With Donald Trump talking of Canada as the 51st US state, time has probably come for canadians to look at options to reaffirm our national identity. Canada was born in 1867 as a response to the Manifest Destiny which had received a new push as a result of the end of the US civil war. Are we now facing a similar threath? Can we develop a united stand in spite of our divisions? Can we do it in the full respect of our differences? Or is it too late?
I successfully applied for immigration in 1988 at the Canadian embassy in Peru. I had to show proof of good health, education, language skills, and work experience. When I was asked why I wanted to immigrate, I said "because I appreciate Canadian values". The officer replied "in all my years of service, I've never heard anyone mention Canadian values as a reason, most people want to immigrate for economic reasons". I replied, "I have no economic reasons to immigrate".
I found it strange that no effort was made to check if immigrants agreed with our values.
Thorough commentary, both discouraging and hopeful. I didn’t know the purpose behind our multiculturalism policy; I thought it was based on welcoming and enjoying all the different cultures which I felt pride in, very disappointing! “”Canada’s federal multiculturalism policy was adopted in 1971 by Pierre Trudeau’s Liberal government. Multiculturalism was intended as a policy solution to manage rising francophone nationalism, particularly in Québec, and promote increasing cultural diversity across the country as a counterweight to separatism””.
With Donald Trump talking of Canada as the 51st US state, time has probably come for canadians to look at options to reaffirm our national identity. Canada was born in 1867 as a response to the Manifest Destiny which had received a new push as a result of the end of the US civil war. Are we now facing a similar threath? Can we develop a united stand in spite of our divisions? Can we do it in the full respect of our differences? Or is it too late?
Indeed, but that requires leadership at the national level and I don’t see any federal politician currently filling that role!
That is the key problem! A blatant absence of leadership at the federal level with provinces concerned only with their parochial interests.
Indeed. Pathetic leadership!
I agree with you. But more than that, it might be too late. Years and years of lack of decision making, I’m not so sure it can be walked back.
One can only hope it isn’t too late! But we need lesdership, and we need it now!
I successfully applied for immigration in 1988 at the Canadian embassy in Peru. I had to show proof of good health, education, language skills, and work experience. When I was asked why I wanted to immigrate, I said "because I appreciate Canadian values". The officer replied "in all my years of service, I've never heard anyone mention Canadian values as a reason, most people want to immigrate for economic reasons". I replied, "I have no economic reasons to immigrate".
I found it strange that no effort was made to check if immigrants agreed with our values.
Bravo and good for you! A welcome addition to our great Canadian family!
Thorough commentary, both discouraging and hopeful. I didn’t know the purpose behind our multiculturalism policy; I thought it was based on welcoming and enjoying all the different cultures which I felt pride in, very disappointing! “”Canada’s federal multiculturalism policy was adopted in 1971 by Pierre Trudeau’s Liberal government. Multiculturalism was intended as a policy solution to manage rising francophone nationalism, particularly in Québec, and promote increasing cultural diversity across the country as a counterweight to separatism””.
Indeed. This appears to have been Pierre Trudeau’s vision. Look where it got us!