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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First Time fishing in Ontario
Tomorrow I am heading up to Lake Simcoe with a couple of buddies to go fishing. Other than my high-school, backwoods, carp fishing, catch nothing but a buzz days, this is my first time fishing in Ontario. The plan is to rent a boat and go fishing for bass and pike out on Cook’s Bay. …
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Bill C-42, the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act
Now that I am finally in the market for a restricted firearm, I had to educate myself on the changes that have recently been introduced regarding the ownership and transportation of them. There are other aspects of the Act, but of most interest to me is the change to the ATT Authorization To Transport restricted…
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Do the Liberals and NDP want to Steal our Guns?
I am was actively trying to stay out of the federal election political shit storm. But then I see the Facebook posts about what Mulcair and Trudeau have to say about firearms. Some of it is true and some of it is shock-media fear mongering. There is, however, some definite truth to the hype of…
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Gun Stores & Ranges – Links in Ontario
Mostly for my own reference, but hopefully helpful to you. Here are some notes I am making for ranges, clubs, stores, and associations here in SW Ontario. Most of my time is spent between London and Mississauga, with some time between Sarnia and up to Barrie. East Elgin Sportsman’s Association – Been highly recommended to…
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Home Security Tips – Videos
As I start my search for a home here in Ontario (not likely until spring, but we’re looking a bit now), I find myself pondering how to best secure it, whether home or not, as well as how to protect the family if someone does break in. Obviously, here in Canada we are not allowed…
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Homegrown Terror – I Never Thought We’d See it Here
Naive…maybe. I never claimed to be the most informed or wise individual who ever walked on two feet. Other than understanding that nutcases have always walked among us I didn’t really expect that we’d see acts of terrorism on Canadian soil. Of course, I’m not completely ignorant nor looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses. …
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Ontario Provincial Election
Some thoughts on the upcoming Ontario Provincial Election Well first, being a current BC resident I want to say “I don’t care”. But that would be a mistake for so many reasons. First, I grew up in rural Ontario and have many friends and family there. They have suffered enough and don’t deserver to have…
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Plants to clean the air in your house
The following is an interesting and short (4 min) video about cleaning the air in your home and producing your own oxygen. The health and mood improvements must be substantial. Working in an industrial shop, I am always worried about air quality and it’s longterm effects on my health. Thankfully the air pollution is very…
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My Start with Permaculture
How I am getting started with Permaculture The most major part of self-sufficiency is being able to grow as much of your own food as possible. I learned this at an early age growing up on a small farm. At the end of the summer and early fall, the only trips to the grocery store…
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High River, the “Abolished” Long Gun Registry & the CFP
So, what are we Canadians supposed to think? What are we to make of the recent developments regarding the so-called “abolished” Long Gun Registry, the smashing of personal liberty in High River, AB and the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP which is administered by the RCMP) nearly criminalizing thousands of legitimate gun owners with the stroke…
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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…