Thank you Ms. Mallick for articulating so well what I and many Canadians feel. I fully expect that Mr. Trudeau will be a great PM.
4
Wonderful essay Ms. Mallick.
I beg to differ on one point. America is not different from Canada in 'divisions between regions and parties being reasonably matched'. We have a Republican-led Congress dominated by southern and rural conservatives that is not truly representative of this country. It too relies on a small "right-wing base" and pressing buttons like "lowering taxes, deploring immigrants, sidelining women and hyping militarism". Unfortunately, unlike Canada, simply electing a new leader will not solve our problem.
Anyway, best of luck to you and your country in the new Trudeau era.
I beg to differ on one point. America is not different from Canada in 'divisions between regions and parties being reasonably matched'. We have a Republican-led Congress dominated by southern and rural conservatives that is not truly representative of this country. It too relies on a small "right-wing base" and pressing buttons like "lowering taxes, deploring immigrants, sidelining women and hyping militarism". Unfortunately, unlike Canada, simply electing a new leader will not solve our problem.
Anyway, best of luck to you and your country in the new Trudeau era.
3
Sidling up to to the world's most famous crackhead--the national embarrassment--Rob Ford--revealed how principled Harper was.
His agenda was no less than bringing democratic government and public service and infrastructureto its knees--any way possible; replacing it with corporatism--and camouflaging this as freedom and sound economic policy, while preying on irrational fear.
But freedom for the 1% and big business--Alberta oil and gas, and otherwise--meant constraint--unfreedom--for everyone else who must kowtow to them--Harper included.
Capitalism today is high finance--plutocracy--hardly small business entrepreneurship. Harper's "Free-enterprise"--meant crippled government--hiding the fact that the "trickle down" economic mythology is simply a failure to read Adam Smith: the "invisible hand" boosted the local economy only because foreign investment was too risky.
But listen to the wealthy whine already--as though their natural rights are at risk--instead of rights due to property, tax and labor law--a zero-sum game--so paid for by the diminished rights of others.
His agenda was no less than bringing democratic government and public service and infrastructureto its knees--any way possible; replacing it with corporatism--and camouflaging this as freedom and sound economic policy, while preying on irrational fear.
But freedom for the 1% and big business--Alberta oil and gas, and otherwise--meant constraint--unfreedom--for everyone else who must kowtow to them--Harper included.
Capitalism today is high finance--plutocracy--hardly small business entrepreneurship. Harper's "Free-enterprise"--meant crippled government--hiding the fact that the "trickle down" economic mythology is simply a failure to read Adam Smith: the "invisible hand" boosted the local economy only because foreign investment was too risky.
But listen to the wealthy whine already--as though their natural rights are at risk--instead of rights due to property, tax and labor law--a zero-sum game--so paid for by the diminished rights of others.
3
Ms. Mallick: "We pay healthy taxes to support a national single-payer health care system, the jewel of our country." Yup Sure is. My deceased doctor brother in the United States gave health care to hundreds of Canadians (he lived near the border) who couldn't get the care in Canada, or couldn't wait months and months to be even seen for their condition. You can definitely keep your "jewel", it doesn't work as well as you imagine. The rich and desperate flee. (Our's needs help, too, but government run systems are rarely every the answer.)
"Mr. Trudeau is different. He is a better match for Canadians' vision of themselves: peaceable, educated, emotionally stable, multicultural."
Yes, indeed. I have news, Ms. Mallick, you are able to be that, if you are, because the United States and Great Britain and the EU stand against all the world that is NOT peaceable, educated, emotionally stable or multicultural. Try being a Tutsi in Hutu land. A Christian in almost any Muslim dominated country you want to name. Or a Muslim in Hindu dominated places. (Or, a Republican in Seattle. The current local joke). No, Canada is a great place to visit, have done so many times, but I definitely would not want to live there. It is peopled by all the Royalists who fled the USA during our Revolution against the King of England. I guess the Queen is still on your currency and coins?
We'll be watching to see how Mr. Trudeau does with his mammoth win. Good luck with that.
"Mr. Trudeau is different. He is a better match for Canadians' vision of themselves: peaceable, educated, emotionally stable, multicultural."
Yes, indeed. I have news, Ms. Mallick, you are able to be that, if you are, because the United States and Great Britain and the EU stand against all the world that is NOT peaceable, educated, emotionally stable or multicultural. Try being a Tutsi in Hutu land. A Christian in almost any Muslim dominated country you want to name. Or a Muslim in Hindu dominated places. (Or, a Republican in Seattle. The current local joke). No, Canada is a great place to visit, have done so many times, but I definitely would not want to live there. It is peopled by all the Royalists who fled the USA during our Revolution against the King of England. I guess the Queen is still on your currency and coins?
We'll be watching to see how Mr. Trudeau does with his mammoth win. Good luck with that.
I can't help but feel your contempt at Canadians for being "populated by royalists".
First point. The average Canadian Is either an immigrant or the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4rth generation of immigrants. The percent of those deceneded from said "fleeing royalists" is incredibly small.
2nd point. There was no USA to flee. There were 15 or so British colonies. Not 13 as you may have been taught. Simply a few didn't wan't war and stayed loyal. They fled to where their stance in war was shared. May I also remind you by declaring independence the US was rejecting the British decree to end slavery. So when you say "Loyalists" with bile in your mouth. I can't help but associate the term with a want for peace and equal rights.
If I was thinking in your mindset. Which thankfully im not.
Then I'd probably not want to live in a country of war mongering, trigger happy, radicals.
Luckily I don't paint with such a broad brush and know most Americans or decent and kind people.
First point. The average Canadian Is either an immigrant or the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4rth generation of immigrants. The percent of those deceneded from said "fleeing royalists" is incredibly small.
2nd point. There was no USA to flee. There were 15 or so British colonies. Not 13 as you may have been taught. Simply a few didn't wan't war and stayed loyal. They fled to where their stance in war was shared. May I also remind you by declaring independence the US was rejecting the British decree to end slavery. So when you say "Loyalists" with bile in your mouth. I can't help but associate the term with a want for peace and equal rights.
If I was thinking in your mindset. Which thankfully im not.
Then I'd probably not want to live in a country of war mongering, trigger happy, radicals.
Luckily I don't paint with such a broad brush and know most Americans or decent and kind people.
5
Since Americans are so good at outsourcing, i would like to outsource our election to the people of Canada.Our wise and thoughtful neighbor to the north has shown us they can do it better, faster and more effectively than we can. Where do send the ballot?
3
Canada has returned to what it was before --- the NICE North Americans.
1
"Mr. Harper always seemed like the unpopular kid standing on the sidelines planning his revenge on a nation."
Whether or not Mr. Harper merits this description, I would be careful of too readily dismissing this kind of person. Your benighted southern neighbors are doing rather too good a job of nurturing the grievances (mostly imagined) of this group, and the contagion may be catching.
Whether or not Mr. Harper merits this description, I would be careful of too readily dismissing this kind of person. Your benighted southern neighbors are doing rather too good a job of nurturing the grievances (mostly imagined) of this group, and the contagion may be catching.
3
We know what it is like, we had a national nightmare here, George W. Bush.
5
Ms. Mallick, this American begs to differ. Canada IS exceptional and is a great model for a democracy with a polyglot population. Harper just learned a good lesson and American Republicans had better learn it. Demographics do not favor a party whose voters are white and rural.
Good luck Mr Trudeau, we'll be watching for the Canada we love and respect to come back. I'm sure it won't take long.
Good luck Mr Trudeau, we'll be watching for the Canada we love and respect to come back. I'm sure it won't take long.
5
Unlike Harper, Trudeau will make decisions in consultation instead of in a vacuum, you know, like caving to ISIS, which he did before picking a cabinet ... He's a politician, no different except in who bought him.
In several ways Stephen Harper was Canada's Richard Nixon, especially during the last couple of years.
Interestingly, over the last 3 days since the end of the election, the sense of relief and of a need to change the tone projected by Canada's Federal Conservative Party has been generally evident across the political spectrum; even within Conservative Party circles.
Interestingly, over the last 3 days since the end of the election, the sense of relief and of a need to change the tone projected by Canada's Federal Conservative Party has been generally evident across the political spectrum; even within Conservative Party circles.
1
Precisely! In tone and content ms. Mallick captures our Canadian attitude! On the west coast we will expect more acknowledgement that 1. We HAVE a coast that needs the Coast Guard stations closed by mean-Nixon-like Harper. And 2. Our coast has value beyond its natural energy and timber resources. British Columbia is a world treasure for rare native wildlife and marine inhabitants. So while we want clean industry we want to see balance and care for the environment. Having spent time in our province we expect Justin to understand these concerns. (And we plan to keep calling him "Justin" for a while longer. He needs to grow into "Mr. Trudeau.")
1
As a Canadian, I am tired of articles in American publications that are written by other Canadians and claim to interpret our national mood after the election. There is no one reaction to the election results in Canada, just as there is no one reaction after an election in the United States. Elections, by their nature, expose political differences among voters, not unanimity.
Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party won about 40 percent of the votes in our election. The other 60 percent of Canadians would have preferred another prime minister, and are presumably feeling varying degrees of disappointment at the moment. Of that 60 percent, about half would have preferred to keep the Conservative Party in power, and the other half were divided between candidates of more left-wing or Quebec nationalist persuasions.
None of this detracts from the Liberals' election victory, but it does mean that no one--certainly not Heather Mallick--has the right to speak for all Canadians.
I hope the Times will stop running articles that include sweeping claims about what Canadians want, believe, or feel. If an American newspaper really wants to help Americans understand Canadian politics, it would be much better advised to acknowledge our diversity and analyze our disagreements, rather than rely on a single self-appointed spokesperson to represent us.
Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party won about 40 percent of the votes in our election. The other 60 percent of Canadians would have preferred another prime minister, and are presumably feeling varying degrees of disappointment at the moment. Of that 60 percent, about half would have preferred to keep the Conservative Party in power, and the other half were divided between candidates of more left-wing or Quebec nationalist persuasions.
None of this detracts from the Liberals' election victory, but it does mean that no one--certainly not Heather Mallick--has the right to speak for all Canadians.
I hope the Times will stop running articles that include sweeping claims about what Canadians want, believe, or feel. If an American newspaper really wants to help Americans understand Canadian politics, it would be much better advised to acknowledge our diversity and analyze our disagreements, rather than rely on a single self-appointed spokesperson to represent us.
5
Um.. Grouch, is it?
You're being way too harsh and almost mean in your comment. Feels un-Canadian like.
You disagree, fine. You'd like to point out that there are many sides to this multifaceted election outcome? Great. If however, you want to effectively stand on a soap box and speak for other Canadians, as you have, then why not be more Canadian like, and share your views while being kind? Grouch?
You're being way too harsh and almost mean in your comment. Feels un-Canadian like.
You disagree, fine. You'd like to point out that there are many sides to this multifaceted election outcome? Great. If however, you want to effectively stand on a soap box and speak for other Canadians, as you have, then why not be more Canadian like, and share your views while being kind? Grouch?
4
I don't think Heather Mallick is claiming to speak for all Canadians. Just a lot of us.
BTW - This is why this is an op-ed. It is the opinion of the writer, and you are entitled to your opinion, as you have done in providing your comments. You are welcome to point out the diversity of our opinions, but I don't see those reflected in your comments above.
BTW - This is why this is an op-ed. It is the opinion of the writer, and you are entitled to your opinion, as you have done in providing your comments. You are welcome to point out the diversity of our opinions, but I don't see those reflected in your comments above.
4
Mallick makes a lot of references to "we," as well as sweeping generalizations about Canadians. This is not particularly thoughtful election analysis, in my view. Nor do I see anything mean or un-Canadian in making this criticism.
Also, since I happen to be one of the approximately 30 percent of Canadians who voted for parties other than the Conservatives or Liberals, it is quite reasonable for me to point out that many people who did not support Harper's continued government do not see Justin Trudeau as a particularly good substitute.
Also, since I happen to be one of the approximately 30 percent of Canadians who voted for parties other than the Conservatives or Liberals, it is quite reasonable for me to point out that many people who did not support Harper's continued government do not see Justin Trudeau as a particularly good substitute.
1
Thank you, Canada. And thank you for reminding readers down here that it's OK to have a single-payer health care system, limits on guns, and an attitude that we're not "exceptional." Now, time to focus on our own forthcoming elections. Stay tuned everyone.
6
Harper actually out-did one of the worst aspects of US politics: he ran a steady stream of attack ads in between election campaigns. It was an ugly propaganda strike against anyone he saw as a threat from the Liberal and NDP parties. A nasty little man we will not miss.
8
The upset in the Canadian political scene is an ominous omen for the GOP in the US. PM Harper's extreme right wing bias was certainly no secret, and his deep-rooted allegiances to the traditional energy industries was clearly behind his antipathy toward environmental concerns. But this is not the only alignment he had with GOP ideologies. His governing record over the last decade also shows he meant business playing hardball with the disadvantaged and impoverished while pandering to the privileged. He was so consistent in this regard that it would have made Paul Ryan proud. All of this was roundly rejected and thrown out in this election in all areas across the nation, including western Canada where his roots were. Regardless the structural differences between voting regimes of the two countries, the vast ground swell of voting behavior of the Canadian electorate against GOP-like ideologies as they were playing out in Canada is noteworthy and could well be as good an indicator as any that the GOP is in trouble.
5
Now, we need to clobber Harper's, Republican clones in USA!
3
Back in the day of Vietnam draft-dodging I missed the opportunity more than once to flee to Canada. And more than once I wish I had.
Fast forward to a recent trip to Thunder Bay with my partner; we were having lunch in an Applebees (or its Canadian equivalent) and a young couple with their little boy passed our table on the way out, all smiles and giggles. Actually, there wasn't an unhappy face to be seen. Jeez, why is everybody so happy I mused, and answered myself by saying that when that couple has to take their kid to the doctor, they can, and they can do all that may follow without being terrified of losing their life savings.
Welcome back, Mr Trudeau.
~TR
Fast forward to a recent trip to Thunder Bay with my partner; we were having lunch in an Applebees (or its Canadian equivalent) and a young couple with their little boy passed our table on the way out, all smiles and giggles. Actually, there wasn't an unhappy face to be seen. Jeez, why is everybody so happy I mused, and answered myself by saying that when that couple has to take their kid to the doctor, they can, and they can do all that may follow without being terrified of losing their life savings.
Welcome back, Mr Trudeau.
~TR
4
A note to our American friends reading this column: Mallick asserts that "(w)e pay healthy taxes to support a national single-payer health care system, the jewel of our country," but this is inaccurate. We do not have a single national health-care system. Under the Canadian constitution, health care is a provincial responsibility, and provincial government guard that turf with some degree of zeal. We have 10 separate provincial health-insurance systems (plus separate health-insurance systems in the three territories). As well, within some of the provinces, the health system is administered by various local and regional health authorities.
The national government is responsible for providing health care to aboriginal First Nations people and to veterans. Beyond that, Ottawa tries to set some national standards, combining moral suasion with financial support that had strings attached—provinces get federal money if they meet the federal standards for accessibility and outcomes. But that support has shrunk from 50% of costs to barely 10%, and the Harper government had removed any requirements from the health funding it provided to provinces.
The national government is responsible for providing health care to aboriginal First Nations people and to veterans. Beyond that, Ottawa tries to set some national standards, combining moral suasion with financial support that had strings attached—provinces get federal money if they meet the federal standards for accessibility and outcomes. But that support has shrunk from 50% of costs to barely 10%, and the Harper government had removed any requirements from the health funding it provided to provinces.
2
"Canadians are different from Americans and we like it that way?" etc.
Canadians and Americans are more alike than not, as comparative political polls have demonstrated over many years.
The biggest difference between our two countries on the political front is simply that American politicians have moved faster to exploit the politics of division and are approximately 20 years ahead of us in this project.
In fact, I think Canada owes America a big thanks for colourfully highlighting, via the Republican Party debates of the past several months, exactly where, "but for the grace of God" we were headed, if we didn't say no to small-minded, divisive political campaigning. (JMO but I honestly think the debates made us sufficiently contemptuous of divisive rhetoric to reject it when Mr. Harper tried it out at the end of his campaign.)
Also, there are many sorrowful Conservatives out there (whose moderation was exemplified by Joe Clark) who may be encouraged enough, with this rebuke to their right wing, to stand up and re-shape their party into the worthy interlocutor that Justin Trudeau needs and Canada deserves.
The news that honesty, respect and positive focus on the issues can be a whopping success may change politics in Canada for a time. Maybe US politicians can add Trudeau notes to their Obama notes for 2016.
Whatever happens the cross-border dialogue shapes both countries and it's all good.
Canadians and Americans are more alike than not, as comparative political polls have demonstrated over many years.
The biggest difference between our two countries on the political front is simply that American politicians have moved faster to exploit the politics of division and are approximately 20 years ahead of us in this project.
In fact, I think Canada owes America a big thanks for colourfully highlighting, via the Republican Party debates of the past several months, exactly where, "but for the grace of God" we were headed, if we didn't say no to small-minded, divisive political campaigning. (JMO but I honestly think the debates made us sufficiently contemptuous of divisive rhetoric to reject it when Mr. Harper tried it out at the end of his campaign.)
Also, there are many sorrowful Conservatives out there (whose moderation was exemplified by Joe Clark) who may be encouraged enough, with this rebuke to their right wing, to stand up and re-shape their party into the worthy interlocutor that Justin Trudeau needs and Canada deserves.
The news that honesty, respect and positive focus on the issues can be a whopping success may change politics in Canada for a time. Maybe US politicians can add Trudeau notes to their Obama notes for 2016.
Whatever happens the cross-border dialogue shapes both countries and it's all good.
7
Spot on. One can only hope that the US will follow Canada's lead and say "no to small-minded, divisive political campaigning." I'm not optimistic.
1
It is easy for Canada to be overjoyed by the young Mr. Trudeau's election. Let us wait and see what happens to a country that has two ruling cities, Montreal, (French) and Toronto (English). Anti Semitism still abounds in Montreal and soon an anti Muslim movement will hit Toronto. the rest of this underpopulated country still has a European mentality to it. Liberal and open. Let's wait and see how open it really is when it decides to have an open door policy on immigration.
1
Oil. Oil. Oil. Oil. Oil.
Oil prices collapsed, the Canadian dollar collapsed, the Canadian economy slumped. Canada avoided the 2008 crisis because oil prices were high, and now they're not. When an economy slumps, those in power are turned out. All the rest, all the dancing and entbusing about how wonderful the Canadians are, especially compared with us benighted Americans, is background noise. When your currency loses 20 percent of its value, you throw the rascals out. We'll see what happens next.
Oil prices collapsed, the Canadian dollar collapsed, the Canadian economy slumped. Canada avoided the 2008 crisis because oil prices were high, and now they're not. When an economy slumps, those in power are turned out. All the rest, all the dancing and entbusing about how wonderful the Canadians are, especially compared with us benighted Americans, is background noise. When your currency loses 20 percent of its value, you throw the rascals out. We'll see what happens next.
3
You can bet PM elected Trudeau will make mistakes. Even so, it is far better than Harper.
PM Harper did something good, I suppose. But his one way bet on natural resources has demonstrated how fragile his vision is in the face of a growing global economy. The good thing is Canada is still a pristine country when compared to the natural resource rich S American countries marred in corruptions.
PM Harper did something good, I suppose. But his one way bet on natural resources has demonstrated how fragile his vision is in the face of a growing global economy. The good thing is Canada is still a pristine country when compared to the natural resource rich S American countries marred in corruptions.
Dear Ms. Mallick - Canadians are also tired of passive-aggressive columnists.
Let's hope that the voting public has higher expectations of our newly elected prime minister than you.
Let's hope that the voting public has higher expectations of our newly elected prime minister than you.
4
Passive-aggressive? I don't think it means what you think it means.
1
It's too bad the Times chose to reprint that awful article. Mallick's hatred of conservatives overshadows everything she writes. Stephen Harper was a good PM who steered us through some rocky times. He made mistakes but so will Trudeau. Trudeau is no centrist and was elected by only 40 percent of the population. The only bandwagon we're on here is the Blue Jays bandwagon.
6
Stephen Harper was definitely not a good Prime Minister. Read what Oakville 1958 has to say. Making mistakes is one thing, but intentionally choosing a very right-wing agenda to make already rich people richer and poor people even poorer is more serious than a mistake.
7
He didn't just make mistakes... he introduced a hitherto unseen level of mean spiritedness to Canadian politics and made a large number of moves deliberately designed to change the nature of the country for the worse. There is a whole litany of things that have been well documented. As an ideological evangelical he hated science and did his best to destroy the nation's ability to gather evidence and silence opinions that weren't convenient to his project. Just an example. Not mistakes, it was all deliberate.
21
In 2011 Stephen Harper was elected by 11% of eligible voters.
The worst Prime Minister we ever had! He divided our country more than anyone else. Wasted our money on irrelevant things - case in point - the Niqab issue, where he had and was willing to spend millions, to stop a small percentage of women (.0001%) from wearing Niqab. There was no reason for him to get involved in the Iraq war - we kept away from it for so many years and were proud of that decision. Terrorism never affected us, since we always played a neutral role and even if we did favour, it was favouring truth and justice. By providing unconditional support to some and unconditional condemnation to others, we were bound to create enemies - and that is what we did. I am hoping Trudeau will undo the damage done by Harper - It won't be easy, but I am positive it can be done.
11
What kind of journalism is this? Staring into the past to embrace a future wrapped in opaqueness is quite foolish. Mr. Trudeau simply has no appropriate credentials.
6
Credentials? You mean like somebody who's adult experience was running a right-wing lobbying organization before entering politics? No thanks.
Trudeau has all the credentials we need. He has emotional intelligence and will run a collegial government as first among equals and he has a richness of talent to choose from. He knows what his limitations are and will take advice and not try to manage the country single-handedly. We don't want another negative, authoritarian, micro-managing ideologue.
Trudeau has all the credentials we need. He has emotional intelligence and will run a collegial government as first among equals and he has a richness of talent to choose from. He knows what his limitations are and will take advice and not try to manage the country single-handedly. We don't want another negative, authoritarian, micro-managing ideologue.
4
Harper government was in bed with Israel Netanyaho and took the harshest stance to Iran. Harper closed Canadian Embassy in Tehran and Iran embassy in Canada and confiscated some of Iran assets. There more than half a million Iranians in Canada who need consulate services in Canada and have to send their documents to Iran consulate services in Washington. Iranian-Canadian parents also in Iran have to fly to Turkey and stay in hotel to apply for a visa or receive any consulate services. This needs to change.
5
What would you like to see changed? The Liberal govt in bed with Iran who chant "Death to America and Israel" so that your parents can apply for a visa more conveniently.
It really was about Harper. In the weeks before the election I heard a background buzz "strategic voting, vote that Harper out".
On my voting day, I was part of the 3.6 million who voted early, I had weighed my non-Harper candidates and came up Liberal. I now have Mr. Trudeau as my Prime Minister. I cannot think of how that happened as I thought the Liberal Party had made a huge mistake when they select him as their leader a few years ago. He was not ready, then.
A brilliant warm campaign in which he hit a peak in the last month and some hindsight I am not disappointed with my decision.
The Harper Conservatives where taking Canada down a dark path and where sounding more like the GOP day by day.
Trudeau is the man to reverse the course Harper had set Canada on!
We now live in hope!
On my voting day, I was part of the 3.6 million who voted early, I had weighed my non-Harper candidates and came up Liberal. I now have Mr. Trudeau as my Prime Minister. I cannot think of how that happened as I thought the Liberal Party had made a huge mistake when they select him as their leader a few years ago. He was not ready, then.
A brilliant warm campaign in which he hit a peak in the last month and some hindsight I am not disappointed with my decision.
The Harper Conservatives where taking Canada down a dark path and where sounding more like the GOP day by day.
Trudeau is the man to reverse the course Harper had set Canada on!
We now live in hope!
6
No. Harper’s problem is that the Canadian economy tanked with the collapse in commodity prices, especially oil. YOU run a campaign after two straight quarters of economic contraction; let me know how you make out.
Interesting to see that the Canadian leftists purvey the same nonsensical “war on women” trash as their more southern counterparts. And low taxes? HORRORS!! (Except the inconvenient truth that Trudeau pledged to retain Canada’s salutary 15% corporate tax rate; even he’s not stupid enough to follow the American left’s demand to increase our highest-in-the-world rates even further.) And Trudeau pledged support for Keystone. Obviously, he's not as loopy as American leftists.
And if you don’t think Canada – with its (relatively) free institutions – is “exceptional”, you’re a fool. Other nations ARE “below par”. Because that’s a self-evidently silly statement, I gather it was made in jest and that a literal American simply missed the well-known Canadian penchant for dry wit.
It took Canada a generation to dig out from under the mess created by Mr. Trudea’s father. In that time, people forgot just how bad things got. Here’s to hoping that the present incarnation will not be as destructive as his sire.
And i sincerely hope that Canada does better with "hope and change" platitudes and an unqualified CEO than did the US.
Interesting to see that the Canadian leftists purvey the same nonsensical “war on women” trash as their more southern counterparts. And low taxes? HORRORS!! (Except the inconvenient truth that Trudeau pledged to retain Canada’s salutary 15% corporate tax rate; even he’s not stupid enough to follow the American left’s demand to increase our highest-in-the-world rates even further.) And Trudeau pledged support for Keystone. Obviously, he's not as loopy as American leftists.
And if you don’t think Canada – with its (relatively) free institutions – is “exceptional”, you’re a fool. Other nations ARE “below par”. Because that’s a self-evidently silly statement, I gather it was made in jest and that a literal American simply missed the well-known Canadian penchant for dry wit.
It took Canada a generation to dig out from under the mess created by Mr. Trudea’s father. In that time, people forgot just how bad things got. Here’s to hoping that the present incarnation will not be as destructive as his sire.
And i sincerely hope that Canada does better with "hope and change" platitudes and an unqualified CEO than did the US.
2
Tellingly Harper once said "even my friends don't like me". I didn't know he had any. If you want a concise analysis of mr. Harper Google Danny Williams former premier of Newfoundland.
3
So, finding out that your newborn baby is not a boy is comparable to finding out your tumor is not cancerous?
Tendentious from the start.
From what I know about Harper and Canadian politics I wouldn't have voted for him, but this article suggests that the same holier-than-thou, end-of-history attitude that has infested a chunk of the American left is unfortunately present in Canada as well.
Makes it hard for me to feel ok about calling myself a liberal.
Tendentious from the start.
From what I know about Harper and Canadian politics I wouldn't have voted for him, but this article suggests that the same holier-than-thou, end-of-history attitude that has infested a chunk of the American left is unfortunately present in Canada as well.
Makes it hard for me to feel ok about calling myself a liberal.
1
Val in Brooklyn, NY NYT please take both comments for clarity.
S'il vous plait, plait.
I forgot to say, it's not just how other nationalities see us, more to the point, it's the impression that we Americans make, that's so lamentable. Especially, perhaps our politicians. (Bernie Sanders might just be the departure from that rule, right now. I refused to make the obvious pun).
Please trust me, not all of us are that ridiculously impossible. And, please wish us the same luck you've had. (Although, Canada's looking better to me every day, on general principles).
Encore, pardon, felicitations et au revoir!
Submitted 10-22-15@10:47 p.m. EST
S'il vous plait, plait.
I forgot to say, it's not just how other nationalities see us, more to the point, it's the impression that we Americans make, that's so lamentable. Especially, perhaps our politicians. (Bernie Sanders might just be the departure from that rule, right now. I refused to make the obvious pun).
Please trust me, not all of us are that ridiculously impossible. And, please wish us the same luck you've had. (Although, Canada's looking better to me every day, on general principles).
Encore, pardon, felicitations et au revoir!
Submitted 10-22-15@10:47 p.m. EST
1
Val in Brooklyn, NY
Please clarify "division" between regions & parties? I don't understand. If you mean Mr. Harper's bullying as an analogy of U.S. divisions, you must know that we've the same thing. It's called a corrupt U.S. Supreme Court, astronomical financial corruption of politics, etc. The U.S. was founded in division and death--it's what we do.
I just returned from a collective authors' reading. One spoke of immigrants' feeling privileged to be in the U.S. As a descendant of Black slaves and a daughter of two parents raised during U.S. apartheid, I was puzzled. Just as I find " U.S. exceptionalism" arrogant and absurd.
I feel the scolding, in your rejection of "exceptional" and your accuracy about the rudeness of the concept--one that I don't share. Except, to say that we're exceptionally destructive idiots.
After 6 1/2 years away from my country of birth (+ summers away, etc.), this isn't the first time I've been embarrassed to be American. Please note, I didn't call the U.S. home; this stopped being "home" ages ago. It's ongoing mortification to see this country through the eyes of other nationalities and this piece brings all of that into painfully sharp relief.
I feel Canadians are owed an apology. I'm genuinely sorry.
The other thing I might add is, depending on the results of our elections next year, especially for President, you might find lots of Americans at your door.
Submitted 10-22-15@10:30 p.m. EST
Please clarify "division" between regions & parties? I don't understand. If you mean Mr. Harper's bullying as an analogy of U.S. divisions, you must know that we've the same thing. It's called a corrupt U.S. Supreme Court, astronomical financial corruption of politics, etc. The U.S. was founded in division and death--it's what we do.
I just returned from a collective authors' reading. One spoke of immigrants' feeling privileged to be in the U.S. As a descendant of Black slaves and a daughter of two parents raised during U.S. apartheid, I was puzzled. Just as I find " U.S. exceptionalism" arrogant and absurd.
I feel the scolding, in your rejection of "exceptional" and your accuracy about the rudeness of the concept--one that I don't share. Except, to say that we're exceptionally destructive idiots.
After 6 1/2 years away from my country of birth (+ summers away, etc.), this isn't the first time I've been embarrassed to be American. Please note, I didn't call the U.S. home; this stopped being "home" ages ago. It's ongoing mortification to see this country through the eyes of other nationalities and this piece brings all of that into painfully sharp relief.
I feel Canadians are owed an apology. I'm genuinely sorry.
The other thing I might add is, depending on the results of our elections next year, especially for President, you might find lots of Americans at your door.
Submitted 10-22-15@10:30 p.m. EST
1
To the Author,
I'm glad you're happy with your selection and I won't comment on Canadian politics (as I know almost nothing about them). That said, for someone who's concerned with being rude, you seem to have no problem throwing veiled insults towards your southern neighbor. I recognize your initial qualifier that you do not feel we are quite as intolerant as you believe your mortal enemy Harper to be, but you nevertheless go on to make REPEATED allusions to what you clearly feel is Canada's inherent moral and/or political superiority to the United States. Most notably you take pains to say that Canada does not consider itself "exceptional" as that would imply other countries are subpar. Yet it's clear that you DO consider the U.S. to be subpar by your own standards. Adopting your own peculiar brand of courtesy, I'd invite you to spend an afternoon contemplating whether Canada's enlightened stance of non-intervention in foreign affairs is somewhat enabled by the presence of an admittedly aggressive southern neighbor who would surely wreak unprecedented havoc on any country presenting a serious threat to Canada's well-being. The U.S. is often called upon to refrain from passing judgment upon countries without giving serious consideration to the particular circumstances that might cause a nation to behave in certain ways. So should you. I won't go so far as to tell you and Canada its own business, but please don't presume to assert moral superiority over the U.S.
I'm glad you're happy with your selection and I won't comment on Canadian politics (as I know almost nothing about them). That said, for someone who's concerned with being rude, you seem to have no problem throwing veiled insults towards your southern neighbor. I recognize your initial qualifier that you do not feel we are quite as intolerant as you believe your mortal enemy Harper to be, but you nevertheless go on to make REPEATED allusions to what you clearly feel is Canada's inherent moral and/or political superiority to the United States. Most notably you take pains to say that Canada does not consider itself "exceptional" as that would imply other countries are subpar. Yet it's clear that you DO consider the U.S. to be subpar by your own standards. Adopting your own peculiar brand of courtesy, I'd invite you to spend an afternoon contemplating whether Canada's enlightened stance of non-intervention in foreign affairs is somewhat enabled by the presence of an admittedly aggressive southern neighbor who would surely wreak unprecedented havoc on any country presenting a serious threat to Canada's well-being. The U.S. is often called upon to refrain from passing judgment upon countries without giving serious consideration to the particular circumstances that might cause a nation to behave in certain ways. So should you. I won't go so far as to tell you and Canada its own business, but please don't presume to assert moral superiority over the U.S.
3
Yes indeed, it makes perfect sense that copying the things that the USA does wrong would inflict great harm and make Canadians fed up with their federal government. Things like the reckless, manic importing of millions of immigrants for the sake of merely increasing the population of workers and consumers ... to provide your 1% more bodies to exploit for more profit and power regardless of the consequences to the 99% of Canadians. And then Canadians have surely also been victim to having what few jobs still pay a decent wage shipped to China or Mexico via secret "free trade agreements" treasons of your corporate and governments elites against the democratic majority.
This opinion piece conveniently forgets the fact that Stephen Harper had to be voted into power in the first place. He did not seize power, the electorate voted him in based on qualities which they saw in him- and liked. He was not imposed on Canadians as this article seems to imply, and his Conservative party did espouse beliefs, at one point or another, that the electorate agreed with. This article smacks of revisionist history and the benefits incurred as a result of hindsight. While Stephen Harper did do things which people did not like, many of these things can be see as natural consequences of almost ten years in power, and, in many cases, no different from what previous Liberal governments have done. To treat Stephen Harper as a villain is convenient for many people, but can be seen as an insult to the millions of people who legitimately voted for him.
5
Harper never acheived a majority of voters -the fault perhaps of a multi-party system. So yes,he was voted in three times - but never by most Canadians.
1
Jon, only 30-40% voted for him in the first place.
2
Well, but he won with a relatively small proportion of the vote, -- in Canada, as in the US, unfortunately, the right seems much better than the left at working their way into power, and, even more unfortunately, they don't seem to have great ideas what to do with power once they get it.
2
Harper got elected three times. Despite muzzling scientists, being held in contempt of parliament for not disclosing financial information on proposed legislation, disrespecting Supreme Court Justices, pulling out of UN agreements, lecturing world leaders, interfering in labour relations, cutting the long-form census, dismissing veterans' issues, targeting Muslims, not attending first ministers' conferences, ignoring the electorate, the list goes on...
And he got elected three times. Perhaps a need to be liked by the bully rather than risk being called a loser while standing on the other side opposing the bully was what drove this voting behaviour.
And he got elected three times. Perhaps a need to be liked by the bully rather than risk being called a loser while standing on the other side opposing the bully was what drove this voting behaviour.
3
No, Harper was elected because the left-middle voters, a good 60 per cent of Canadians, were split between two political parties. Harper won two minority governments and then his 2011 majority with less than 40 per cent of the votes.
1
To put it in perspective, the author of this column is well known for her partisan political hit-pieces, in particular for her often off-the-charts anti-Harper vitriol. She is one of a significant army of similarly inclined journalists who, while relentless in their demonizing of Stephen Harper, have consistently promoted Justin Trudeau and suppressed his many weaknesses and gaffes. In this regard, Trudeau's relationship to the press is not unlike President Obama's.
But, unlike Mr. Obama, Justin Trudeau has the thinnest of resumes. A trust fund gadfly for much of his life, he has an unremarkable education, a brief stint as a part time drama teacher and as a back-bench member of parliament but has virtually no executive experience. His primary political asset is his Trudeau family name which, together with his boyish-good looks and pleasant demeanor, is the only explanation for his "winning" a coronation as leader of the Liberal Party. He is without doubt the worst qualified man in Canadian history to win the job of CEO of the Government of Canada.
But, unlike Mr. Obama, Justin Trudeau has the thinnest of resumes. A trust fund gadfly for much of his life, he has an unremarkable education, a brief stint as a part time drama teacher and as a back-bench member of parliament but has virtually no executive experience. His primary political asset is his Trudeau family name which, together with his boyish-good looks and pleasant demeanor, is the only explanation for his "winning" a coronation as leader of the Liberal Party. He is without doubt the worst qualified man in Canadian history to win the job of CEO of the Government of Canada.
3
Well, if it really is true that in Trudeau fils you have an underqualified PM, you only have your own support for Harper and his egregious demeanor and policies to blame.
1
Correction: Harper did not cancel the mandatory census. The short form census remains mandatory for all Canadians. The conservative government made the long form census, also known as the national household survey, optional. By suggesting Statistics Canada no longer has accurate information on the size of the Canadian population, you mislead.
3
Untrue--there was a lot of information in the long form that is important for planning in many areas including education, health care, infrastructure and other basic needs.
1
I only hope that the U.S. will continue to be as fortunate with its leader as Canada is now, upon Trudeau's election.
1
Do not listen to anything written by anyone at the Toronto Star. It is a socialist newspaper consistently opposed to Harper. The Toronto Star does not speak for Canadians. It certainly does not speak for me. The "relief" you speak of is relief that you personally feel not having to conjure up daily bogeyman fictions about Stephen Harper. Now that the Toronto Star has its lapdog in power it can go back to its crusade for more immigration of religious fanatics, more money for teachers (some of the highest paid people in Canada), more money for public housing and welfare, more complaining on behalf of a civilization of victims, higher taxes, more protections for overpaid private and public sector unions and union members....... back to Canada of the 1960s.
2
A socialist newspaper? Are you sure you're not American?
2
Clearly you should become an American citizen so you can cast a vote for Trump!
1
I suppose Fox News is your trusted news source.
1
I'm as glad to see Harper gone as anyone else, but this author has been drinking from the well of Canadian platitudes for much too long. There is no gun violence in Canada (take my guns - please)? Harper's past success was based solely on an older, white male rural base? It is essential for Canadians to connect with and help one another? People wanted change and thank god we got it - but if the Toronto star runs this nonsense on their own pages, Canadians will join together to laugh Mallick all the way back to her egalitarian grandeur-free tree house in the woods.
2
I always saw Harper as an extremist -- Jim Inhofe with a softer voice, basically. And I think the election result bears that out; it's rare for the Canadian Liberals to do anything explicitly left-wing and it's rare in any western country for a challenging party to run left on economics and win a blowout, and even rarer to be assisted all the way by strategic voting in a multi-party system. Think the UK in 1997 if Tony Blair had not made all the austerity commitments that he did, or that Tom Mulcair did with the NDP in this election. The fact that Trudeau had the space to do that, and did that so effectively, demonstrates how far off the reservation Harper had gone, and doing it on a huge increase in turnout demonstrates a market for those policies.
5
What you have back is an overly self-satisfied Canada. A Canada that defines itself by what it is not--American--rather than by what it is. Except that your vision of America is too often self-serving and reductionist. So go ahead and withdraw your token, "tag along" bombers from the Middle East, and divert those funds to a new drug plan. Canada spends only 1% of GDP on defense, and has always been a free-rider, with or without Mr. Harper. And we in the United States will get on with the messy business of making the world safe for Canada to sell its natural resources.
4
You mean sell those natural resources to China and the industrial-military complex so they can further pollute the world and kill us all with bombs and guns. I respect the military and their sacrifice. But I don't like people who think the United States' exceptionalism should be copied by the rest of the world. We are exceptional - but we also are human and have grievous faults - like 1% who oppress everyone else, selfishness, materialism, lack of ethics and dignity, paranoia and xenophobia to name a few. Strong defense is one thing. Attempting to make or bully or name call the rest of the world into our own image - demagoguery.
1
It is true that Canadian culture is in many ways based on our not being American. However your claim that Canada has always been a "free-rider" is also a reductionist statement. Furthermore, your allegation that Canada lets the US take care of the "messy business" of making the world safe discounts the vast (and much earlier participation) of the Canadian Forces in the Second World War, and is shocking coming from someone with the screen name NavyVet. We just don't like getting involved in wars that are meant to trump up America's perceived role as global "protector" I.e. Vietnam, Iraq etc.
2
"Mr. Harper always seemed like the unpopular kid standing on the sidelines planning his revenge on a nation. He wasn’t brilliant, he was cunning. He took his revenge."
Alas, the Canadian Nixon.
Alas, the Canadian Nixon.
12
I never thought of it that way before but you are right. The Duffy scandal should have been his Watergate, but fortunately he is gone nonetheless.
1
"Behold, we are already pleased!"
Let the worshipping begin! Can the Nobel Committee hurry up and give him a Peace Prize?
Let the worshipping begin! Can the Nobel Committee hurry up and give him a Peace Prize?
3
The veiled shots at American culture (eg guns) and boasts of single payer health care in this article point to author's belief that Canada is exceptional, that it is better than the US. Fine. That may be true. The author may state otherwise but clearly believes in Canadian exceptionalism.
3
Statements of fact are not veiled shots. If the US suffers by comparison, that is too a fact. Braggadocio is not a national trait here. Read into that what you will.
9
Lots of countries have single payer, and no developed country has a gun culture like ours (you need to look to Somalia etc for that).
How are the "shots" of which you speak a declaration of Canadian exceptionalism?.
How are the "shots" of which you speak a declaration of Canadian exceptionalism?.
9
We are not exceptional. We are like most of the developed world. We take care of our own.
1
Do not overlook the impact of Harper's strident support of criminalizing Canadians who prefer cannabis over alcohol and Trudeau's endorsement of legalization "right away." Harper actually labelled marijuana as far more devastating than tobacco, an obvious lie.
"Reefer madness" has lost its power. Politicians who continue to embrace it will lose theirs.
"Reefer madness" has lost its power. Politicians who continue to embrace it will lose theirs.
6
Canadians elected Harper 3 times because they thought he would be a good fiscal manager after the corruption of the Liberal sponserhip scandal. He was dull and uninspiring but he did run a tight fiscal ship. People got tired of Harper playing on people's fear. He stoked Islamophobia and our foriegn policy looked like it was written by the Likud party. It was time for a change and now we have the Canadian equivalent of George W Bush, the mediocre son of an accomplished man riding on last name recognition.
5
The morning after the election, Justin Trudeau showed up un-announced at a subway station in Montreal. He stood alone at the top of an escalator, shaking hands and just saying hello to people. What a wonderful way to start the journey back to the country we used to be, and hope to be again.
14
Just to add more information, the subway station was in his own riding. He wanted to thank his constituents. He was not surrounded by security and although pictures were taken, his gesture was sincere and not just a photo op.
8
I grew up in a border town, spent summers in Ontario. Then some of my college years in western Canada. They were idyllic times.
It appears that leadership in American may now come down to Hillary vs. The Donald. Can I apply for asylum?
It appears that leadership in American may now come down to Hillary vs. The Donald. Can I apply for asylum?
9
Very well put! While the media will focus on the silly stuff that makes the new PM different (handsome, young, hair, tattoos, etc), Canadians are so relieved that we collectively were able to get beyond the divided vote (sacrificing the NDP unfortunately) and free ourselves of Harper.
The long campaign allowed very skeptical Canadians to see that Justin Trudeau is not a lightweight, pretty boy (I was initially appalled by his candidancy). He has earned the chance to turn the country around back to the values of the majority. Trudeau has a lot of damage to repair.
The long campaign allowed very skeptical Canadians to see that Justin Trudeau is not a lightweight, pretty boy (I was initially appalled by his candidancy). He has earned the chance to turn the country around back to the values of the majority. Trudeau has a lot of damage to repair.
11
As an American citizen living in Toronto, I am overjoyed at Trudeau's election and Harper's downfall. I moved to Canada in 2010 and was surprised at how such a tolerant and moderate nation could have chosen such an intolerant tyrant as their PM. Harper was in many ways worse that GW was in the US - with his war on science, information and openness. For proof of this, just watch Youtube videos by the Liberals and the Conservatives and see which one of them allows you to post comments freely. His foreign policy was more hawkish than the US - note his unbridled support for Iran and Israel. He was completely two faced with respect to immigrants, talking about old stock Canadians on one hand and trying to curry favour with immigrants on socially conservative issues. Finally, he tried to divide Canadians, especially immigrant Canadians along the Muslim/ Non Muslim divide. None of this worked. For this, I have to congratulate my Canadian friends and neighbours. Bravo and I hope to join your ranks soon (oh by the way, Harper also made it much more difficult to become Canadian).
14
We said the same about Obama. Now 6+ years later, I'm sad we didn't ask more of him to correct the criminal and shameful acts of his predecessor. We're not better, but not much than we were pre-Obama. We're mired in sad partisanship. Those that would destroy the government are being elected all through the US. We're still deeply embroiled in the shameful commitments of the Bush years.
Respectful advice to Canada: Make Trudeau be the best PM not just a better one. Strong hopeful idealism is only worthwhile in courageous acts and deeds, not election rhetoric. If you don't, don't be surprised when your next election looks as dismal as our current field does.
Respectful advice to Canada: Make Trudeau be the best PM not just a better one. Strong hopeful idealism is only worthwhile in courageous acts and deeds, not election rhetoric. If you don't, don't be surprised when your next election looks as dismal as our current field does.
2
You should nominate him for the Peace Prize. Sure, his only accomplishment is not being Harper, but it worked for Obama.
6
Mallick is the Maureen Dowd of the North (and I mean that in the worst possible way), but essentially what she says is true. It really does feel the end of a long national nightmare with Harper ousted.
7
I suspect that Ms. Mallick will take that as a compliment.
4
Canadians were tired of the Liberals and their "sponsorship scandal" when in 2006 they gave Harper and his new Conservative party a tentative minority.
There was concern about radical elements of the old Reform Party which had coalesced with the traditional and moderate Progressive Conservative Party. But with his 2006 and 2008 minorities Harper hoodwinked Canadians into thinking he could govern as a slightly more right-wing Progressive Conservative.
It was only with the 2011 election and its Harper Party majority that the former "Reformers" jumped to the fore in their full Republican-style nastiness and Harper became a one-man band.
What became The Harper Party and The Harper Government will have to return to the mainstream of Canadian politics to ever be trusted again.
There was concern about radical elements of the old Reform Party which had coalesced with the traditional and moderate Progressive Conservative Party. But with his 2006 and 2008 minorities Harper hoodwinked Canadians into thinking he could govern as a slightly more right-wing Progressive Conservative.
It was only with the 2011 election and its Harper Party majority that the former "Reformers" jumped to the fore in their full Republican-style nastiness and Harper became a one-man band.
What became The Harper Party and The Harper Government will have to return to the mainstream of Canadian politics to ever be trusted again.
6
"Mr. Trudeau is different. He is a better match for Canadians’ vision of themselves: peaceable, educated, emotionally stable, multicultural."
Can I become Canadian for seeing myself exactly as Canadians view themselves? What is the Americans' vision of themselves? I'm scared to find out.
Can I become Canadian for seeing myself exactly as Canadians view themselves? What is the Americans' vision of themselves? I'm scared to find out.
11
One can only hope that Americans will be wise enough come 2016 to respond to Mr. Trump, Dr. Carson, or whoever the GOP nominee will be, in the same decisive manner that Canadians did to Mr. Harper. The world needs inclusive leaders, not divisive, xenophobic bullies.
5
as a Canadian living in México, unable to vote in Canadian elections, i can share the almost unanimous feelings of other Canadians living outside the country, viewing a country that under Harper became a caricature of US republicanism. what do we feel now? that maybe our country can make it back to seeing the world without frontiers. Mr. Harper, how would you feel if your home were bombed and your neighbor would not take you in? you couldn't even picture it. that's why you are out.
6
A few comments. First, I'm happy for Canada that they're pleased with the election outcome. So am I. Second, I'm bemused by the reference to Canada's "painfully protracted 11-week campaign" - 11 WEEKS is too long? Try living through an 18-month American presidential campaign! We're already sick to death of it here, and there's a whole year to go. Third, it's not insulting to Americans to suggest Harper was trying to Americanize Canada, as he didn't come close; he would've had an awfully, awfully long way to go to drag down Canada's quality of life, by UN ranking, to the U.S. level. Last, I envy you and your country, Ms Mallick, as Canada is a place where I feel I could be much more patriotic and sing "O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."
10
I am not surprised Heather Mallick wrote this column. She has long been a leading exponent of Harper Derangement Syndrome, an attitude which moves beyond opposing a politician's policies and instead proceeds to demonize the politician. Americans will be familiar with this problem as demonstrated by both Bush Derangement Sydrome and Obama Derangement Syndrome. I am, however, surprised that the NY Times chose to publish this column. Surely this paper could do better? There are many Canadian columnists writing from all sides of the political spectrum who can provide greater insight and clarity about this fascinating election result.
11
The fact that Harper slashed funding of basic science and muzzled government scientists (those that survived the closing of major research centers), gave me a good case of "Harper Derangement Syndrome."
Sorry but Harper's secretive, control freak ways is why he was "demonized",
not at all to be compared to the crazy tea party and birthers attacking Obama.
Sorry but Harper's secretive, control freak ways is why he was "demonized",
not at all to be compared to the crazy tea party and birthers attacking Obama.
8
Mallick apparently has also called Sarah Palin "white trash", a "hillbilly", and a "porn actress" in print. She suggested that conservative men are motivated by sexual impotence. In fact, the CBC issued an apology for her "viciously personal" tone on another occasion. Not exactly the kind of writer The NY Times usually features. I'm a bit surprised that they chose to feature the work of someone like this in their pages. Mallick belongs on talk radio, not in what likes to regard itself as "the paper of record".
Leave it to Mallick to use words like hated when most of us feel hope.
1
I am very happy for Canada, which is consistently demonstrating that it IS exceptional in so many ways. It suffered no great financial meltdown in 2008, since reasonable controls were in place. It has created and maintains reasonable policies across the spectrum.
Let Canada stand as a model of reason to which these United States might aspire!
Let Canada stand as a model of reason to which these United States might aspire!
9
Canadians aspire to modesty, Americans aspire to braggadocio. We succeed in our task, abundantly. We are a big, confused, often angry nation at a loss for intellectual or even conceptual leadership while cheap politicians try to confuse us more and turn us against one another. As the op-ed writer indicated, Canada is a much smaller boat and most of the time, French separatism being a notable bump, Canadians understand they must work together.
Canada is in many ways an exceptional nation, one that we should look to as an example. Here, our crowing about "exceptionalism" has really gotten out of hand. Instead of a celebration of the advances in human rights, dignity and the freeing of citizens from the idea of domination by the state laid out in our Constitution, exceptionalism has been turned into a loyalty test to a set of undefined beliefs, but largely centered on the idea that America was intended, by god and circumstance, to rule the world for the benefit of all. This kind of posturing should have been put to rest long ago, but it is yet another effort to divide us, the better to rule over us from a base of vacuous jingoism.
Let's hope the new Canadian experiment goes well. To a large degree, America has been ruled for decades by the same sort of rural base that elected Mr. Harper in Canada, so, perhaps, if nothing else, we can learn to form new coalitions based on resolving problems rather than amplifying fears.
Canada is in many ways an exceptional nation, one that we should look to as an example. Here, our crowing about "exceptionalism" has really gotten out of hand. Instead of a celebration of the advances in human rights, dignity and the freeing of citizens from the idea of domination by the state laid out in our Constitution, exceptionalism has been turned into a loyalty test to a set of undefined beliefs, but largely centered on the idea that America was intended, by god and circumstance, to rule the world for the benefit of all. This kind of posturing should have been put to rest long ago, but it is yet another effort to divide us, the better to rule over us from a base of vacuous jingoism.
Let's hope the new Canadian experiment goes well. To a large degree, America has been ruled for decades by the same sort of rural base that elected Mr. Harper in Canada, so, perhaps, if nothing else, we can learn to form new coalitions based on resolving problems rather than amplifying fears.
51
As much as I despise he tea party, GOP bully culture, Fox news, gun nuts, etc...it's hard to admire this piece and those who use the same techniques of superiority and divisiveness when labeling bragadoccio as an American national trait. Surely you despise such unwarranted, wholesale profiling of other people and cultures. Piling on a big, soft target is as vile as when used to incite other hatreds.
Its just our Republicans that make us look arrogant!
I had the great pleasure of doing business in Canada for much of the last 15 years. While i worked primarily with Canadian retailers (Loblaw, Shoppers, Jean Coutu, etc), I also engaged with many Canadian manufacturers, government officials, and service personnel in toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Ottawa. It was a regret that I never had the chance to live there full time. It's a great country. When I'd return back to the States, and turn on radio, particularly during the Obamacare debate, right wing commentators would regale us with stories of the Canadian system and its abject failure. I'd literally laugh out loud as they'd paint this picture of the streets of Canada full of the ill and dying. Quite the contrary, people seemed happy, healthy and dedicated. We can learn a lot from our northern neighbor. I congratulate you all for sending Harper to the ash heap. May Rubio, Paul, Cruz, Huckabee, Bush and the like be so disposed.
25
I knew there was something I liked about our neighbors to the north. I'm not going to comment about Mr. Harper, nor the prime minister elect. What I will comment on is the way that Canadians see themselves. It is a positive image, I do believe the Canadians like themselves and what they created.
Congratulations Canada!
Congratulations Canada!
17
I'm very glad to see that my Dad's homeland didn't repeat its mistake. And it's fortunate for Mr. Trudeau that Mr. Harper didn't leave behind a trail of wars and financial debacles behind him (though in truth Canada has long managed to serve as a shining example for us all in those respects.) It's easier to love one's leader new unreservedly when he isn't immediately thrust into the role of custodian for the previous administration's bitter errors.
37
Under Harper's watch Canada fell to 11th on the world's richest countries list (in terms of GDP), we were always in deficits and he left Canada with a record debt. In addition, Canada never deregulated the banking industry like the US did, so we never experienced the same economic pain most countries did throughout the Great Recession. Harper had no right taking credit for Canada's relative success during this period. Harper should thank the Liberals for not deregulating the banks (which Harper, while in opposition, pushed for by the way!!!)!
With that said, I have no idea how anyone can claim Harper didn't leave any "financial debacles behind him". He was a more economic manager. He left Canada worse than he found it. Terrible!
With that said, I have no idea how anyone can claim Harper didn't leave any "financial debacles behind him". He was a more economic manager. He left Canada worse than he found it. Terrible!
5
Justin Trudeau makes both J. Danforth Quayle and Sarah Louise Heath Palin look and sound like intellectual titans on par with the American Founding Fathers. How much lower the expectations must be for a Canada that does really matter in world affairs except for it's shared English language and cultural socioeconomic political legal heritage and long border with the United States of America.
1
Really? How much homework did you do to reach that conclusion?
8
Guess you have been reading media reports that focus on the silly stuff. Trudeau's performance in the debates as well as the way he conducted his campaign changed a lot of people's minds - and we know his background which is a lot more than a snowboard instructor (part time job while in school). As an US/Canada dual citizen who knows both sets of politicians, I can assure you Trudeau is an intellectual giant compared to any of the current set of Republican candidates.
4
Congratulations on showing Harper the door. However, can I quibble with your "centrist" take on Trudeau?
There's a thing called the Overton Window - the range of policy options that are regarded as falling within the norm as part of a larger spectrum. The window looks out onto those that are considered doable. The problem is, 10 years of Harper have pushed the window so far to the right, what looks like the center now is a long way from where it used to be.
If Trudeau is going to restore Canada back to a mythical "center", he's going to have to push that window back leftward quite a ways to compensate for the steady drift rightward Conservatives are always pushing.
Trudeau has a rare chance to change course away from the cliff - as long as "centrism" addicts allow him to move the Overton Window to a more hopeful view. If the "center" proves to be nothing more than Conservative Lite, it'll be just the difference between running off a cliff and strolling over it.
There's a thing called the Overton Window - the range of policy options that are regarded as falling within the norm as part of a larger spectrum. The window looks out onto those that are considered doable. The problem is, 10 years of Harper have pushed the window so far to the right, what looks like the center now is a long way from where it used to be.
If Trudeau is going to restore Canada back to a mythical "center", he's going to have to push that window back leftward quite a ways to compensate for the steady drift rightward Conservatives are always pushing.
Trudeau has a rare chance to change course away from the cliff - as long as "centrism" addicts allow him to move the Overton Window to a more hopeful view. If the "center" proves to be nothing more than Conservative Lite, it'll be just the difference between running off a cliff and strolling over it.
6
Oh my. Please don't replicate American identity politics in Canada. Harper did not cater to the dreaded "old White males". He catered to the oil industry and to the oil producing provinces. He is a Western Canadian man with a Western culture that can be thought of as similar to the Southern American culture, with country music, rodeos, religion and a more right-wing philosophy.
Before I moved to the US from Canada, I was completely unaware of the racial divisions in the US and how it defines almost everything that happens here. I had never experienced it in Canada. I hope that Canada will not change to become racially polarized like the US.
Before I moved to the US from Canada, I was completely unaware of the racial divisions in the US and how it defines almost everything that happens here. I had never experienced it in Canada. I hope that Canada will not change to become racially polarized like the US.
40
Identity politics and racial polarization is the stock in trade of the political left. Everyone must be divided, labeled and pitted against each other, and mostly of course pitted against the much reviled "angry old white men". This is what Canadians have just voted for, and indeed it's what they'll get. That kind of odious identity politics were dying in the USA until Obama revived it.
1
Wow, seriously? Harper didn't cater to old white males?? If his well-documented and unabashed xenophobia didn't prove that, I'm not sure what will. Exactly who do you think runs the oil companies?
Western Canada is absolutely like the southern states, and why do you think most people consider those states to be bastions of racism and intolerance, run by old white males...?
The only risk Canada had in becoming "racially divided" - as you say the U.S. is - would have been under Harper's government. That's not going to be a problem now. The Liberal campaign was all about inclusivity - which is why they won, as stated in the article. When 'minorities' outnumber whites (or "old stock Canadians" as Harper calls them), and they probably already do, indeed they do in the U.S. - who do you think politicians will need on their side, voting?
It's hard not to have hope for the country under the new government. They ran a smart campaign, and I'm sure good things will follow.
Western Canada is absolutely like the southern states, and why do you think most people consider those states to be bastions of racism and intolerance, run by old white males...?
The only risk Canada had in becoming "racially divided" - as you say the U.S. is - would have been under Harper's government. That's not going to be a problem now. The Liberal campaign was all about inclusivity - which is why they won, as stated in the article. When 'minorities' outnumber whites (or "old stock Canadians" as Harper calls them), and they probably already do, indeed they do in the U.S. - who do you think politicians will need on their side, voting?
It's hard not to have hope for the country under the new government. They ran a smart campaign, and I'm sure good things will follow.
4
Actually, Harper is from Toronto and only moved out west during university years. And it was he who played dog-whistle identity politics... it's not that we wanted it. You can pretty well look at rural ridings in Ontario and the western provinces which are predominately white and older and almost guarantee they would support Harper. I know many people who have older relatives living out in the rural ridings who avoided visiting for Thanksgiving because they didn't want to deal with having to explain that not all muslims are terrorists etc...
Vive Trudeau! Nice to have the real Canada back again.
10
Unlike Ms Mallick I do have high expectations of Mr Trudeau. He wasn't just spouting political rhetoric when he was campaigning. He has been saying these things for quite some time and his party platform is clear. We will be better Canadians with Trudeau's leadership. He is more than just a "pretty boy" as Americans were quick to notice.
7
The New York Times has a crush on our incredible new PM and I love it. Each time I read through my Facebook newsfeed I see another beaming article about him and the win. It's the equivalent of a newspaper emoji with hearts for eyes. #helloPMJT
7
Canadians were rightfully tired of Mr. Harper's meanness and understandably voted him out. To his credit however, his government did a good job on the economy during a most difficult time in particular aided by the late Jim Flaherty who was an excellent finance minister. Most people I know would have preferred Mr. Trudeau to have a minority government given he is very much untested and has come across at times as idealistic and naive. As well there is considerable skepticism in regard to his party's spending promises and economic forecasts along with its history of cronyism. Change was warranted but I don't share Ms. Mallick's depiction of Mr. Harper as all-evil and Mr. Trudeau as sunshine and light.
21
I agree with part of what you say on the Conservative's economic record, however, there is one glaring omission... the recession that our economy is in now, that started in the second quarter of this year, that all of Bay street is talking about but that the former PM and his cronies did their best to hide. The only indicator was the Bank of Canada interest rate drop in the summer-- alas, the majority of Canadians are in the dark about this still, and think that the Conservatives ended on an economic high note.
4
He did not do a good job on the economy. He inherited a healthy surplus. He went on to cut the GST against the advice of just about every economist in Canada. He proceed to run 8 deficits in a row.
5
Harper always championed himself and his government as the "responsible" choice for the economy. Tell me, how was Harper was "responsible" when he and his government allowed Canada to fall to 11th on the world richest countries list (https://en.wikipedia.org/.../List_of_countries_by_GDP...)? And how come his "responsible" government was always in deficits and led us to record debt?
Also, it was wrong for Harper to take credit for Canada's reasonable performance during the Great Recession. Canada did well during that period because the Liberals of the 90's didn't deregulate the banking industry like our friends south of the border did. Harper had opposed this Liberal decision. Harper, as a member of the opposition, pushed to deregulate the banking industry. He was part of the problem and not the solution. Thank God for Canada he didn't win his cause! Harper needs to thank the Liberals!
These facts explicitly disprove any claims of "responsible" fiscal management by Harper and the Conservatives. Harper failed to make Canada economically stronger. He actually made us weaker. That's upsetting. It really is. Especially after how he kept trying to convince us for a decade that he was the right guy. He and the Conservatives took Canadians for fools. Thank God we finally voted them out. Our economy now has a new chance for real progress, to move forward and grow in riches once again.
Also, it was wrong for Harper to take credit for Canada's reasonable performance during the Great Recession. Canada did well during that period because the Liberals of the 90's didn't deregulate the banking industry like our friends south of the border did. Harper had opposed this Liberal decision. Harper, as a member of the opposition, pushed to deregulate the banking industry. He was part of the problem and not the solution. Thank God for Canada he didn't win his cause! Harper needs to thank the Liberals!
These facts explicitly disprove any claims of "responsible" fiscal management by Harper and the Conservatives. Harper failed to make Canada economically stronger. He actually made us weaker. That's upsetting. It really is. Especially after how he kept trying to convince us for a decade that he was the right guy. He and the Conservatives took Canadians for fools. Thank God we finally voted them out. Our economy now has a new chance for real progress, to move forward and grow in riches once again.
1
Canadians want their own Israel Lobby to have far, far less power than it does now.
Of course *that* is absent from most of the MSM coverage.
It is certainly not absent from comments all over the internet.
Of course *that* is absent from most of the MSM coverage.
It is certainly not absent from comments all over the internet.
3
I was no fan of Harper or his Party, but if he was such a despised figure in Canada how is it that the Conservative Party, under his leadership was voted into power and won elections in 2006 and 2008 and 2011. Harper for a long time had a great deal of support from many immigrants (according to the polls), and many others. This piece is a polemic lacking in any real analysis.
5
If you're looking for analysis of the election results, that is easily discoverable on any number of Canadian media sources, or the Guardian if you prefer. This piece is merely a relieved exhale, and a perfectly reasonable one.
Harper was at least as despised as this column asserts, and probably much more. He won two minority and one majority government largely thanks to the Liberal/NDP/Green vote split on the left.
Harper was at least as despised as this column asserts, and probably much more. He won two minority and one majority government largely thanks to the Liberal/NDP/Green vote split on the left.
12
Honestly, we have already seen this sort of event in the US. You elect someone because they are NOT their opponent and he has an attractive personality and background. This columnist and her friends are projecting their aspirations on Trudeau, and they will be the first the whine that he has ' let them down ' in a year when he has to actually govern. It is a 2 edged sword
when people anoint you as a savior, as his colleague to the South will inform him.
when people anoint you as a savior, as his colleague to the South will inform him.
4
Honestly, you get it wrong all the way. Canada is not a smaller version of the United States and Canadians are quite able to recognize political sickness when they see it. Whatever happens next, we won't be blaming Harper because he's gone, at last. Can you take a hint?
1
Re-read the title of this column. Low expectations...no one is anointing him as a savior.
Very accurate article on political expectations. Coming out of such economic disaster stability , even a slightly shaky one , should be regarded. Have we forgotten the free fall of our house of cards so quickly? While Canada is feeling relieved to return to its kinder self with Trudeau , I hope the elections of its southern neighbor bring about a leadership that fulfills real expectations.
4
I congratulate you and your fellow countrymen, Ms. Mallick. I also fully sympathize and understand the feeling. After all, we here in California have been experiencing the same relief for the last 6 years. After our previous governor was dully gone and the rest of the Republican wingloonies were defanged, a state that was a bankrupt and a basket case is in full upward swing. I call it the California Solution: every single elected State executive officer is a Democrat and both houses have Democratic supermajorities. Pre and post results, what a significant difference!
22
And yet, despite the cultural death of the nation, the Canadian corporate media, almost without exception, advocated for the re-election of Harper's Conservative party. It seems Harper was not a mere anomaly, but represents something dark and blind in the psyche of those who sit atop our economic system, own our media, and fund endless think tanks. With wealth and power comes real responsibility, how did those who so are so enriched by growing inequality let this dead eyed Harperism go on for so long? Are our rich too rich, our powerful too powerful? The basic argument in the last century was we needed a middle class and real democracy to keep things sane, avoid world wars, that an educated and involved middle class would check and balance the mad extremes of those with great wealth and privilege. How have we forgotten? Frankly, unlike Heather Mallick, I expected much more of Obama, especially given the serial frauds of Wall Street. Here's hoping the Canadian people will be able to stay involved, seize this opportunity to refresh the meaning of citizenship and free enterprise and protect their own environment and wealth for future generations.
18
Canadians have a rush only when "it's a girl?"
No doubt Mr. Harper will retire to the second home he will be building outside Calgary, and reappear only for the board meetings of oil companies and companies of other such cronies where he will have a seat and collect large sums of money. He will join the club of leaders, like Bush II, whose reputations are not burnished as time passes. He will not reflect on what he did to us. We can only hope he remains as silent as Bush II has been. He will not be missed.
It will take some time for this country to recover from the damage he has done. The revulsion for Harper was shown in the sweep for Trudeau. Canadians instinctively knew that this was the moment to vote strategically in our multi-party system to rid ourselves of the dark presence of Stephen Harper. Thank goodness it worked.
It will take some time for this country to recover from the damage he has done. The revulsion for Harper was shown in the sweep for Trudeau. Canadians instinctively knew that this was the moment to vote strategically in our multi-party system to rid ourselves of the dark presence of Stephen Harper. Thank goodness it worked.
24
Best of luck to Mr. Trudeau on his exciting new adventure. From my own perspective, he has accomplished two huge things. First and foremost - showing the rancid, anti government conservatives the door. Secondly, he is the first major head of state elected on a pro legal pot platform, which will hopefully encourage American politicians to develop some testicular fortitude on this important human rights issue. And a sincere thank you to the terrific Canadian people for making this all happen!! Oh Canada!!!
15
For the first time in my 20 years of voting in Canada, our polling booth closed, not at the usual 8 pm but at 7 pm. My husband had to produce more than 20 minutes worth of ID because of a technical glitch that would not have been a problem for prior elections. The last gasp of the Harper regime-- voting suppression.
Clearly there are so many arenas where we will have to address our concerns, but at least the mess that was the Harper reign has ended.
Clearly there are so many arenas where we will have to address our concerns, but at least the mess that was the Harper reign has ended.
19
Sounds like Harper's attempted "americanization" of the polling process.
4
After a few hundred years, Canada is still unable to successfully integrate the French-speaking population. The Bloc Québécois are very close to having a majority of people in Quebec who wish to actually break away from Canada. Last time they voted, 49% wanted Quebec to completely leave Canada and there are indications that this is now higher. What makes Canadians think that turning their country into a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic state will lead to peace and prosperity? Most of the time, these types of countries fail or are at least marked by major strife and infighting. Before Canadians go any further down this path, they should read ‘The Perils of Diversity’ (by Byron Roth). If they keep insisting on multi-culturalism then Canada is very likely to be a larger version of the former Yugoslavia in a few years.
3
If you look at the election results, the BQ did not do well. Its leader could not even win his own seat. The Premier of Quebec is a federalist. I am not denying that there is a nationalist sector in the electorate there, but it is not strong now and has not been so in some time.
6
Given that support for the Bloc has been dropping over the years, and that their vote count this time is 80,000 less than in the previous federal election, I'm curious about those "indications" you cite. By the way, the "last time they voted" on independence in Quebec was 20 years ago. I think you'll agree that many things can change during an interval of two decades.
Anyway, multiculturalism is working just fine in Canada, thank you - and the election results are a fairly good indication of that.
Anyway, multiculturalism is working just fine in Canada, thank you - and the election results are a fairly good indication of that.
3
Why do Canadians insist they are not American? I have heard and read this more than once. Isn't Canada part of North America, along with the US and Mexico? Canada is not the US, I get that but it is part of America. Strange.
The United States has usurped the word. American means citizen of the US. When you say American to anyone, that is what they understand. We are definitely not Americans although we are all citizens of North America.
5
Because we are Canadian. Because we don't like being lumped into your great melting pot.
You may describe us as North American but not American which has become standard lingo to describe anyone born in the USA.
You may describe us as North American but not American which has become standard lingo to describe anyone born in the USA.
10
Because Canadians and Mexicans are North Americans. Only Americans call themselves Americans - because only they live in America. Obvious.
1
Harper made me stopped envying Canada for a while. Didn't think this was possible. The sentence that Canadians would think it rude to think of their 'exceptionalism because it would be rude to other nations is like a golden elixir to this US citizen.' American exceptionalism is American English for Deutschland uber alles.'
36
Every time I hear the phrase "American exceptionalism" I shudder remembering the last nation that thought they were exceptional and therefore better than everyone else. I am certainly not comparing the US to Nazi Germany, but wish that phrase would disappear from the American lexicon.
1
Trudeau won partly because he is not Harper but also because his commitment to Canadian values of a compassionate, peaceful, pluralist society are probably genuine. Since his dad was the principle articulator of these values for the better part of 20 years, at the very least Justin is a true believer. He will not be perfect but he speaks our Canadian-ness profoundly - plus he'll be able to form a brilliant cabinet, and will be able to work with some of the best provincial premiers and great mayors that we've seen in a long, long time. The stars are aligned. Welcome back, our good Canada! I could swear the sun is brighter, the sky more beautiful and my fellow citizen more decent than they were on Sunday. Best of all, we now know that wedge politics does.not.work.in.Canada!
121
Lost in the shuffle of day-to-day campaigning was that Trudeau convinced a lot of very impressive people to run for office and he will be able to put together a strong cabinet. It says something about the highly-regarded people who agreed to run that they knew the party was in 3rp place and a long shot for a win.
Having grown up in NYC, and a Canadian since 1977, I am still learning about Canadian ways. When Harper received his majority, I expected him to move to the center, for that has been my experience of governments in the country (a well known expression is that Liberals campaign from the left and govern from the right - hopefully not this time, but there is much skepticism). But he didnt. He doubled down on his right wing agenda. I then expected that my fellow citizens would rise up with mass protests and ultimately try to shut down the government - there were many issues to choose from and a pattern I knew well from growing up in NYC. but that didnt happen. Instead, by and large, Canadians held back from confrontation and rudeness and waited until the election where we could quietly but firmly let Harper and his brand of Conservatives clearly know what we think of them. There is a strong bsck bone here behind that politeness. And the Liberal campaign was successful in no small measure because it offered Canadians a means to effectively express those values.
102
A well-articulated statement of what Canadian values amount to, why I am proud to be Canadian (in the hopefully self-effacing Canadian way), and why I am delighted we have a shiny new Prime Minister who embraces those very values. No, it's not a complete Kumbaya moment but at least it's a start. My only question is why did we have to go through nine years of Harper's grim darkness to get here.
16
So fighting against ISIS is a pointless war, eh? I suppose they're just another bunch of nice guys who are misunderstood owing to right-wing propopaganda. You want women in niqabs? Well, they've got plenty.
1
No. They're not a bunch of misunderstood nice guys. We get that, but we also know that bombing a few pickup trucks or some construction equipment isn't going to defeat them. All that is going to do is help the bottom line of the bomb manufacturers. While I'm not a fan of Putin, he is realistic. Ground forces supported by air power is the only to defeat ISIS. Assad is a bad guy as was Saddam but getting rid of him will turn out just as badly. Just remember it was the invasion of Iraq and the moronic incompetence of Paul Bremer that created this mess. The simple minded, boneheaded ignorance of some of the "Deciders" never fails to amaze me. Within a short radius of Washington are a number of world class colleges, each of which have historians who could have pointed out the fragile religious and tribal nature of Iraq, Libya, and Syria and advised on the perils of upsetting those balances. And yet the West blundered ahead with some simplistic Hollywood " good guy, bad guy" mythology.
3
Canadian special forces are still over there on the ground "training" Kurds and other forces. Maybe Canada is just taking the stance that dropping a few bombs from 35,000 is pointless.
I'm not a Trudeau fan but this was a campaign promise, he got elected and has delivered what he said.
I'm not a Trudeau fan but this was a campaign promise, he got elected and has delivered what he said.
The parallels between Stephen Harper and the current crop of Republican presidential candidates are striking. Immigrant bashing. Anti-tax fetishism. Fossil-fuel first energy policy. "Old stock Canadians" and "real Americans." The list goes on. One can only hope the parallels continue on election night 2016.
38
"Mr. Trudeau is different. He is a better match for Canadians’ vision of themselves: peaceable, educated, emotionally stable, multicultural."
A lot to be said for that "emotionally stable." I'm not sure in the US we have that vision of ourselves, shocking as that may sound. Emotional stability should be the grounding quality of every nation and every leader.
For right now, I'm impressed with Trudeau, a man not at all afraid to say "sunny ways" in 2015. That phrase suggests emotional stability along with historic and cultural stability. He simply seems grounded ----- and I'm feeling jealous.
A lot to be said for that "emotionally stable." I'm not sure in the US we have that vision of ourselves, shocking as that may sound. Emotional stability should be the grounding quality of every nation and every leader.
For right now, I'm impressed with Trudeau, a man not at all afraid to say "sunny ways" in 2015. That phrase suggests emotional stability along with historic and cultural stability. He simply seems grounded ----- and I'm feeling jealous.
21
"sunny ways" is a quote from Sir Wilfred Laurier, a Canadian Prime Minister at the turn of the century who was famed for being able to compromise and a man who exuded positive energy. A Canadian historian said that Trudeau's quote was brilliant. Non-Canadians not aware of this historical figure will interpret this phrase superficially.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ns-prof-trudeau-sunny-ways-1.3...
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ns-prof-trudeau-sunny-ways-1.3...
I have spent summers in Canada for 60 years and one of the most refreshing things (for an American) is that Canada does not feel the need to be the center of the universe. It is a glorious country with a great future in front of it - but they don't have to lord it over everyone else. We could learn a lot from our brother to the north if we weren't so arrogant.
195
"We could learn a lot from our brother to the north if we weren't so arrogant." Agreed but why "brother" and not sister. To me, "sister" seems more accurate and natural: more grounded, progressive, inclusive, familial, protecting (of her children/siblings), benign, benevolent, responsible.... except Harper injected some bad hormones and machismo.
Thankfully, Justin comes just in time. Congratulations, Canadians, for your prudence even if a couple of elections late. Now, please pray for us.
Also, would you now turn your fair country's attention to the small and silly matter of the Commonwealth. Should your people be in the service of Her Majesty, the monarch of England (or UK or GREAT Britain or whatever it likes to call itself these days). You are in the best position to show the Ozzies and the Kiwis and the Scotts and others the way.
Thankfully, Justin comes just in time. Congratulations, Canadians, for your prudence even if a couple of elections late. Now, please pray for us.
Also, would you now turn your fair country's attention to the small and silly matter of the Commonwealth. Should your people be in the service of Her Majesty, the monarch of England (or UK or GREAT Britain or whatever it likes to call itself these days). You are in the best position to show the Ozzies and the Kiwis and the Scotts and others the way.
I hope that you are right in that you do not have the same impossibly high expectations for a former snowboard instructor that we had for a former community organizer....
Mr Trudean, like Mr Obama, have university degrees from distinguished universities. They have accomplished much more than you and your snark: they are prime ministers and presidents.
1
You went from a former cheerleader to a former community organizer. I'd call that a decisive step up.
I admit that I found the writers backhanded jabs at my country annoying even though it's what we've come to expect from Canada and Canadians. Their own brand of hubris, I suppose. But worse, she's right on so many levels. We uncritically annoint ourselves masters of the universe and resent it when others suggest that the emperor has no clothes. It seems so difficult for us as a nation to acknowledge our flaws and learn from others that have done better. Perhaps we need to grow up.
10
I find it fascinating that the Canadians are complaining about the long 11 week campaign. Contrast that to our 96 week campaign duration here in the US. I can only say to my Canadian friends that history shows it is only going to get worse...
3
Actually, there is fundamental reason why the US election campaign season is virtually perpetual compared to Canada. In the US, with the exception of a very few special elections, the date of future elections are known with certainty long ahead of time, and on different cycles (2 years for the House, 6 for the Senate, 4 for the Presidency).
Under the Canadian parliamentary system, a Federal election is called when either (a) the current government loses a confidence vote; (b) the Prime Minister calls an election, usually to avoid losing a confidence vote (which is what happened here, and the reason it was unusually long is that Harper incorrectly calculated that it would work in his favor); or (c) 5 years has passed since the last federal election (which is rare). And in that election, every member Parliament is up for election at the same time. So there is never any certainty of when the election will be, and no other federal election cycles to contend with. Furthermore, Canadian election law limits the amount of campaign spending, which further discourages the perpetual campaign.
So unless there is a wholesale restructuring of the Canadian system of government, Canada will continue to enjoy short election cycles.
Under the Canadian parliamentary system, a Federal election is called when either (a) the current government loses a confidence vote; (b) the Prime Minister calls an election, usually to avoid losing a confidence vote (which is what happened here, and the reason it was unusually long is that Harper incorrectly calculated that it would work in his favor); or (c) 5 years has passed since the last federal election (which is rare). And in that election, every member Parliament is up for election at the same time. So there is never any certainty of when the election will be, and no other federal election cycles to contend with. Furthermore, Canadian election law limits the amount of campaign spending, which further discourages the perpetual campaign.
So unless there is a wholesale restructuring of the Canadian system of government, Canada will continue to enjoy short election cycles.
11 weeks is twice as long as the usual 39 days. ;)
Heather is right. Harper is and was a bully. He referred to Justin Trudeau by his first name throughout the campaign, no doubt to belittle him. Ironically he called him Mr. Trudeau in his concession speech on election night. It was about him. It was about mean spirited divisiveness. It was about not spending hundreds of millions of dollars earmarked for veterans on their care and closing regional offices while they were suffering from PTSD and other problems and suicide numbers were climbing. It was about thinly veiled Islamophobia (no pun intended) and fear-mongering with the niquab issue. It was about spending hundreds of millions on advertising to promote himself as he ordered it to be called the Harper Government, not the Government of Canada. It was about the lies and scandals, including the Duffy affair which reached all the way to him. I could go on and on.
Justin Trudeau has already outdone him by having a press conference. That equalled the single press conference Harper had in the last eight years. He promised to have another soon. He, not Harper, is the PM we deserve. He appeals to the decency and fairness of Canadians and will reclaim our place as an honest broker in the community of nations. Our long national nightmare is over indeed. As Mr. Trudeau said on election night, "We are back."
Justin Trudeau has already outdone him by having a press conference. That equalled the single press conference Harper had in the last eight years. He promised to have another soon. He, not Harper, is the PM we deserve. He appeals to the decency and fairness of Canadians and will reclaim our place as an honest broker in the community of nations. Our long national nightmare is over indeed. As Mr. Trudeau said on election night, "We are back."
60
Thank you Ms. Mallick.
What a relief to read your words, an articulate affirmation of my feelings.
What a relief to read your words, an articulate affirmation of my feelings.
10
Canada IS exceptional. One proof is that you let other people say it. We have much to learn from our northern (in my case, eastern) neighbors, if only more here paid attention.
12
Thank you for the extraordinary, and gracious, compliment.
That's the problem with most "liberals".
They, including the women in their ranks, no longer stand for anything except NOT being the "conservative."
So while conservatives around the world have a clear plan to strip most citizens of their money and their civil rights, liberals simply campaign by saying "I'm not a conservative who is dedicated to stripping you of your money and your civil right."
If asked to say who best fights for women's right, the answer isn't Hillary Clinton (she does the minimum in order to maintain her standing) or Elizabeth Warren. And the answer certainly isn't Carly Fiorina, who is woman-hating misogynist, or ANY other American woman.
The answers are Malala, an 18-year-old Muslim and high school student from Pakistan and Jimmy Carter, a 90-year-old former president and former South Baptist (until he was kicked out for following Jesus' teachings too closely).
They, including the women in their ranks, no longer stand for anything except NOT being the "conservative."
So while conservatives around the world have a clear plan to strip most citizens of their money and their civil rights, liberals simply campaign by saying "I'm not a conservative who is dedicated to stripping you of your money and your civil right."
If asked to say who best fights for women's right, the answer isn't Hillary Clinton (she does the minimum in order to maintain her standing) or Elizabeth Warren. And the answer certainly isn't Carly Fiorina, who is woman-hating misogynist, or ANY other American woman.
The answers are Malala, an 18-year-old Muslim and high school student from Pakistan and Jimmy Carter, a 90-year-old former president and former South Baptist (until he was kicked out for following Jesus' teachings too closely).
6
I don't know anyone who claims that Carly Fiorina is fighting for women's rights. Every feminist I've spoken to, in fact, is appalled by her policies and doesn't intend to vote for her.
Liberals stand for quite a lot. We stand for universal health care and universal education. We stand for equality and social justice, which are big words to encompass big concepts, and we stand for policies to implement that including food stamps and other welfare programs, a higher minimum wage, better training and oversight for police, gun control (but not bans), reproductive choice, separation of church and state, consumer protection in insurance and financial matters, and a number of other policies. Where have you been looking, that you didn't know all of that? Is it because we haven't been successful at getting these policies implemented that you think we don't advocate for them? Yes, we have been fighting a rearguard action for decades, trying to save what we have when conservatives try to tear it down, but that doesn't mean the dreams of better and the policies to create that better have gone away. Would you prefer us to just give up, not fight conservatives and reactionaries, and let them have their way? I didn't think so.
Liberals stand for quite a lot. We stand for universal health care and universal education. We stand for equality and social justice, which are big words to encompass big concepts, and we stand for policies to implement that including food stamps and other welfare programs, a higher minimum wage, better training and oversight for police, gun control (but not bans), reproductive choice, separation of church and state, consumer protection in insurance and financial matters, and a number of other policies. Where have you been looking, that you didn't know all of that? Is it because we haven't been successful at getting these policies implemented that you think we don't advocate for them? Yes, we have been fighting a rearguard action for decades, trying to save what we have when conservatives try to tear it down, but that doesn't mean the dreams of better and the policies to create that better have gone away. Would you prefer us to just give up, not fight conservatives and reactionaries, and let them have their way? I didn't think so.
6
Wonderful column and what a a gift to include the link of Harper in a final desperate hour posing with Rob Ford's family, Ford resplendent in his finest track suit.
18
Love that the Liberals swept Toronto and the suburbs in a huge way. They even got some seats in the 905 area code. Maybe Ford Nation will now sink into oblivion..
Canadian elections came and went, while we have to sit through another 12+ months of election campaigning ...
13
The British North America Act of 1867 establishing Canada called for "peace, order, and good government". Over time this came to mean a stable, inclusive society as an ideal model; that in some arenas such as relations with First Nations practice fell considerably short of the model did not diminish its value or guide to public policy. Stephen Harper's major failing was his departure from the model in the direction of an interest-based approach seeking to build a winning political coalition of corporate and favored groups against the rest. It is hardly a surprise to note his political base has been, and for the Conservative Party continues to be, relatively prosperous western Canada. In contrast the Maritimes, the poorest and most marginal of the provinces, voted solidly Liberal. Canadians are generally aware their society works not because it seeks to offer a few the opportunity for immense wealth but because it seeks after a safety floor, not a safety net. A single-payer health system, constraints on gun access, attention to child wellbeing, and other measures reinforce this. The Harper approach of promoting divisions and marginalization, as in his attacks on inconvenient science or the "old-stock Canadians" comment, struck many Canadians as not only inappropriate but undermining the longterm interests and values of society. High expectations for Trudeau and the Liberals confront the realities of a soft economy and political inexperience, but best of luck to all Canadians.
12
Heather claims she speaks for Canada yet Trudeau amassed 39% of the vote which means 61% of the voters voted for someone else. Clearly Ms. Mallick speaks for a minority who hold power so let's take a look at the facts: Harper leaves Canada in a stronger place then when he left office. True Harper made some stupid moves like seeking the support of Rob - I love Crack - Ford late in the campaign and failing to effectively address the plurality of Canadian voters. Mr. Trudeau has positioned himself as a nice guy and time will tell once he is privy to secure defense reports if nice works.
1
You might not realize that there three, some would say four, federal parties in Canada competing for votes, not two, as in the US. Given that, I'd say 39% is pretty darn respectable. Trudeau's Liberals cut a wide swath across almost all of the country. Let's give credit where credit is due please!
4
You conveniently neglect to point out that while Harper secured about 32% of the vote the balance, 68%, was secured by several parties all on the centre-left. A very strong rebuke of the Harper 'Dark Decade' by any measure and no matter how you try and spin it.
4
Harper's Conservatives never had any more than 40% of the vote either, that's just a fact of life in a system with 3 major parties. The other side of that coin is that 70% of Canadians polled wanted Harper gone, and in fact the Conservatives only did garner slightly more than 30% of the vote. I myself voted NDP, not Liberal, because the federal Liberals have little standing in my riding, but I too am simply relieved that Harper is out. Ms. Mallick's opinion is on good footing in claiming to speak for the majority of Canadians.
5
>How do you tolerate an almost permanent level of high-cortisol stress?<
Not at all well, obviously. Humans make worse decisions when they are angry or afraid. Look south and shudder to see what 30 years of Rush Limbaugh and Fox News have accomplished here.
Not at all well, obviously. Humans make worse decisions when they are angry or afraid. Look south and shudder to see what 30 years of Rush Limbaugh and Fox News have accomplished here.
17
Mr. Camarda, I've been liking what you have to say since I 'discovered' you. Please get yourself an icon so I can find you more easily.
Thanks.
Thanks.
1
At least now, on the off chance that Donald Trump might become President of the US, I'll have a country to migrate to.
17
"He is a better match for Canadians’ vision of themselves: peaceable, educated, emotionally stable, multicultural."
Oh, thank goodness, not a moment too soon!
Multiculturalism has worked wonders here in the USA, and it will for Canada as well! Why, just the other day, an important self-serious media outlet ran a special on one of our more pressing American issues: transgender in the military. It was one of our finer moments as diversity just oozed from the TV screen. It was not a moment too soon either as those nasty pictures of Syrians dying or fleeing the US-led power vacuum in the Mideast are such downers to view when you come home from work all hot and tired!
We Americans are glad that you Canadians will now join us in disassociating from those "nasty bombing wars" you mention in your column. We should leave that instead to Mr. Putin, he is so much more, how do you say, homme? Well, anyway, we can now be as one and distribute those niqabs to all, and Canada will be even more tolerant than France which bans the wearing of the niqab in public. How gauche and declasse of the French, I mean in the real France, not, of course, in Quebec.
On any given day, there are more Canadian license plates parked in the lot of the U. of Mass. Medical Center than American plates, a sure vote on the status of Canadian health care, which I'm sure will improve now that Mr. Harper is not around to promise lower taxes.
Yup, tax and spend is back in vogue.
Oh, thank goodness, not a moment too soon!
Multiculturalism has worked wonders here in the USA, and it will for Canada as well! Why, just the other day, an important self-serious media outlet ran a special on one of our more pressing American issues: transgender in the military. It was one of our finer moments as diversity just oozed from the TV screen. It was not a moment too soon either as those nasty pictures of Syrians dying or fleeing the US-led power vacuum in the Mideast are such downers to view when you come home from work all hot and tired!
We Americans are glad that you Canadians will now join us in disassociating from those "nasty bombing wars" you mention in your column. We should leave that instead to Mr. Putin, he is so much more, how do you say, homme? Well, anyway, we can now be as one and distribute those niqabs to all, and Canada will be even more tolerant than France which bans the wearing of the niqab in public. How gauche and declasse of the French, I mean in the real France, not, of course, in Quebec.
On any given day, there are more Canadian license plates parked in the lot of the U. of Mass. Medical Center than American plates, a sure vote on the status of Canadian health care, which I'm sure will improve now that Mr. Harper is not around to promise lower taxes.
Yup, tax and spend is back in vogue.
5
Gosh jubilee, it sounds like you miss the days of presidents lying to take us to war, massive tax cuts for the rich, and borrowing to pay for it.
Tax and spend is in vogue? Maybe. But we know for certain that tax cit and borrow, the way of conservatives, is an economic disaster, or as Bush 1 proclaimed "voodoo economics".
Your good old days lead to our economic collapse, and you are pining for more.
Tax and spend is in vogue? Maybe. But we know for certain that tax cit and borrow, the way of conservatives, is an economic disaster, or as Bush 1 proclaimed "voodoo economics".
Your good old days lead to our economic collapse, and you are pining for more.
7
actually between 23-24% of Canadians are visible minorities. we ain't as white as many americans seem to think. we also have a larger % of residents born outside the country than the usa--or did five years ago or so when I saw the states--plus we've had three PMs born outside the country. the last served in the 1980s. and, for the record, that's not rare. two of Australia's last three PMs were born outside oz. Canadians are often sent to the usa if there's a long waiting period for something or if the expertise or availability is better. it's a price we're willing to pay so EVERYBODY gets health care. not sure why many americans don't see to get that. finally, our life expectancy is 2-3 years longer than Americans' are.
3
I visit Canada several times a year; it is a wonderful, beautiful and underappreciated country by many Americans.
What's charming about Canada is its civility - its niceness - its understanding that it's a society and not just a bunch of individuals.
The difference between Canada and the United States is best exemplified by Canada's single-payer healthcare system, which in theory and practice is a sensible, modest and very centrist idea.
The idea is that you don't have to be scared to death that you might go bankrupt when you're sick and that healthcare is a basic human need that also promotes societal well-being.
It's a simple human concept roundly rejected by the radical American right-wing savage capitalists who never miss an opportunity to economically strip-mine society for every last blood-sucking cent.
Canada is wildly admired by the American left for its single-payer healthcare and the traditional Canadian common sense that created it, which Stephen Harper did his best to suppress, derail and override.
Good riddance to Canada's Dark Knight Harper and welcome to Justin Trudeau who I'm sure will paddle Canada quickly back to the Canadian center in the spirit of his good father.
"We are in the extreme center, the radical middle. That is our position."
- Pierre Trudeau
America has much to learn from its much more civilized Canadian neighbors.
What's charming about Canada is its civility - its niceness - its understanding that it's a society and not just a bunch of individuals.
The difference between Canada and the United States is best exemplified by Canada's single-payer healthcare system, which in theory and practice is a sensible, modest and very centrist idea.
The idea is that you don't have to be scared to death that you might go bankrupt when you're sick and that healthcare is a basic human need that also promotes societal well-being.
It's a simple human concept roundly rejected by the radical American right-wing savage capitalists who never miss an opportunity to economically strip-mine society for every last blood-sucking cent.
Canada is wildly admired by the American left for its single-payer healthcare and the traditional Canadian common sense that created it, which Stephen Harper did his best to suppress, derail and override.
Good riddance to Canada's Dark Knight Harper and welcome to Justin Trudeau who I'm sure will paddle Canada quickly back to the Canadian center in the spirit of his good father.
"We are in the extreme center, the radical middle. That is our position."
- Pierre Trudeau
America has much to learn from its much more civilized Canadian neighbors.
124
I wish you applied to be a NY Times columnist or complied a book on all your fabulous opinions you've posted over the years. I'm usually 99.9 percent in agreement with everything you so elegantly and persuasively you post in the comment section of the NY Times. Thanks!
3
Try the Canadian healthcare system. As a dual US-Canadian citizen who has participated both in the US and Canadian systems, the blind faith that the US left has in Canada and its systems are plain out wrong. First, most don't know that only Canadian citizens and LEGAL immigrants can send their children to public school unlike the US where free public education is available to all. Second, don't have a chronic medical problem unless you are going to die from it imminently; Canada has the longest waiting lists for medical service in the Western world. It's great for routine care of healthy people and for providing critical care to cancer and other extremely seriously ill people. Others get on line and wait, 2-3 year waits is routine as is a 6 month wait for a colonoscopy.
"We don’t think we’re exceptional; in fact, it’s rather important to us that we’re not, because that would imply that other nations are below par, which would be quite rude."
Herein lies a problem. If you won't admit that some nations can be below par, then how do you justify the assertion that Harper's government was a bad one? How do you justify the view that Trudeau can make things better if there is no "better". At some point, it is important that the debate inject a bit of honesty. If you believe that there can be a "better", then it must also be true that there is a "worse". So, identify which societies are "worse", and figure out why (and remember that good people live in failed societies). Figure out what is necessary for us to be "better". Then lets do that.
Herein lies a problem. If you won't admit that some nations can be below par, then how do you justify the assertion that Harper's government was a bad one? How do you justify the view that Trudeau can make things better if there is no "better". At some point, it is important that the debate inject a bit of honesty. If you believe that there can be a "better", then it must also be true that there is a "worse". So, identify which societies are "worse", and figure out why (and remember that good people live in failed societies). Figure out what is necessary for us to be "better". Then lets do that.
Electing a guy principally because of which other guy he wasn't?
In the U.S. we've been on that seesaw for several administrations in a row now. Hope Canada doesn't get stuck on it too.
In the U.S. we've been on that seesaw for several administrations in a row now. Hope Canada doesn't get stuck on it too.
1
I can only hope that Americans are as tired of the dark, intolerant worldview of conservatives as Canadians now are.
66
"I can only hope that Americans are as tired of the dark, intolerant worldview of conservatives as Canadians now are."
I will stop having "dark" and intolerant views of the political right, when those same conservatives (of all persuasions and hues) stop being intolerant of the rest of us mere mortals.
I will stop having "dark" and intolerant views of the political right, when those same conservatives (of all persuasions and hues) stop being intolerant of the rest of us mere mortals.
2
Could we borrow Trudeau after you're done with him. The level of hate and anger in this country is well above the tolerable level. America needs to breath in and out, sloooooooooooooooooooowly. We don't seem to be doing the right things for the right reasons. I hope when Hillary gets in she starts doing a complete reevaluation of what we are doing in this country.
41
I am a Canadian living outside of the country and completely agree with every sentiment expressed here. As a scientist, I watched with horror as Harper muzzled us from speaking to the media, literally burned entire libraries, and cut funding to research across the nation. It didn't stop there. As a child of immigrants from a working class background, I watched with dismay as Harper cut funding to public education and heatlhcare. The very same public education that allowed me to earn a PHD and become a researcher despite the challenges in my economic and social class background. Harper eroded everything we hold dear to be Canadian values.
Will Trudeau be good? Who knows. It's too early to tell. But as Mallick notes, it can only get better from here. It's a relief to know I can come home again.
Will Trudeau be good? Who knows. It's too early to tell. But as Mallick notes, it can only get better from here. It's a relief to know I can come home again.
199
The damage Harper and cohorts did to Canada, a country I used to view as a decent and a tolerant place, was inexplicable, appalling.
Even though the world is a very different place today than it was when his father, Pierre, was PM let us all hope that Justin Trudeau and his government can provide the leadership to put Canada back together again.
Even though the world is a very different place today than it was when his father, Pierre, was PM let us all hope that Justin Trudeau and his government can provide the leadership to put Canada back together again.
1
LG, I am interested in what Harper did to muzzle you. The official policy regarding scientists speaking to the media did not change under Harper, but many scientists feel they were not allowed to speak openly. I have not heard specific examples of how this was done, so I would like to hear yours.
Please do come home. We need experience and mentoring!
1
This is exactly how I feel. Immensely relieved to have the country back. I never thought all that much about politics. I didn't think it that much to do with real life and effect on society until I saw ours being systematically dismantled by Stephen Harper.
People in Western Canada are used to the election being over by the time polls close in Ontario, the Conservatives permanently relegated to official opposition status, but we always trusted that our intrinsically Canadian values would stand firm no matter who was in power.
Then the Liberals became arrogant, entitled, and corrupt. We used Stephen Harper to drum the bums out of town and that pact with the devil has cost us dearly. I think the thing that frightened me most was the muzzling of scientists and voices of dissent which included our public broadcaster, the CBC, artists, environmentalists, book lovers, I won't go on. It's over. We have our country back. High relief indeed.
People in Western Canada are used to the election being over by the time polls close in Ontario, the Conservatives permanently relegated to official opposition status, but we always trusted that our intrinsically Canadian values would stand firm no matter who was in power.
Then the Liberals became arrogant, entitled, and corrupt. We used Stephen Harper to drum the bums out of town and that pact with the devil has cost us dearly. I think the thing that frightened me most was the muzzling of scientists and voices of dissent which included our public broadcaster, the CBC, artists, environmentalists, book lovers, I won't go on. It's over. We have our country back. High relief indeed.
164
It hasn't cost us dearly. Almost everything Harper 'messed up' is correctable. Whether that will happen or not is a different matter.
Note that the GOP is trying to stop census taking here also.
Canada, the world was ecstatic that Obama wasn't GWBush, he even got a Nobel just for not being GWB.
We're in dire straits now--election hunger games---but you all are an inspiration once again after the horrid, and weird for Canada, wild ride Harper had you on.
Bienvenue M.Trudeau et bon chance. We wish all Canadians the best of turnarounds in keeping with your stable, peaceable [prior] reputation.
Canada, the world was ecstatic that Obama wasn't GWBush, he even got a Nobel just for not being GWB.
We're in dire straits now--election hunger games---but you all are an inspiration once again after the horrid, and weird for Canada, wild ride Harper had you on.
Bienvenue M.Trudeau et bon chance. We wish all Canadians the best of turnarounds in keeping with your stable, peaceable [prior] reputation.
17
This article makes me want to pack my bags and move to Canada!
38
Join the queue (I am British, I understand these things).
3
You all will have to come before the GOP builds a wall at the border. Ironically it may keep Americans in rather than Canadians out as it is intended.
4
Good luck. Bon chance. I fear that Justin is not the centrist that the left has marketed.
1
• For Mr. Harper began turning Canada into a place we didn’t recognize. It wasn’t Trudeaumania, it was Harper-phobia, as one writer said the morning after.
How do you tolerate an almost permanent level of high-cortisol stress?)
YOU CAN'T, which is why I left the United States 5 years ago – preferring normalcy to exceptionalism, reality to self-delusion and paranoia, quiet to hype, friendship and kindness to hubris and bombast. To me Exceptional is in the popular attitudes not in political toxicity. Canadians don't need "high expectations". They want normalcy, peace of mind and efficient government dedicated to their country, not wasting blood and treasure harumphing around the planet like the proverbial bull-in-the-China-shop.
Stephen Harper was a thorn in our side, a malignancy contracted from our southern neighbour, a US wannabe, an aberration, truly "exceptional" in the worst of ways.
Stephen Harper was "divide and conquer" – how he managed to keep his minority tribe in power for 10 years. Canada came together in truly non-partisan manner to bleed him out.
I am not yet fully Canadian. Soon! I'm a "landed Immigrant" whose "expectations" of his country of choice have been exceptionally met.
I am pleased. I am happy. I am proud. I AM HOME.
Thank you, Ms Mallick, for your excellent, clear-eyed exposition. Then, you're Canadian too.
• I suspect that Canadians simply ask that Mr. Trudeau, a centrist, not be like his predecessor. Behold, we are already pleased!
Indeed!
How do you tolerate an almost permanent level of high-cortisol stress?)
YOU CAN'T, which is why I left the United States 5 years ago – preferring normalcy to exceptionalism, reality to self-delusion and paranoia, quiet to hype, friendship and kindness to hubris and bombast. To me Exceptional is in the popular attitudes not in political toxicity. Canadians don't need "high expectations". They want normalcy, peace of mind and efficient government dedicated to their country, not wasting blood and treasure harumphing around the planet like the proverbial bull-in-the-China-shop.
Stephen Harper was a thorn in our side, a malignancy contracted from our southern neighbour, a US wannabe, an aberration, truly "exceptional" in the worst of ways.
Stephen Harper was "divide and conquer" – how he managed to keep his minority tribe in power for 10 years. Canada came together in truly non-partisan manner to bleed him out.
I am not yet fully Canadian. Soon! I'm a "landed Immigrant" whose "expectations" of his country of choice have been exceptionally met.
I am pleased. I am happy. I am proud. I AM HOME.
Thank you, Ms Mallick, for your excellent, clear-eyed exposition. Then, you're Canadian too.
• I suspect that Canadians simply ask that Mr. Trudeau, a centrist, not be like his predecessor. Behold, we are already pleased!
Indeed!
54
Like you, I consider myself a refugee from the USA. (Ten years in Arizona did it for me!) In the significant year of 1984, I left with my infant child to take a job in the Health Care sector. Such an amazing difference in Canada is difficult to describe, but here I feel like I can breathe. Plus a much less paranoid existence. Harper was so clearly acting like an American politician, I found my anxiety level increasing. My faith in this country started to lift last May when the NDP was elected in Alberta, Trudeau's victory has confirmed that the Canadians want to restore the true nature and essence of this wonderful Country.
3
Glad you are on the way back to your sensible selves, Canadians. We count on your steadiness to balance our own tendency to be over-the-top!
33
Justin Trudeau's victory (or do I mean Stephen Harper's defeat?) was inspiring. Hillary should hire Trudeau's campaign manager ASAP.
9
Hillary is not Trudeau. I'd like to see Bernie Sanders do it, though. Then we'd have a "Continent".
1
Haper, what a nightmare on almost all issues..good riddance! Now it's time for some House cleaning in the ole US of A.
17
Heather Mallick, though generally a very perceptive and excellent writer, has it way off the mark here.
It was indeed Trudeaumania - a genuine enthusiasm for this man and his attitude and policies - that swung the election so impressively (and historically) in his favour. I, like most of my peers, swung my support to the Liberals this election, away from a party I voted for in every other election of my life. I did it because he's a straight-talker with a positive message and a genuine vision for the country's future.
Those who were saying it was malaise with Stephen Harper or strategic voting that did the trick just haven't been paying attention. Trudeau was, undeniably, the only candidate in the election who spent his time discussing policy and ethics rather than just bashing his opponents. And the numbers don't lie - it's not possible to get that humongous portion of the vote simply out of dislike for the other guy.
Trudeau deserved every vote he got, and his success had very little to do with anti-Harper sentiment. Mallick probably just votes NDP and is in disbelief.
It was indeed Trudeaumania - a genuine enthusiasm for this man and his attitude and policies - that swung the election so impressively (and historically) in his favour. I, like most of my peers, swung my support to the Liberals this election, away from a party I voted for in every other election of my life. I did it because he's a straight-talker with a positive message and a genuine vision for the country's future.
Those who were saying it was malaise with Stephen Harper or strategic voting that did the trick just haven't been paying attention. Trudeau was, undeniably, the only candidate in the election who spent his time discussing policy and ethics rather than just bashing his opponents. And the numbers don't lie - it's not possible to get that humongous portion of the vote simply out of dislike for the other guy.
Trudeau deserved every vote he got, and his success had very little to do with anti-Harper sentiment. Mallick probably just votes NDP and is in disbelief.
18
Thirty-nine percent is "humongous" on what planet?
"And the numbers don't lie - it's not possible to get that humongous portion of the vote simply out of dislike for the other guy."
It certainly helped though.
It certainly helped though.
1
what you said about trudeau is right. what you said about harper is wrong. he was the most toxic, divisive PM in the history of Canada. no matter how much I disagreed or disliked a PM, I thought of him as the PM of Canada. harper was some sort of alien spawn who was only interested in feeding red meat to his mostly ignorant base--that 30% who'd vote for him even if he murdered his family in cold blood in the middle of a family interview televised across the country. ms mallick could've mentioned that harper had less than a majority of seats during his first two go rounds so had to play nice--except when he prorogued parliament to not have to step down and let a liberal or ndp leader take his place. his majority government in 2011 only got 39.6% of the vote--.1% more than trudeau. however, mr trudeau said he would reform the system so it's not first past the post anymore.
5
Oh Canada! Thank You!!
19
"Oh Canada! Thank You!!"
It will take time to address the damage done by the Harper junta, so please give 'the lad' some space and don't expect everything at once.
It will take time to address the damage done by the Harper junta, so please give 'the lad' some space and don't expect everything at once.
3
Oh what a relief! Let's hope all the good sense now flows downwards.
22
First, as one of our better cartoonists has pointed out, Mr. Harper is NOT an animatronic vampire who swallowed an elephant seal. What he was, and no doubt remains, was a thug with a deep-seated drive to dismantle Canada as most of us know and love it.
By starving federal agencies - preventing scientists in the public service from making their findings available to the public, for example - he sought to build walls around knowledge, facts, and the truth in the futile hope they would never escape.
If Mr. Trudeau accomplishes 50% of half his platform, it will go a long way to restoring and building a Canada for the 21st century.
And, as my best friend, a policeman, said at my dinner table on Tuesday, "maybe next year we'll be smoking a joint after dinner."
By starving federal agencies - preventing scientists in the public service from making their findings available to the public, for example - he sought to build walls around knowledge, facts, and the truth in the futile hope they would never escape.
If Mr. Trudeau accomplishes 50% of half his platform, it will go a long way to restoring and building a Canada for the 21st century.
And, as my best friend, a policeman, said at my dinner table on Tuesday, "maybe next year we'll be smoking a joint after dinner."
47
Mr. Harper allowed the mining companies to pay bribes to south american politicians using EE.UU territory , that was a violation of canadian money laundering laws . The company Barrick gold corporation and Newmont paid almost one hundred millions dollars to the Peruvian presidential family Garcia nores in salt lake city , utah.
After multiple letters to Mr. Harper nothing have happened , the most likely is Barrick became a donor for mr. Harper campaign and that is it.
The persons involved in this case of bribe payments simply hired a group of corrupt policemen to eliminate the witnesses of the meetings . The big companies enjoy a different law in EE.UU , they can order assasinations and all the elements of Homeland security are applied agaibst innocent people. That is the new big business created by the Patriotic Law and the imitation that harper created will reap the same fear in Canada , few rich people can silence million of canadians
After multiple letters to Mr. Harper nothing have happened , the most likely is Barrick became a donor for mr. Harper campaign and that is it.
The persons involved in this case of bribe payments simply hired a group of corrupt policemen to eliminate the witnesses of the meetings . The big companies enjoy a different law in EE.UU , they can order assasinations and all the elements of Homeland security are applied agaibst innocent people. That is the new big business created by the Patriotic Law and the imitation that harper created will reap the same fear in Canada , few rich people can silence million of canadians
6
It's good to have you back, Canada. We didn't want to say anything, but we didn't recognize you - you were just not yourself for what seemed like the longest time.
183
You can say it: Harper was indeed Americanizing Canada. And the fact that what the U.S. is now known for is slashing corporate taxes, breeding xenophobia, and acting as if we are more exceptional than others is something that Americans should be ashamed of.
163
Is there nothing about America that New Yorkers are not ashamed of? Eventually you may have to acknowledge that this is more New York's problem than America's problem.
I live in Toronto which voted strongly for Trudeau, and against Harper. Yet, this article smacks of the sort of social bullying behaviour common in grade school and central to our recent election. Once it became socially acceptable to attack Harper, conventional and social media were full of wildly exaggerated, vitriolic claims about him. As one small example, a notable Canadian union Photoshopped pictures in order to substantiate inflammatory claims about environmental damage which had not occurred.
In truth, he was a slightly right of center leader whose views roughly aligned with Canadians on many issues and who largely put aside his personal views on unpopular religious issues. It was time for him to leave, no doubt, but the degree to which it became socially acceptable to make up bad things and "pile on Harper" is very disturbing in a society which believes itself to be "progressive".
In truth, he was a slightly right of center leader whose views roughly aligned with Canadians on many issues and who largely put aside his personal views on unpopular religious issues. It was time for him to leave, no doubt, but the degree to which it became socially acceptable to make up bad things and "pile on Harper" is very disturbing in a society which believes itself to be "progressive".
59
Yes, this piece is typical of the unbalanced, populist opinion that leftist media pundits have been spouting for years after the Conservative government stopped feeding them anything they could spin. American readers should take such heavily biased opinion with a grain of salt, much of it stems from bitterness over the lack of material on offer to media organizations which made life more difficult for journalists covering national politics. Expectations are high for the new "anybody but Harper" prime minister, he's about to find out that it's one thing to run a good campaign in opposition but entirely another to govern in office.
It is ludicrous and a left wing habit, that after 10 years of governing a head of state has been out of touch with his voters for 10 years. Poppycock, the same way that Tony Blair who successfully governed for many years was out of synch only after many years of governance.
I hope but don't expect intellectual clarity from the "Media".
I hope but don't expect intellectual clarity from the "Media".
2
Stephen Harper started it. Decades ago. I invite you to Google anything written by Harper while he was President of the National Citizens Coalition and Leader of the Canadian Alliance (anything before he became Prime Minister, really).
Harper did not respect all Canadians. He clearly had favorites, especially in the West. It was Harper that created the current divisive sentiment. He made it West against East. While he is a lot more eloquent than an Internet troll, he clearly established himself in the 1980's as a Western far right-wing militant with a hatred for the government, socialism, the East, the Liberals and anything Pierre-Elliott Trudeau.
While he was Prime Minister, he only had contempt for people with different views. With a majority government he made many slimy and sneaky changes by bullying our democracy to meet his personal ideological targets (set during his pre Prime-Minister days). So it's only normal to see the people fight back and pile up on him! He deserved it.
Harper did not respect all Canadians. He clearly had favorites, especially in the West. It was Harper that created the current divisive sentiment. He made it West against East. While he is a lot more eloquent than an Internet troll, he clearly established himself in the 1980's as a Western far right-wing militant with a hatred for the government, socialism, the East, the Liberals and anything Pierre-Elliott Trudeau.
While he was Prime Minister, he only had contempt for people with different views. With a majority government he made many slimy and sneaky changes by bullying our democracy to meet his personal ideological targets (set during his pre Prime-Minister days). So it's only normal to see the people fight back and pile up on him! He deserved it.
5
While it is good to see a change in government in Canada, it is not clear that Justin Trudeau was an obvious first choice. He was an alternative, and since Canadians tend to avoid the unknown, the NDP's Mulcair never stood a chance, though he was the only party leader who seems to have thought through his political and social position.
There are several things unfortunate with the results of Monday's election. (1) It tends to support dynastic political leadership, which is unfortunate. (2) Trudeau simply does not appear to have any grasp of international politics, and especially the danger of Islamic jihad. His appearance at controversial Muslim societies and mosques, his failure to recognise the niqab as, in fact, a sign of unreconstructed conservative Islam (with all that that entails for the future of the country), his apparent lack of support for Israel: all these add up to a big question mark about the future of an integrated Canadian society that shares the values of democracy and freedom. I'm certainly not celebrating, and won't until we see which direction this unknown snowboard instructor will take the country.
There are several things unfortunate with the results of Monday's election. (1) It tends to support dynastic political leadership, which is unfortunate. (2) Trudeau simply does not appear to have any grasp of international politics, and especially the danger of Islamic jihad. His appearance at controversial Muslim societies and mosques, his failure to recognise the niqab as, in fact, a sign of unreconstructed conservative Islam (with all that that entails for the future of the country), his apparent lack of support for Israel: all these add up to a big question mark about the future of an integrated Canadian society that shares the values of democracy and freedom. I'm certainly not celebrating, and won't until we see which direction this unknown snowboard instructor will take the country.
4
Oh, Canada! So good to have you back.
6
Excellent assessment. The list of large and small atrocities committed by Stephen Harper against the Canadian people goes on and on. It is amazing that Harper got away with as much as he did, though the fact that he could run a government that was, primarily, driven by a misplaced rage and a hard right-wing ideology imported from the US says a lot about the lack of checks in the Canadian system. Under Harper, many Canadians came to realize how much depended on our political leaders just having the decency not to stretch laws and ethics to the breaking point and being willing to live within established traditions. With Harper, we learned that if the governing party has no decency there is little it will not do. So, respected NGOs that dared to take different positions than the hard-right positions of the government were intimidated and defunded. Scientists were muzzled. Our respected foreign service was sidelined and demoralized as Harper and his "foreign ministers" made policy based on their personal prejudices. So much of what the Harper government did was far outside the Canadian experience, where we had become used to governments that were moderate, relatively decent, and at least committed to governing using facts and genuine knowledge. Trudeau is a return to the past in these respects and a welcome return it is.
18
I trust that Justin has watched the Canadian documentary "The Price We Pay" about corporate income tax avoidance by multinational corporations. I hope that Justin will address income inequality made worse by the massive profit shifting by big business and the downshifting of taxes to the 99%.
14
Canada is making a big mistake. If that country's politicians spent even 10% of what US politicians are spending on campaigns, Canada's economy would boom -- just like their North American neighbor.
3
Don't you EVER get sick and tired of being in a constant state of campaigning? Canada did not have to endure the deep recession nor did we have to spend the many hundreds fo billions of dollars on bailing out the banks, because we have a banking system that is the envy of the world - ROCK SOLID. We also don't have shooting massacres on a weekly basis, a constant state of being in one war or another, people going bankrupt because they can't afford proper medical care, gridlock in our governmental system where nothing gets done, just to name a few comparisons. Yes, the US is the most powerful country in the world - I'll give you that without any argument, but I have to tell you, being the greatest and most highly praised country in the world, as Canada is, is not a bad thing.
3
I agree, Canadian politicians should spend at least 50% of their time and effort raising bribes like we do here in the USA.
2
Wow. They did this without Citizens United in the mix. I'm impressed, hopeful for us.
47
Sorry, Margo, the US is too way past unhinged to come together. a seething "melting pot" does not a quilt craft.
"Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man." ~ FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
"Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man." ~ FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
2
From the impression I got of witnessing wealthy Canadians travelling, they remind me of the egotistical fat cat Americans from the 1980s-1990s who believed they were important simply because they had overstuffed wallets & wore excessive bling around their necks & fingers. When these Canadian snow bird elitists travel to the US to purchase a cheap devalued summer home in a depressed real estate bursted bubble community like Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Orlando, Riverside, Las Vegas, etc. to scoop up good deals either as an investment or a cute little get away cottage for their children, they don't give a hoot about the residents that live there year round. The Canadians who made a fortune off of Alberta Tar Sands dirty fossil fuels, didn't concern themselves about what would happen to the environment in the US down the pipeline, as long as their pristine country remained virgin property. Canadians treat Americans with the same condescension & disdain, as ugly Americans used to treat Mexicans when vacationing in hot spots like Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco. They look at us as ignorant hard workers who are willing to oblige them with anything their heart desires as long as they wave their Canadian dollars in our faces. So now they are slapping themselves on the backs about how liberal they are to vote in President Trudeau who supports Alberta Tar Sands & the Keystone XL Pipeline as well as Canada's never ending thirst for fossil fuels to support their consumption.
2
Is that a big 2 x 4 I see on your shoulder?
7
A little difficult to tell whom you're hating here - Canadian tourists, all Canadians, or everyone.
7
Unfortunately, what you're describing seems to be the universal of seasonal tourists, and has nothing to do with nationality. If you come visit Nova Scotia, Canada, you'll find the same angry monologues about 'fat cat' Americans taking advantage of our $0.75 dollar and depressed local economy, buying up the cheap home, and contributing little to the community.
5
I never realized how much I missed the Canada we use to be until the morning of October 20, 2015. Good riddance Stephen. Bienvenue Justin!
99
Most excellent...take note Republicans, the future is now.
83
It's not just the Republicans who should be taking note.
2
"How do you tolerate an almost permanent level of high-cortisol stress?"
Pushed by about $2 billion for the overall never-ending campaign.
We structure it to have that stress, to exploit that stress, to make vast amounts of money the prerequisite to any involvement. Hence, it drives in money, and makes it overly influential in a secret primary effect.
We built this. It is the design. See? It is a bad design. It does not have to be this way for us. Canada doesn't.
Pushed by about $2 billion for the overall never-ending campaign.
We structure it to have that stress, to exploit that stress, to make vast amounts of money the prerequisite to any involvement. Hence, it drives in money, and makes it overly influential in a secret primary effect.
We built this. It is the design. See? It is a bad design. It does not have to be this way for us. Canada doesn't.
110
Mallick is right about the Americans living with a continuous burden of "high-cortisol stress." Every time I visit British Columbia, I feel better. It's like the US without the madness.
7
I could only laugh at Canadian anxieties over their overextended, 11 week campaign season.
3
@ proffexpert
"When people ask me, an American expat, what it’s like living in Canada, I tell them, 'It’s kind of like living in the States..., if the States were on lithium.' "
JOHN VAILLANT
American author longtime resident of Vancouver, BC
"When people ask me, an American expat, what it’s like living in Canada, I tell them, 'It’s kind of like living in the States..., if the States were on lithium.' "
JOHN VAILLANT
American author longtime resident of Vancouver, BC
2
While Stephen Harper's arrogance and exclusionary myopia cost him his office; the low expectations and high relief felt on Justin Trudeau's victory does put on him a great burden of keeping the nation well anchored and bringing a discerninible shift in governing style that sits well with the variegated cultural mosaic of Canada.
42
Why are you thanking Americans for their patience, when they were thrilled that Harper was driving us to be a war mongering nation rather than an international peace keeper. By the way, Brazilians, Mexicans, Colombians, etc. are Americans too, perhaps those are the Americans whom we should thank for their patience.
1