Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" - I am SO Sorry

I began writing this blog as a "Lost Canadian" because I was curious about Canada and wanted to learn about my new country. I plan to write many more posts about the amazing country of Canada, but for the past week I have been writing about the shameful behavior of the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser, likely pedophile who currently occupies the white house and his despicable actions against our dear neighbors, friends, and family in Canada. I am extremely happy to be able to be a Canadian, but I am also a citizen of the US, so I believe I need to stand up and speak up against the shameful words and actions of our president and for the people of Canada. Please know most of us here in the US do not support the corrupt actions of the toddler in chief and we do stand with Canada and are SO sorry for what is happening. I looked online and found the following information - 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strength - Respecting Indigenous History

Clearly the world has been watching as Canada and their leaders stood up to the temper tantrum throwing bully in the white house over the past week or so. Canada is setting the example for the world when it comes to how to do this and they are so impressive! 

One of the many impressive things Mark Carney has done over trump's meaningless renaming of Lake Ontario was to give the world a lesson in history and respecting Indigenous People. I want to share with you today some of what he said . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strength - Qualified, Strong Leader

I began this week writing about how sorry I am as a US citizen, a Michigander, and a Lost Canadian - and just as a human - for the despicable, shameful words and actions coming from the toddler-in-chief in the White House with his likely illegal, and certainly uncalled for tariffs on our dear neighbors, friends, and family in Canada. I grew up in, and continue to live in Michigan, so all my life I've viewed Canada as a wonderful neighbor and friend. Now I know I'm a "Lost Canadian", I also see Canada as my family.

Clearly, the past week is showing no matter how many "tantrums" are thrown by the massively corrupt toddler in the White House, the evidence shows Canada has taken action to protect their people and is a strong and united country. As I've been saying, of course, even if I were not a "Lost Canadian", as a Michigander I find the things trump and his minions are saying are especially beyond insulting to Canada and shameful for the supposed "leader" of the US, but I am SO impressed by the strength and unity we continue to see from Canada and their leader, Mark Carney. I'm sure the world is impressed as well - they certainly should be in my opinion.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strength - "Canadians Know Naming Reality"

I began this week writing about how sorry I am as a US citizen, a Michigander, and a Lost Canadian - and just as a human - for the despicable, shameful words and actions coming from the toddler-in-chief in the White House with his likely illegal, and certainly uncalled for tariffs on our dear neighbors, friends, and family in Canada. I grew up in, and continue to live in Michigan, so all my life I've viewed Canada as a wonderful neighbor and friend. Now I know I'm a "Lost Canadian", I also see Canada as my family (I have at least 15 ancestors from Canada since 1800 - mostly from Ontario, but also Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia - it is possible some of them were Mi'kmaq!) 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strength - Developing Diverse Trade Relationships with the World

As I've been writing this week, I grew up in, and continue to live in Michigan, so all my life I've viewed Canada as a wonderful neighbor and friend. Now I know I'm a "Lost Canadian", I also see Canada as my family (I have at least 15 ancestors from Canada since 1800 - mostly from Ontario, but also Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia - it is possible some of them were Mi'kmaq!) 

At any rate, the past week has clearly shown no matter how many "tantrums" are thrown by the toddler-in-chief in the White House, the evidence shows Canada is strong and united. As I've been saying, of course, even if I were not a "Lost Canadian", as a Michigander I find the things trump and his minions are saying are beyond insulting to Canada and shameful for the supposed "leader" of the US, but I am SO impressed by the strength and unity we continue to see from Canada. 

I have been writing this week about just some of the things I've learned online which show Canada's great strength - in no particular order as they all are significant ways Canada shows its great strength - today I'm writing about how Canada wisely has made the choice to diversify their trade relationships with the world.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strength - Which is Seen By the World

The past few days have clearly shown no matter how many "tantrums" are thrown by the toddler-in-chief here in the US, the bully in the White House, the evidence shows Canada is strong and united. Of course, even if I were not a "Lost Canadian", as a Michigander I find the things trump and his minions are saying are beyond insulting to Canada and shameful for the supposed "leader" of the US, but I am SO impressed by the strength and unity we are seeing from Canada. 

As I've said, I grew up and live in Michigan, Canada is our close neighbor and friend, and as a "Lost Canadian", Canada is also my family, so this week I'm very happy to write about just some of the things which show Canada's great strength - in no particular order as they all are significant ways Canada shows its great strength - today I'm writing about how the entire world sees Canada for the strong country they are.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strength - Their Unity

The toddler-in-chief here in the US, the bully in the White House claims Canada is weak and would not survive without the US. Once again he is talking about making Canada the "51st State" by annexing Canada. Of course, even if I were not a "Lost Canadian", as a Michigander I find this type of talk beyond insulting to Canada and shameful for the supposed "leader" of the US. 

I grew up and live in Michigan, Canada is our close neighbor and friend, and as a "Lost Canadian", Canada is also my family, so this week I'm very happy to write about just some of the things which show Canada's great strength - in no particular order as they all are significant ways Canada shows its great strength - today I'm writing about the unity Canadians showing by how they are responding to trump's tariffs and Carney's response.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strength - Global Leadership in Peace and Technology

The toddler-in-chief here in the US, the bully in the White House claims Canada is weak and would not survive without the US. Of course, even if I were not a "Lost Canadian", as a Michigander I absolutely know the things he says about Canada are completely not true in the least. I grew up and live in Michigan, Canada is our close neighbor and friend, and as a "Lost Canadian", Canada is also my family, so this week I'm very happy to write about just some of the things which show Canada's great strength - in no particular order as they all are significant ways Canada shows its great strength - starting today with how Canada is a Global Leader, especially when it comes to Peace and Technology.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Tariffs Showing Canada's Strength

As a citizen of the US and a nearly lifetime resident of Michigan - making me a Michigander, I have always viewed Canada as a close friend and neighbor. Learning I am a "Lost Canadian", I now also see Canada as family. So, I've watched with horror and shame for the past nearly two years as the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser, war criminal, likely pedophile who currently occupies the White House continues to insult Canada by calling it our 51'st State and saying they rely on us for their existence, and as he illegally imposes tariffs on Canada. I am SO sorry to all my Canadian neighbors, friends, and family. Please know many of us here in the US are appalled, disgusted, angered, and ashamed of these tariffs being imposed by trump - and everything he says and does. Many of us did NOT vote for him and are shocked and disgusted to see so many in this country did.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Attending College in Canada as a Canadian

On the news this morning in the USA I heard about how the government is ending Student Loan programs and people with student loans are at grave risk of having their monthly payments balloon significantly. While I do not have any student loans, my grandchildren are nearing the age of when they may go to college - I am so happy to know since I am a "Lost Canadian", so are they. This means they have the option of attending college in Canada once we receive our Canadian citizenship. So, today I'm sharing with you what I'm learning about attending college in Canada as a Canadian . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Nunavut

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", it matters to me to know all I can about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about  Nunavut . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Northwest Territories

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", it matters to me to know all I can about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Northwest Territories . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About the Yukon

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", it matters to me to know all I can about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Territory of Yukon . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Sugarmaking

This past April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian" I learned many surprising things about myself and my ancestors. First of all, I did not know any of my ancestors were from Canada and just from 1800 on, fifteen of my ancestors were from Canada (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia). I learned my ancestors from Nova Scotia were sugarmakers - they made maple syrup.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About British Columbia

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", it matters to me to know all I can about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Province of  British Columbia . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Alberta

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", it matters to me to know all I can about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Province of  Alberta . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Saskatchewan

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Province of  Saskatchewan . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Manitoba

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Province of Manitoba . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Why I Would Move to Canada

This past April when I learned about the new law in Canada (Bill C-3, Citizenship by Descent) I was very surprised and extremely happy to learn I have ancestors - quite a number of them, who were Canadians! Going back just to 1800 I have fifteen ancestors who were born in Canada - mostly Ontario, but also Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Growing up I never knew about my Canadian ancestors, and one of them was just my great-grandpa - which is not going back very far at all.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Quebec

As I've been writing, since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about Canada. While I have learned many things, there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Province of Quebec (which is another place in Canada where my ancestors are from!) . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About New Brunswick

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Province of New Brunswick (which is another place in Canada where my ancestors are from!) . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" On the Unique Things About Newfoundland and Labrador

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned online about the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Benefits and Challenges of Having Duel Citizenship

When I learned I am a "Lost Canadian" it was an automatic thought of how thrilled and happy I was to be able to having duel citizenship with Canada - and the USA. But, as with any big thing in our lives, there are benefits and challenges which are important for us to know about before making those big decisions. Today I'm writing what I've learned about the benefits and challenges of having duel citizenship.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "Lost Canadian" Seniors and Whether to Move to Canada - Or Not

This "Lost Canadian" is shockingly a "Senior Citizen". It seems so odd to say this, but it is true. It is much easier to think of myself as a grandma - which I am - happily so. After learning I am a "Lost Canadian", one of the big questions I have been thinking about is, what do I do with my Canadian citizenship when I receive it?

The past two days I have written about the benefits and the challenges of moving to Canada. I do think the benefits look like they are stronger if you are younger, but certainly there are benefits even for older, grandmas, senior citizens when it comes to moving to Canada. But there are also challenges - and these mostly center around health care . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Challenges of Moving to Canada

Being a "Lost Canadian" and receiving your Canadian citizenship does not mean you have to move to Canada, but many who do will choose to move to Canada. As I wrote yesterday, there are many benefits to moving to Canada, but as with most things, there are also challenges, so before you decide if receiving your Canadian citizenship opens the door for you to move to Canada (it does open the door for this, but you many decide to go through this now open door), it is important to know the challenges involved with moving to Canada . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Benefits of Moving to Canada

I have been writing since April about Canada - I wrote about each of the Provinces/Territories, the amazing National Parks, and some of the unique things about Canada. I have also been writing about the steps to take if you are a "Lost Canadian" if you want to be able to become a Canadian citizen. It is important to keep in mind, if you live in the USA and are a "Lost Canadian" and decide to get your Canadian citizenship, it does not mean you have to move to Canada. It is a very positive thing to have duel citizenship.

But, if you are a "Lost Canadian" and receive your Canadian citizenship, moving to Canada is something you will be able to do if you decide to do so. With this in mind, what are the benefits to moving to Canada . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Receiving Your Canadian Citizenship

I have been writing about learning I am a "Lost Canadian" and the process of finding the documents I need to receive my Canadian citizenship. I have also been writing about all the wonderful things I have learned about Canada and the incredible place it is. Today I'm going to share some helpful information about Canadian Citizenship by Descent which I've learned from the Canadian Immigration site -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About How Much I Appreciate Canada's Compassion

I have family members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community - you likely do as well. I have been paying attention over the past year to how often our elected officials here in the US demonize these dear people and have been appalled to watch as states pass laws to make their lives not only more difficult, but in some States (such as Kansas), nearly impossible. I have listened as some people talk about passing laws to do away with LGBTQ+ marriage and even some have talked about sending these dear ones to detention camps in their so-called Project 2025 writings.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families and friends are rightly concerned about what the future may hold, but Canada takes a different view of these dear people - Canada welcomes them! Not only does Canada welcome them, but Canada will even expedite their applications for citizenship in Canada. I will share a bit of information with you on this so if you have someone you love who is LGBTQ+ and are applying for citizenship, you will have some details which may help -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Gathering Documents to Receive Your Canadian Citizenship

Yesterday I wrote about how four months ago I learned I am a "Lost Canadian" - I have at least one ancestor (in my case I have closer to a dozen ancestors) who were born in Canada, so with the passing this past December of Bill C-3 in Canada, I am now able to receive my Canadian citizenship through citizenship by descent. Today I want to share with you some of the documents you need to gather to receive your Canadian citizenship if you, like me, are "Lost Canadians".

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Finding Out I'm a "Lost Canadian"

I have been writing about Canada and being a "Lost Canadian" for almost four months now - ever since I learned I am a "Lost Canadian". I have lived most of my life in West Michigan, just thirty minutes from beautiful Lake Michigan. I lived for a few years in Northern California, two hours from Oregon, where I met my husband (on an active volcano - the incredibly beautiful Mt. Lassen), - but I was born in West Michigan and have lived most of my life here. 

Of course I knew my dad and my grandpa, but my great-grandpa died before I was born. Along with not knowing him, I also did not know - until this past April - my great grandpa was born in Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada, and my great-great grandpa and great-great grandma were born in East Hawkesbury, Prescott, Ontario, Canada, and Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada. Plus, when I go back to great-great-great, and great-great-great-great, etc. grandparents, I learned many were born in Ontario (we even have a town in Ontario named after an ancestor's uncle!), Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick - lots of Canadian ancestors for sure (some of them are in the photo, but there are many for whom I have not yet been able to find photos).

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Nova Scotia's Unique Features

Since the middle of April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about Canada. While I have learned many things,  there clearly are a great many things I still do not know and have yet to learn. Today I'm sharing some of the unique things I've learned about the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia, which is a special place in Canada to me as some of my ancestors are from there - we suspect they may have been Mi'kmaq First Nations People. I am happy to share with you some of the things I've found online about Nova Scotia . . .