In these turbulent times, Canada needs ‘more Canada’
The phrase “the world needs more Canada” began as a marketing slogan to promote Canadian authors, but was quickly embraced by a population that’s typically been slow to brag about our accomplishments.
It’s been picked up and repeated by several world leaders and global celebrities whose causes align with our traditional support for compassionate internationalism.
Yet, as the world enters the second half of a tumultuous 2018, and we celebrate the 151st year of confederation this weekend, one thing is increasingly clear. Frankly, Canada also needs more Canada. Our large, peaceful, prosperous example to the world requires a little “me time” to refresh and start pressing work on the economic, social and political challenges that lie ahead.
It’s not a conversation that Canadians have had before.
Touchstones of Canadian culture and our presence in the world, if not shouted from a mountain, have seemed as constant.
In another age, these would have been peacekeeping, universal health care, a strong social safety net, a cultural mosaic, and on and on.
In this age, though, those may sound as corny as the McKenzie Brothers, a Leafs game on Saturday night and maple syrup.
Today, a great many Canadians have serious concerns and a wide variety of opinions about immigration, equality, federalism, and the future of the resource economy — all foundational pillars of our society.
An effort to improve relations and the living with Indigenous people appears to be dragging along.
Local communities are challenged to fulfill their commitments and mandates. No one seems to have enough money. Front of mind, certainly, is a Canada Day deadline for Ottawa to implement tariffs on U.S. goods. That’s in response to moves by U.S. President Donald Trump to undo generations of work to integrate economies and gain benefits that both sides enjoy.
But it’s not just the wildly unpredictable White House that challenges us.
Within our borders, we’re flush with interprovincial squabbles, and trade skirmishes, and renewed regionalism in the cases of pipeline construction, equalization, and climate strategy.
Even Alberta and Saskatchewan, sisters that became provinces together on the same day in 1905, are arguing like harpies about micro-brewed beer, licence plates and who’s got the better premier.
These are mere microcosms of larger, important arguments, of course, but they are petty and counterproductive.
While Quebec nationalism is at a notable low, Western alienation is rising fast.
With dramatic provincial election results in Ontario and British Columbia over the last year, those jurisdictions appear to be doing their own thing as well.
Does anyone, anywhere see a sense of community coupled with a search for common values, common purpose or common good, on the rise?
That’s a good question for Canadians to ask themselves this weekend.
The bigger question going forward, is what to do about it.
(Collin Gallant is a News reporter. To comment on this and other editorials, go to www.medicinehatnews.com/opinions.)
Tickled Pink
I am spending my summer in Canada. I am shopping in places that don’t sell Trump products. I am trying to purchase products that are Canadian. The more Canadians stop supporting U.S. the better.
Ticked Off
If the UCP under Jason Kenney were to form the next Alberta government. Kenney was a cabinet minister under Harper, and we all know what disaster that was.
Tickled Pink
At the hearty chuckle I had over the person who believes that power outages during a recent storm had anything to do with the city’s latest large power customers. Anyone with common sense knows that the outages are caused by downed power lines, not added usage.
Tickled Pink
That the government has legislated on workplace bullies and harassment and finally there can be no excuse for organizations to shield and protect the old boys’ club.
Ticked Off
Medicine Hat needs to start on the bandwagon against plastics before the recyclables are not recyclables.
Tickled Pink
It’s amusing to see impoverished people attempting to secure future wealth by pursuing the sons or
daughters of old rich seniors. Apparently they have not heard the word “prenup.”
Ticked Off
It takes a real classy parent to make their kids’ orientation all about parents rights.
Ticked Off
I just heard that a gentleman has been arrested for selling fraudulent gold jewelry in Medicine Hat. What is our society coming to? I guess the days are gone when you could safely and confidently buy gold jewelry out of a stranger’s car in the parking lot. What a shame.
Tickled Pink
Called “oneClick” to locate utilities on our property. Telus called and checked off within hours, gas and electric early the next morning and water/sewer shortly after that. Thank you for the quick response.
Tickled Pink
To the electrical crew who got power back to the S.E. Hill. Some neighbours grumbled about timing but five poles erected, strung and powered in seven hours? We were impressed. Thank you.
Tickled Pink
Kudos to the man who is seen early every morning cleaning up the grounds of a downtown church and doing his best to keep our city clean.
Ticked Off
Read a letter to the editor today regarding abortion. The writer talks about people who are pro-life and pro-abortion. It isn’t pro-abortion, it is pro-choice and a woman, any woman, should have the final say with what happens to her body.
Ticked Off
That, according to the principal at my child’s school, the kindergarten class will consist of 50 students in one “large” classroom! This is ludicrous! How is this feasible or safe for ELP and kindergarten children aged 3-5?