The Canadian linguistic culture

By Ivan Kristoff, Essay for the University of Toronto, 2004

The history of the various linguistic communications in Canada begins with the roots of the native Indians and Eskimos, who for centuries have occupied the lands of Canada. The process of struggling for these two tribes to survive has evolved in the ability of trading, living together and form a country.

The other unique aspect of Canadian linguistic culture is the languages of French and English, which were officially declared in the establishing of the Confederation in 18867.

It reflected even on the administration, political and trade industry, where most products are labelled in both languages.

The unique characteristics that make our culture truly “Canadian” 

The uniqueness of the Canadian culture originates in the distinctive way Canada was created as a country. Our language, traditions and customs are the result of the blending of multiple cultures. A unique characteristic of our culture is the tolerance towards the contribution of each culture. Examples of such tolerance include our two official language: the prominent participation of people from different ethnic backgrounds in political and public life: and the preservation and celebration of the traditions of different ethnic communities.

The tradition of tolerance and acceptance of new cultures in Canadian society is most vividly demonstrated in the new wave of immigrants to Canada in the post WWII period. In the last three decades, Canada has been recognized worldwide for its advanced thinking and progressive policies in the area of immigration and refugee issues. For example, I came to Canada ten years ago as a refugee claimant. Even though I had to struggle through the bureaucratic and slow-moving government system, I became a Canadian without having to give up my original citizenship. Unlike many other countries, Canada allows dual citizenship. This is a significant advantage for an immigrant coming to a different country who wants to preserve links to his country of birth.

I was impressed that the Board of Education provides many programs for English as a Second Language (ESL). In addition, the City of Toronto provides assistance for new entrepreneurs. Everybody, regardless of his or her background, has the necessary support to find his place in the society and contribute to the Canadian culture.

As a result of the support and encouragement to become integral part of the Canadian life, I was in return able to contribute to the society with my innovative ideas for public safety and create a volunteer rope rescue team. This team consist of highly qualified professionals and volunteers in the area of vertical engineering. Most of them come from different ethnic backgrounds, but they represent the fundamental values of the Canadian culture: tolerance and respect for people’s roots and backgrounds.

Today in Toronto we can see many neighborhoods with different ethnic cultures such as Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Bulgarian and Polish. The ethnic cultures and traditions are communicated and preserved through the various ethnic media, TV stations, Radio programs and newspapers. They are produced in the language of the specific ethnic group and discuss the issues of that cultural community.

Another example of the freedom and tolerance of different cultural backgrounds is the election of the Honorable Governor General Ms. Adrienne Clarkson, who comes from a Chinese’s background, Furthermore, representatives of different ethnics communities are an integral part of the political, public and cultural life of Canada

I am proud that in 2001, after the 9/11 attacks in New York, America, I was chosen to be one of the Toronto’s heroes along with the other Canadians.

Today’s uncertain global political and economic environment has created new challenges for governments and nations trying to preserve traditions of tolerance to the background and religions of others. The truly “Canadian” culture is an exceptional example for our world to be a better place to live. These unique characteristics make Canada a more just prosperous and caring society.

It’s time to present Canadian and Bulgarian Innovation

Ivan Kristoff stay true to his logo with the two primary colors (white and red) of the Bulgarian and Canadian flag. He brings added value by the name IVAN, part of the word INNOVATION. The brand strives to live up to the Bulgarian and Canadian tradition of creating innovation. That is why on the, 1st of July, 20017 a Bulgarians and Canadians will initiate the first steps of a new way of remote access to hard to reach places. A new chapter of history will be written by the representatives of the Bulgarian and Canadian government, who will attend the event at the Katina region. The inspiration behind this innovative project is you. We hope you will join us to be part of another World’s First.

Аt sunrise, we will have our Breakfast in the air in hot air balloons, above the two Lakes in the higher place of the Village of Katina, Novi Iskar, near Sofia.

Ivan Kristoff and Mario Stoykov have been involved in extreme sports for a long time. However, they always wanted to do more than just being sponsors and organizers of extreme events. The Canadian-Bulgarian Team wanted to be a part of the #ForBulgaria project by doing what it does best – adventure and promote the beautiful destinations of Bulgaria through extreme sports and innovation.

In addition to being a natural reach out for communication, reaching a large number of adventurers through an exciting and emotional medium, hot air ballooning is also a way to stay on top in terms of cost effective ways for training for innovative projects.