Ah Andrew, that's probably the explanation. I stayed with my aunt & uncle in London Ontario after flying to Montreal and visiting Toronto & Ottawa. The people I met were just fellow-travellers and random folk.
Have to add that I found the Canadians extremely friendly and kind. Several invited me to stay for a day or two in their holiday cabins on the shores of the Great Lakes, and I can say I've swum in every one!

Mrrzy, I've just put your translation to my husband and he says you're quite right, but he didn't want to tell me all the gory details!