Perhaps the most interesting difference between the Canadian and American systems of government is the daily question period. And if you're a tourist, it's great theatre. And it's free. On this particular afternoon, the hottest debate was over subsidies for Canadian farmers, who were having difficulty competing on a global marketplace. The honorable Minister of Agriculture.
Catcalls are part of the game here, perfectly acceptable.
Whereas in our Congress, it's more often the exception than the rule. Because in London you were allowed to bring swords, but never allowed to reach each other. For example, I never knew that Canadians were a bit nervous after the American Civil War because England had supported the South and they feared Americans would retaliate by invading British territory to the north. That's one reason Canada decided to confederate and become a nation and why Ottawa was chosen as site of the nation's capital. This was in the middle of nowhere.