Now that I can finally get a word in edgewise, here’s how we choose the government north of the 49th:
Election Day is a day celebrated on February 2nd with activities based in Wiarton, Ontario. If it is cloudy when a groundhog — Wiarton Willy — emerges from its burrow on this day, then the Conservative Party of Canada will form the government; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, whichever party is considered the second place party (it was the Liberal Party of Canada, but now it is the New Democratic Party) will form the government.
If the day is partly cloudy, which it often is in Canada, then there will be a minority government. If Wiarton Willy makes a sound — any sound — the Green Party of Canada is awarded a single seat in the House of Commons.
Modern customs of the day involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow. In Wiarton people celebrate the holiday with social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more plays or skits are performed for entertainment.
~With files from Wikipedia
In America the groundhog not seeing his shadow on Feb. 2nd predicts an early spring, which is not even an option in Canada.
Comment by Clark Bunch — November 8, 2012 @ 7:38 pm