I have disengaged the Canadian setting, but want to know how to simply reverse engaging the alternate characters from the keyboard. Since I cause it to happen (don't know how, I touch type), I'm sure it should be reversible.

Let me clarify: I want to be able to turn the odd characters on and off from the keyboard. I don't know which keys to do this with.

Another way to put this: I don't want a permanent fix, I want the option of using the alternate characters at will.

Control Panel > Regional and Language options > Keyboards and Languages > Change Keyboards... > Language Bar
Select your preference there.

Thanks for your input, one and all! I have the Language Bar in place, as per LH, but also managed to discover my own answer: to engage the secondary keyboard choice, I was HITTING THE CONTROL AND SHIFT KEYS TOGETHER. Now, to reverse this using the keyboard, I simply HIT THE CONTROL AND SHIFT KEYS TOGETHER TWICE. Hope this helps someone else.....And thanks to whs, who's reply is super clear!