In this new series, Fabien Cloutier takes us to discover innovations and inventions from Quebec that have transcended our borders and become embedded in our daily lives, from a small chocolate-covered marshmallow cookie to a technology that changed the way has revolutionized how we consume cinema.
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“It’s the kind of show I like to watch myself,” admits the comedian, actor and presenter from Beauceron straight away. I would like to know how things came about. There had been productions made about American companies, big brands and everything else, but we hadn’t done anything about inventions and discoveries in Quebec. If each of these innovations has become part of our daily lives and our history over time, that does not mean that the path to success is not riddled with pitfalls.
“These are success stories, but sometimes there are behind-the-scenes games, chases, betrayals and so on. That’s one of the reasons why they’re interesting.”
Mother of invention
As the episodes progress, even the most history-interested viewers are sure to experience some surprises as they learn more about the local origins of certain objects that are now used far beyond our borders.
“There is an episode in particular about the famous black box used in aviation. I didn’t know she was from here. One day, after an accident, someone at Air Canada said to themselves, “What can we do to make things better when events like this happen?” This technology was developed here. When we hear that we have to find the black box, we must remember that it comes from us. They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and our northern climate has also contributed to the creation of certain items that are now part of our seasonal habits.
“That’s the case with the trouser saving mat,” says Fabien Cloutier. A man once wondered what we could do in the winter to prevent our pants from always being wet. It emerged from a specific need and has since been used elsewhere in the world. It has snowed. The same applies to the snow blower. Sometimes there are technical masterpieces, but very often there are patent holders who have been transformed into engineers by circumstance. It’s very nice.”
The Little History of the Whippet
Among the innovations discussed in this first season, the host discusses objects as diverse as the Whippet cookie and the Bombardier Global Express airplane. The first episode is also dedicated – and rightly so – to a product that has certainly made us internationally known: maple syrup. During this fascinating half hour, the experts interviewed take us from the design of the famous illustration that adorns every blonde gold stick sold in every corner of the world to the memorable news that it involved the theft of almost 3,000 tons of precious nectar in 2011-2012 in the Saint-Louis-de-Blandford region.
“During the episode, we also recognize Laurentide beer, which was made at a time when the rise of sovereignty and nationalism was at its peak. Molson then decided to launch a beer created specifically for Quebec, with advertisements decorated with fleur-de-lys and flags. It’s a very, very Canadian company, but it still wanted to capitalize on the changes that were happening in our society at the time. It’s fun to see that too.”
Success in IMAX format
Among the other topics discussed, we could not ignore the success of the famous Vachon cakes and 3D puzzles, the innovations related to the improvement of the bra and the successes of the companies Kanuk, Saint-Hubert and Lise Watier. “IMAX technology has also developed in Quebec,” the host adds. It started around the time of Expo 67, and people from outside were involved, but here it was done. At the fair we will focus on products that were truly developed in Quebec.” There to Stay also allows you to discover the names and faces of people who are often less well known than their inventions. “I find it impressive to see people who have invested a lot and worked very hard to bring big brands onto the market and thus create thousands of jobs,” concludes Fabien. I have great admiration for the entrepreneurial side they have developed along the way.”
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