The stereotypical Canadian is polite and nice and, to an extent, we are both of those things. We don’t boast; we’re not brash; we don’t believe the world revolves around us. We display the Canadian flag prominently when we travel internationally because people like us.
As a rule, we live contented lives in our beautiful country where hockey reigns as the national sport, maple syrup as the national flavour, and where, since the 1970s, when we adopted the metric system, we report our weather in Celsius, speed limits in kilometers, but stubbornly continue to use imperial measurements when reporting our height or setting the temperature on our stoves.
Officially, we are headed by the King, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet. Federally, we have a Prime Minister, not a President (Ineffective though the current one might be. He’s on borrowed time, as is the party he represents). Premiers, not Governors, lead our provinces (not states). We operate on a parliamentary system, not a presidential-congressional one.
It’s all flowers and kumbyah here.
Of course it’s not. Canada has problems just like every other country. We’re not all peaceful and polite. Our federal government is currently in a ridiculous mess. And, depending on where you live, it’s damn cold right now.
Then, there’s the elephant in the room, or, said differently, our neighbour to the south. We thought we were friends. We have been allies. But now our neighbour is attempting to bully us and we’re mad as hell.
I spent my career working for a for wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of a U.S. parent company. In the latter years, I transferred to Washington state and spent seven good years living and working as a permanent resident of the United States. I lived among and worked with good people.
As a rule, I’m not particularly politically minded. The past five years have drawn my attention to the political landscape far more than I’d like. There’s much I could say about my thoughts with respect to the way leaders in both the U.S. and Canada have behaved, especially since 2020, but I won’t.
And yet, I can’t remain quiet about our southern neighbour’s aggressive behaviour toward us this week in announcing 25% tariffs and, at the 11th hour, announcing a delay of one month contingent on Canada doing certain things.
The whole situation is beyond unpalatable.
And Canadians are not amused.
There’s a ground swelling of patriotism in our country amidst cries of Canada First! and Buy Canadian! We’re mad and we’re committed to supporting Canada with our pocketbooks and in all other ways.
Personally, I’m surprised at how angry I feel at the rhetoric coming from our southern neighbours who we thought were our friends toward us. I’m hurt too.
Never mind that an economic crisis may be partially diverted for the time being. This is a betrayal the magnitude of which will not soon be forgotten. (To be clear, my anger is toward the United States as a country and not toward the individuals who live there. My friends are still my friends and I view every person through the filter of my faith that says they are beloved.)
Canadians are not Americans. We don’t want to be Americans. What we are, right now, is hurt and angry and strong as a nation. And, tariff or not, we’re making decisions with respect to travel and purchases that put Canada first. If you know a Canadian (you do, if you’re reading this) understand that we’re not our quiet, polite selves right now.
Believe me, there are many of us south of your border who will be embarrassed for the next four years by the bully in the White House.
I for one in reading more books, finding more projects to work on, and plan to play a lot of golf and garden in the next four years Anything to stay away from the news
I couldn’t agree more, Letty. Anything to stay away from the news.
I think you have every reason to be angry, Linda. I’m so embarrassed and appalled that we elected a divisive bully. By all means, keep speaking your mind!