Features

By ADAM CHAPNICK

When analysts call Canada an administrative state, they're usually referring to the size and structure of the Canadian public service. What began in the 19th century as a relatively small organization characterized by political patronage appointments has evolved to become the largest single employer in the country. 

Big, yes, but critics often exaggerate the size of the public service by confusing it with the public sector - the more than three million Canadians who work for organizations that receive much of their funding from one or more levels of government.

By NORMAN HILLMER

In April 1982, in a public ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau signed the Constitution Act, marking the end of a process that was so unusual that a word had to be invented to describe it. The Canadian constitution had been "patriated" - brought home from Great Britain.

From its beginning, Canada had a constitution, but it did not belong to Canada. The British North America (BNA) Act, an 1867 law of Britain's Parliament, was Canada's founding document, yet it could only be changed with the permission of the British Parliament.

Chyna Lane

By RYCH McCAIN

At the recent American Film Institute's premiere at the world famous Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood for the movie Precious, one of the female cast members overshadowed the presence of Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry and the film's star, Mo'nique, on the red carpet. That young actress was Chyna Layne.

Layne plays Rhonda, the classmate of Clareece "Precious" Jones played by Gabourey Sidibe. They are students at a special education school for misfit students who have been kicked out of everywhere else.

By PAT WATSON

Not even the crush of travelers pushing this way and that, trying to be the first to get their luggage off the carousal, was going to disturb Icilyn Banton. The gray-haired grandmother was in a merry mood. Arriving in Toronto for the first time in six years, she was looking forward to spending a 'white Christmas' with her son and his family. She said goodbye to friends and family before making the journey from St. Catherine, but she wouldn't miss Christmas in Jamaica this year, especially since daughter-in-law, Maria, is expected to give birth to a third child after the Christmas season.

"Purpose for your visit?"

"Chris'mus."

"Do you have anything to declare, ma'am?"

The customs officer was so stern.