"Canadians are a serious people"

I've always wondered about that quotation. "Canadians are a serious people." As opposed to who? Humourous people? Non-serious individuals? Are Canadians different from those who joke, or jest, or tease or frolic? You know, like those Funny French, or those Amusing Aussies, or those Entertaining Estonians, or those Merry Mexicans?

Canadians are a serious people. What insight!

(special thanks to my friend James B. for getting me started on this risible rant.)