Seven classic Canadian PSAs, eh?

Represented in this selection of super-sweet do-gooder Canadiana:

- Two hockey references
- Two swollen testicles
- One canoe
- One plucky robot from Planet Danger!

Remember any of these fondly?

7. The World Has Changed

WWF Canada & communications agency Draftcb targeted the perception that it’s too difficult to live greener with a jaunty showcase of all the stuff Canadians no longer consider acceptable behaviour. You can’t smack your secretary’s ass any more; ride a bike to work!

6. Playsafe

Awesome and acrobatic robot ASTAR (of Planet Danger) was created by Canadian amputee organization The War Amps for their PLAYSAFE campaign. If you grew up during the 80s you can definitely complete the line: “I can put my arm back on…”

5. Relax, It’s Just A Game

Apparently, not all hockey-related ads on Canadian television are ads for Tim Hortons or Canadian Tire. This one from Hockey Canada reminds over-zealous moms and dads that their craziness at the rink would be totally out of line in any other context.

4. Glasses

When judging memorable drunk driving ads, it was a toss-up between this piece and the Emily spot, both from MADD Canada – this one has endured the longest. No voice-over is necessary to makes the point: More booze = less ability to see that bus about to smash into you!

3. Mumps Sucks

The Ontario government was really concered about your balls during their mumps vaccination campaign. If your testicles are swollen, it could be mumps. Best part is the horrified hockey player: “Why am I looking at your balls!? I don’t want to…”

2. Prevent-It.ca

The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board’s Prevent-It campaign featured five television ads that quickly became notorious for their graphic nature. The point of the spot is always: “There are no ‘accidents’!” Here’s the (arguably) scariest one:

1. He’s not heavy, he’s my brother

Concerned Children’s Advertisers & Health Canada created this long-running PSA for drug awareness. This is the kind of ad that prompts guys to get emotional over beers remembering it … And attributing it to AIDs or cancer awareness! “At least you tried, and that’s what friends are for.”