A comedian once explained that Canadians are simply un-armed Americans with health care. Needless-to-say, Canada has evolved immensely in the last century and a half. In giving away my age, I have seen these changes since Canada’s centennial celebration in 1967. Back then, the country had continued to flourish following the Second World War as an industrialized and increasingly urbanized and modern country. The country had a relatively hip young Prime Minister, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, who believed that the state had no business in the bedrooms of the nation. Sex between two consenting persons, including homosexuals, was decriminalized. Canadians even protested America’s war in Viet Nam, opening our border to American draft dodgers opposed to the war. Under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Canada rejected the second President Bush’s invite to join the so-called coalition in the Iraq occupation — likely the best decision that Chrétien ever made. Canadians demonstrated that they would not be pushed around by the elephant to the south. We may be mice in comparison, but we are also men — women included of course. By the way, our women are incredible in many ways, especially in sports.
A recent poll commissioned by Historica Canada revealed that Canadians cannot agree on what makes this country great. However, Canadian beer did earn the support of 72 percent of participants polled, who proclaimed it among the best in the world. Unfortunately, while most of us love hockey, the NHL has become a business employing players from all around the world. Canadian hockey teams have not won a Stanley Cup in recent years, the majority being won by wealthy and over-priced American clubs. Lord Stanley must be rolling over in his grave.
Canada is more diversified than 50 years ago, with much more immigration from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East than from Europe. We now have proclaimed that indigenous peoples include not only the First Nation’s people, but also those who are Inuit and Métis. Multiculturalism has increasingly given way to expressions alluding to diversity, inclusivity and equality. Sure, the two original settlers, the French and English, feel a little overwhelmed and concerned. Indeed, in another decade they will be in the minority in light of immigration and birth rate trends — particularly by those seeking freedom and liberty, something the Americans are gradually denying under Trump.
So there you have it. Canadians don’t have to fit a national stereotype. We prefer to live our lives openly and peacefully regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, origin or personal beliefs. The above noted poll also indicated that the one thing Canadians do seem to agree on is a desire to celebrate the country’s upcoming sesquicentennial in some way. Canada has a lot to be proud of and its future looks bright. The other thing that we can also agree on is that we would not want to live in any other country at this time. We love to travel the world, but love even more to return home. After all, Canadian beer and the diversity of food are great. Happy Birthday Canada!
FROLITICKS 