A Chicago Tribune editorial about why Canada is “cool” reads more like a love letter, listing several reasons why Canada is taking the Windy City by storm.

Here is an excerpt from the editorial:

“Often ignored and taken for granted, Canada is on a roll. From the U.S. point of view, the tail is wagging the dog in North America, and that’s not so bad. The economic activity helps both countries.

The key to Canada’s success has been avoiding some of the worst mistakes made by its neighbor to the south.

Americans failed to regulate their banks. Canada’s banks are stable.

Americans over-inflated their real estate market. Canada’s housing market never went pop.

Americans can’t get their elected officials to straighten out health care and entitlement IOUs. Canada’s got it better covered, having kept its debt and spending at more sustainable levels than the U.S.”

Stephen Harper’s push for free trade with Europe, Canada experiencing a gold-rush energy boom, and the Loonie trading at an equal value to the U.S dollar were other economic reasons for Chicago’s love of Canada.

Canadian delicacies also made the list. The Tribune notes sesame seed bagels, smoked meat Tim Hortons double-doubles, and especially poutines, which some Chicago eateries now serve.

Chicago sports teams have also benefited from Canada. Former Montreal Alouettes coach Marc Tresman was recently hired by the Chicago Bears of the NFL.  In addition, half of Chicago’s NHL team, the Blackhawks, hail from Canada as well as head coach Joel Quenneville.

On a more topical note, the newspaper mentioned Canada’s low gun crime rate as another reason why they love Canada.

To read the Chicago Tribune editorial, click here.