Since the Harper government plans to spend 27 million on the commemoration of the war of 1812, I figure we might as well kick things up a notch and get something good for that 27 million. The war of 1812 is touted as a pivotal moment in history for Canadian independence. Coincidently, Harper’s favorite little plant played a key role in the war of 1812, otherwise known as the hemp war. Hemp was king and 90% of all ships’ sails and rope were made from hemp. Production of hemp was vital to military success and Moscow was the main exporter of hemp to Great Britain. Napolean tried to kick down the doors of the Czar, so to speak, to prevent hemp exports to the Brits. While the big boys were trying to corner the hemp market, the Americans figured they could settle a score with the British by attacking her backwood colony, Canada.
Major-General Isaac Brock knew that Canadian victory depended on “retaining naval control of lakes Ontario and Erie.” Troops and supplies were moved most efficiently by water. This sparked a naval arms race between Britain/Canada and the Americans. Outfitting these ships took a whole lot of hemp. The troops on both sides were clad in hemp cloth and flew flags of hemp.
If Harper is serious about commemerating Canadian independence, I propose he at least dress in period attire.