1 JUNE 2002, Page 27

No joke, being Canadian

From Mr John Palubiski

Sir: I'm a Canadian who has family in Alberta, and I find it difficult to believe that Roger McFallon (The bride swore blue', 25 May) has ever visited the province. First of all, the slang he uses, which I presume is meant to be funny, is not Canadian at all but American (Texan). Also, is your author aware that Americans often comment that Canadians. even Alberta cowboys, speak with a slight British accent?

I have a great sense of humour, but I found little to laugh about in the piece. It is full of tired clichés that belong to an America that never existed.

John Palubiski

St-Hyacinthe, Quebec