From the Wall Street Journal

Canada appears to be in better shape economically than many other countries. The government has been running commodities-fueled surpluses since the late 1990s and housing prices have fallen only slightly. A government jobs report Friday showed continued strength in September, and Canada's banking system is considered relatively strong.

Still, the financial crisis is taking a toll and economic concerns have become a big factor in the election. The U.S., Canada's biggest trading partner, is likely already in a recession and oil prices are tumbling. That has battered Canadian stocks, and the Canadian dollar tumbled about 8% last week, its worst performance against the U.S. dollar in decades.

I can't figure out why the canadian dollar tumbles against the US. It is the US that is in crisis today. Except for this exchange ratio, I would think it would be safer to own canadian dollars.

BK