver Pubaret to a packed room and a crowd that appreciated the fact it was only one show.

Tabby Johnson resurfaced this night after what was noted to be a stellar shout-out during the Mimi’s Wake of a Party now known as Mimi-fest and her turn at her sister Molly Johnson’s gig at the Distillery.

In the words of The Flying Beaver http://www.pubaret.com “There’s nothing like a huge audience response from the many in attendance to inspire a gal to come out of self imposed hibernation!”.

I came straight from a meeting and had my computer bag with me and this woman says to me “Hey, nice purse”, I said “thanks” and found out later it was comedian Maggie Cassella.  If you like the comedic style of ranting and raving, you have got to take in a Maggie Cassella show.  Maggie warmed up the crowd in a very natural and organic way.  As Maggie was about the leave the stage she came back to address another point and then proceeded to go into a short 4 minute comedy bit, the beautiful thing about it was she was funny and nobody minded they got a little more out of the evening.

Tabby started her show and combined with her stellar choice of band members her voice smoothly sought out the senses everyone and the room was in flight.  It was almost dream like for me at moments.  The sound of Tabby’s soulful voice can take you to a place of fantasy and starlight.  Tabby’s voice takes her audience on a transcendental journey with each song and it’s lyrics.  After the 4th song of the set I felt so good, I had a grin and as I was getting up to use the restroom and saw the faces of Billie Newton Davis and Art Hindle and wondered if I was dreaming.  The room was small but large enough to maintain the comfortable intimate vibe that Tabby  always invites when in her presence.  You can’t help but do more than just  listen to the lyrics of the songs, she makes you feel them.

I found it very fitting and almost serendipitous that on the day of the Royal wedding Tabby performed a one night only show in Cabbagetown.  The Toronto Star has quoted,  “She’s a national treasure”, The New York Times is quoted by describing Tabby as being “Sensuous and humorous” to everyone who knows, she’s all that and then some.  When Tabby hit the stage at The Flying Beaver Pubaret she brought some fabulous friends together and surprise guests that had everyone either doing a little dance in their chair or grinning from ear to ear.  Tabby Johnson is the truth!

In the coming days I have been promised some pictures, once I see them you will as well.  I will also provide a sample of one of her songs for you to feel the electricity that I shot that night on my iPhone.  Sign up for the blog on this page and get updated as things get uploaded.

Chick n Deli Closed!?!

There are some who know of the musical landmark in the City of Toronto in the Mt. Pleasant and Eglinton area. The Chick n Deli was known as the spot during the height of Maple Leaf Gardens that everyone from Mick Jagger, Buddy Guy, Jeff Healy and Amanda Marshall all played in this room.

What started out as a room where you could see the likes of Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour or Ben Johnson on any given night just hanging out, the common denominator was music. I remember being 19 and working on a made for TV movie with Lou Diamond Phillips, during his stay here he decided to stay at The Rohampton Hotel at the corner of Mt. Pleasant and Eglinton, why he decided to stay there wasn’t the important thing the next couple chain of events opened up my eyes to some things. I would go to the Rohampton Hotel and play pool, it was quiet and great spot that had their tables maintained frequently. I worked on the MOW two days prior, decided to go play some pool and meet up with a friend to go downtown later in the evening.

While I was taking some shots and listening to music Lou and a friend of his walked into the same room. We started to chat and he asked where he could listen to live music that was low-key, he didn’t want to be in the downtown core at all, I mentioned the Chick n Deli which was one block south. I explained it was also a place where people just went for the music, no stargazing which he really appreciated. We played a game of pool and went over together. He enjoyed himself, nobody asked him to sing Labamba and he was happy about that but more importantly he came back whenever he came into Toronto, with his hat pulled down low and listened to the music.

To those who know what the room was in its day can explain how it was a breed of its own. Knowing that it’s closed now is one of those things that actually have music industry people talking and wondering what’s happening with live music in the city. When The Montreal Bistro closed I believe it was felt, seeing stations like Jazz 91.1 develop over the years has given people a sign that there are those that are out there that can appreciate a live band and the talents from within. Christopher Plock, Virgil Scott, Jim Casson, Peter Graham and Joe Renolds are still holding things down throughout the city and doing what they can to maintain the calibre of what flourished during the 70’s & 80’s. The Blackburn Brothers, Eugene Hardy, Chuck Jackson, Mike Vonfare, Joe Johnson, The Climax Jazz Band and others are still weighted anchors in the music scene and all can say they have played in the Chick n Deli legacy.

Kudos to all my comrades I met during probably one of the most interesting periods of my life while at the Chick n Deli. I passed by a week ago in a cab and saw the brown paper over the windows. Some have told me they have closed for renovation, some have said there is a condo going up and the Deli will be on the ground floor. Either which way it goes neither has been confirmed nor denied, what I saw made me reflect on all the talented people I’ve met from there and all the different supporting friends I worked with and met over the years in that room. Hopefully, once the condo goes up The Deli will live again but for now it will sit as a cool place to go and listen to music!

Tons of people have tons of Chick n Deli stories, last year I decided to pass by with a Panasonic HD (regular consumer cam) and saw one of the Chick n Deli staples – Steven Ambrose. Steven was performing with a quarter of a big band.

KFC and L. Dean Ifill

I had the wonderful opportunity to work on a shoot a couple of  weeks ago as an actor once again.  It was particularly fun as the young lady who played my daughter in the shoot is from a family that I believe are the uber example of 21st Century urban.  The son, who plays guitar, is in love with his Stratocastor and his favourite band as a young dreadlock mohawk bearing “tween” warrior is Metalica.  The daughter who hasn’t even hit teenage years as yet was educating me on the  “artistic trade” of a seamstress, she’s already making her own clothing and accessories, quite the young lady indeed.  The parents are cool, current and revolutionary.

Definately a powerpacked family who are leaders in their own right.

Thank you for your support!

I wanted to thank you for the support you have given me.  For those who have voted and left comments I thank you!

The blogger “Your Big Break Critic” or YBBC  has been the link to the judges and the overall e-host for this process.  Last week YBBC  posted a blog entry with a list with about 50 names of “notable mention”. 

So I’ve promised to keep you in the loop so here’s the most up to date YBBC blog so you can really see what is happening.

I’d love your feedback whether you be viewing this on my blog, facebook page or the page website.  

Enjoy!     

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING …

http://your-big-blog.com/2010/01/17/statistically-speaking/


January 17 2010 by
Your Big Break Critic in Stuff to Think About
Hope you’re all managing to while away the long hours following the close of submissions. Of course, there are now more than a thousand entries online to keep you occupied, along with our Facebook page – or how about spending some time writing your next film? After all, a filmmaker’s work is never done!

And of course, nor is Your Big Break Critic’s. So I thought I’d share some stats with you, straight from our technical department:

1080 Your Big Break entries were received
The site has been viewed over 2 million times since launch
Over 250,000 visitors watched videos or read scripts on the site during the submissions period – that’s like filling the average movie theatre 1,000 times
The total time spent by all visitors on the site up to the close of submissions was 1 year, 9 months, 8 days, 11 hours, 44 minutes and 17 seconds.
That’s a whole lot of hours racked up on the site in just over a month. And as Edan Cohen pointed out on the YBB Facebook page, that’s also a whole lot of people who are prepared to drop everything and fly to New Zealand at a moment’s notice! But honestly, who wouldn’t?

Soon: more Filmmaker interviews, Kiwi Classics and Spotlights – oh, and did I mention? Somewhere in the midst of all that a bunch of judges will let us know which five out of the 1080 entries received will be heading to New Zealand in just a few days to take their films from screenplay to screen. How could I have left out a little detail like that?

– Your Big Break Critic

Stratford 3.0

Amidst a good 7 000 people in the Rotary Complex we all heard the Minister of Industry speak with optimism and confidence.  The general feeling as across this packed room was that Stratford Ontario will soon become a world-class city based upon their soon to be seen Broadband.    I believe with what’s on the horizon it sums it up in this quote:

We peer so suspiciously at each other that we cannot see that we Canadians are standing on the mountaintop of human wealth, freedom and privilege.

Pierre Elliot Trudeau