Symbols of Canada Toronto book launch

Between the Lines presents the Toronto launch of Symbols of Canada at The Dock on Queen, 932 Queen Street East from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Join the book’s editor Michael Dawson and contributors Caroline Durand, Colin Coates, and Alan Gordon for an evening of entertaining and informative conversation about Canada’s best known symbols from Timbits to totem poles.

Symbols of Canada boils the country down to its syrupy core in symbolic forms that are reproduced not only on t-shirts, television ads, and tattoos but in classrooms, museums, and courtrooms too. They can be found in every home and in every public space. They come in many forms, from objects—like the red-uniformed Mountie, the maple leaf, and the beaver—to concepts—like public healthcare, peacekeeping, and saying “eh?”.

But where did these symbols come from, what do they mean, and how have their meanings changed over time? Symbols of Canada gives us the real and surprising truth behind the most iconic Canadian symbols revealing their contentious and often contested histories. With nearly 200 images, this book thoroughly explores Canada’s true self while highlighting the unexpected twists and turns that have marked each symbol’s history.

This is a free public event and all are welcome to attend.

Books will be available on sale for $30 while supplies last.