As a Canadian by choice (my preferred term for any immigrant to Canada), I have no doubt that Canada is one of the best countries to live in. Unlike many other countries, the nihilist view of everything is broken and some group is to blame for this has not taken hold.
I believe Canada is one of the best countries just because it is willing to improve. It is willing to analyze what is working and what is not, it is willing to address injustices in the past and do better. This does not require continuous self beatings, nor does it require declarations of “everything is broken”. All that is required is an optimistic view of our own country and willingness to do the work. Some people might call it “sunny ways”.
Great nuanced view. One might also add that here in Canada, being gay or belonging to a visible minority is by far more accepted than in many European countries, both legally and in day-to-day life. That's definitely an asset, in my view.
I don't know how I missed this article last year, but this is outstanding.
Shaming people for wanting to take pride in their family histories and cultural heritages-which are as much a part of Canada as its racism and violence, and what most people are actually celebrating on Canada Day-would be one of the go-to strategies of "How To Lose Friends And Alienate People". The progressive left is making a serious tactical blunder by conceding identity and patriotism to the right, and everyone from Pierre Poilievre to the alt-right are reaping the benefits.
A lot of truths in here. Good read. Thank you
As a Canadian by choice (my preferred term for any immigrant to Canada), I have no doubt that Canada is one of the best countries to live in. Unlike many other countries, the nihilist view of everything is broken and some group is to blame for this has not taken hold.
I believe Canada is one of the best countries just because it is willing to improve. It is willing to analyze what is working and what is not, it is willing to address injustices in the past and do better. This does not require continuous self beatings, nor does it require declarations of “everything is broken”. All that is required is an optimistic view of our own country and willingness to do the work. Some people might call it “sunny ways”.
Great nuanced view. One might also add that here in Canada, being gay or belonging to a visible minority is by far more accepted than in many European countries, both legally and in day-to-day life. That's definitely an asset, in my view.
You make some good points, articulating my own views very well.
The World.. ie Spaceship Earth is becoming an environmental & social disaster zone..
& while Canada may be Complicated as a nation .. being Canadian certainly isn’t
‘Partisan conservatism’ in North America however - has gone ‘rogue’.. malignant
How else can we explain a Pierre Poilivre & Jenni Byrne or a Danielle Smith & David Parker
These are people who embrace Donald Trump, MAGA & his family !
Good piece, Evan. This is the content I come for
I don't know how I missed this article last year, but this is outstanding.
Shaming people for wanting to take pride in their family histories and cultural heritages-which are as much a part of Canada as its racism and violence, and what most people are actually celebrating on Canada Day-would be one of the go-to strategies of "How To Lose Friends And Alienate People". The progressive left is making a serious tactical blunder by conceding identity and patriotism to the right, and everyone from Pierre Poilievre to the alt-right are reaping the benefits.