It’s us, but French!

Hey all–it’s us! If you’ve landed here it’s probably because you know us and received our link. However, because we have nosy-ass neighbors we’d prefer not to have up in our business, we’ve chosen Canada Names for use on this blog for anti-SEO purposes.

I’ve chosen ManonofMTL, after Quebec-born Olympic medalist Manon Rhéaume, the first female hockey goaltender and first woman to play in any major American pro sports league. I figure I’m going to need some of her brio (and a big wooden stick) to swat my way through this new itinerant life we’ve chosen.

But how did I find out about Manon Rhéaume? Through this interactive map of impactful women in Canadian history put out by the government. There’s another interactive map of places named for women.

And did you know that Québec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms states right up front that women and men are equal? Like, equal. Too bad we don’t have a law like this in the U.S., huh?:

“WHEREAS every human being possesses intrinsic rights and freedoms designed to ensure his protection and development;

Whereas all human beings are equal in worth and dignity, and are entitled to equal protection of the law;

Whereas respect for the dignity of human beings, equality of women and men, and recognition of their rights and freedoms constitute the foundation of justice, liberty and peace;

Whereas the Québec nation considers State laicity to be of fundamental importance;

Whereas the rights and freedoms of the human person are inseparable from the rights and freedoms of others and from the common well-being;

Whereas it is expedient to solemnly declare the fundamental human rights and freedoms in a Charter, so that they may be guaranteed by the collective will and better protected against any violation….”

Québec created this charter in the midst of their “Quiet Revolution” (“Révolution tranquille”) of the 1970s, more about that in a future post.

We’re scrambling to get ready to depart, it’s really stressful and scary. But, with our big stick and goaltender’s heart, we can do anything….I hope.