Happy Dominion Day! In lieu of the usual rant, today I leave you with a few items for your perusal: a look at ten animals that helped shaped Canada, a look back at the creation of the flag, 40 famous Canadians giving their memories of childhood summers, and Maclean’s has 111 stories from Canadians. Now go enjoy the day, to the sounds of my July 1st theme song.

Good reads:

• The Federal Court overturned the Northern Gateway approval because the Crown failed in its duty to consult First Nations. Analysis from Andrew Leach here.
• The government formally launched its task force on marijuana legalisation.
• It looks like Canada will send a brigade – about 1000 troops – to NATO in Eastern Europe, likely to be posted in Latvia.
• A new deal on softwood lumber had basically stalled before the meeting with Obama this week, which put a bit of a crimp on the bilateral meeting.
• The government tabled the UN Arms Treaty in Parliament before it rose, but didn’t announce it because they didn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle.
• The cost of the proposed new base for Canadian Special Forces in Trenton has more than tripled.
• Brace yourselves for a Canada Post lockout or strike that could start as early as Saturday.
• Microbeads have formally been labelled as a “toxic substance” as a step toward banning them entirely.
• There is some debate as to whether a future President Trump could actually tear up NAFTA without Congress’ approval.
• Here’s an interesting look at plans for a $15 minimum wage in Alberta (and demanded elsewhere), and what the impact would be.
• Stephen Saideman suspects that Canada started its campaign for a UN Security Council seat too late for the 2021 round, and that the efforts will come to naught.

Odds and ends:

Suspended senator Patrick Brazeau faces new drunk driving charges.

Justin Trudeau will also be attending Vancouver Pride this year.