The guides and roadmap pages are the foundation of Sovereign Canadian. This page is where I publish new articles, research, commentary, and updates as they’re released. If you’re looking for the latest additions to the site, you’ll find them here.
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Bigger House or Finish the Basement? How I’m Actually Thinking About It
I’ve noticed something over the last few years as I’ve written more for Sovereign Canadian. Almost every major financial decision eventually disguises itself as something much smaller. Buying a cottage isn’t really about buying a cottage. Buying offshore real estate isn’t really about buying another property. Even deciding whether to acquire a business or continue investing in…
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FIRE, FIRE Light, and Coast FIRE: Three Doors Out of the 40-Year Grind
Most people hear “FIRE” and picture a 34-year-old in a hammock who will never touch a spreadsheet again. That version exists. But it’s one door out of three, and for a lot of higher-earning Canadians it’s the wrong one to walk through first. Financial independence isn’t a single finish line — it’s a spectrum of…
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The Smith Maneuver: A Deep Dive for Canadians Who’ve Already Read the Hype
The Smith Maneuver might be the most over-marketed strategy in Canadian personal finance. Search for it and you’ll find an ecosystem of certified specialists, courses, and books all selling the same dream: turn your mortgage into a tax deduction and retire rich on the spread. The pitch is seductive because the mechanics are real —…
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Canada Pension Plan: The 2026 Owner’s Manual
Most Canadians treat the Canada Pension Plan the way they treat the furnace in the basement — they assume it works, they resent the bill, and they never once read the manual. That’s a mistake. The CPP is one of the few pieces of your retirement that is inflation-indexed for life, backed by an $800-billion…
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Second Real Estate Investment: What Comes After the Cottage?
The cottage decision is behind me. If you followed along, you know how that analysis went — cottage vs. upsizing the primary residence, two mortgages vs. one, lifestyle purchase vs. an asset with optionality. The cottage won. And after one month of Airbnb hosting on Lake Huron, the numbers are pointing in the right direction — not cash-flow…
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Cottage vs. Upsizing Your Home: Which Mortgage Decision Actually Builds Wealth?
Many people with a growing family and some equity hits the same fork in the road. Do you upgrade and buy a bigger, better house? Or do you buy a cottage? Both moves can cost roughly the same. Both put you ~$500k deeper in debt. But they are definitely not the same decision.
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Sample Letter to PMO or Public Safety Minister
Good afternoon Honorable Minister, I am writing to voice my support for a full review, repeal and replacement of all our current legislation concerning firearms and ammunition in their entirety. The current limitations and restrictions do nothing to protect the public from those who choose to do violence on their fellow citizens. Criminals will continue…
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Canadian Firearms Safety Course
My thoughts on the Canadian (Restricted) Firearms Safety Course I recently completed the education course required to apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) from the RCMP. Non-restricted and restricted firearms are handled separately here in Canada, and you must complete a second course to apply for your Restricted or RPAL. If offered to you,…
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CFO Letter Example
An example of a letter for you to send to your provincial Chief Firearms Officer Dear [Provincial CFO], I would like to thank you and the Conservative Party of Canada for the effort that was put into the dissolution of the Long-gun registry, and further efforts that are being put into restoring civil rights to…
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Quote: Rise of Minarchism and Anarchism
Jack Spirko: “Minarchism and Anarchism have arisen from the fundamental understanding that what states do is theft” “Minarchism and Anarchism has arisen from the fundamental understanding that what states do is theft. It is no less theft for your government to take 30% of your income, than for me to come into your home and…
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First Look – IWI Jericho 941(Baby Eagle II)
I just recently brought home my newest acquisition and couldn’t be more pleased. I purchased my 9mm Jericho 941 from Wanstall’s in Maple Ridge and was thoroughly satisfied with their service and helpful advice. I have to admit that their store is addictive for me and I’d soon be broke and divorced if I spent…
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Notable Quotes on Liberty, Politics & Firearms
Notable Quotes on Liberty, Politics & Firearms “The sentiment that modern day ordinary Canadians do not need firearms for protection is pleasant but unrealistic. To discourage responsible deserving Canadians from possessing firearms for lawful self-defense and other legitimate purposes is to risk sacrificing them at the altar of political correctness.” -Judge Don Demetrick- “I think…
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What are your goals for the coming year as related to Self-reliance, Personal Sovereignty and Security?
Striving for Self-Reliance The process of becoming more self-reliant or sovereign is not a short one if you are of average or even slightly above average income and means. This process can be as involved, costly and complicated as you make it or it can be relatively simple depending on your goals. It starts with…
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Set New Year Goals
Now is the time to set new year goals for yourself Every new year, people set multiple resolutions, vow to follow them 100%, work really hard at it for a few days, then inevitably have a small slip. Instead of just reacting to the slip-up and correcting any factors that may cause it again, they…
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Choosing a Handgun – A Firstimer’s Experience
The Preamble I should state up front that although I am not new or inexperienced with firearms, I am however new to the world of handguns. Ever since I can remember I’ve had a distinct fascination with guns in general and pistols are no exception. I had the privilege of growing up around firearms, primarily…
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Choosing My Rifle and Caliber – Or did it choose me?
I purchased my first Remington at the tail end of last winter. I wasn’t sold on one manufacturer or particular model of firearm. I was looking to upgrade from my old right hand Savage Model 340 in 30-30 Winchester to something left handed, faster, flatter shooting and a more modern style. I inherited the Savage…
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Federal Government Bans Incandescent Bulbs
The Canadian Federal Government Bans Incandescent Bulbs Starting 01 January 2014, there is a ban on standard incandescent light bulbs with an output of 75W and 100W. I had totally forgotten about this, since the discussions were seven years ago. But now I see that this is still set to take effect in the new year.…
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Question: What Are The Top Five Must Haves for your BOB (Bug-Out-Bag)?
The five items you need to have with you for bugging-out BOB or for emergencies My top 5 never change much – except for the time of year: #1 – Water filtration / purification tabs (summer #1 / winter #2) #2 – Fire Starter or Tinder & Striker Kit (winter #1 / summer #2) #3…
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Phil Robertson suspended from Duck Dynasty
Phil Robertson booted from his own show?!? “LOS ANGELES, Calif. – “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson — suspended from the series indefinitely after making disparaging remarks about gays — is getting some support from key followers. Sarah Palin posted a picture on her Facebook page of her with the reality show clan with the message,…
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Schools Teach Conformity Quote
Jack Spirko: “Schools Teach Conformity” “Schools teach conformity. Schools are not designed to educate. Education is about teaching people to learn. Schools are designed to breed conformity. Everybody sit in a desk in a nice straight line. Put your head down and take a nap when you’re told. Be on time or you’re in trouble.…
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High River Gun Grab
Updates to my thoughts on the High River gun grab I had previously published some softer thoughts on the flooding in Alberta and the High River gun grab. I still don’t want to make this into the usual cop-bashing “right to bear arms” rant, but I am more troubled by this than I was before.…
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Richard Marcinko Quote on Conventional Wisdom
Dick Marcinko is a former Navy SEAL and an author of many books. The most famous of them being the Rogue Warrior series of international military thriller type action novels. But he also wrote the “Leadership Secrets of the Rogue Warrior” and “A Commando’s Principle of Winning” It is from one of these two books…
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Christmas Gift Ideas
It’s that time of the year again where we are constantly looking for good Christmas gift ideas. But what should you the the loved ones in your life? Things that they will enjoy and will help promote self-sufficiency. They may not be a homesteader, prepare, modern survivalist, etc – and they don’t have to be…
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5.11 Tactical Rush MOAB 10 Unboxing & First Look
My first impressions of the Rush MOAB 10 Over the years I have tried a number of different bags for my everyday carry and laptop. Messenger style shoulder bags, backpacks, and laptop sleeves – I’ve tried a lot of different combinations. Things are more difficult because I have a 17″ MacBook Laptop – many packs…
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Shooting the Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum
Here is a short video I posted to YouTube of me Shooting the Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum. On my first trip to a shooting range, we finished up the session with a few shots of the big 500. It sure was a blast and I’m definitely looking forward to getting a shot at some of…
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Black Friday Sales
Black Friday Sales to take advantage of Black Friday is a national holiday to our American friends, but up here in Canada there are also deals to be had. Retailers noticed that Canadians cross the border each year to take part in the madness across the line. As much fun is it is to do…