Canada on the Eve of Election

The election for Canada's next prime minister is two days away. If the Conservatives win, Canada will be transformed and unrecognizable. In a few years, everything we know and love about Canada will be invalid. We'll likely be...more American.

Which makes me think about discussions I had this week with some American associates. How is Canadia different from the U.S.?

At first glance, there doesn't seem much difference in how Americans and Canadians act. We speak the same language and original settlements came from Europe. But on deeper reflection and cultural studies suggest there are in fact great differences. Which makes me ask again, What does it mean to be a Canadian?

For one thing, Americans don't keep asking themselves what it means to be themselves. Not many cultures do. The fact that we keep asking tells us we are Canadians. Some say that's because we are insecure as a people. I think it's more because we are a reflective and globally aware bunch. We are aware of our place in the world. We keep tabs on how that changes as we change internally, which we do. We know we are a young nation, constantly being redefined by new comers who weave into our economic, social, religious and recreational fabrics. We accord everyone equal rights, visibility and voice, even those who aren't Canadians.

The French have their own province. Catholics have their own school system. The RCMP wears turbans. Gay marriages are legal. Hell's Angels live large. Hanukah, Christmas, Chinese New year and Ramadan are celebrated in schools, though only Christmas gets treated as a holiday with time off. For now. And we have illegal immigrants, sometimes dangerous ones with guns, living amongst us because we want to ensure they are treated justly. We are a truer mosaic now than John Murray Gibbon could have imagined in 1938, when he published the Canadian Mosiac.

We also define ourselves by our not-American-ness.

For example, the weather remains an endless topic of fascination for Canadians. It is unpredictable and ever-changing, a poor area to boost a new meteorologist's confidence. Take today for example. When I left the house in the morning, it was snowing, heavily. I had to drive more carefully than usual lest I skid into the car in front of me. When I got back on the road three hours later, the snow was all gone. My neighbour said, Hey, it's spring today. The Boy went outside without a jacket. Tonight, the wind picked up and the run-off has frozen again. I couldn't go out without a hat. I didn't leave the city today, yet I lived through three climate zones. The weather, especially in winter, rules us.

Americans can count on their weather and take it granted.

With the election two days away, we still don't talk about politics with people we don't know well. Nor do we talk about religion and sex. My American associates said, We don't talk about politics and religion either, but you don't talk about sex, not even good gossip? Not in polite society. Is it because Canadians are more reserved? Possibly, because our social model is still very much British based. But more than that, I think Canadians are just respectful, optimistic people who want to preserve dignity - ours and our neighbours'. We don't want to know sordid details of private goings on that may embarrass our friends or let us think poorly of our neighbours. We always prefer to get along. Community and individuality are equally important.

My American associates thought hockey was Canada's only national sport. Many Canadians also think that. But in fact, it's was only lacrosse until 1994, when hockey was added. But you'd have to have paid attention in history class in grade school to know that. Or have done quizzes published in newspapers near Canada Day. But what makes a sport an official national sport? Why, the Department of Canadian Heritage has a National Sports of Canada Act. In 1994, the Act declared hockey the winter national sport and lacrosse the summer national sport. So they are official.

And if you live in Ontario, you better be cheering for the Leafs, unless you live near Ottawa, then you may stray.

Americans expect yes or no answers. If an American asked you to do something and you say, "I'll try", the American hears a "yes". Canadians hear good intention or a polite way of saying no. The actual delivery is still negotiable. Canadians, like the British, think it's rude to decline a request or invitation.

So I'll try to write more later. Go Leafs Go.