Misc. News From Montreal Visit
jay.thal (jay.thal@TCS.WAP.ORG)
Tue, 1 Jun 1999 09:19:29 -0400
It was just too good an opportunity to avoid. I was visiting Montreal
this past weekend and Scouts Canada's Quebec offices and Scout Shop is
just at the edge of the Dorval Airport. That took priority to checking
into our hotel.
The news is that Scouting in Canada is now coed for all units rather
than optional as it has been for several years. (Though Girl Guides
continue, and share the Scouts Canada building.)
AND, they have good looking and sturdy trousers/slacks with REAL Cargo
pockets - bellowed, and capable of holding a handbook (they also have
reinforced knees). The cost? Adult sizes (mens & womens) $39.95 CA and
$29.95 CA for youth. That corresponds to about $27.00 US and $20.00 US,
respectively. So much for the BSA's claims that decent pockets in a
western, industrialized, unionized, democratic nation would cost an
added $10 - $15 US. Now if we can only convince Irving, TX to change
colours to Navy, or Charlotte, NC to find out how this all can be done
in khaki.
Their Scout shorts aren't well illustrated in their catalog, and I
failed to look at them on the shelves, - they sell for $26.95 CA, or
about $18 US.
The tan long-sleeved shirts sell for $33 CA (adult) and $30 (youth), or
$22 US & $20 US, respectively. Much lower than ours for adults, and
comparable for youth.
Though they sell the legendary Tilley hats (at their legendary prices)
they also have a wonderful wide-brimmed cotton canvas Bush Hat (with a
Navy underbrim) for only $16.88 CA ($11.50 US), which I bought.
Incidently, the Scout Shop gives a 1 percent rebate, by unit, for all
sales. That sounds like a good policy, too.
Website? http://www.scouts.ca
YiWWSWd,
Jay
