Canada has functioning public institutions, including publicly-funded health care and good schools. It's not a dog-eat-dog society like the US has become, where fear drives everything.
127
We haven't resisted a right wing populist movement by focusing on building a generic culture of acceptance and a shared love of multiculturalism. These are features that arise as a result of our more honest and less toxic political environment. Our leader is charismatic, young and sharp and has an honest interest in helping the country. If our politics turned into a two-party scream-off we wouldn't look any better than the rest of the world.
52
This article is intriguing, both because it describes some aspects of Canada I'm proud of, but glosses over the flaws. Canada, I feel, is certainly more tolerant than the U.S. and U.K. right now, but racism and populist anger ARE realities. The largest act of terrorism within Canada in the last decade concerned a white Canadian. Trump supporter walking into a mosque and gunning people down. That's not something you'd see in an entirely pro-immigrant nation...
30
It's more multifactoral than this article understands. Yes the more obvious factors identified -- Canadian "identity", multiculturalism, immigration-positivity, aversion to extremism -- are important, but the reasons are wider and deeper than these. Canada's development as a polity did not arise out blood and revolution, but rather a continued and concerted effort to solve internal disputes and differences through accommodation and compromise. Layer onto that an equally concerted effort to build a (somewhat) distributive society, in which key social goods and rents are much more equitably distributed than in say the US and the UK, leading to far greater social mobility and lower urban-rural disparities, and widespread belief that the country is a collectivity that ought to always look after the elderly, vulnerable, newcomers and the disabled as much as possible (always a judgement call as to how much that is, but much more than in the US). Hence universal single-payer health care and affordable post-secondary education; infrastructure and cultural investment; and a host of other economic and social programmes that are by their very nature inimical to the successful development of a populist, alienated, angry and resentful underclass. Also, the stability of modern constitutional monarchy, always above the partisan fray. These Canadian things are all widely known, seen, understood and experienced by most all Canadians to work quite well and be worth defending.
57
This article touches on many points of how Canada's geo-political fortune has allowed it to avoid the woes of post-industrial USA , UK and France. Without a doubt Canada (particularly the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver regions) benefits from the influx of Global and particularly Asian capital and capabilities to the West. Canada is underpopulated, educated, socially responsible, and blessed a multitude of natural resources and one of the lowest corruption rankings in the world (Canada is #9 - USA is #18) it has good governance and great growth potential. While many Canadians complain about how internationalization of the economy is increasing the prices of houses and increasing advantages of speaking Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi and Urdu in addition to the two official languages of English and French, the influx of capital is creating jobs albeit with advantages to those embracing the mosaic versus the melting pot. According to the NYTimes Canada passed the USA in 2014 for having the richest middle class in the world - as the USA concentrated its wealth to the top earners - Canada was able to spread its wealth a bit more equitably. Canada with decentralized provincial healthcare, education and relatively open economic borders is embracing managed immigration and is rising while the USA retreats to improve the gains of its privileged and rich (lower taxes) at the cost of the other classes (decrease access to quality education and healthcare).
44
This article is one of the best I've read on this topic because the author understands Canada's real secret weapon: our political system, which since the 1840s has been about holding together very different and often antagonistic cultural communities. Originally this was English and French. Canadian Prime Ministers, for instance, routinely had a "Quebec Lieutenant," a high ranking member of the government whose job was to represent Quebec's interests to the PM. Cabinets in Canada have for years been made up of the representatives of various interest groups.The article does not claim that Canadians live in racial harmony; it claims that our political system is good at mediating differences. Small wonder; we've been at this for awhile.
46
I grew up in Seattle and always knew people from British Columbia. Now I live a one hour drive from the Ontario Province border. I did much of my training in Toronto.
The Canadians are absolutely wonderful people and far kinder to one another compared to how Americans treat each other.
Even their national flag has unique charm: just a single beautiful maple leaf.
The Canadians are absolutely wonderful people and far kinder to one another compared to how Americans treat each other.
Even their national flag has unique charm: just a single beautiful maple leaf.
60
I do not think you give enough credit to the (comparatively) robust social safety net that Canadians enjoy or to the public school system. Canadians can accept demographic changes with relative equanimity because they are not as frightened about their economic prospects as Americans seem to be. The consequences of job loss are not as terrifying if you have universal health care and reasonably good unemployment benefits, etc.
Most Canadian children attend fairly well-funded public schools, where the second generation of newcomers quickly assimilates, and where Canadian children learn about other cultures first hand. For example, my children scoffed when they heard Mr. Trump equated Muslims with terrorists because half of their friends were Muslim and they'd spent many hours playing and socializing in Muslim homes. For these reasons, Canadians are less hostile to newcomers and our diversity has become a point of national pride.
Most Canadian children attend fairly well-funded public schools, where the second generation of newcomers quickly assimilates, and where Canadian children learn about other cultures first hand. For example, my children scoffed when they heard Mr. Trump equated Muslims with terrorists because half of their friends were Muslim and they'd spent many hours playing and socializing in Muslim homes. For these reasons, Canadians are less hostile to newcomers and our diversity has become a point of national pride.
90
It may to time to move to a country which treats people humanely because that isn't America anymore.
28
Oh Canada, eh! We are indeed different than our British/French parents and our big bully brother to the south. And we do have many reasons to celebrate who we are and what we stand for in a world that seemingly wants to turn inward and nationalistic. But, as Canadians, we wouldn't want to blow our horn too loudly for fear we might be criticized. So perhaps just a small Yeah is in order. OK?
20
Canada also has very large number of amazing fiction writers. The Canadian writers are to North America what NYC was as a writers haven and nurturing ground in the 1920s/ 30s.
15
OK!
4
Funny how Canada immigration is bad, when for example, parents want to bring over and adopt disabled kids and the parents must be able to show that they can financially support them. But when they bring everyone over - they are super good.
I might suggest one (obviously unmentioned) reason for "Canada's Secret": the Muslims they choose to admit don't go around killing/blowing up people based on jihad.
I might suggest one (obviously unmentioned) reason for "Canada's Secret": the Muslims they choose to admit don't go around killing/blowing up people based on jihad.
8
I found this article to be untrue. Unfortunately it seems that the "canadian" values of the liberal government either at the federal and provincial government with a Tudeau approach of Canadian identity. Unfortunately get out of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and you will see another Canadian values which are what we can called real Canadian values that our Prime Minister seems to spit on and especially say they are not real canadian values. Values based on Anglo Saxon, French and Scottish roots, based on christian values which are in major cities frown upon by an elite that goes from the media from the CBC to the inteligensia that seems to know more, and know better and this article is just a digest of the false canadian values that it seems to many people seems to believe. Populist, come here and you will see the most populist PM ever, who convinced the middle class thank you to the CBC that he is a populist leader. How many are surfing on this wave? many?
unfortunately, this article is everything false about Canada
so I am sorry for my post eh!
unfortunately, this article is everything false about Canada
so I am sorry for my post eh!
5
Immigration is great for economies. That's why we should encourage poor nations of Africa, the Middle East and Latin America to take in millions of immigrants to improve their economies and achieve Canadian levels of prosperity.
9
Middle East has been receiving immigrants for 1000's of years. The West even forced Palestine to refuge European refugees and made them rule the land!!!
5
As a U.S./Canadian dual citizen living in a conservative western province and wintering in Nevada, I believe that the article is on track.
The residents of a small town in my province recently rallied around a Honduran family that was about to be deported. As a result the family was granted a two-year reprieve during which they can reapply for permanent status. The town did this not out of mushy sentimentalism, but because the family was recognized to be hard-working and deserving.
A few points aside from multi-culturalism that I would emphasize -
Canadian public schools are consistently effective.
Religion is kept out of politics even though that separation is not constitutionally guaranteed.
There are few "hot" social issues. Abortion is a personal choice. A closely regulated assisted dying policy is in place. There is no war on drugs; addiction is more of a medical issue. Guns are rare and used for hunting game. Our prime minister who came to office with an admittedly thin resume has not embarrassed us and seems to be gaining trust on the world stage. He celebrates diversity at every opportunity. Quality health care is there for everyone, and we choose our own providers.
Is everything perfect? Of course not, and I am beginning to see a few ripples of intolerant ugliness on social media. I am confident, however, that for all the reasons I listed above, a strong and respected Canada will go on into the future.
The residents of a small town in my province recently rallied around a Honduran family that was about to be deported. As a result the family was granted a two-year reprieve during which they can reapply for permanent status. The town did this not out of mushy sentimentalism, but because the family was recognized to be hard-working and deserving.
A few points aside from multi-culturalism that I would emphasize -
Canadian public schools are consistently effective.
Religion is kept out of politics even though that separation is not constitutionally guaranteed.
There are few "hot" social issues. Abortion is a personal choice. A closely regulated assisted dying policy is in place. There is no war on drugs; addiction is more of a medical issue. Guns are rare and used for hunting game. Our prime minister who came to office with an admittedly thin resume has not embarrassed us and seems to be gaining trust on the world stage. He celebrates diversity at every opportunity. Quality health care is there for everyone, and we choose our own providers.
Is everything perfect? Of course not, and I am beginning to see a few ripples of intolerant ugliness on social media. I am confident, however, that for all the reasons I listed above, a strong and respected Canada will go on into the future.
53
I'm a dual US-Canadian citizen of Asian origin. What both countries have in common is an incredibly stubborn resistance to changing their inner national narratives, even though each are historically disproven. This article simply feeds into that false narrative that many Canadians subscribe to.
The American narrative is that they freed the slaves in 1865 and mopped up all remaining social ills in the 1960s. The Canadian narrative is that "Canada is different, Canada is progressive." But neither story holds water when examining the historical record. In Canada in particular, ordinary Canadians remain wholly ignorant of their true national history. Canadian support for the pro-slavery Confederacy in the Civil War, mistreatment of former slaves who fled the US for Canada's "promised land," the internment of Japanese-Canadians during World War II, a white-supremacist immigration policy that lasted until the 1960s, and the atrocious treatment of Natives are not adequately taught in history classes.
Similar to Americans, Canadians lack historical context to inform them of their present-day context. Without an appreciation for history, facts like the Islam hysteria that has overtaken the legislatures of Ontario and Quebec (each have passed "anti-sharia law" bans) slip through unnoticed on the national debate stage. "We are not bigots," Canada self-proclaims while patting itself on the back. Meanwhile, we mourn the Quebec City mosque massacre, for a little bit. And then move on.
The American narrative is that they freed the slaves in 1865 and mopped up all remaining social ills in the 1960s. The Canadian narrative is that "Canada is different, Canada is progressive." But neither story holds water when examining the historical record. In Canada in particular, ordinary Canadians remain wholly ignorant of their true national history. Canadian support for the pro-slavery Confederacy in the Civil War, mistreatment of former slaves who fled the US for Canada's "promised land," the internment of Japanese-Canadians during World War II, a white-supremacist immigration policy that lasted until the 1960s, and the atrocious treatment of Natives are not adequately taught in history classes.
Similar to Americans, Canadians lack historical context to inform them of their present-day context. Without an appreciation for history, facts like the Islam hysteria that has overtaken the legislatures of Ontario and Quebec (each have passed "anti-sharia law" bans) slip through unnoticed on the national debate stage. "We are not bigots," Canada self-proclaims while patting itself on the back. Meanwhile, we mourn the Quebec City mosque massacre, for a little bit. And then move on.
20
Having grown up in Canada and having been schooled there, I find this article with a glaring omission:
Growing up I was educated to believe that a common language is the glue that holds together people of diverse backgrounds. There can be multiculturalism as long as there is a common language. Canada learned this lesson and the dire consequences of having been founded as a two language country.
The USA does not seemed to have learned anything from the experiences of its neighbor to the north.
A common language is the glue that allows for diversity.
Growing up I was educated to believe that a common language is the glue that holds together people of diverse backgrounds. There can be multiculturalism as long as there is a common language. Canada learned this lesson and the dire consequences of having been founded as a two language country.
The USA does not seemed to have learned anything from the experiences of its neighbor to the north.
A common language is the glue that allows for diversity.
8
Stephen Harper tried the tribalism, xenophobic, us-versus-them campaining in the last election cycle when he campaigned on no burkhas and establishing a "hot line" or "snitch line" for reporting applications of sharia law. It got him turfed out. But interestingly, he was doing many populist (racist, anti-intellectual, etc.) political things 10 years prior to Trump even declaring his candidacy for POTUS. So Canada has already had a bout with populist politics but we seem to have survived. You can read all about Harper's (partially) succesful attempt at the Council of Canadian's website in an excellent publication from Maude Barlow.
15
If for some reason the eyes of the world according to the NYT see Canada as evolving toward something different. Then count me in ! I applaud the NYT for this reportage. I would like to ask of the NYT staff that they take a look for a future article which could do a comparison to the constitutions of the US and Canada. To see if there might be some possible subterranean legal meeting of the inclusive street versus the melting pot.
7
Canada is a wonderful country and neighbor and I wish Americans knew more about it, traveled there more. A lot of it, especially in the cities, is reminiscent of our country in simpler times, which is not meant to say that it is a simple place. As this article describes it, Canada deals with many of the same issues we deal with here, but with a different mindset and degree of compassion thogh not perfectly. If you haven't been to Canada, go. If you can't get to Paris take the drive up to Montreal.
22
My father came to Canada from Scandinavia during the 50s toward the end of the last big wave of Western European emigration. He could as easily have gone to the United States but chose Canada after a close analysis of the culture, values and prospects in both counties.
I would make the same choice today. Canada has long attracted the sort of people who had choices and chose Canada making it what is today.
For the last 35 years the US has been turning into a sort of privatized, corporate feudal state in which employers go so far as to scrutinize a persons social media record before hiring them. The elite stand to receive a massive tax break that will cost 20,000,000 Americans their health coverage. And the US has become a safe haven for the ultra wealthy from Russia and the like. All contribute to the development of a culture that doesn't offer much to the vast majority of Americans.
And then we see things that are frightening like people walking around with guns slung over their shoulders prepared to take the law into their own hands at a moments notice. The militarized police project a sense of menace, not security.
During the Vietnam war young Americans hosteling around Europe sewed little Canadian flags onto their backpacks to avoid unpleasant situations. With Trump, that has become a good idea again.
I would make the same choice today. Canada has long attracted the sort of people who had choices and chose Canada making it what is today.
For the last 35 years the US has been turning into a sort of privatized, corporate feudal state in which employers go so far as to scrutinize a persons social media record before hiring them. The elite stand to receive a massive tax break that will cost 20,000,000 Americans their health coverage. And the US has become a safe haven for the ultra wealthy from Russia and the like. All contribute to the development of a culture that doesn't offer much to the vast majority of Americans.
And then we see things that are frightening like people walking around with guns slung over their shoulders prepared to take the law into their own hands at a moments notice. The militarized police project a sense of menace, not security.
During the Vietnam war young Americans hosteling around Europe sewed little Canadian flags onto their backpacks to avoid unpleasant situations. With Trump, that has become a good idea again.
26
Andy--Waa. I wanna go to Canada! I wanna feel proud of my country, again.
3
.
apples and oranges
In the USA, we've got 11.6 million illegal people here
how many in Canada?
in the USA, most of the immigrants are poor people from Mexico and other parts South
in Canada, go to Vancouver; it's all the elite rich Chinese
etc. etc. etc
to be useful, this article should look at the gigantic DIFFERENCES between the USA and Canada immigration experience
why?
because they are apples and oranges
.
apples and oranges
In the USA, we've got 11.6 million illegal people here
how many in Canada?
in the USA, most of the immigrants are poor people from Mexico and other parts South
in Canada, go to Vancouver; it's all the elite rich Chinese
etc. etc. etc
to be useful, this article should look at the gigantic DIFFERENCES between the USA and Canada immigration experience
why?
because they are apples and oranges
.
19
You are right--but many other differences also that this article omits. I love Canada and have owned homes here and in the USA for many years--first mover to Vancouver 1977 to teach at UBC.
Nevertheless, opiate deaths, homeless on East Hastings, high taxes (42% extracted from my income plus 12% "sales" tax on most items) make pros and cons of USA and Canada not easy to compare.
Can USA benefit by learning more about Canada? Absolutely. Could Canadians enjoy their high standard of living if the USA were not a ready market for its exports--and likewise gain protection from USA defense.
Moreover, USA culture dominates here (though many Canadians (maybe even most deny it --as critiquing USA has become a favorite topic among many Canadians).
Nevertheless, opiate deaths, homeless on East Hastings, high taxes (42% extracted from my income plus 12% "sales" tax on most items) make pros and cons of USA and Canada not easy to compare.
Can USA benefit by learning more about Canada? Absolutely. Could Canadians enjoy their high standard of living if the USA were not a ready market for its exports--and likewise gain protection from USA defense.
Moreover, USA culture dominates here (though many Canadians (maybe even most deny it --as critiquing USA has become a favorite topic among many Canadians).
14
I can certainly see some benefits to how Canadians broadly approach 'the Other' versus how the US does. That being said, Canada has real and serious issues with its diversity. For those of you Americans reading the NYT, try an online Canadian news site covering Indigenous news. It will either not have a comment section, or it will be filled with some of the most vile, racist, and misinformed statements - enough to compare with some of the most antagonistic in America. (The poisonous comments are why you are unlikely to find an Indigenous news article with a comments section allowed).
That being said, Canadians have also made some pretty progressive strides to addressing these historical injustices, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and recommendations, and the deep commitments to Indigenous reconciliation made by the federal government and the province of Ontario.
While their fulfillment of those commitments is up for debate, those issues remain party-campaign level issues. That's something that's never been the case in the US, which shares so many similar issues of ghastly history of mistreatment against Indigenous peoples within its borders.
Canada imperfect. Yes. But Canada hopeful, too.
That being said, Canadians have also made some pretty progressive strides to addressing these historical injustices, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and recommendations, and the deep commitments to Indigenous reconciliation made by the federal government and the province of Ontario.
While their fulfillment of those commitments is up for debate, those issues remain party-campaign level issues. That's something that's never been the case in the US, which shares so many similar issues of ghastly history of mistreatment against Indigenous peoples within its borders.
Canada imperfect. Yes. But Canada hopeful, too.
19
Since I have lived near Toronto for more than 2 years I'm often listening to the CBC radio show 'Cross Country Checkup' on Sunday afternoons. People call in from all parts of the country to discuss one subject of national interest. I'm always impressed about the well thought and articulate contributions regarding their country and the callers seem to be less egoistic in their reasoning - something I'm missing in the USA. Clearly, Canadians are interested to have a society which provides a good quality of life for all.
28
One of the key differences between Canada and the U.S. is that Canada is 100 years younger as a country and this year will celebrate its 150th anniversary of independence. For good comparison, look at the U.S back in 1917 and you will see a country at a different stage of development -- booming population growth, expanding economy and strong immigration. This is Canada today. One of the reasons Canadians are so accepting of immigrants is that most of our parents came to the country more recently than those in the U.S. Canada opened its doors to immigration after WW II while the U.S. shut its borders. As a kid growing up in Toronto in the 1950s, virtually every kid on my block came from somewhere else -- many from the UK, but also Italy, Greece, Latvia, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Russia. We didn't know what language to speak on the hockey rink. This familiarity with, and acceptance of, different ethnic groups became second nature and part of the national fabric. We're not afraid of foreigners -- they are us. Also, Canada has one of the lowest population densities in the world -- 4 people per square mile -- so we need all the immigrants we can get.
6
4 people per square mile is a misleading statistic. You need to consider the number of people per habitable square mile.
3
In a sense Canada enacted a key feature of Trumpism almost fifty years ago. In the early 1970s responding to fears about a national "brain drain," the government required all employers to prioritize hiring Canadians or Landed Immigrants as a matter of law. Indeed, in order to employ non-Canadians, employers are actually required to prove that no Canadian could be found to fill the position. Despite Trump's "America First" rhetoric, there is no comparable legislation in the United States. U.S. Businesses would never accept such government "interference." This lack of of binding policies and laws demonstrates the reality that the interests of Corporate America and the investor class--versus Trump's phoney populism-- are really running the show.
7
Actually that's entirely false. Most skilled immigrants to the United States may only be hired if their position cannot be filled by an American. The position must be advertised and a Labor Market Opinion must be produced. Google H1B visas.
3
Canada is 76.7 percent white while the United States is 61.3% white. Canada seems more diverse than the United States only because it doesn’t lump all its non-Hispanic whites into a single category but breaks them down by ancestry group. For example, it counts whites as Canadian (32.2%), English (19.8%), French (15.4%), Scottish (14.4%), Irish (13.8%), German (9.8%), Italian (4.5%), Ukrainian (3.8%), Dutch (3.25), Polish (3.1%), British (1.8%), Russian (1.7%) Welsh (1.4%), Norwegian (1.38%), Portuguese (1.3%) American (1.1%) Spanish (1.1%) Swedish (1.1%), Hungarian (0.9%), Swedish (1.0%), Hungarian (0.1%) and Jewish (0.9%) as demographic groups. We could do the same in the United Styates, but then African Americans and Latinos would no longer be minorities.
2
Whether such political harmony will last or not remains to be seen.
Canada cannot continue down the same path and expect nothing to change
as more and more immigrants enter the country.
Sooner or later one group will attempt to seize power.
Canada cannot continue down the same path and expect nothing to change
as more and more immigrants enter the country.
Sooner or later one group will attempt to seize power.
5
Yes - most of us are afraid it will be the politicians.
8
What does that mean though? Seize power? The suburb I grew up in is now home to a huge population of Sikhs. They're well represented in every level of local government and beyond — and its still the same town. They've proudly continued on our traditions while adding their own, and frankly it's a better place for it.
10
1. Canada needs immigrants. The Conservative government stated outright that we needed ~260,000 immigrants/year, then increased that to three hundred thousand. The current Liberal government agrees.
2. Canada has insanely strict immigration requirements (the points system). This idea that Canada will let just anyone in is false. And as pointed out, we only have one land border, which means that irregular immigration is less frequent (barring this last winter). The requirements are strict enough that we actually rarely make our targets as stated by our last two governments.
3. To the person who spoke about the melting pot vs mosaic, the key difference is that the melting pot arguably makes people feel like they're losing something of their own/previous identity more readily than not.
4. Just want to toss this out there. Canada is about 78% white (the most recent census isn't out yet with it's information on race/ethnicity, so this is an extrapolation from the previous reports). Yes, most urban areas are a lot more diverse and more Canadians live in urban areas than not, but we're actually still a pretty white country, for all the credit we get about diversity. For comparison, the USA is 63% white (non-hispanic).
5. Random note: despite being less diverse than the USA, we actually have a higher percentage of Muslims (3% in Canada; 1% in America).
6. According to most measures, Canada treats its native people worse than America treats African Americans.
2. Canada has insanely strict immigration requirements (the points system). This idea that Canada will let just anyone in is false. And as pointed out, we only have one land border, which means that irregular immigration is less frequent (barring this last winter). The requirements are strict enough that we actually rarely make our targets as stated by our last two governments.
3. To the person who spoke about the melting pot vs mosaic, the key difference is that the melting pot arguably makes people feel like they're losing something of their own/previous identity more readily than not.
4. Just want to toss this out there. Canada is about 78% white (the most recent census isn't out yet with it's information on race/ethnicity, so this is an extrapolation from the previous reports). Yes, most urban areas are a lot more diverse and more Canadians live in urban areas than not, but we're actually still a pretty white country, for all the credit we get about diversity. For comparison, the USA is 63% white (non-hispanic).
5. Random note: despite being less diverse than the USA, we actually have a higher percentage of Muslims (3% in Canada; 1% in America).
6. According to most measures, Canada treats its native people worse than America treats African Americans.
7
There is something perverse in the way the New York Times uses the word "populism." Is Trump-style politics really populism?
According to data collected by 538, education rather than income is the greater predictor of who will vote for Trump. Likewise, according to Washington Post, only 35% of self-identified Trump voters were below the US national household income of $50,000 per year. In the primaries, 1/3 of Trump voters actually had a household income of $100,000 or more.
If we accept the dictionary definition that "populism" is an approach to politics that appeals and focuses on ordinary people, then Trump-style politics is populist only if we adopt the anti-intellectual and perverse position that it's not wealth, but rather an education, that makes one elite.
Perhaps that is why America is the way it is. We assume the ignorant rich are the voice of the common people, but distrust teachers, doctors, and scientists - the very people who sustain our technological, modern society - as snooty "elites."
According to data collected by 538, education rather than income is the greater predictor of who will vote for Trump. Likewise, according to Washington Post, only 35% of self-identified Trump voters were below the US national household income of $50,000 per year. In the primaries, 1/3 of Trump voters actually had a household income of $100,000 or more.
If we accept the dictionary definition that "populism" is an approach to politics that appeals and focuses on ordinary people, then Trump-style politics is populist only if we adopt the anti-intellectual and perverse position that it's not wealth, but rather an education, that makes one elite.
Perhaps that is why America is the way it is. We assume the ignorant rich are the voice of the common people, but distrust teachers, doctors, and scientists - the very people who sustain our technological, modern society - as snooty "elites."
3
The author seems to have forgotten Rob Ford, the original modern backlash populist who wrote the script that Trump would later follow. (Substitute Russia for crack and healthcare for transit and it's pretty much the same story to date).
Canada has its share of nutty populists -- we just got them earlier and are now enjoying the next phase, when the pendulum swings the other way (Trudeau et al.)
Canada has its share of nutty populists -- we just got them earlier and are now enjoying the next phase, when the pendulum swings the other way (Trudeau et al.)
11
So many blinkered comments, citing Canada's (geographic, population) exceptionalism to deflect shining a spotlight where it hurts :
The US doesn't need immigrants to have an underclass, nor "illegals" as the system creates the mess, and then the red states blame it all on Mexico, China, the middle east.
Case in point : highest prison population in the world, bar none, including India and China, countries much larger.
Fix your mess before placing the blame elsewhere.
So glad I was edumacated in Canada.
The US doesn't need immigrants to have an underclass, nor "illegals" as the system creates the mess, and then the red states blame it all on Mexico, China, the middle east.
Case in point : highest prison population in the world, bar none, including India and China, countries much larger.
Fix your mess before placing the blame elsewhere.
So glad I was edumacated in Canada.
4
It may have been said elsewhere, but Fox News is not allowed in Canada, due to the habit of telling lies. The fourth estate does not work to forward progress when it does not tell the truth.
5
Fox News is available here but only as part of a package in my area. I might buy it if I can turn it into a Friday evening drinking game...
3
CBC slants nearly every political story I hear broadcast--especially those that interview Americans. I listen to CBC more than any other news station, but its bias fails to comport with any definition of objectivity--i.e., fair and accurate.
2
This is actually not right. Fox news is available in Canada. You can read on its website or get access from any basic cable package (Buffalo or Seattle stations, typically).
Regarding Fox: Trudeau did enforce an apology from Fox after facts were construed and misreported in the wake of the attack on a Mosque in Quebec City.
http://www.nationalobserver.com/2017/01/31/news/pmo-slams-fox-news-incor...
Regarding Fox: Trudeau did enforce an apology from Fox after facts were construed and misreported in the wake of the attack on a Mosque in Quebec City.
http://www.nationalobserver.com/2017/01/31/news/pmo-slams-fox-news-incor...
4
Business as usual with identity politics :
The article is nuanced and factual, unlike a large proportion of the comments.
Have a good day, eh?
The article is nuanced and factual, unlike a large proportion of the comments.
Have a good day, eh?
2
I skimmed the article. Are there any blacks or latinos in Canada? All the talk about minorities seems to be about Hindus. Everybody loves Hindus. I am not joking Hindus are sort of lumped in with Asians, who are seen as polite and smart. Part of this has to do with the fact that many Indians in the USA speak flawless English. They might have a funny Apu accent, but their command of English vocabulary and grammar is often superior to that of whites. Indians are like Jude Law and Daniel Radcliffe with brown skin.
People often think racism in America is about skin color. Racism in America is about grammar as much as it is about skin color. Show me a Columbia educated black man whose grammar is perfect, and I'll show you a person who could be elected president. But when I hear many NBA players talk, I can barely understand them. They're speaking English, but I feel like I need subtitles. When I hear an Indian speaking English, I have to adjust to the accent, then I feel like I am listening to Ian Mckellen or Ben Kingsley talking.
To my mind, it's useless to have a discussion about racism, if Hindus or Asians are the group whose assimilation is studied.
People often think racism in America is about skin color. Racism in America is about grammar as much as it is about skin color. Show me a Columbia educated black man whose grammar is perfect, and I'll show you a person who could be elected president. But when I hear many NBA players talk, I can barely understand them. They're speaking English, but I feel like I need subtitles. When I hear an Indian speaking English, I have to adjust to the accent, then I feel like I am listening to Ian Mckellen or Ben Kingsley talking.
To my mind, it's useless to have a discussion about racism, if Hindus or Asians are the group whose assimilation is studied.
11
Interesting. I have enjoyed an entire life and upbringing surrounded by people of all cultural backgrounds and colour. My street looked like a gathering of UN families. Yes, Canada is more integrated than the southern neighbour, but that has not come w/o challenges.
Along the years, there have been tense moments when handling religious freedom cases involving Sikhs and kirpans, Turbans worn by officers, young girls of muslim faith taking swimming classes asking that no men be allowed in the pool area (including fathers of other kids), bananas thrown at black hockey players and other such moments testing multicultural resolve.
Some recent incidents have left me agape, including a very recent one involving a mother insisting she get a white doctor to treat her son:
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/toronto/white-doctor-video-mississaug...
That said, we do have a leadership that makes sure these are isolated incidents, and works hard to make needed accommodations. In Toronto suburbs, cricket fields can found more readily than one would imagine: yes cricket. A clear acknowledgement of both demographics and demand. Our Prime minister has also set a tone. He was spotted this weekend at a Pride parade, wearing colourful socks that read “Eid Mubarak”, honouring the last day of Ramadan. Here’s hoping for an equally colourful and respectful future.
Along the years, there have been tense moments when handling religious freedom cases involving Sikhs and kirpans, Turbans worn by officers, young girls of muslim faith taking swimming classes asking that no men be allowed in the pool area (including fathers of other kids), bananas thrown at black hockey players and other such moments testing multicultural resolve.
Some recent incidents have left me agape, including a very recent one involving a mother insisting she get a white doctor to treat her son:
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/toronto/white-doctor-video-mississaug...
That said, we do have a leadership that makes sure these are isolated incidents, and works hard to make needed accommodations. In Toronto suburbs, cricket fields can found more readily than one would imagine: yes cricket. A clear acknowledgement of both demographics and demand. Our Prime minister has also set a tone. He was spotted this weekend at a Pride parade, wearing colourful socks that read “Eid Mubarak”, honouring the last day of Ramadan. Here’s hoping for an equally colourful and respectful future.
5
From these 267 comments, the vast majority from our American friends, it's clear that the vast majority have us all figured out.
Sure, America wins lots of Canadian/American contests!! Big ones like your 9 children a day dying from handguns, or your millions of homeless, or your enormous per capita national debt, and 30K annual murders, but hey, that's all cool with us...
But we're really happy to forgo those for our affordable national healthcare, paid family/maternity leave, safe streets, racial tolerance, safe abortions, and moderate politics. You win my American friends, please enjoy...
Sure, America wins lots of Canadian/American contests!! Big ones like your 9 children a day dying from handguns, or your millions of homeless, or your enormous per capita national debt, and 30K annual murders, but hey, that's all cool with us...
But we're really happy to forgo those for our affordable national healthcare, paid family/maternity leave, safe streets, racial tolerance, safe abortions, and moderate politics. You win my American friends, please enjoy...
11
If USA adopts Canadian point based immigration system today, liberal including this new paper will be in throes of apoplectic fits. But that point based immigration system is the key to success of multiculturalism in Canada. Most of immigrants are skilled, there are very limited illegal immigrants.
26
Canada has a very large "No Latinos Need Apply Sign." Canada's success secret is to limit immigrants primarily to people who are employable and who speak English or French. Moreover, Canada has a big border wall called the United States that keeps its illegal immigration problem to a minimum.
11
That is incorrect. The point based system awards more points for familiarity with English or French, not limiting applicants who speak that only. And you missed the point about the article by stressing on illegal immigration. All told, immigrants and refugees, we take in 250,000 every year. And we have a population of only 36 million. You do the math, we take in more immigrants per capita than the US, and our biggest sources are Asia and Latin America.
Not true in Quebec! There is a large Hispanic population here in Montreal, mostly from Central and South America. When I interviewed for immigration (Quebec partly controls its immigration), I got scolded for not being conversant in French, but when I told them I was fluent in Spanish they immediately gave me brownie points and conducted the rest of the interview in Spanish. They like Spanish speaking immigrants because they know that learning French will be more likely and Quebec wants immigrants who will end up integrating into the French speaking population.
11
Jim, it is not true we do not welcome Latinos. Many Latinos from Mexico and Central America live in Canada. There is a large Latino community on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. They are gainfully employed- own businesses, work on farms, perform in the arts, in fact all walks of life. Yes, to immigrate to Canada, a point system is used, but we accept people of any nationality and many do not speak French or English. In fact most immigrants to Canada are from Asia. I am a retired teacher and in my 33 years of teaching, taught many kids who did not speak a word of English. Also, one of the psychologist in my school district was from Central America. Remember, Canada took in over 30,000 Syrian refugees last year. They did not speak English nor French. Canada is a land of immigrants, so we know what it is like to be in a new country and the importance of feeling welcomed, valued, respected.
11
I see a lot bunk arguments trying to discredit this article. While I think the article paints a picture of Canada that is too simplistic and utopian, the contrary arguments are downright ludicrous. First, they suggest an incredible ignorance of a country that is just north of the US. The picture they paint is just ludicrous. It confirms my suspicion the xenophobic crowd is composed mostly of people who have never actually met anyone different from them in real life.
Second, the notion that tolerance is dependent on sparse population runs contrary to reality. In both Canada and the US, large, densely populated cities are the most tolerant and diverse places. These are also places with the largest immigrant communities. The US has no lack of sparsely populated areas, but those areas are often the least tolerant if you judge by their voting record. These are also areas that have the least exposure to immigrants from different cultures. People are scared of what they don't actually understand (but think they understand thanks to bogus fear-mongering by the likes of Fox News.)
Second, the notion that tolerance is dependent on sparse population runs contrary to reality. In both Canada and the US, large, densely populated cities are the most tolerant and diverse places. These are also places with the largest immigrant communities. The US has no lack of sparsely populated areas, but those areas are often the least tolerant if you judge by their voting record. These are also areas that have the least exposure to immigrants from different cultures. People are scared of what they don't actually understand (but think they understand thanks to bogus fear-mongering by the likes of Fox News.)
43
When one has been born in and lived in a big city, and has seen the diversity of the various groups, then one will know which groups are OK and which are dangerous.
3
I hope the point about identity doesn't get lost. A people who has been encouraged to identify as members of a mosaic will be somewhat more tolerant. Another point waits to reach the surface: Identity need not be rigid and fixed. It can change, as water changes course in a riverbed. A well-chosen identity can DIMINISH worries about "the other" -- and it can MAGNIFY worries about the climate change of the future.
5
Canada is a great story but should not be complacent. Last week there was a Canada First (read anti-Muslim) rally in Calgary. In Quebec earlier this year there was a mass shooting at a mosque where several people were killed. Clearly the stain of white nationalism is spreading from the US to Canada and the previous prime-minister did his best to fan those flames. Leadership is everything and Canadian leaders have stepped up. Long may they continue to do so
15
Two instances in a country of 36 million is evidence that the stain of white nationalism is spreading? Come on.
8
The article sort of pushes this romantic idea that Canadians are more enlightened than other Westerners, but it glosses over some really important policy differences.
Canada heavily favors highly skilled immigrants. Half of its entrants have a bachelor's degree while only a fifth are accepted on the basis of family reunification. In the US, it's the other way around: the vaaast majority of immigrants are here for family reunification; less than ten percent are high skilled.
Don't get me wrong; it's a smart policy, and Canada deserves credit for it. But let's be honest: the same American commenters singing Canada's praises would be up in arms were the US to adopt something similar. In fact, Mr. Trump, whom I detest with every fiber of my being, has singled out Canada as a model for immigration reform. Because it would drastically reorganize the demographics of our immigrants—green cards for Latinos would plummet—it has been brandished discriminatory and cruel by liberals.
Another important difference: Canada's geographic isolation means the country doesn't have to deal with a massive influx of low-skilled, undocumented immigrants—not the economic and cultural implications, not the passions it arouses. In the US, we don't have that luxury. Undocumented immigration exerts a big influence on the country, it's highly polarizing, and its at the center of immigration debate. (To be clear, I fully favor amnesty.)
Canada heavily favors highly skilled immigrants. Half of its entrants have a bachelor's degree while only a fifth are accepted on the basis of family reunification. In the US, it's the other way around: the vaaast majority of immigrants are here for family reunification; less than ten percent are high skilled.
Don't get me wrong; it's a smart policy, and Canada deserves credit for it. But let's be honest: the same American commenters singing Canada's praises would be up in arms were the US to adopt something similar. In fact, Mr. Trump, whom I detest with every fiber of my being, has singled out Canada as a model for immigration reform. Because it would drastically reorganize the demographics of our immigrants—green cards for Latinos would plummet—it has been brandished discriminatory and cruel by liberals.
Another important difference: Canada's geographic isolation means the country doesn't have to deal with a massive influx of low-skilled, undocumented immigrants—not the economic and cultural implications, not the passions it arouses. In the US, we don't have that luxury. Undocumented immigration exerts a big influence on the country, it's highly polarizing, and its at the center of immigration debate. (To be clear, I fully favor amnesty.)
32
Those points are clearly treated in the article. Your point then is ...?
5
Toronto is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world and the better for it. It used to be called "Hogtown" and it used to be known for being boring. Now it's vibrant, diverse, cosmopolitan, and very much alive. I love living here and seeing the teeming masses of people from all over the world who are my fellow citizens.
21
I'm of Indian origin. I lived in Toronto for 9 years and moved to the US 18 years ago, I'm a dual citizen of both countries. I have to agree with Surajit Mukherjee and JET lll. "Melting pot" and "Mosiac" are concepts every Canadian will glibly explain, are the difference between Canada and the US. I never came across overt racism in either country. There is systemic racism everywhere, including Canada. Every immigrant is familiar with comments like "you lack Canadian experience in your resume". So, even if you have 10 yrs experience under your belt, you have to start at an entry level job. There was "white flight" from Toronto to the suburbs and neighboring towns, same as in the US. Canadian's for the most part love immigrants because they have pushed up housing prices, but don't want to live with them. They cashed out and moved away, now that theyy and their kids are priced out of the areas they grew up in, you will start to see the resentment grow.
28
I've lived in Toronto for over 25 years and I have no idea what you're talking about wrt to "white flight". I have never even heard of this term/issue applied to Toronto. For sure, we are not perfect, and there are always going to be problems everywhere, but Toronto is a vibrant, diverse, and awesome city. I'm the daughter of a refugee (from Estonia) and my family and I live in a very Muslim part of the Danforth. And none of us are going anywhere, because this is our home.
Everyone in my family faced the same "Canadian Experience" issue when they came here. What do you expect, that experience from every field/country is the exact same as every other country in the world? The first generation of immigrants/refugees will always face unique and challenging issues, and their children will have a lot more opportunities. With opportunity (and freedom, which is what my family got) comes sacrifice.
Perhaps Toronto just isn't your thing (lots of people would agree), and you'd have been happier somewhere else. Toronto isn't Canada. But you are not making informed comments about how things are here today. The diversity in Toronto is our strength. It is who we are.
Everyone in my family faced the same "Canadian Experience" issue when they came here. What do you expect, that experience from every field/country is the exact same as every other country in the world? The first generation of immigrants/refugees will always face unique and challenging issues, and their children will have a lot more opportunities. With opportunity (and freedom, which is what my family got) comes sacrifice.
Perhaps Toronto just isn't your thing (lots of people would agree), and you'd have been happier somewhere else. Toronto isn't Canada. But you are not making informed comments about how things are here today. The diversity in Toronto is our strength. It is who we are.
12
Call it your truth, I see more than a little bias in the comment. Projection much?
5
Your so-called "White Flight" in Toronto has nothing to do with racism, but everything to do with the astronomical cost of housing in that city.
4
Are people's memories so short? Justin Trudeau wasn't always Prime Minister. Before him, there was Stephen Harper. He spent 11 years in office making a mockery of all the claims of political utopia we see here.
Canada has a medical system far superior to our own; it has much fewer guns and much less crime; its media is safeguarded from the right wing liars who permeate hate radio and Fox News.
But Stephen Harper was Trump-light, populism in a Canadian style.
So please, keep your analysis tethered to reality.
Canada has a medical system far superior to our own; it has much fewer guns and much less crime; its media is safeguarded from the right wing liars who permeate hate radio and Fox News.
But Stephen Harper was Trump-light, populism in a Canadian style.
So please, keep your analysis tethered to reality.
21
Canada seems politically stable because the power is held in the center. The west and the east are basically colonies of Ontario and Quebec. Trudeau was elected on a platform of selfies and toothy, empty platitudes. His lofty promises for change, have fallen on deaf ears...apparently his, since he seems to have forgotten he made them.
He has changed precious few of Harper's allegedly inhuman and inhumane policies. Election reform, one of Trudeau's prime goals...something he deplored because it allowed Harper to have a majority government with 39% of the popular vote, seems pretty ok since Trudeau got his majority government with 39% of the popular vote.
His promise of no deficits of more than 10 billion dollars has been crushed by a factor of 3. Sure...he blames Harper, but he knew all about what the previous PM had spent before he made those promises...so that is basically just an excuse for a lie.
He agrees with Harper about selling over 10 billions dollars of armored vehicles to the barbaric dictators in Saudi, (like they need help killing another 10,000 Yemenis). So much for the moral high ground.
Canadians aren't any brighter than Americans. They elected an empty headed loudmouth and we elected an empty headed pretty boy.
At least with Harper, the west had some say in its present and future. With Trudeau, it's just a life support system feeding the bottomless gullet of the east. Canada is far from the big, happy family depicted in this fluff piece.
He has changed precious few of Harper's allegedly inhuman and inhumane policies. Election reform, one of Trudeau's prime goals...something he deplored because it allowed Harper to have a majority government with 39% of the popular vote, seems pretty ok since Trudeau got his majority government with 39% of the popular vote.
His promise of no deficits of more than 10 billion dollars has been crushed by a factor of 3. Sure...he blames Harper, but he knew all about what the previous PM had spent before he made those promises...so that is basically just an excuse for a lie.
He agrees with Harper about selling over 10 billions dollars of armored vehicles to the barbaric dictators in Saudi, (like they need help killing another 10,000 Yemenis). So much for the moral high ground.
Canadians aren't any brighter than Americans. They elected an empty headed loudmouth and we elected an empty headed pretty boy.
At least with Harper, the west had some say in its present and future. With Trudeau, it's just a life support system feeding the bottomless gullet of the east. Canada is far from the big, happy family depicted in this fluff piece.
3
That is the weakness in the article, yet it remained strictly factual not least including Kenney's loudly proclaimed policy of weaponising immigration to political ends.
1
Wow! I think most Canadians would like to take credit for this gushing praise about Canada, but I think I have to be a bit more pragmatic.
In the latest census that was published, we have found out what all of us in this country have known for some time now. We are aging. Quickly. We simply need immigrants. We have always needed them. They make this country strong. We all should open our arms to immigrants who will be the ones who will be taking care of us baby boomers in huge numbers.
My neighbours across the street are from Syria and named their newborn son Justin Trudeau after our current PM. Welcome to your new home.
In the latest census that was published, we have found out what all of us in this country have known for some time now. We are aging. Quickly. We simply need immigrants. We have always needed them. They make this country strong. We all should open our arms to immigrants who will be the ones who will be taking care of us baby boomers in huge numbers.
My neighbours across the street are from Syria and named their newborn son Justin Trudeau after our current PM. Welcome to your new home.
36
Heather, the Canadian image of an immigrant differs from ours. You have a point system which favors educated, skilled, English and French speakers. Most of our immigrants are under-educated, unskilled, non-English speakers. Your immigrants are chosen for the economic contributions they could make to your country. We chose our legal immigrants mostly on kinship. And our illegal immigrants have chosen us, and have chosen to break our laws to live here. We have not chosen them.
In 1986, we gave amnesty to illegal immigrants and their families. Most of these people were uneducated and unskilled. Now that they and their children are Americans, they have been petitioning the government to bring in more and more of their poorly educated and unskilled relatives. The result is that we are now awarding 30% of our legal residency permits to Mexicans. This is a higher percentage of green cards than we give to people from any other country. These Mexicans would have been unlikely to have been admitted to Canada under its point system. People who have little education can barely read or write in their own language and often do not bother to learn the language of their host country. These people are more likely to be dependent on welfare rather than the ones who can contribute to a country’s economy.
The United States should adopt Canada’s point system to determine who can move here.
In 1986, we gave amnesty to illegal immigrants and their families. Most of these people were uneducated and unskilled. Now that they and their children are Americans, they have been petitioning the government to bring in more and more of their poorly educated and unskilled relatives. The result is that we are now awarding 30% of our legal residency permits to Mexicans. This is a higher percentage of green cards than we give to people from any other country. These Mexicans would have been unlikely to have been admitted to Canada under its point system. People who have little education can barely read or write in their own language and often do not bother to learn the language of their host country. These people are more likely to be dependent on welfare rather than the ones who can contribute to a country’s economy.
The United States should adopt Canada’s point system to determine who can move here.
3
Did I learn a different melting pot theory from everyone else? The melting pot theory I learned was that everyone in America adds elements of their own culture to the mix, ending up with a uniquely American culture different from any individual component, in the same way as steel is different from iron, carbon, nickel or cobalt, hence the term "melting pot." This is completely different from assimilation, where nothing survives from the new cultures. At that time, the Canadian equivalent was the "salad bowl" which is equally valid, My observation shows that immigrants come in, and each succeeding generation becomes more "American," including whites, Asians, Jews, etc. What happened to the "melting pot" theory that it was corrupted into "assimilation?" It seems to have happened more here than in Canada, having nothing to do with what you call it, only how it is interpreted.
5
Nuance, shades of grey. Tough to free one's mind of a given frame of reference, eh?
Are you familiar with the current "smoking pot" approach? LoL.
1
Ms. Taub fails to identify the most important underlying reason that Canada does not reflect the new emerging populism based on cultural identity. This is the fact that Canada, unlike the U.S., began as a multicultural identity requiring the peaceful and productive interactions between two independent and basically equal cultures, French and English. After England defeated France in the battle on the Plains of Abraham at Quebec in 1759, the new English governor, Sir Guy Carleton created a policy, quite unique in the annals of treatment of a conquered people. He granted French Quebecers freedom to practice their own religion, speak their own language and follow their own cultural traditions.
These freedoms of identity have never been breached and have required both French and English speaking Canadians to accommodate to each other for the good of all in ways that, despite d frictions and a failed referendum on Quebec independence, have contributed to the essential glue that binds the Canadian nation within a multicultural framework that the U.S. has never been able to fully emulate. Thus, slavery in the U.S. and accommodation of Francophone Quebec in Canada, set the two nations to very different courses on their independent roads to social and political evolution.
These freedoms of identity have never been breached and have required both French and English speaking Canadians to accommodate to each other for the good of all in ways that, despite d frictions and a failed referendum on Quebec independence, have contributed to the essential glue that binds the Canadian nation within a multicultural framework that the U.S. has never been able to fully emulate. Thus, slavery in the U.S. and accommodation of Francophone Quebec in Canada, set the two nations to very different courses on their independent roads to social and political evolution.
23
Can't disagree with much here, except "freedom of religion" etc was the modus operandi, a central feature if you will, of the British Empire. How else could a nation of 8 million subjugate behemoths like India, China, with 4000 professional administrators?
3
This is bound to happen to the GOP sooner or later--the need to reach out to minorities, just like how the Conservative Party in Canada had to do this in the 2000s.
This was a direct result of a massive political crisis in the 1970s that threatened to split Canada into two nations. And this crisis was premised on ethnic identity, which allowed for a surge in ethnic populism. If I recall my Canadian history, Quebecois irredentism was at its peak in the 1970s, and lots of Quebecois polarized in the direction of outright independence, even if this meant a destabilized economy and a surge in unemployment as they went through the highly disruptive process of splitting away from the larger Canadian domestic market. Sounds a lot like what's happening with Brexit--the UK splitting away from the larger EU domestic market, a destabilizing move powered by the irredentism of agitated and deeply polarized pro-UK and pro-England voters.
In other words, 40 years ago Canada went through roughly the same deeply unsettling populist crisis now hitting the EU and the US. It didn't magically miss the populist bullet--it just suffered through it and processed it way sooner than the other major Western nations. And Canada came out the other end stronger and more democratic than ever before.
That is my hope for the US--the GOP's voter base is now quite old. That means it will shrink. So inevitably the GOP will have to court younger minorities to stay relevant and powerful in the future.
This was a direct result of a massive political crisis in the 1970s that threatened to split Canada into two nations. And this crisis was premised on ethnic identity, which allowed for a surge in ethnic populism. If I recall my Canadian history, Quebecois irredentism was at its peak in the 1970s, and lots of Quebecois polarized in the direction of outright independence, even if this meant a destabilized economy and a surge in unemployment as they went through the highly disruptive process of splitting away from the larger Canadian domestic market. Sounds a lot like what's happening with Brexit--the UK splitting away from the larger EU domestic market, a destabilizing move powered by the irredentism of agitated and deeply polarized pro-UK and pro-England voters.
In other words, 40 years ago Canada went through roughly the same deeply unsettling populist crisis now hitting the EU and the US. It didn't magically miss the populist bullet--it just suffered through it and processed it way sooner than the other major Western nations. And Canada came out the other end stronger and more democratic than ever before.
That is my hope for the US--the GOP's voter base is now quite old. That means it will shrink. So inevitably the GOP will have to court younger minorities to stay relevant and powerful in the future.
13
A few reasons why Canada is less susceptible to the populist insanity:
At the top of the list, a lack of handguns and assault weapons. Owning an assault weapon or carrying around a handgun and insisting on the right to do both for 'self-defense' does terrible things to one's ability to think rationally - "I may be unemployed, without health care, living off food stamps, but BY GOD, thanks to the Republicans, I've got a gun."
Unlike the populists here, Canadians don't live in constant suspicious resentment that somehow tax dollars are being spent on a safety net for non-whites and non-Christians.
And lastly, Canadians have not spent ENOURMOUS amounts of taxpayer money on decades of endlessly unwinnable wars that are basically fought to enrich weapons manufacturer war profiteers. Turns out, if you use tax money to actually help the people, give them all access to basic health care and a decent education, they are less likely to lose their minds and support the insanity that is populism.
At the top of the list, a lack of handguns and assault weapons. Owning an assault weapon or carrying around a handgun and insisting on the right to do both for 'self-defense' does terrible things to one's ability to think rationally - "I may be unemployed, without health care, living off food stamps, but BY GOD, thanks to the Republicans, I've got a gun."
Unlike the populists here, Canadians don't live in constant suspicious resentment that somehow tax dollars are being spent on a safety net for non-whites and non-Christians.
And lastly, Canadians have not spent ENOURMOUS amounts of taxpayer money on decades of endlessly unwinnable wars that are basically fought to enrich weapons manufacturer war profiteers. Turns out, if you use tax money to actually help the people, give them all access to basic health care and a decent education, they are less likely to lose their minds and support the insanity that is populism.
5
You wouldn't know it from reading this intellectually lazy article, but there is a populism of the left (as exemplified by the Bernie Sanders "revolution" in the US) as well as a populism of the right. Rightist populism is also about more than illegal immigration, although that's at the top of the list these days. This is a point in time for a rapidly changing Canada and the author found optimistic voices on the country's multicultural future. I hope for the best for them, but I say wait five years and see.
7
If never fails to amaze me that you can step over the invisible line which separates the US from Canada and encounter such a difference in outlooks and attitudes. Canada is not perfect by any means but, it seems to have a balance and a common sense that is so lacking here in the US - their attitudes towards immigrants, diversity, abortion, gun rights, healthcare, and even the right to die are all based on what is good for the society as a whole. It's a more humane approach which is based on what unites them as countrymen - a direct contrast to the "Me First" attitude which pervades America today.
15
[In Britain, among white voters who say they want less immigration, about 40 percent also say that limiting immigration is the most important issue to them. In the United States, that figure is about 20 percent. In Canada, according to a 2011 study, it was only 0.34 percent.]
Another factor that surely affects the above is the land area per person available.
UK 106.25 people per square mile.
USA 84 people per square mile
Canada 5.78 people per square mile
Surely when you have more land and resources to go around, you are more likely to be more welcoming to new comers.
For the record, I also think diversity makes us stronger.
Another factor that surely affects the above is the land area per person available.
UK 106.25 people per square mile.
USA 84 people per square mile
Canada 5.78 people per square mile
Surely when you have more land and resources to go around, you are more likely to be more welcoming to new comers.
For the record, I also think diversity makes us stronger.
10
Your argument of people/square mile is specious. More than 75% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the US border, and I don't mean Alaska. Much of the rest of Canada is not habitable. Essentially, most people are living within a 100-mile band along our border. Now do your calculation. The bottom line is that Canadians don't stand up for their rights or they would have tossed Quebec out of the Dominion a long time ago.
3
You seem to be presenting a theory that rural voters are more welcoming than urban voters. Is that what you meant?
That doesn't really fly in Canada. 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the US border.
I applaud Canada for controlling who comes across its border.. No wonder there is so little backlash.
17
I am currently in Canada, Vancouver to be specific, on a vacation of sorts. The relaxed, more easygoing and accepting attitude of the people here seems almost palpable--at least in comparison to that which appears to be pervasive in the U.S., even in the more liberal, coastal bastions. There is a true polarized nastiness to life in the USA. It's most evident on the cable news and talk radio stations. Because, provocation and insinuation are staple ingredients of the bile they daily serve up on the nation's airwaves, it is not surprising that politicians feed off the ill will, fear and hate they generate.
Thus far I've not detected anything here in Canada comparable to divisive and poisonous politics and fear-mongering we have in the USA. Maybe Canadians are simply better, nicer people than we Americans. Or maybe we Americans have allowed our basic sense of human decency to be hijacked by demagogic politicians and cynical, hate-filled "entertainers" masquerading as journalists. In either case we are destined to be a very unhappy, never satisfied people because no national GDP, military prowess, or other No. 1 standing can ease the fears and distrust that rationally and irrationally permeate American society. Nor can any such national achievements erase the stigma of being an American, a citizen of a nation presided over by Donald Trump and his collection of clowns, crooks and creeps.
Thus far I've not detected anything here in Canada comparable to divisive and poisonous politics and fear-mongering we have in the USA. Maybe Canadians are simply better, nicer people than we Americans. Or maybe we Americans have allowed our basic sense of human decency to be hijacked by demagogic politicians and cynical, hate-filled "entertainers" masquerading as journalists. In either case we are destined to be a very unhappy, never satisfied people because no national GDP, military prowess, or other No. 1 standing can ease the fears and distrust that rationally and irrationally permeate American society. Nor can any such national achievements erase the stigma of being an American, a citizen of a nation presided over by Donald Trump and his collection of clowns, crooks and creeps.
48
I don't know if they've repealed it, but heard that Canada has a law that news sources aren't allowed to lie on the air.
So Canada only allows the immigrants that it wants ...
just like the GOP wants to do ... in much the same way.
yet Canada is good and the GOP is bad?
WHY?
just like the GOP wants to do ... in much the same way.
yet Canada is good and the GOP is bad?
WHY?
21
"yet Canada is good and the GOP is bad?
WHY?"
Because Canada does not wink and nod at immigrants who come in to participate in slave labor and even human trafficking. And because Canada welcomes immigrants, and does not have a systematic practice of treating them like dirt, subhumans who do not enjoy human rights. That's why, ron.
WHY?"
Because Canada does not wink and nod at immigrants who come in to participate in slave labor and even human trafficking. And because Canada welcomes immigrants, and does not have a systematic practice of treating them like dirt, subhumans who do not enjoy human rights. That's why, ron.
15
The US already has a screening process for immigrants. It has been used for decades. It just screens for different things (high on security, low on compatibility)
1
Keep digging deeper and you will find many Canadians don't agree with 'centerfold model's' policies...
11
I am Canadian and live in Toronto but lived in the US for several years. Here is the sad truth for Americans. In Canada, we live in racially integrated communities. We welcome immigrants and refugees. Our public schools are high quality- it doesn't matter where you live, your child will get a good education.We don't worry about health care- it is our human right. We feel it is everyone's responsibility to pay for our neighbor's sick child. Our cities are clean. Maternity leave is paid for 1 year. We don't let mental cases obtain guns and commit mass murder. Religion is a private matter.
Contrast to the xenophobic vitriol spewing from American politicians. From here it appears that in the USA, it's every man for himself. Many Canadians are refusing to travel to the US and some are boycotting American goods. We have even lost sympathy for the mass shootings as they are predictable and really- What else can you expect? More Americans are killed by guns year after year than any terrorist activity. I can only say that you deserve who you vote for and what you tolerate.
Contrast to the xenophobic vitriol spewing from American politicians. From here it appears that in the USA, it's every man for himself. Many Canadians are refusing to travel to the US and some are boycotting American goods. We have even lost sympathy for the mass shootings as they are predictable and really- What else can you expect? More Americans are killed by guns year after year than any terrorist activity. I can only say that you deserve who you vote for and what you tolerate.
288
Very well said. And if your daily work is reflective of your username, thank you for that important work.
13
It is less a matter of race than of education. We have been inundated with under-educated, unskilled people from Mexico and Central America. Many of these people can barely read or write in their own language, let alone in English. Canada has few such people. If it had, you might be singing a different tune.
5
There is some truth in the claim that political parties learned to seek ethnic votes and ethnic groups learned to play politics. But there are roots that go much deeper. Rather than US-style annihilation, British and then Canadian law required accommodation with indigenous peoples (albeit that proved pretty one sided), escaped American slaves were welcomed into Canada, the large Chinese and later Indo-Canadian populations in Vancouver shaped the city, the Constitution provided for equal rights for French and English peoples, as well as religions, and the West was peopled by waves of refugees from the Ukraine, Russia, Hungary and Germany (and later Vietnam). Toronto has large numbers of migrants and refugees from the Caribbean, Somalia and the Indian subcontinent overlaying the earlier migrants from Ireland and Italy. But much of rural Canada remains white Anglo-Saxon and is also home to substantial hostility toward indigenous peoples, hatred of non-white urban populations, and opposition to non-Christian religion. It also forms a base for conservative politics, including its nasty racist, evangelical and populist strains.
7
If they're not already confronting it, it seems as if Canada will be or is facing a similar situation to the US. Toronto and Quebec have outsized influence and power compared to the rest of the nation, as those two areas seem to want to dominate politics and social issues - akin to the US and West Coast who think they now best and are openly scornful of the "deplorables" in "fly over country". It is a corrosive and highly divisive approach which is costing us dearly in terms of national unity.
5
George,
The vision you offer reflects the way Canada was 50 years ago.
I agree that, per capita, Quebec and Ontario still vastly outnumber other regions, particularly in the lower chamber, but this is mostly due to a larger population, as it should be.
The senate however is equally represented, and in matters that require the provinces approval, each are equally represented.
That being, the west (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and particularly Alberta) exert a different type and no less considerable form of influence, economic mostly, given the abundance of natural resources, including oil.
Stephen Harper, who was Prime Minister for a little less than ten years, represented a district from Alberta.
And a large part of his cabinet, including Jason Kenney and Rona Ambrose, were from out west.
If anything, its the maritimes (Nova Scotia, P.E.I., New Brunswick and Newfoundland) that are pourly represented and as such subjected to other people's view and influence.
The vision you offer reflects the way Canada was 50 years ago.
I agree that, per capita, Quebec and Ontario still vastly outnumber other regions, particularly in the lower chamber, but this is mostly due to a larger population, as it should be.
The senate however is equally represented, and in matters that require the provinces approval, each are equally represented.
That being, the west (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and particularly Alberta) exert a different type and no less considerable form of influence, economic mostly, given the abundance of natural resources, including oil.
Stephen Harper, who was Prime Minister for a little less than ten years, represented a district from Alberta.
And a large part of his cabinet, including Jason Kenney and Rona Ambrose, were from out west.
If anything, its the maritimes (Nova Scotia, P.E.I., New Brunswick and Newfoundland) that are pourly represented and as such subjected to other people's view and influence.
1
There are 35 million people in Canada. Far fewer than California, and spread over a vast distance. Canadians possess no secret resistance. They merely exist. Oh, and ask the twenty percent of Canadians who identify as French if they feel their background is "celebrated" sufficiently. People immigrate to Canada because it's easy and they can be close to the United States. Not because Canada is magical.
33
Being close to the U.S. certainly isn't as appealing as it once was believe me.
13
There are indeed far fewer people in Canada, but most of that population is actually concentrated in a few cities. The US has plenty of sparsely populated areas, and those are often the least tolerant. In both the US and Canada, it's the densely-populated big cities that are the most diverse and tolerant.
In fact, is there any basis that more xenophobic policies are necessary for large populations or denser populations? Seems to me there is no real logic or evidence to support that, except an old fashioned notion that immigrants are unwashed hordes and a firm jackboot has to be kept on their necks to prevent them from running wild.
In fact, is there any basis that more xenophobic policies are necessary for large populations or denser populations? Seems to me there is no real logic or evidence to support that, except an old fashioned notion that immigrants are unwashed hordes and a firm jackboot has to be kept on their necks to prevent them from running wild.
4
Don't think anyone thinks Canada is magical , and if people immigrate to Canada because they can be close , I would say Mexico is close too , so I disagree with your conclusion , which sounds cynical , merely existing ? It certainly sounds like it's a bit more peaceful living there , no partisan squabbling to con tend with there , so merely existing is probably preferable to some , rather than the daily hate fueled feelings that have become commonplace in this country.
5
She writes like someone trying to convince herself that all will be good in a country becoming more Balkanized by the year, with each minority group not assimilating while retaining their own "strong group identity" and while the government itself has acted to bring in diverse immigrants to weaken the "strong group identity" of Canadians - whether French or English. So, if "strong group identity" works best for minorities, wouldn't it work best for everyone?
This writer is living in a bubble, because this "strong group identity" is what makes people strong. All that's left now is for native Canadians wake up to what has happened to their own "strong group identity." - which has been purposely diluted by their own government. Once they do, it will burst her bubble, and the tranquility we see in Canada will be no more. She could see this, if only she looked to the south or across the Atlantic. For those were all tranquil nations once, too - until multiculturalism and diversity disrupted their tranquility. Or she could just look at the Balkins to see what happens when cultures clash.
This writer is living in a bubble, because this "strong group identity" is what makes people strong. All that's left now is for native Canadians wake up to what has happened to their own "strong group identity." - which has been purposely diluted by their own government. Once they do, it will burst her bubble, and the tranquility we see in Canada will be no more. She could see this, if only she looked to the south or across the Atlantic. For those were all tranquil nations once, too - until multiculturalism and diversity disrupted their tranquility. Or she could just look at the Balkins to see what happens when cultures clash.
4
Yeah , look at what happened to the native populations in both countries , speaking of the indigenous original native populations , they were not balkanized by the white man but had genocidal wars waged on them decimating some tribes and throwing the survivors into reservations , but then it was known as manifest destiny ! So if you choose to see it that way , then you're living in a bubble , they do say , every dog has his day , maybe the solution is to go buy and live on your own island , because the world is made up of different cultures and not in my own backyard does not apply anymore.
1
"Native Canadians"? I am not sure what you mean by this. If you mean First Nations, then you are correct, they have been shamefully treated. If you mean 2+ generation Canadians, I don't think so... I live in a predominantly white, very "Christian" area. Members of both legislatures are conservative (party). They get voted in because they are good. I see problems here with schooling, but not, in general, with race.
Also a not to observers: our school systems are not funded they way they are in the US, which means more stability and equability.
Also a not to observers: our school systems are not funded they way they are in the US, which means more stability and equability.
Oh aren't you cheerful? BTW, how's the wall coming along? Almost finished?
4
Canada does have irregular immigration, though as the immigration minister implies is not to the extent of the numbers crossing the Mexican border. A google search of -border crossings,Emerson, Manitoba - will reveal the extent of the phenomena. There is also much coverage in the media regarding the difficulty the resettled refugees and the irregular border hoppers from the US face in finding housing. The picture painted in this article is not so rosy. I thought it odd that no mention was made that the immigration minister Ahmed Hussen was also a refugee claimant.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/analysis-asylum-seeker-numbers-1....
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/analysis-asylum-seeker-numbers-1....
4
It's an interesting story, set in a unique country, that doesn't translate well. I won't be a grouch by pointing out the myriad differences in historical and current affairs, not to mention geography and geology, between Canada and, oh, say the US. I wish Canada well and thank them for the help in Afghanistan.
3
Also, Spain.
2
There's a fact about populism that you've missed, in the Canadian context. We didn't avoid it- we were first! We had our populist government. That's what the Stephen Harper government was. It was a populist right-wing, white-based, religiously motivated party. Harper's policies presaged Trumps: attacks on science, muzzling of government research, destruction of institutions, and the attempt to militarize the country, and all of it based in the whitest, most religious portion of the country: Alberta.
We are only just recovering.
It wasn't a matter of being immune from the disease of populism! We suffered a very nasty bout of it, and survived.
We are only just recovering.
It wasn't a matter of being immune from the disease of populism! We suffered a very nasty bout of it, and survived.
19
Indeed, we suffered a nasty bout of it under Harper, realized the error of his party's ways, and promptly removed them from power.
Here's hoping the US will do same.
Here's hoping the US will do same.
13
I feel that another aspect that's not really touched on in this article is that we are a relatively young country (turning 150 years this Saturday!). So although Canada is majority white (but rapidly changing), we don't have a long history of white majority that might make some white Canadians feel threatened by immigration. My own (white) ancestors immigrated to Canada only 100 years ago, so it would be hypocritical of me to be anti-immigrant when my own history in this country isn't that long. We're all immigrants to this country (other than First Nations peoples), so it feels right to continue to be welcoming.
8
I honestly think the American Republican Party would have followed the same path as the Canadian Conservative Party, which embraces immigrants if it hadn't been hijacked by former Southern Dixiecrats The platform of Dixiecrats has always been a them vs us mentality.
Nixon's Southern Strategy killed the real Republican Party.
Nixon's Southern Strategy killed the real Republican Party.
4
This article plays upon the false narrative that the USA is anti-immigrant. Nothing could be further from the truth. The USA is anti-illegal immigrant, and the mass media's failure to point out that those law breakers have eroded the rule of law in our country to such an extent that millions of citizens now support this lawlessness. What would be refreshing would be an article describing how our neighbors, namely Mexico and Canada, deal with illegal immigrants. I'm sure it would show that the USA is far less draconian than how we are portrayed by the mass media, and that Mexico and Canada are not the paradises they are painted to be.
9
Much is made in the article about the hermetically sealed border with the U.S.
In fact, Iraqi and some Syrian refugees were making there way across porous stretches of that border at the height of the Canadian Prairie winter, not so many months ago. Eliza Dolittle- style they made their way into Canada at great risk, but soon found themselves in the hands of Canadian authorities and on the long(ish) road to Canadian citizenship.
In fact, Iraqi and some Syrian refugees were making there way across porous stretches of that border at the height of the Canadian Prairie winter, not so many months ago. Eliza Dolittle- style they made their way into Canada at great risk, but soon found themselves in the hands of Canadian authorities and on the long(ish) road to Canadian citizenship.
1
I found this article to be an interesting and illuminating read. A few observations - the US views itself, in my estimation much more of a 'superior society' than does Canada. It has a history of segregation and entrenched racism against first nations people and blacks that is more violent an oppressive than in Canada.
Canadians do not see themselves necessarily as the 'most superior' and the very best - we acknowledge that we can learn something from everyone and these pursuits make us better.
The most 'successful' immigrants are those who are able to maintain their ethnic identity and at the same time take on the traditions, ways, manners and viewpoints of their new land. This does not mean assimilation - it means being the best version of yourself - but still true to yourself. Immigrants do have this responsibility - to understand and participate to the best extent possible in their new homeland - and most immigrants want to, and do succeed in this endeavor. And of course, they have to feel welcomed and accepted - if the don't - if they feel segregated and unwelcome - then of course they will fall back on what is familiar and known to them.
One other note that I feel bears clarification - Sharia law has very little to do with Islam and is largely a political tool used to manipulate and control less educated people, primarily women and children. The sooner that everyone understands this - the better off we will be.
Canadians do not see themselves necessarily as the 'most superior' and the very best - we acknowledge that we can learn something from everyone and these pursuits make us better.
The most 'successful' immigrants are those who are able to maintain their ethnic identity and at the same time take on the traditions, ways, manners and viewpoints of their new land. This does not mean assimilation - it means being the best version of yourself - but still true to yourself. Immigrants do have this responsibility - to understand and participate to the best extent possible in their new homeland - and most immigrants want to, and do succeed in this endeavor. And of course, they have to feel welcomed and accepted - if the don't - if they feel segregated and unwelcome - then of course they will fall back on what is familiar and known to them.
One other note that I feel bears clarification - Sharia law has very little to do with Islam and is largely a political tool used to manipulate and control less educated people, primarily women and children. The sooner that everyone understands this - the better off we will be.
12
"Sharia law has very little to do with Islam and is largely a political tool used to manipulate and control less educated people, primarily women and children."
Are you serious? Sharia is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and cultures, going back centuries. While it may indeed control and limit women, children, and so forth, it is not some new political trend and is indeed the basis of jurisprudence and criminal in a number of majority Muslim nations. Pretending otherwise is ill-informed and misleading.
Are you serious? Sharia is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and cultures, going back centuries. While it may indeed control and limit women, children, and so forth, it is not some new political trend and is indeed the basis of jurisprudence and criminal in a number of majority Muslim nations. Pretending otherwise is ill-informed and misleading.
6
In contrast to the US, the Canadian ELHI system is largely consistent border to border, because the provinces fund it. IN Ontario, for example, a school in downtown Toronto is funded (largely) the same as a school in North Bay. The funding formula does consider socio-economic factors as well as just the number of kids. In some indigenous communities, schools are not good, but that is not due to a lack of funding, more about staff and social conditions.
I think the US partly finds itself in the current situation because the quality of ELHI education is so inconsistent across states and across the country. When 45 proclaimed that he "loved the uneducated", he knew exactly what that meant for him, as many angry, under-appreciated, and uneducated voters would accept his words at face value. Entire generations have been lost. But when federal programs are offered, the states oppose the help.
This is why, SUN TV (a very poor cousin to Fox News) failed, and illustrated the blatant hyprocrisy of the right. While they rail on about government waste and intrusion, they wanted the CRTC to include them on basic cable! But Canadians didn't want the channel, so it died. And when the channel/site disparaged "liberal voters" as "low-information", they rolled their eyes and changed the channel. IN the US, a similar message was warmly embraced.
The way to prevent these populists from arising in the first place, is to have a well-educated populace. Reasonable people will be the result.
I think the US partly finds itself in the current situation because the quality of ELHI education is so inconsistent across states and across the country. When 45 proclaimed that he "loved the uneducated", he knew exactly what that meant for him, as many angry, under-appreciated, and uneducated voters would accept his words at face value. Entire generations have been lost. But when federal programs are offered, the states oppose the help.
This is why, SUN TV (a very poor cousin to Fox News) failed, and illustrated the blatant hyprocrisy of the right. While they rail on about government waste and intrusion, they wanted the CRTC to include them on basic cable! But Canadians didn't want the channel, so it died. And when the channel/site disparaged "liberal voters" as "low-information", they rolled their eyes and changed the channel. IN the US, a similar message was warmly embraced.
The way to prevent these populists from arising in the first place, is to have a well-educated populace. Reasonable people will be the result.
61
One thing this article overlooks is the money from overseas that often accompanies new immigrants and forces up the cost of real estate in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Many Canadians like myself, who grew up under Trudeau senior, find ourselves forced out of the cities we grew up in, because real estate prices are out of control. Young Canadians used to be able to get decent resource based jobs that paid well right out of high school. That is changing and at least in Vancouver, if they want to go to university they are competing with rich, spoiled Chinese kids, who cruise around in their Teslas and live in million dollar apartments. Yes, there is resentment there and there is also a huge drug epidemic and homeless problem among young white kids. There is also a resentment that people often have long waits for certain non-emergency medical procedures, because of the huge influx of immigrants. That said, opted to return to Canada after several decades in the states, for the healthcare and safety net after a health scare in the states threatened to bankrupt me. My kids opted for university here, because as dual citizens it was a tenth the cost. The have opted to stay, because like most Canadians, they find Trump very scary. The jury is still out on Muslim immigration, for the most part they have self-segregated in other countries and they are doing so here. It hasn't worked out elsewhere, we'll see if it works here.
7
You are so right about the high cost of living and the job situation. I am Dual and love both countries. However, for better or worse I am living and working Stateside right now because I was struggling in Vancouver and Toronto and have typically had better jobs Stateside. Still I miss the more progressive, global mindset.
Also I think the whole healthcare debate is downright crazy. I work in healthcare and believe that every human being deserves a baseline of healthcare, period. I am challenged to understand why that even needs to be questioned in the States.
These days, I am here for work, thankful for the opportunities although during this current time I am feeling like a foreigner in the States whose values are more in line with a more tolerant, progressive place like Canada.
Vive le Canadá!!!! I am so thankful to be Canadian and have not (yet) completely lost faith in the USA as there are many good American people.
Also I think the whole healthcare debate is downright crazy. I work in healthcare and believe that every human being deserves a baseline of healthcare, period. I am challenged to understand why that even needs to be questioned in the States.
These days, I am here for work, thankful for the opportunities although during this current time I am feeling like a foreigner in the States whose values are more in line with a more tolerant, progressive place like Canada.
Vive le Canadá!!!! I am so thankful to be Canadian and have not (yet) completely lost faith in the USA as there are many good American people.
2
There is someone to blame, but it's hardly Trudeau Sr.
It was your last PM Harper and his finance Minister Flaherty who INTENTIONALLY tamped-down interest rates and encouraged everyone to buy a house, driving up prices - even those who really cannot afford one otherwise,
All in their hope/belief (proven to our detriment, as it turns out) that people who feel house-rich, will favour the government responsible.
Now we are all reaping the result of their party-before-country actions.
It was your last PM Harper and his finance Minister Flaherty who INTENTIONALLY tamped-down interest rates and encouraged everyone to buy a house, driving up prices - even those who really cannot afford one otherwise,
All in their hope/belief (proven to our detriment, as it turns out) that people who feel house-rich, will favour the government responsible.
Now we are all reaping the result of their party-before-country actions.
4
Please, Canada is a thinly veiled communist country! Did you ever notice how much that Maple Leaf looks like a Red Star?
Let them have their smart people and clean air. Who cares? We have a lotto, cheap beer and cigarettes, the new American Culture. Why bother with thoughtful responses to complex questions? We can fire out zero sum agenda based alternate facts better than anyone in the world. So don't be so smug up there with your healthcare and education. We are why ahead of the modern world, exceptional and making America hate again!
Let them have their smart people and clean air. Who cares? We have a lotto, cheap beer and cigarettes, the new American Culture. Why bother with thoughtful responses to complex questions? We can fire out zero sum agenda based alternate facts better than anyone in the world. So don't be so smug up there with your healthcare and education. We are why ahead of the modern world, exceptional and making America hate again!
17
Very nice satire j24, well done, I'm still laughing.
Thanks for your efforts.
Thanks for your efforts.
7
I grew up with Expo '67 whose theme was "Man and His World", and looked forward to visiting the exhibits - foods - languages - dances of other countries. Living in Montreal, I was surrounded by a number of different cultures, and learning/speaking different languages was something normal. I think having two strong cultures (English and French) fighting for their rights from the very beginning of Canada as a country taught us about making compromises and accommodating one another - even allowing for different legal systems (e.g., British criminal law and French civil law).
We're still learning and we certainly aren't perfect. Racism is alive and well in Canada as many minorities - particularly Indigenous people know. We are often less obvious in how we express racist positions and I suspect that racism will become more visible as immigrant numbers into some communities overwhelm the local population.
In other words, we Canadians have our limits in how much we are willing to accommodate others but, at the same time, we're often enthusiastic about what others bring into our cultural "mix." We may not get it always right and some of us are more accepting more than others but I think most Canadians like and value variety (just think about our coloured paper money!).
We're still learning and we certainly aren't perfect. Racism is alive and well in Canada as many minorities - particularly Indigenous people know. We are often less obvious in how we express racist positions and I suspect that racism will become more visible as immigrant numbers into some communities overwhelm the local population.
In other words, we Canadians have our limits in how much we are willing to accommodate others but, at the same time, we're often enthusiastic about what others bring into our cultural "mix." We may not get it always right and some of us are more accepting more than others but I think most Canadians like and value variety (just think about our coloured paper money!).
10
Well, there might be one very important factor: the way we consider democracy and elections.
In the USA it is a never ending ongoing process supplied by tons of more or less transparent $$$.
In Canada as in the provinces, campaign time is very limited to a few months, money is relatively scarce (compared to the US) and the whole operation well supervised by an independant office.
In the USA it is a never ending ongoing process supplied by tons of more or less transparent $$$.
In Canada as in the provinces, campaign time is very limited to a few months, money is relatively scarce (compared to the US) and the whole operation well supervised by an independant office.
11
Though previous PM Harper did try to bring in the worst of the American system with his (unconstitutional) fixed-date election legislation.
In Canada, all that is required is that an election be held at least every 5 years.
To put a predictable date on it is not our way and invites the continual campaigning we witness in the US.
In Canada, all that is required is that an election be held at least every 5 years.
To put a predictable date on it is not our way and invites the continual campaigning we witness in the US.
3
Good point and well said, especially in light of the recent gerrymandering case currently in front of the supreme court. The election process MUST be apolitical.
3
I have always felt that our national policy of multiculturalism is a very fragile experiment. If t continues to even sort of work, wonderful. Many of the immigrant students and their families I taught had truly believed that they could be themselves and Canadian..a reason they came and intended to stay and become involved. I immigrated under the old preferential system, and have been joyful to see the changes.
5
Be careful for what you wish for.
It all sounds so Kum ba ya and heart warming but in my view the jury is still out
on Canada. There are already many documented incidents in Canada of so called Honor Killings. Look it up Google. in addition outside of Toronto there is
a huge dispute between going on right now between Muslims and Hindus as far as religion and schools. This is only a continuation of the Hindu Muslim split in India which already has created Pakistan and has never ended.
I want to be clear that I am not saying all Muslims or Hindus or whatever immigrants are bad people but, many of them bring there own customs and culture which include things like honor killings, forced marriages, battery acid thrown in the face of women and other indignities women endure in their part of the world. I am well aware after reading some of the previous post that my position is not in line with most Canadiens, andI will be called a bigot, or right wing nut. Actually I am a Dem. here in the US but have not drunk the Kool -aid
yet.
It all sounds so Kum ba ya and heart warming but in my view the jury is still out
on Canada. There are already many documented incidents in Canada of so called Honor Killings. Look it up Google. in addition outside of Toronto there is
a huge dispute between going on right now between Muslims and Hindus as far as religion and schools. This is only a continuation of the Hindu Muslim split in India which already has created Pakistan and has never ended.
I want to be clear that I am not saying all Muslims or Hindus or whatever immigrants are bad people but, many of them bring there own customs and culture which include things like honor killings, forced marriages, battery acid thrown in the face of women and other indignities women endure in their part of the world. I am well aware after reading some of the previous post that my position is not in line with most Canadiens, andI will be called a bigot, or right wing nut. Actually I am a Dem. here in the US but have not drunk the Kool -aid
yet.
12
That is extremely misleading. We do not have a problem with ethnic violence. Our Indian and Pakistan/Hindu and Muslim immigrants live comfortably together. Violence is extremely rare and is not growing in any way.
But you are correct that we look down on people who don't share our views on diversity. To not embrace diversity of all kinds is so foreign to most of us that we view it as a backward approach that is usually rooted in racism or bigotry.
But you are correct that we look down on people who don't share our views on diversity. To not embrace diversity of all kinds is so foreign to most of us that we view it as a backward approach that is usually rooted in racism or bigotry.
3
I suspect that Canada's success in governing is due to parties listening to their electorate and governing in a way that they consider is best for their country (not themselves or their campaign funders).
I compare Canada with the UK and much of mainland Europe for the last couple of decades (where I have lived). Most parties continued with their agendas and didn't take seriously the rising demands for change. Many are fed up with "politics as usual". Brexit and now the major upset in France's parties illustrates this.
I compare Canada with the UK and much of mainland Europe for the last couple of decades (where I have lived). Most parties continued with their agendas and didn't take seriously the rising demands for change. Many are fed up with "politics as usual". Brexit and now the major upset in France's parties illustrates this.
3
With all due respect to our Northern neighbors, they experience little illegal immigration, they have much more land than people and so can accommodate immigrants, and their climate limits the number who care to settle there, increasing the number who pass through.
6
Much more land so can accommodate immigrants? Ah! the flaw with that rationale is that immigrants want to be and need to be near facilities to support them. And where might that be? Big cities - Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, none of them are heading to Yellowknife, NWT. And of course there is virtually no affordable housing even for those who are not immigrants.
6
Canada has been Hate Radio and Fox free. Canada’s Radio Act requires that “a licenser may not broadcast … any false or misleading news.” The provision has kept Fox News and right-wing talk radio out of Canada and helped make Canada a model for liberal democracy and freedom. As a result of that law, Canadians enjoy high quality news coverage, including the kind of foreign affairs and investigative
journalism that flourished in this country before Ronald Reagan abolished the “Fairness Doctrine” in 1987.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/foxcanada.asp
journalism that flourished in this country before Ronald Reagan abolished the “Fairness Doctrine” in 1987.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/foxcanada.asp
10
In reply to Denis E. Coughlin.
Except that our major television cable provider in Canada's east, Rogers Cable, does allow the Russian state sponsored propaganda news station, RT, to broadcast its news to Canadians foolish enough to subscribe to the channel.
Except that our major television cable provider in Canada's east, Rogers Cable, does allow the Russian state sponsored propaganda news station, RT, to broadcast its news to Canadians foolish enough to subscribe to the channel.
4
This articles get many things right but of course the situation is much more complex, especially in Quebec. There are strong xenophobic, racist and islamophobic sentiments among the relatively homogeneous white Quebec population outside of Montreal which has been exploited by politicians for decades. I will never forget the Quebec separatist politician decrying that "money and the ethnic vote" (i.e. Montreal Jews) was responsible for his loss in the 1995 referendum on Quebec separation. More recently Muslims have been targeted and the terrible massacre at the mosque in Quebec City earlier this year was a direct result. Trudeau, from Quebec himself, has done a lot to counter this on a national level. But the Canadian government needs to act and compensate the Canadian Aboriginal peoples who are still suffering tremendously from the attempted cultural genocide of our shameful residential school system.
45
The cultural genocide of our former residential school system is indeed shameful. We have a long way to go to ensure equality for all.
2
Jacques Parizeau never referred to the "Montreal Jews".
Why do you say this?
Perhaps you're being selective. Undoubtedly it serves your agenda.
Regardless, come on up. We'd love to have you over.
Why do you say this?
Perhaps you're being selective. Undoubtedly it serves your agenda.
Regardless, come on up. We'd love to have you over.
O, Canada, indeed, but the article's hinge on "widespread immigration" is sloppy and misleading. Canada has increased immigration levels in recent decades, as the U.S. has. The all-important difference, however, is that Canada's increase as a percentage of its population and its labor market is moderate to low when compared with the labor-market-destabilizing levels of U.S. immigration since the early 1970s.
The article is written as if there is an apples-to-apples comparison between U.S. and Canadian immigration. It is apples-to-oranges with a vengeance, as America's workers demonstrated in the 2016 presidential election.
The article is written as if there is an apples-to-apples comparison between U.S. and Canadian immigration. It is apples-to-oranges with a vengeance, as America's workers demonstrated in the 2016 presidential election.
If only we could learn a thing or two from our Canadians to the north!
Yes we CANada!
Yes we CANada!
2
Comparing Canada to the United States is difficult at best. We in Canada do not have all the illegal migration from Mexico nor the associated problems. Immigration to Canada means to Toronto or a few other cities and this creates problems that we are not supposed to mention. The Harper government was populist and right wing in so many ways and many Canadians are far to the right including many immigrants. Our liberal government depends on two provinces to win the election and then they make laws and dispense money for Ontario and Quebec. Eventually if trends continue Ontario will be home to over half the population and will elect the federal government and this will lead to the break up of Canada. Our rapid population growth and life style depends on hyper resource extraction and both are not sustainable. In many cases immigration is creating ghettos and in some it is possible to live in Chinese or another language. Our media is not fake but they script the news and select what is published so we seldom have real conversations. Our national media tends to be the world according to downtown Toronto and little more than navel gazing and a platform for our betters to tell us what and how to think. In spite of my complaints it is a great place to live and I welcome any Americans who want to visit or live here.
10
You better hope Canada doesn't break up because New Brunswick is literally broke. It lives off federal transfers and spending.
Emancipate yourselves, will even your neighbour Quebec notice? I mean aside from the refugees fleeing Fredrickton living on the streets of Montreal?
Emancipate yourselves, will even your neighbour Quebec notice? I mean aside from the refugees fleeing Fredrickton living on the streets of Montreal?
2
Interesting article as an American living in Canada. However, was surprised the writer didn't cite population differences between the U.S. and Canada: there are more people living in California than in all of Canada. Imported U .S. goods cost more for Canadian buyers than what they retail in the U.S. (except gasoline). When Canadians travel to the U.S., our loony is worth between 25-to-30 per cent less. Even though 'we' are though to have e a more stable economy (less in debt per capita personally and at the government levels) than in the U.S. Lastly, there IS a racism problem in Canada: toward its indigenous population (continued ramifications of the residential schools operated by the Anglican and Canadian churches and the government) and growing white resentment (right or wrong) against Asian immigrants, fuelled by foreign buyers who can buy condo units in buildings not yet completed.
2
As you note, Canada’s immigration policies are markedly different from those in the US. Their foreign born population is, percentage wise, huge, but virtually all their immigrants came with something to offer. Most came from Asia. Very few arrived without skills. Many, if not most, were highly educated.
These folks present no “threat”. They do not undercut wages. They pull their own weight. They do not overburden social welfare agencies. Very few are criminals. They are there LEGALLY. And, presumably, they consider themselves Canadians and don’t see their “identity” or skin color as political statements. If Canada were besieged with 11 million or so uninvited invaders, or faced the prospect of massive unskilled immigration, as has happened in the US and Europe, the attitudes of the native borns – and skilled, legal immigrants – might be very different. An invasion by foreign physicians or engineers is nothing about which to be concerned.
And, query: why are “minority” groups encouraged to “retain a strong group identity”, while the “majority” doing the same thing would be considered threatening?
If we – and Europe – adopted Canadian-style immigration policy, we would be much better served.
These folks present no “threat”. They do not undercut wages. They pull their own weight. They do not overburden social welfare agencies. Very few are criminals. They are there LEGALLY. And, presumably, they consider themselves Canadians and don’t see their “identity” or skin color as political statements. If Canada were besieged with 11 million or so uninvited invaders, or faced the prospect of massive unskilled immigration, as has happened in the US and Europe, the attitudes of the native borns – and skilled, legal immigrants – might be very different. An invasion by foreign physicians or engineers is nothing about which to be concerned.
And, query: why are “minority” groups encouraged to “retain a strong group identity”, while the “majority” doing the same thing would be considered threatening?
If we – and Europe – adopted Canadian-style immigration policy, we would be much better served.
8
If you haven't noticed, there's a culture war on. The liberal establishment encourages solidarity within minority communities and condemns it among members of the traditional majority group as a way to fragment society and maintain its own power. Count the New York Times and the television networks among those pushing that agenda.
3
The US doesn't need immigrants to have an underclass, nor "illegals" as the system creates the mess, and then the red states blame it all on Mexico, China, the middle east. Case in point : highest prison population in the world, bar none, including India and China, countries much larger.
Fix your mess before placing the blame elsewhere.
So glad I was edumacated in Canada.
Fix your mess before placing the blame elsewhere.
So glad I was edumacated in Canada.
1
Excellent article. It also helps that Canadians balk at mixing the sacred with the secular. Any whiff of fundamentalism or literal interpretation of ancient texts would be antithetical to a political career here. Similarly "cooling the jets" in Canadian politics is an anti-gun society. Not being ruled by heavy handed lobbyists & having limits on wealthy multi-corporation donations keeps us safer, freer & with less potential for corruption & greed.
Besides our 3 party system, a new 4th one has been gaining strength. The west coast (B.C.) just elected 3 provincial Green Party Members of the Legislature helping to form a minority government & defeating what is essentially the Canadian equivalent of a Republican governor. There are new Green Party reps in provincial governments all across the country now. More seats in Parliament for coherent, divergent views & votes is a good thing, lessening strident polarization & more accurately representing humans as they really are.
Besides our 3 party system, a new 4th one has been gaining strength. The west coast (B.C.) just elected 3 provincial Green Party Members of the Legislature helping to form a minority government & defeating what is essentially the Canadian equivalent of a Republican governor. There are new Green Party reps in provincial governments all across the country now. More seats in Parliament for coherent, divergent views & votes is a good thing, lessening strident polarization & more accurately representing humans as they really are.
This article should be titled, "It Can't Happen Here," except it can happen anywhere and it has in the US. Does anyone else remember the countless articles and news segments about white populations falling in the US, about the Republican Party falling by the wayside and becoming obsolete in the 21st century, the rise of nonwhite populations and how they would keep Democrats in power for a long long time? Remember when the Tea Party was considered a powerless fringe group? Hillary was considered to be the 45th president until she wasn't (the popular vote is irrelevant). The US became complacent and assumed pretty much the same points made in the article yet here we are.
1
Why pretend that Canada is so welcoming to everyone? The Province of Quebec, one of the most populous, English speakers face discrimination. Quebec expects the Canadian government to be bilingual. The provincial government is French only. New immigrants are forced into French schools. If one opens a new private school, the language of the school has to be French. Store signs have to have French in a larger font. Products sold in Quebec have to be labeled in French. Quebec has been holding the rest of Canada hostage by threatening to separate if they don't get their way. It is like a sword of Damocles hanging over the head of the Dominion for the last 50 years. While the rest of Canada has been kowtowing to Quebec and wasting money on bilingualism, Quebec goes along its way stealing rights from English speakers without any backlash from the rest of Canada. Rather than being welcoming, I think they are simply spineless for not standing up for what they truly believe.
9
Considering there are two official languages in Canada, Quebec should expect the Government to be bilingual. And in the case of bilingualism, it is such an advantage in today's Canada and indeed, today's world. The main thrust of your post does reflect problems lurking under the surface. They do exist. And we'll deal with them. But hoping we are all going to return to the way things were 50 years isn't the solution.
3
You have completely missed the point. I know exactly what I am talking about because I lived in Montreal. While the French were robbing the English population of their civil rights, and let us not forget the terrorist bombings of the FLQ, everyone was twiddling their thumbs and kowtowing. At that time the Federal government should have stepped in. Instead, while the rest of Canada is wasting money on bilingualism, Quebec is French only. The Federal law needs to be changed to uphold an English-only policy by the Federal government but they don't have the spine to stand up to Quebec. English speaking people in Quebec are teaching their children that it is all right to have their civil rights violated by being under the thumb of the French only province. From a business point of view, there is no upside to being bilingual when English is the worldwide language of business. Canadians aren't standing up for something they believe, they just can't be bothered to fight.
1
As a transplant from Los Angeles to the Vancouver area, I've been living in Canada for six years now.
No, the raw ingredients are NOT present in Canada. Its situation is not at all comparable to the US or EU. The central distinctions are: 1) Canada has a highly privileged geographic location, which means virtually zero illegal immigration; and 2) It has not yet suffered serious terrorist attacks comparable to 9/11 or the now-frequent maulings in Europe, due to a combination of its geographic location and its smaller role in the world.
It's that simple. It is not about superior strategies or institutions.
No, the raw ingredients are NOT present in Canada. Its situation is not at all comparable to the US or EU. The central distinctions are: 1) Canada has a highly privileged geographic location, which means virtually zero illegal immigration; and 2) It has not yet suffered serious terrorist attacks comparable to 9/11 or the now-frequent maulings in Europe, due to a combination of its geographic location and its smaller role in the world.
It's that simple. It is not about superior strategies or institutions.
6
If certain criteria are met, hate speech is a punishable offense in Canada. This is a huge difference between the US and Canada and I believe it is a factor in their success in creating a multicultural society.
Propaganda is protected speech here. There is no doubt after what the world witnessed in Germany in the buildup to WWII, of the effectiveness of propaganda to sway public opinion and to create an us versus them scenario. If we continue on our present path of disinformation reported as fact and hate speech protected as legitimate expression, we will follow Germany down the self-destructive path of policing its own citizens into tyrannical submission.
Propaganda is protected speech here. There is no doubt after what the world witnessed in Germany in the buildup to WWII, of the effectiveness of propaganda to sway public opinion and to create an us versus them scenario. If we continue on our present path of disinformation reported as fact and hate speech protected as legitimate expression, we will follow Germany down the self-destructive path of policing its own citizens into tyrannical submission.
7
"And a points system, which favors migrants who are thought to contribute economically, makes immigration feel like something that benefits everyone."
Canadian employers cannot hire an employee without proper documentation so Canada has very few illegal immigrants. If the United States required every employer to use "e-verify" to make sure every employee was entitled to work here, then most of our illegal immigrants would self-deport.
When in comes to legal immigrants, we could adopt the Canadian system of restricting future immigrants to ones who are educated, speak English, and have work skills. Right now, well over half of all immigrants are accepted based only on their family ties.
If we required all employers to use e-verify and if we accepted only immigrants who could contribute economically to our country, then we would be more like Canada, and we, too, would be proud of our immigration system.
Canadian employers cannot hire an employee without proper documentation so Canada has very few illegal immigrants. If the United States required every employer to use "e-verify" to make sure every employee was entitled to work here, then most of our illegal immigrants would self-deport.
When in comes to legal immigrants, we could adopt the Canadian system of restricting future immigrants to ones who are educated, speak English, and have work skills. Right now, well over half of all immigrants are accepted based only on their family ties.
If we required all employers to use e-verify and if we accepted only immigrants who could contribute economically to our country, then we would be more like Canada, and we, too, would be proud of our immigration system.
7
It's human nature.
A basic safety net for all (in particular healthcare), a less greedy economic system (that didn't lead to the extremes of the 2008 meltdown), and liberal laws that protect humans --not just profits--goes a long way to encourage inclusiveness and being comfortable with differences, because
people feel less personally threatened.
When all the gains go to just a few, (like in the US), people feel like they need to compete with the limited scraps left available--dog eat dog. That's where we are, now.
A basic safety net for all (in particular healthcare), a less greedy economic system (that didn't lead to the extremes of the 2008 meltdown), and liberal laws that protect humans --not just profits--goes a long way to encourage inclusiveness and being comfortable with differences, because
people feel less personally threatened.
When all the gains go to just a few, (like in the US), people feel like they need to compete with the limited scraps left available--dog eat dog. That's where we are, now.
"multicultural identities are encouraged" ??
My friends in Montreal are forbidden to go to English school. They must by law enroll into a French only school.
That is not respecting multicultural identities.
That is not respecting basic human rights.
That's Canada for you!
My friends in Montreal are forbidden to go to English school. They must by law enroll into a French only school.
That is not respecting multicultural identities.
That is not respecting basic human rights.
That's Canada for you!
8
C'est la vie au Québec mon ami. It's to preserve their minority french language and distinct québecois culture from assimilation. Won't it be great? Your friends will learn another language.
2
This article is a bit naive. If you want to see populism in action in Canada, go to Quebec. The French Canadian white majority has in the past 50 years denied basic rights to English speakers, forced immigrants to attend French schools, attempted to ban the wearing of yamulkas and hijabs, and many French politicians use dog-whistle politics with immigrants. The violent right wing is also more prevalent in Quebec, witness the recent mass killing at a mosque in Quebec City.
6
Learn French. Then comment.
2
I speak French fluently. You are a separatist I guess.
On these same digital pages appears a story on how some Americans will be affected by the loss of health care coverage. Their stories are heart wrenching
In Canada that simply couldn't happen.
Their social contract is: "we're all in this together." Witness that in action with their single payer world class health insurance system.
Here's how it works: You go to a doctor or a hospital when you need to. You show your health card. You get the care you need or are admitted, and then go home. Your wallet never leaves its pocket, except to find and then show your card.
It wouldn't take much to install the same system in the US. Yet Americans self preach about how this would be a "big government" intrusion into their lives.
And therein lies the effectiveness of a well-funded propaganda campaign.
I am saddened by the state of the country. A place where I grew up but no longer recognize.
A country now awash in over 300 million guns and counting.
A country where an upward redistribution of wealth over almost half a century has left millions of Americans virtually destitute.
A country where a "health care" bill which if passed will result in yet another unneeded tax cut for the rich.
"It's everyman for himself" is the American social contract now.
But it didn't used to be.
"Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio? A nation turns it's lonely eyes to you..."
In Canada that simply couldn't happen.
Their social contract is: "we're all in this together." Witness that in action with their single payer world class health insurance system.
Here's how it works: You go to a doctor or a hospital when you need to. You show your health card. You get the care you need or are admitted, and then go home. Your wallet never leaves its pocket, except to find and then show your card.
It wouldn't take much to install the same system in the US. Yet Americans self preach about how this would be a "big government" intrusion into their lives.
And therein lies the effectiveness of a well-funded propaganda campaign.
I am saddened by the state of the country. A place where I grew up but no longer recognize.
A country now awash in over 300 million guns and counting.
A country where an upward redistribution of wealth over almost half a century has left millions of Americans virtually destitute.
A country where a "health care" bill which if passed will result in yet another unneeded tax cut for the rich.
"It's everyman for himself" is the American social contract now.
But it didn't used to be.
"Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio? A nation turns it's lonely eyes to you..."
8
Self-reliance is the CORE of being AMERICAN! You just don't get it. Now, you are out of it and that is good.
After decades of promoting multiculturalism over patriotism, of demagogues cultivating group identities and group grievances the 'we're all in it together" social contract goes out the window. Without conscious nation building, without pressure to adopt and maintain cultural norms and standards, there no longer is a We. We become a country of groups and individuals. It makes us selfish, newcomers and descendants of the pioneers alike, and we are poorer for it.
Oh Canada. The place is empty. Canada needs immigrants. It lacks a coherent, cohesive national identity. Instead, it is a multicultural nation. It is made up of communities which continue to identify with a place of national origin with the identification remaining strong as native born Canadians succeed the immigrant generation. Canada became the Switzerland of the New World-except even more so.
Climate has something t5o do with it. Under the surface, Canadians diversity does not ingratiate one group with another. Instead, the freezing temperature and wide empty geographic space next to the most powerful nation in the world makes Canadians need each other. Canadians are interdependent even if they do not like each other.
Canadians owe America a great debt of gratitude that goes largely unacknowledged. Canadians often complain that there is too little to unite them as Canadians. That is where we Americans come to the rescue. Canadians can agree upon one thing almost universally: Not American, Thank God!
Climate has something t5o do with it. Under the surface, Canadians diversity does not ingratiate one group with another. Instead, the freezing temperature and wide empty geographic space next to the most powerful nation in the world makes Canadians need each other. Canadians are interdependent even if they do not like each other.
Canadians owe America a great debt of gratitude that goes largely unacknowledged. Canadians often complain that there is too little to unite them as Canadians. That is where we Americans come to the rescue. Canadians can agree upon one thing almost universally: Not American, Thank God!
2
One element missing is luck. Kevin O'Leary came very close to winning the Conservative leadership, but thankfully, backed out at the last minute. The prospect of him being Prime Minister is truly scary. O'Leary would be as bad as Trump, minus the nuclear codes.
2
He dropped out because he didn't have a chance of winning, especially in Québec. He was shrewd enough to dip his toe in the populist pool but found it too chilly.
2
Why not just "man up" and say it...the simple basic reality is that we Canadians as a population are just more balanced and moderate a people than Americans are...
We're not as loud or as angry, we're more accepting and moderate, we're generally less violent and less racist. The extremism and radicalism that pervades American society, be it in the form of the Tea Party, Trump or the NRA just won't get purchase here.
Go ahead and make your jokes, but the world likes us, and hates and fears you. We have far less per capita debt, far better healthcare, less drug use, better schools, less violence, and cleaner streets.
We're not as loud or as angry, we're more accepting and moderate, we're generally less violent and less racist. The extremism and radicalism that pervades American society, be it in the form of the Tea Party, Trump or the NRA just won't get purchase here.
Go ahead and make your jokes, but the world likes us, and hates and fears you. We have far less per capita debt, far better healthcare, less drug use, better schools, less violence, and cleaner streets.
15
So being moderate, accepting and balanced doesn't prevent you from negatively stereotyping and denigrating an entire country of over 300 million people.
2
Just curious, how many terrorists attacks have there been in Canada over the last 40 years? How many Canadian citizens have been murdered by radicals Islamic terrorists? Inquiring minds want to know.
1
Very few, as you're aware.
Like the US, most of our terror promoters are home grown white males.
Like the US, most of our terror promoters are home grown white males.
2
Where, Ron Sheridan, do you get that data?
Read the news, George.
After 9/11, every actual (not planned, but actual) horrendous act of terrorism committed in America was done by white Christian American males. Every mass shooting, every bomb, every racially motivated hate crime was done by the same group of white Christian American males who, with the help of the Alt-right animals and the Fox News animals, claim to be under attack.
They learned well from the master: "Tell a lie, make it big, repeat it often."
After 9/11, every actual (not planned, but actual) horrendous act of terrorism committed in America was done by white Christian American males. Every mass shooting, every bomb, every racially motivated hate crime was done by the same group of white Christian American males who, with the help of the Alt-right animals and the Fox News animals, claim to be under attack.
They learned well from the master: "Tell a lie, make it big, repeat it often."
1
What "populist wave", Trumpism? The term populism must have gone to another dimension and come back as an oxymoron. Applying the term to anything republicans intend for the majority population belongs in the same dust bin of hyperbole as "right to work" where the benefits come to rest in the laps of those who've kept Populism from getting a toehold for decades. We've been served a dose of republican populism with the Health Care bill they're hoping gets swallowed by the little people while they gorge themselves on taxpayer funded health care. Leona Helmsley would be proud . She might be a populist too if you count how she treated her dog.
2
I would also like to add that Canada has another underlying unifying force: Hockey. New immigrants have long identified with the sport and the part it plays in the Canadian cultural identity. so that when you go to any arena you'll find a multicultural collection of parents and children. Playing the sport brings people together as fans of the game. Soccer is also growing in influence, and that too is all to the good as one of the key takeaways from any sport is that we are all stronger when we work together as a team.
15
"Canada announces worthwhile initiative" is the punchline to a joke about the most boring headline ever, but sometimes boring is okay, especially when mixed with decency, compassion and tolerance.
15
I immigrated to Canada 20 years ago. I found the Canadian immigration system fair, unlike in the US where I felt unwelcome.
I feel it was the smartest decision I ever made. Never once have I felt like an outsider and Canadians have been been kind, fair, and civil throughout my time here.
As an entrepreneur, I've paid millions of dollars in taxes and created hundreds of well-paying jobs over the years I've been here.
Your loss, America.
I feel it was the smartest decision I ever made. Never once have I felt like an outsider and Canadians have been been kind, fair, and civil throughout my time here.
As an entrepreneur, I've paid millions of dollars in taxes and created hundreds of well-paying jobs over the years I've been here.
Your loss, America.
61
Canada’s immigration system favors people who are educated, skilled, speak English and/ or French, and would, overall, contribute economically. This is a much better plan than the one used here which primarily accepts people based on kinship, and which turns a blind eye to the poorly educated, unskilled, non-English speakers who migrate here illegally.
Since Canada has largely restricted immigration to those who could easily adapt to their country and who could contribute to it economically, it has not been saddled with subsidizing millions of people who place little value on learning English or in any education. Canada will be positioned to prosper in the Information Age; whereas our country will be continually trying to teach an ever-increasing number of immigrants to speak English and to trying to get their children to stay in school.
We need to accept immigrants like Breadcrumbs who would contribute to our country rather than the people whose only qualification is kinship or the poor, uneducated Mexicans and Central Americans who have moved here illegally.
Since Canada has largely restricted immigration to those who could easily adapt to their country and who could contribute to it economically, it has not been saddled with subsidizing millions of people who place little value on learning English or in any education. Canada will be positioned to prosper in the Information Age; whereas our country will be continually trying to teach an ever-increasing number of immigrants to speak English and to trying to get their children to stay in school.
We need to accept immigrants like Breadcrumbs who would contribute to our country rather than the people whose only qualification is kinship or the poor, uneducated Mexicans and Central Americans who have moved here illegally.
6
And we're glad you came!
As Trudeau observed, Canada is truly the first postnational country.
10
This piece offers a very rosy picture of Canada's stance on multiculturalism. While it is true that Jason Kenney successfully wooed immigrant voters, he did so by appealing to their culturally conservative views and painting the liberal environment that welcomed them to Canada in the first place as a threat to their beliefs. The Conservative Party under Stephen Harper was a populist enterprise, and Harper held power for ten years, ending with their loss to the Liberal Party in 2015. During that election, Harper demonized immigrants, going so far as promising a "barbaric cultural practices hotline" where citizens could rat on their neighbors. The Conservatives lost, but they still pulled in 35% of the vote. The same simmering blue collar resentment and fear of immigrants that helped Trump win exists in Canada, but it's less emphatic because Canada has a more comprehensive safety net. Make no mistake, Canadians are not immune to populism, we just endured a ten year stint of it and the pendulum has temporarily swung the other way.
53
Also absent from this rosy article are recent surveys that reveal that Canadians, too, are becoming restive about immigration and partiuclarly at the rates of Muslim immigration.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/02/07/canada-immigrants_n_14635892.html
It would be nice if the mainstream media would stop so nakedly pushing its own preferred narrative and made at least some pretence of presenting a balanced picture.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/02/07/canada-immigrants_n_14635892.html
It would be nice if the mainstream media would stop so nakedly pushing its own preferred narrative and made at least some pretence of presenting a balanced picture.
Totally agree.
4
I agree. Without the safety net it would be pretty easy to imagine a rise in populism here. Also, I would add that the late Rob Ford was elected mayor of Toronto using the same tactics you describe Jason Kenny using to woo immigrant voters. So it's there under the surface for sure.
4
A quite different point of view from the author Bharati Mukherjee
"The years in Canada were particularly harsh. Canada is a country that officially, and proudly, resists cultural fusion. For all its rhetoric about a cultural “mosaic,” Canada refuses to renovate its national self-image to include its changing complexion. It is a New World country with Old World concepts of a fixed, exclusivist national identity. Canadian official rhetoric designated me as one of the “visible minority” who, even though I spoke the Canadian languages of English and French, was straining “the absorptive capacity” of Canada. Canadians of color were routinely treated as “not real” Canadians. One example: In 1985 a terrorist bomb, planted in an Air-India jet on Canadian soil, blew up after leaving Montreal, killing 329 passengers, most of whom were Canadians of Indian origin. The prime minister of Canada at the time, Brian Mulroney, phoned the prime minister of India to offer Canada’s condolences for India’s loss. "
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/1997/01/american-dreamer/
I rather prefer the melting pot model of US over the multiculturalism of Canada. If I wanted to cling to my Bengali identity in the public domain that badly, I would have stayed in Calcutta
"The years in Canada were particularly harsh. Canada is a country that officially, and proudly, resists cultural fusion. For all its rhetoric about a cultural “mosaic,” Canada refuses to renovate its national self-image to include its changing complexion. It is a New World country with Old World concepts of a fixed, exclusivist national identity. Canadian official rhetoric designated me as one of the “visible minority” who, even though I spoke the Canadian languages of English and French, was straining “the absorptive capacity” of Canada. Canadians of color were routinely treated as “not real” Canadians. One example: In 1985 a terrorist bomb, planted in an Air-India jet on Canadian soil, blew up after leaving Montreal, killing 329 passengers, most of whom were Canadians of Indian origin. The prime minister of Canada at the time, Brian Mulroney, phoned the prime minister of India to offer Canada’s condolences for India’s loss. "
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/1997/01/american-dreamer/
I rather prefer the melting pot model of US over the multiculturalism of Canada. If I wanted to cling to my Bengali identity in the public domain that badly, I would have stayed in Calcutta
36
That's an interesting perspective...but one should add, no one in Canada will pressure another to cling to any particular cultural, religious heritage, or belief. The choice is theirs. That is what makes Canada different.
1
I do see your point. You can shed your Bengali identity in America. The problem is that we also expect all Bengalis (and other nationals) to shed their identities. And this expectation (more like a demand) is what is profoundly unfair.
Unity amongst diversity is always a winning proposition. Tolerance and acceptance starts at an early age and I fear for the children of those who do not share these wonderful human values.
Unity amongst diversity is always a winning proposition. Tolerance and acceptance starts at an early age and I fear for the children of those who do not share these wonderful human values.
1
I prefer biases come to the fore to be resolved as has been happening in the United States. It is a sign of an evolving society. I suspect we are ahead of Canada and the rest of the world in this respect. No experience interacting with Canadians or visiting Canada, so I could very easily be wrong.
It is too early to tell.
So far, the Canadian government can pick and chose via their immigration system. The immigrants most likely come from Europe or Asia. They equip with either wealth or the youth and skill to qualify for entering Canada. However, we don't have the luxury to select due to our porous border in the south.
But eventually, immigrants will move further north to seek a better land when US is no longer the best destination. At that time, Canada will feel the pressure to accommodate the less educated and more social aid needed population. We'll see at that time what will happen about public policy.
So far, the Canadian government can pick and chose via their immigration system. The immigrants most likely come from Europe or Asia. They equip with either wealth or the youth and skill to qualify for entering Canada. However, we don't have the luxury to select due to our porous border in the south.
But eventually, immigrants will move further north to seek a better land when US is no longer the best destination. At that time, Canada will feel the pressure to accommodate the less educated and more social aid needed population. We'll see at that time what will happen about public policy.
13
Canada does have an immigration policy that values education and skills. But we also accept, proportionately, many more immigrants that the US.
5
While I think this is a very good column with important lessons to be learned, it also makes an error of omission similar to those made by people analyzing the rise of Trump in America, class. Racial resentment is often the result of working-class decline and insecurities. My first question is how well Canada has addressed working class concerns and how that relates to the unattractiveness of right-wing populism.
7
The overriding problem we have in the World is exponential growth in population; climate change, water pollution, species decline,etc. all flow from this. As populations densify pressures build and established populations push back. It helps a lot that Canada has a relatively low population and large livable area. It also helps that geography saves it generally from uncontrolled access by people driven to seek economic stability. Happy 150th Birthday Canada!
6
Amongst Canadians of European ancestry, far fewer are practicing Christians than in the U.S. and those who do practice are generally moderate. Canadians simply do not see themselves as a Christian nation. It is an open nation. To be sure, Canada needs to be smart about who we let in, but as long as they are either economically qualified or legitimate refugees they are welcome.
8
According to its Constitution, the United States of America is not a Christian nation -- the first amendment. Extremist evangelical Christians in the USA who are closely associated with white supremacists (and some would say this is not Christian) do not respect the Constitution.
1
This entire sunny article about the virtues of Canada and how wonderful they are can be boiled down to one sentence in this article.
“We have the luxury of being surrounded by oceans on three sides, and then by the U.S. border,” Mr. Hussen said. “Which, relative to your southern border, doesn’t have the same amount of irregular migration.”
That's all there is to it. They don't have to contend with unlimited immigration by virtue of circumstance. Translation: Canadians are lucky.
“We have the luxury of being surrounded by oceans on three sides, and then by the U.S. border,” Mr. Hussen said. “Which, relative to your southern border, doesn’t have the same amount of irregular migration.”
That's all there is to it. They don't have to contend with unlimited immigration by virtue of circumstance. Translation: Canadians are lucky.
13
Canada does, in fact, have irregular migration on our southern border -- especially since the rise of Trump. During the recent campaign for leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada, the populist candidate attempted to whip up fear and promised to deport them all immediately. As the article mentions, she lost dismally. Canadians prefer to deal with irregular migrants from the United States by evaluating individual cases through due process, with a sense of fairness, humanity and respect for the facts -- not by whipping up populist fear and hatred by claiming they are all rapists and murderers.
3
Ethnic and linguistic diversity are at the very heart of Canadian society since its inception 150+ years ago. Canada was formed by a negotiated consensus of two founding peoples, a feature which is still present today and forms the basis for a unique nation state in the modern world. Consensus is at the heart of virtually every nation-building exercise the country has ever undertaken; which, by the way, have ben largely resisted by conservative political forces who would have had us remain British/Anglo-Saxon.
6
Great historical tidbit about Pierre Trudeau's policy of official multiculturalism. This strategic choice, which didn't get carried fully to include recognition of indigenous people's rights or dignity, has certainly helped drive politics toward the center.
But so do Canada's multi-party system and its parliamentary system of governing, so it's hard to say whether the Canadian decency toward immigrants is a cause or a result. The American system of checks and balances has failed to stop the rise of a determined far-right minority that uses racism to convince the least well-off to vote against their own best interests.
Canada uses paper ballots. That reform alone might bring American politics back to the center.
But so do Canada's multi-party system and its parliamentary system of governing, so it's hard to say whether the Canadian decency toward immigrants is a cause or a result. The American system of checks and balances has failed to stop the rise of a determined far-right minority that uses racism to convince the least well-off to vote against their own best interests.
Canada uses paper ballots. That reform alone might bring American politics back to the center.
7
Yes we are proud of our multicultural mosaic, but I also believe immigrants to Canada are much more assimilated than people think. A few years ago CBC had to start broadcasting Hockey Night in Canada in Punjabi because of the intense interest in the national past time. There is nothing more Canadian than the family sitting around the TV on Saturday night watching HNIC and hating the Leafs. People who come here just like being Canadian.
14
As an ex-pat who still holds deep affection for and pride in my birth country, I have to say that it was only a couple of years ago that many of my native land's people looked wistfully South at the exhilarating and inspiring move forward by the US under Obama. Meanwhile, Canada was saddled with as reactionary and GOP-like a government as it had ever had under the W Bush-compatible Harper.
What was the case in the election was what is always the case. The candidate who gives you something to vote FOR, even just vaguely aspirational optimism, as did Trudeau, will tend to triumph over the candidate who only argues "don't vote for X".
We saw the same play out here. As horrifying as it might be to contemplate, if you are sentient, nuanced and fact-based, Trump gave his base something to vote FOR, a nativist, racist platform of resentment and grievance and dissembling, but something none the less. Clinton ran on "you liked Obama well enough, it's my time and at least I am not Trump". By the arcane and cooked rules of our electoral system, she lost.
It is true that Canada rejected the politics of resentment and GOP-ism of Harper for the sunny and forward-looking views of Trudeau, but the truth is, every election is its own unique petri dish, and to draw an overarching conclusion about Canada and right-wing populism from one election is mistaken, as mistaken as assuming that Cleveland was going to be Golden State because they won game 4 convincingly.
What was the case in the election was what is always the case. The candidate who gives you something to vote FOR, even just vaguely aspirational optimism, as did Trudeau, will tend to triumph over the candidate who only argues "don't vote for X".
We saw the same play out here. As horrifying as it might be to contemplate, if you are sentient, nuanced and fact-based, Trump gave his base something to vote FOR, a nativist, racist platform of resentment and grievance and dissembling, but something none the less. Clinton ran on "you liked Obama well enough, it's my time and at least I am not Trump". By the arcane and cooked rules of our electoral system, she lost.
It is true that Canada rejected the politics of resentment and GOP-ism of Harper for the sunny and forward-looking views of Trudeau, but the truth is, every election is its own unique petri dish, and to draw an overarching conclusion about Canada and right-wing populism from one election is mistaken, as mistaken as assuming that Cleveland was going to be Golden State because they won game 4 convincingly.
16
It was always easier to get into Canada than the US, whether you were coming from Eastern Europe, the West Indies or anywhere else. It's largely because Canada's population is & was much smaller than that of the US, which makes it economically advantageous: you weren't crowding anyone else out. When I was in Montreal in 1969, it was full of young American men escaping from the war in Viet Nam
5
"... there were no bellows of rage from the audience, only courteous murmurs of concern." Of course! Canadians are polite, first and foremost.
3
The article does a very good job of describing Canadians' openness to immigration but here's my take as a born and bred Canadian if it helps to give some colour and perspective.
We are the world.
I know, hokey song lyric, but true in our case.
Part of it is indeed due to the lack of a single strong Canadian national identity and the absence of an over-arching national mythology, but it's what's arisen in their place that really tells the story. We see ourselves as equal contributors to human society wherever we may have been born. We are all members of one species on planet Earth: we are all Earthlings first, and members of a particular country second. We realize culture is primarily local, even neighbourhood-based, and that when new people bring new ideas and ways to our neighbourhoods we are all made better in the process.
It's not universal, and it's not always perfect, but it is the prevailing ethos.
Part of it too, is thanks to our overall higher levels of equality. We Canadians do a better job of redistributing wealth than you Americans and fewer of us, as a result, have our backs up against the wall financially. Being comfortable and secure goes a long way towards increasing tolerance and acceptance.
I have noticed, by the way, that New York City has a very accepting and universalist feel to it that feels very much familiar to me as a Canadian and Torontonian. Other parts of the US I've visited, not so much.
In any case, good article, hope this helps.
We are the world.
I know, hokey song lyric, but true in our case.
Part of it is indeed due to the lack of a single strong Canadian national identity and the absence of an over-arching national mythology, but it's what's arisen in their place that really tells the story. We see ourselves as equal contributors to human society wherever we may have been born. We are all members of one species on planet Earth: we are all Earthlings first, and members of a particular country second. We realize culture is primarily local, even neighbourhood-based, and that when new people bring new ideas and ways to our neighbourhoods we are all made better in the process.
It's not universal, and it's not always perfect, but it is the prevailing ethos.
Part of it too, is thanks to our overall higher levels of equality. We Canadians do a better job of redistributing wealth than you Americans and fewer of us, as a result, have our backs up against the wall financially. Being comfortable and secure goes a long way towards increasing tolerance and acceptance.
I have noticed, by the way, that New York City has a very accepting and universalist feel to it that feels very much familiar to me as a Canadian and Torontonian. Other parts of the US I've visited, not so much.
In any case, good article, hope this helps.
22
I went to grad school in the US and had endless conversations with my American classmates about the differences between Canada and the USA. In many ways it all comes down to our origins .... where the Canadian model put the interests of society ahead of the interests of the individual.
"“Peace, order and good government” are the words used in section 91 of the British North America Act of 1867 (now Constitution Act, 1867) to define the Canadian Parliament’s lawmaking authority in relation to provincial authority. .... It has come to be considered the Canadian counterpart to the United States’ “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
That translates into all sorts of fundamental differences ... think of health care, education, social policy, immigration policy, and so on.
Having lived in your country for many years, with much appreciation and admiration, I cannot tell you how happy I am to be back in Canada these days.
"“Peace, order and good government” are the words used in section 91 of the British North America Act of 1867 (now Constitution Act, 1867) to define the Canadian Parliament’s lawmaking authority in relation to provincial authority. .... It has come to be considered the Canadian counterpart to the United States’ “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
That translates into all sorts of fundamental differences ... think of health care, education, social policy, immigration policy, and so on.
Having lived in your country for many years, with much appreciation and admiration, I cannot tell you how happy I am to be back in Canada these days.
185
A populist is one who cares for the common people. There is no populist wave. Quit misusing the term.
6
A populist USES the common man. Does he care one whit about his plight? Evidently, and universally, not.
1
I opened this post because of the teaser on the front page, which noted that in Canada: "Minority voters have a large political voice, immigration is seen as positive and multicultural identities are encouraged."
And I thought, wow, THAT is the American outlook and the aspirations of the US that I grew up in. Or thought I did. And thought we had. But no longer do.
How can we get that back? I really miss them.
We've never been perfect, we've often been horrible. But those principles used to stand front and center for us here in the US. I want them back. How bout you?
And I thought, wow, THAT is the American outlook and the aspirations of the US that I grew up in. Or thought I did. And thought we had. But no longer do.
How can we get that back? I really miss them.
We've never been perfect, we've often been horrible. But those principles used to stand front and center for us here in the US. I want them back. How bout you?
10
Yea me too ...back to controlled immigration ... mostly immigrants that can and will contribute to society and not just come to get free stuff ...
We have a lot of hard working immigrants from Africa around here ... bring in more people like these ...
Shocked at the local Y ...they talk about reading to their kids ...working 1-3 jobs ...having their kids get a good education ... if you use a trigger word or micro aggression(whatever) ... they just laugh if they see you uncomfortable ... they say don't worry ...
I'm NOT AA ...
We have a lot of hard working immigrants from Africa around here ... bring in more people like these ...
Shocked at the local Y ...they talk about reading to their kids ...working 1-3 jobs ...having their kids get a good education ... if you use a trigger word or micro aggression(whatever) ... they just laugh if they see you uncomfortable ... they say don't worry ...
I'm NOT AA ...
1
Could there perhaps also be a link to public education? In the US, our public education systems have been under attack for decades, potentially leading to areas of poor and dogmatic educational coverage. Is it possible Canada's welcoming and valuing others is partly due to maintaining high public education standards?
17
My son went to 7th grade in British Columbia and the education system is at least two years behind where he was in California. He was bored and, since conformity is so important in Canada, there was no effort made to accommodate him. If the author thinks all Canadians welcome outsiders, she's been talking to other Canadians than I meet in BC. I hear many racist comments here in Canada but few when I am in California.
2
Another reason why Canada resisted the populist pull in the last election lies with the tone of our most recent federal political race. Mr. Harper ran a campaign of attack ads, designed to point out the failures of his rivals. Mr. Trudeau ran a positive campaign, having met with people in the grass roots and learned what was important with them; he took the high road and prepared a platform based on what he would do FOR THE PEOPLE. That resonated and continues to do so. I grew up during Mr. Trudeau Sr's era, where he spoke of a "just society". That resonated with me and I think that is what Canada has tried to achieve, however imperfectly. Finally, Canadians are disgusted by Trump and the disaster he has created in the States. We want none of that. People used to say that Canadians were just like Americans...now we Canadians truly have our own identity. Canada 150!!!!
98
I was in Toronto very recently. Even compared to San Francisco, Toronto seemed comfortably unsegregated.
25
This column is pleasant to read, and it gets some things right, but it also gets a lot of things very wrong. First, in a diverse, liberal democratic society multiculturalism is the only logical and moral strategy, but its end goal must be assimilation to a cultural norm, not the permanent establishment of differences. In Canada, MC works best when it means the least and that is best achieved through tolerance over the long-term. As it is, giving into the narrow demands of different ethnic groups risks fracturing Canadian foreign policy. I am working on a paper right now dealing with exactly this subject. Secondly, Jason Kenney and the Conservative Party specifically excluded and targeted Muslims as being "un-Canadian" and outside the Canadian "family." They embraced anti-Muslim populism enthusiastically and also encouraged the politics of division in Canada. They did this by encouraging the socially conservative elements of recent immigrant communities to offset the influence of liberal values in Canada - for example, the CP played up its opposition to gay marriage in order to get votes from immigrants. This politics of division was dangerous and one of the reasons that the Cons lost the last election, but it took 9 years before Canadians were able to mobilize against the Harper/Kenney government. This article presents a very simplistic and inaccurate view of what has happened in Canada. The last govt represented Canada's moment of right wing govt, if not populism.
19
Of course all of Canada's many recent efforts to compensate for its truly vicious and fairly recent government programs designed to deracinate its indigenous populations might cause some Canadian indigenes and their descendants to demur.
9
If Canada was governed by a populist, your comment would explain their slogan, "Make Canada great again!". As you point out at least we're trying to make amends.
1
There is acknowledgement within the very article as to the most likely reasons why Canada is not following the populist wave: highly controlled, highly selective immigration, enabled by two oceans and the strongest southern border in the world. The fears exploited by far right politicians simply cannot be corroborated with the Canadian reality. But the tone of this piece makes it seem like it was sponsored by the Canadian government. If Canada was smack dab in the middle of Europe, would any of this be the case? Would Canadian virtue respond calmly to the terrorism that has befallen London and Paris?
We like to pat ourselves on the back here in North America while sneering at Europe for this and that. It's okay, they do it too. But people get scared everywhere. This is just one Syrian civil war. As the oceans rise, massive displacement of populations will continue. Will we continue to sneer at Europe? Uncontrolled, unwanted immigration will be the defining issue of the 21st century.
The way we liberals tend to do things is thusly: proclaim the merits of our position while it in no way threatens our way of life. When presented with evidence it might threaten us even a little? Crickets; and acceptance of some right wing nut. We need to be proactive with immigration by finding a way to keep people happy where they are.
We like to pat ourselves on the back here in North America while sneering at Europe for this and that. It's okay, they do it too. But people get scared everywhere. This is just one Syrian civil war. As the oceans rise, massive displacement of populations will continue. Will we continue to sneer at Europe? Uncontrolled, unwanted immigration will be the defining issue of the 21st century.
The way we liberals tend to do things is thusly: proclaim the merits of our position while it in no way threatens our way of life. When presented with evidence it might threaten us even a little? Crickets; and acceptance of some right wing nut. We need to be proactive with immigration by finding a way to keep people happy where they are.
23
Canada has experienced several terrorism related incidents in the past few years. We've also experienced separatist terrorism in the 60's. You just don't get it, Canada consciously made the decision, directed by official government policy to embrace multiculturalism and mass immigration - it the key to our continued success. Canada's job now is to export this success to our partners.
I find the article rather racist in assuming the West is the center of populism.
In reality, the muslim world has been overrun by far more populist movements than the west - how else do you explain the massive religiosity -
and diffused anti-westernism and anti-Jewishness and other typical religious rhetoric that tends to be anti-gay, anti-abortionist and misogynist in nature - that has overrun Muslim communities throughout the globe in the last 30 years if not populism?
Then I would like to point out that it appears continental Europe seems to be "defeating" "western" populism far better than the anglophone countries.
So the title of the article should read :
"Canada's Secret to Resisting the Populism of the English-Speaking World"
In reality, the muslim world has been overrun by far more populist movements than the west - how else do you explain the massive religiosity -
and diffused anti-westernism and anti-Jewishness and other typical religious rhetoric that tends to be anti-gay, anti-abortionist and misogynist in nature - that has overrun Muslim communities throughout the globe in the last 30 years if not populism?
Then I would like to point out that it appears continental Europe seems to be "defeating" "western" populism far better than the anglophone countries.
So the title of the article should read :
"Canada's Secret to Resisting the Populism of the English-Speaking World"
16
I would also add to my earlier comments one more point: compare Taub's article on Canada's populism with John Eligon's moving, thoughtful article on being an Aboriginal in today's Australia. Through a combination of immersive reporting, moving stories, and a keen sense of Australian history as viewed by a visitor, he tells more about the complexities and contradictions of that nation than Taub does in her piece. It helps that he tries to upend stereotypes as well as explain why native Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders have some of the most difficult lives in a prosperous Western-style democracy. The NY Times has recently committed resources to expanded reporting in Australia. Several good articles have resulted from that effort. Perhaps the Times should consider doing the same with our far more important neighbor to the north?
7
We are still recovering from 10 anti-progressive years of Stephen Harper. During that time a great deal of what was great about Canada was undercut by the conservatives. You may recall that Canada was refused a place on the Security Council, and condemned internationally for our environmental policy. We've clawed our way back from that era, but whether the country is actually functional or not is anyone's guess. Quebec and Montreal are about as dysfunctional as they could be, and have been for years. There is a great deal of corruption at all levels of society, and we're destroying our past (especially architecture) as fast as we can. Yes, we have great festivals and parties and our safety net is still holding, but Canada is still on the down slope with the rest of Western civilization.
15
I am Canadian and one of my proudest moments was sitting with a crowd watching the opening ceremonies at an Olympic games. As each country delegation walked by, at least a few people stood up and cheered for them.
I thought "That's my country. We represent the whole world."
I thought "That's my country. We represent the whole world."
20
I think it is largely a case if the powers that be, Media, Press and Politicians taking their jobs and positions in society seriously enough not to allow avarice and greed to overcome good judgment (something we had in the US before 1980) and by that they have managed to avoid the corruption of values and systems that chasing profits above all else inevitably causes. They are not immune its just that they have not faced the concerted efforts of very wealthy people, homegrown and foreign, to do there what has been done here.
It isn't anything more than growing into mature adults and behaving like same. That used to be something everyone strove for and we all benefited from it.
It isn't anything more than growing into mature adults and behaving like same. That used to be something everyone strove for and we all benefited from it.
4
Wow. This is incredibly naive. First, resentment of immigrants has seethed among a subset of Canadians for decades, and there have been race- and religious-motivated attacks in Canada in the last several months. Second, the country just finished a decade of policies by a rightwing government that demagogued immigration and ran roughshod over First Nations' rights. When will NYT reporters stopped projecting their liberal fantasy of Canada and see that the country has its own racial and class tensions, and that it is a much more complex place, with much less comfort for the "mosaic" once reporters get out of downtown Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Bilingualism still rankles many rural Anglophones, the same people who also covet their guns much more than American liberals assume. Canada is a different country, but less so than either Canadians or American liberals wish to believe.
141
I think you are naive. There aren't many choices left in the world, and Canada is currently about as good as it gets. There is a big difference between not bad and a lot worse, as I am sure the folks who thought Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump were the same are now finding out.
4
You're pushing a bit too hard. There are those on the right that get 'rankled', and there are those that are proud gun owners. But the tenor of the arguments are never, ever as vicious as in US. Even here in Alberta, the 'red' province, home of the silly 'Rebel', multiculturalism is alive and well. (Calgary is only major NA city with a Muslim mayor.). Canada isn't nirvana (too cold to be Shangri-la), but it does manage to deal with opposing political ideas sanely and, for the most part, respectfully. And that's a breath of icy, fresh air!
5
Wow. what you don't get is that most Canadians believe that multiculturalism is the future to a peaceful and harmonious world. Yes we are dealing and confronting with our marginalization of First Nations and along the way learning that they have just as much to offer in their culture and how they see the world benefits our whole society. The basic tenet that we all can learn and embrace form First Nations is that man is not the ruler of earth and its other inhabitants but is merely one participant. We need to accept our place in the ecosystem of the world rather than trying to dominate it. This is a concept that your nation needs to consider not to mention finally getting your heads around the stain of racism that roils and holds back your country from progressing.
1
This article is historically inaccurate and analytically lazy. Ask the many residents of Canada's First Nations (indigenous Native American) communities about the successes of multiculturalism. Ask the Francophone African immigrants in Montreal and Quebec City about their integration in white Quebecois society, let alone their integration into Anglophone Canadian culture. Ask the residents of Canada's Prairie provinces if their concerns are considered worthy by the ruling elites in Ottawa or Toronto. (Or for that matter, rural Canadians of any linguistic or cultural background.) Taub also seems to forget that populism was a major propulsive force behind Stephen Harper's rise in the Conservative Party. Along the same lines, why no mention of Preston Manning and the Reform Party, which shaped much of Canadian provincial and national politics throughout the 1990s (and also fanned the populist resentments behind Harper's version of conservatism that put the Tories in power). As in the US, populism has waxed and waned over the past 150 years. This article takes an ahistorical snapshot of a certain moment in time (the present) from a particular vantage point (metropolitan Canada) to explain all of the nation's political history. There are reasons why populism north of 49 looks different than populism south of 49. But this article offers nothing beyond facile comparisons that confirm US stereotypes of our neighbor. As an historian and a reader, I expect better from the Times.
79
Again, as with others making similar comments, you are far too close to the subject to make a clear headed comment. In Canada the identity tempest isn't even in a teapot, it's in a thimble.
This article builds a fact base case to explain how identity politics hasn't gained traction in COMPARISON to other western democracies, not least the US, the UK and France where it can be virulent.
This article builds a fact base case to explain how identity politics hasn't gained traction in COMPARISON to other western democracies, not least the US, the UK and France where it can be virulent.
2
The point system for evaluating immigrants has challenges. On the surface you might receive lots of points because of education, profession, etc. but once you arrive in Canada it is not as easy. Professional qualifications need to be evaluated for Canadian equivalency and this takes time (additional training, exams, internships) that can be so discouraging. The ability to speak English becomes a huge obstacle because newcomers need to be able to communicate sufficiently to maintain safety and performance on the work site. Newcomers are expected to receive English training for the first year that they are here to help them.
Our cities are far more interesting and dynamic with the addition of newcomers. As a first generation Canadian (my mom was a refugee from Russia) I feel it my duty to help those people who are following the path followed by my family decades ago.
Our cities are far more interesting and dynamic with the addition of newcomers. As a first generation Canadian (my mom was a refugee from Russia) I feel it my duty to help those people who are following the path followed by my family decades ago.
5
I would be curious to know, in the percentage analyses sprinkled throughtout the article, where churches are positioned as a group in Canada. Are they also looking toward the 21st century and beyond or are they looking backward to the 20th century and beyond.
1
Hi, although I shouldn't speak for my friend who is a minister, we have often had discussions about this. For the record, I'm an atheist, she is not obviously.
The churches do seem to recognize that attendance is dropping, and that many young people do not see religion as a part of their life. My friend is always working towards programs and of course policies that are attractive to younger members.
Rigid dogma seems to be negative for young people, for example gay rights need to recognized by the church, as it's tough to attract people who believe in the rule of law, over the rule of religion.
The churches do seem to recognize that attendance is dropping, and that many young people do not see religion as a part of their life. My friend is always working towards programs and of course policies that are attractive to younger members.
Rigid dogma seems to be negative for young people, for example gay rights need to recognized by the church, as it's tough to attract people who believe in the rule of law, over the rule of religion.
1
An excellent article Amanda. Very insightful. I have been an active member of the Liberal Party of Canada since 1977 and have been back and forth across my country twice and even I learned something in this piece. I will add just one thing that is a continuation of what you've written. I find that all Canadians (except for separatist french canadians, who can often trace their family trees back to the 1600's) see themselves as immigrants. I'm a 4th generation Montrealer who knows several Mohawk and is perfectly comfortable with knowing I'm an "immigrant". So in addition to most Canadians being able to see themselves as immigrants (which Europeans certainly do NOT) we therefore see others not a threatening to who we are, but as PART of who we are, like adding another piece to the thread, and as contributing to the growing mosaic of what our country is, and what it will become. For the most part, I think the majority of Canadians see immigrants as adding to our already diverse and global culture and economy. And of course in the age of Trump, MORE THAN EVER, a key element of Canadian identity is "We're NOT Americans". So while you guys down south go absolutely insane under this knucklehead, we make it a point to look at you guys and say "We're not THAT!" Again, excellent article Amanda. Thank you.
21
Both sides of my family came to Canada in the very early part of the 1600's and I can assure you that nobody in my family consider themselves Separatists. So, please, put the broad brush away. Perhaps in a few more generations your family will consider everyone who lives in Canada, no matter for how long, a Canadian
1
The USA was "born" too soon. Our 1787 Constitution accepted slavery and soon contained the absurd 2nd Amendment (as currently misinterpreted). The British North America Act (1867) was written almost 3 generations later after parliamentary gov't had developed in Britain. Like Australia, Canada is a country that works. It's certainly not perfect but without "Confederates" and billionaire morons (like our President), it is better suited to the challenges of the 21st C. The USA has a great future behind it! Congratulations Canada!
15
I'm a US "immigration skeptic". Not a hardliner, but skeptic. That said -
I hope the Canadian model continues to work. I like the country and I'm rooting for them. They share a major border with us, cultural ties, and a hell of a lot of trade. I am concerned about the long term prospects of an immigration model that requires the dominant majority to be accepting of multiculturalism without a commensurate requirement on the other side. I wonder where it leads long-term. A lot of Europe's problems are caused by failure of immigrants to assimilate. In their case, it seems Europe doesn't allow them to assimilate. Here we see an opposite style, the Canadian majority doesn't ask immigrants to assimilate. Could it lead to the same place? Time will tell. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
I hope the Canadian model continues to work. I like the country and I'm rooting for them. They share a major border with us, cultural ties, and a hell of a lot of trade. I am concerned about the long term prospects of an immigration model that requires the dominant majority to be accepting of multiculturalism without a commensurate requirement on the other side. I wonder where it leads long-term. A lot of Europe's problems are caused by failure of immigrants to assimilate. In their case, it seems Europe doesn't allow them to assimilate. Here we see an opposite style, the Canadian majority doesn't ask immigrants to assimilate. Could it lead to the same place? Time will tell. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
12
I don't see a case of we whites accepting multiculturalism "without a commensurate requirement on the other side". Ethnic immigrants indeed assimilate to a large extent (relative lack of hostility to them allows them to relax and interact with the existing population, not feeling either a need to defend their customs nor pressure to abandon them), and especially in the second generation. We old-times aren't alarmed by ethnic customs of newcomers any more than by, say, a recent Van festival of Nordic countries. Given our white-bread heritage, ethic people are especially welcome in the establishment of new restaurants! One unfortunate aspect of our multiculturalism is the attitude towards the First Nations people, tho I find it a lot better here in southern B.C. than, say, in Manitoba. It's a matter that is improving, however.
3
It is a mistake to say that "Canada doesn't ask immigrants to assimilate". It doesn't ask first generation immigrants to assimilate. But their Canadian-born children are as big hockey and baseballs fans as their Anglo-Saxon brethren. Their values are also typically mainstream. So assimilation is natural and gradual, not enforced, and the outcome is better.
4
I have had close personal and business relationships with 5 refugees.
My best childhood friend (and, later, my best man) was a Latvian. My sister-in-kaw was a Czech. My business partner was a Hungarian (who survived the holocaust).
My first refugee hire was an Sikh East African Asian and my second was a Muslim East African Asian. Both were among the best people ever to work for me.
Canada (and I) endorse multiculturalism. In all 5 cases listed above, the immigrants retained a large measure of their original heritage (including religion by the East African Asians). By and large, their children assimilated.
In this, they were no different than my own ancestors. My father's mother and grandparents immigrated from Northern Ireland in 1908. To the end, they were members of the Protestant Orange Lodge. To the best of my knowledge, none of their descendants retained any link with the Orange Lodge.
All the Irish immigrants retained their Irish accent. None of their descendants did - although when I spent a couple of weeks of my honeymoon in Ireland, I found myself speaking with an Irish lilt! Having grown up always hearing it in my family, it was almost irresistible to avoid speaking with an Irish lilt when everyone around me was doing so. Does that mean that I did not assimilate? I think not!
My best childhood friend (and, later, my best man) was a Latvian. My sister-in-kaw was a Czech. My business partner was a Hungarian (who survived the holocaust).
My first refugee hire was an Sikh East African Asian and my second was a Muslim East African Asian. Both were among the best people ever to work for me.
Canada (and I) endorse multiculturalism. In all 5 cases listed above, the immigrants retained a large measure of their original heritage (including religion by the East African Asians). By and large, their children assimilated.
In this, they were no different than my own ancestors. My father's mother and grandparents immigrated from Northern Ireland in 1908. To the end, they were members of the Protestant Orange Lodge. To the best of my knowledge, none of their descendants retained any link with the Orange Lodge.
All the Irish immigrants retained their Irish accent. None of their descendants did - although when I spent a couple of weeks of my honeymoon in Ireland, I found myself speaking with an Irish lilt! Having grown up always hearing it in my family, it was almost irresistible to avoid speaking with an Irish lilt when everyone around me was doing so. Does that mean that I did not assimilate? I think not!
3
A fine article, but the role of Canada's social security system deserves mention. While not as extensive as most of Western Europe's, Canada's adequate safety net makes Canadians from all economic classes feel as if they have a stake in the political system and that it benefits them. The late Tony Judt astutely observed that the welfare state is essentially conservative, a mechanism to preserve state legitimacy, not a revolutionary act of dispossession of the wealthy, as it is often portrayed by American conservatives. The lack of widespread economic distress helps maintain support for a racially and religiously tolerant, open society. Conservatives who long for the days of the frame house and white picket fence (e.g. David Brooks) would do well to go look at Canada's eastern provinces, which are still characterized by vibrant communities despite the decline of their resource-extraction economies. The welfare state isn't sufficient to maintain national cohesion, but it is an important element.
25
Excellent point. We do not have any economic anxiety about health care, a very large matter. Not like the US where it's an us-against-them struggle for scarce resources (which would be a lot less scarce if the insurance companies, that offer no service beyond sucking money out of the system, got turfed).
1
Immigration to Canada has not been a partisan political issue since the 1980s.
In 1979, under Conservative Prime Minister Joe Clark, Canada introduced a massive refugee programme for Indo-Chinese refugees ("boat people") that encouraged community groups (such as churches) to sponsor refugee families. It was a massive success.
In 1986, Canada decided both to introduce a point based system for non-family class immigrants and to increase immigration target to 0.6% of the net population each year under a Conservative government (met in all but 2 of the subsequent 30 years).
The sponsorship model is a very popular model for today's Syrian refugees among Christian, Jewish and Muslim churches (both my daughter and my nice are active on the issue in their churches). My conclusion is that it is easy to dislike a stereotype; but harder to dislike a group whose members are known personally.
Occasionally, mosques have been "torched" in Canada. In every case of which am aware, all other churches in the region have donated heavily to finance reconstruction. That may be a direct result of the community refugee sponsorship programme.
In 1979, under Conservative Prime Minister Joe Clark, Canada introduced a massive refugee programme for Indo-Chinese refugees ("boat people") that encouraged community groups (such as churches) to sponsor refugee families. It was a massive success.
In 1986, Canada decided both to introduce a point based system for non-family class immigrants and to increase immigration target to 0.6% of the net population each year under a Conservative government (met in all but 2 of the subsequent 30 years).
The sponsorship model is a very popular model for today's Syrian refugees among Christian, Jewish and Muslim churches (both my daughter and my nice are active on the issue in their churches). My conclusion is that it is easy to dislike a stereotype; but harder to dislike a group whose members are known personally.
Occasionally, mosques have been "torched" in Canada. In every case of which am aware, all other churches in the region have donated heavily to finance reconstruction. That may be a direct result of the community refugee sponsorship programme.
6
Populism should not be a synonym for racist politics, and it is at best, sloppy thinking and at work, subtle programming to keep using the term as such. I have always considered myself populist, but my "population" includes all races, ethnic groups, sexual and gender expressions, etc. "Populist" is our politicians and industries making decisions based on what is best for the citizenry, not the creme-de-la-creme at the top or cronies in other countries. Nor does populism preclude caring about people in other countries; we all share the planet.
4
Multiculturalism is a name for an attempt of different cultural, religious or ethnic groups to live NEXT to each other, not WITH one another. As for the real racial tones, or those invented by the radical Left, it is up to each nation to determine whether it wants its face or countenance changed by new waves of immigrants.
7
We do actually live with each other, not just next to each other, in Canada. I am a French-Canadian from Québec, whose ancestors settled here in the 1600s. My most memorable high school teacher was an immigrant from Haiti. I live in Toronto, the most multicultural city in the world. Unlike in some other countries, all ethniticies are everywhere; people do not self-segregate. And my partner is an American who recently immigrated to Canada. The point of the article is to explain why our political situation has not degenerated as it has done in many other countries recently. As a Canadian, I can say that it is a good analysis.
2
Have you ever spent any significant amount of time in Canada? Particularly in diverse cities like Toronto? I suspect not, based on your comment. You should really come check it out. We really do live both NEXT TO and WITH one another.
Nations are fictions in any case, we are all members of one species and culture is far more local than national. I've been to New York City and state, upstate New York, Florida, North and South Carolina, Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine, California, Kansas, Arizona and Nevada and I can feel and appreciate the different culture of each place. You may all believe certain things as Americans but you are all very diverse too. Culture is a very local thing not national at all. I think we've embraced that idea more fully as Canadians.
Nations are fictions in any case, we are all members of one species and culture is far more local than national. I've been to New York City and state, upstate New York, Florida, North and South Carolina, Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine, California, Kansas, Arizona and Nevada and I can feel and appreciate the different culture of each place. You may all believe certain things as Americans but you are all very diverse too. Culture is a very local thing not national at all. I think we've embraced that idea more fully as Canadians.
1
Canada avoids populism by failing to establish a coherent national ethic, in the first place. It works for them, but it's hardly a model for the United States.
9
I am not sure what possible advantage a "coherent national ethic" would bring, or whether it exists in the United States, with its glaring and profound divisions. There is no one "Canada". My experience of Canada as a French-Canadian from Québec is vastly different from that of a native Ontarian; yet I am perfectly at home in Toronto, because everyone, including my husband, a recent U.S. immigrant, is a valuable part of the mosaic that is our country.
3
You have a coherent national ethic?
Canada "manages" their immigration MUCH more closely than we do in the US. We need to adopt their model:
You can immigrant to Canada only if you have:
A skill that can be used in Canadian businesses
A job waiting for you in Canada
Relatives or friends who have nominated you for permanent residency
Be an entrepreneur with a high net worth
Works very well in Canada. Very very well.
You can immigrant to Canada only if you have:
A skill that can be used in Canadian businesses
A job waiting for you in Canada
Relatives or friends who have nominated you for permanent residency
Be an entrepreneur with a high net worth
Works very well in Canada. Very very well.
35
Yet they are portrayed by some as a totally open door, no limits, no restrictions, no demands - come one, come all and be embraced. Not that those policies are wrong per se, but the hype often does not match the facts.
Similarly, many champion Prime Minister Trudeau as so gay friendly and so much more enlightened than the US, yet Canada doesn't allow HIV positive immigration in many instances due to the "burden" it would place on the health care system.
Similarly, many champion Prime Minister Trudeau as so gay friendly and so much more enlightened than the US, yet Canada doesn't allow HIV positive immigration in many instances due to the "burden" it would place on the health care system.
15
True for the present, tho refugees are accepted on different terms. But the broad base of former immigration was pretty random. (No one vetted my forebears, who would have been sent right back and a lot of, for instance, Sikh and Chinese immigrants of old, which have large numbers of descendants, would never make it thru the current system. We already had a base of 'multiculturalism' before the current policies, which set the stage for our 'tolerance' of more newcomers.)
1
No question that Canada manages its immigration. However, we also welcome refugees, after careful screening and security checks, and we do so without regard to their religious orientation. As a result, we welcome refugees from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, unlike the US. I've been involved in the private sponsorship of refugees from six of these seven nations.
I served as a Poll Captain in a federal election a few years ago. At a quiet moment in the voting I realized I was the sole native-born Canadian at this polling station. The Poll Clerk was a recent immigrant from Croatio. One of the invigilators, sent by her party, was originally from Scotland, the other from the United States. I've never felt more "Canadian."
13
This is one of the most thorough analysis of how multiculturalism and diversity works in Canada and I agree with most of its points.
10
While the article raises some good points, I would also point to a relatively stable economy and a stronger social safety net than our neighbours to the south. At present Canada has an annualized GDP growth of 3.7%, job growth has been surprisingly strong over the past half year, and inflation as well as lending rates are relatively low. Healthcare costs per capita as well as individual expenditure per capita to receive health care are significantly lower. My province has a flat fee of $75/month for health care, which is waived for individuals under a certain amount of income.
Furthermore, there's an inherent contrarian strain in Canadian thought vis a vis America. If America zigs it creates a strong incentive to zag in Canada. The nominal shift towards populism in America would be very difficult to pull off in Canada not only for the reasons mentioned throughout the article, but also because President Trump is not viewed in a favourable light by many Canadians. As for Canadian populists, Leitch's leadership bid was undone by needless flubs by key staff on her campaign, and she also released a widely mocked video that made her the butt of several jokes. The idea of a leader or party being beholden to American politics is generally viewed as being detrimental.
Finally, while I agree with the broad strokes of the article, an interesting follow up would be looking at the communities most attracted to populism in America and interviewing their Canadian analogues.
Furthermore, there's an inherent contrarian strain in Canadian thought vis a vis America. If America zigs it creates a strong incentive to zag in Canada. The nominal shift towards populism in America would be very difficult to pull off in Canada not only for the reasons mentioned throughout the article, but also because President Trump is not viewed in a favourable light by many Canadians. As for Canadian populists, Leitch's leadership bid was undone by needless flubs by key staff on her campaign, and she also released a widely mocked video that made her the butt of several jokes. The idea of a leader or party being beholden to American politics is generally viewed as being detrimental.
Finally, while I agree with the broad strokes of the article, an interesting follow up would be looking at the communities most attracted to populism in America and interviewing their Canadian analogues.
9
Bravo Canada! The ideals of multiculturalism that have been carefully and deliberately cultivated for generations, are now more important than ever to uphold. Growing up in the 70's-80's in Canada I remember the debates about what "Canadian culture" really means. Canadians are proving that our culture is based on dedication to simple principles : every human being is equal, we have a responsibility to global citizenship and we sink or swim together. Very proud to be a Muslim Canadian today and always.
211
This week I said 'Happy Eid' to my neighbour. Last December he said 'Merry Christmas' to me.
Is that Canada or what!
Is that Canada or what!
1
And yet yesterday the Times had this article:
"A Battle Over Prayer in Schools Tests Canada’s Multiculturalism"
Excerpt:
"Demonstrators are picketing school board meetings, arguments are erupting on social media about whether religious accommodation is tantamount to special treatment, and there is a petition drive to abolish prayer in the public schools. In April, a local imam who supported the board received a death threat. The local police now guard the school board’s meetings.
The turmoil is one reflection of how Canada’s growing diversity is encountering powerful headwinds, especially in places with significant Muslim populations."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/25/world/canada/a-battle-over-prayer-in-...
"A Battle Over Prayer in Schools Tests Canada’s Multiculturalism"
Excerpt:
"Demonstrators are picketing school board meetings, arguments are erupting on social media about whether religious accommodation is tantamount to special treatment, and there is a petition drive to abolish prayer in the public schools. In April, a local imam who supported the board received a death threat. The local police now guard the school board’s meetings.
The turmoil is one reflection of how Canada’s growing diversity is encountering powerful headwinds, especially in places with significant Muslim populations."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/25/world/canada/a-battle-over-prayer-in-...
57
True enough. We're not a utopia yet. There are pockets of backlash. We also had a woman go vial on social media standing in a medical clinic waiting room demanding that she see a "white doctor". So it's not like we have zero intolerance or racism. Most Canadians, however, decry this type of intolerance.
1
You miss the essential point. It is not that we don't have those issues but they don't have the history that is present in the US and we tend to resolve issues with humanity and respect. The omnipresence of guns and an illogical and unhealthy attachment to guns is another dynamic that we don't have to confront, thankfully.
2
Populism: derogatory term for democracy, used when democratic outcomes do not agree with the ideology of the user.
40
One can question whether hate, intolerance, fear and despair are valid "democratic outcomes."
1
True ... many still hate Trump and republicans ...conservatives/libertarians here ...are intolerant of ANY views that differ from their own CURRENT viewpoint .. fear what Trump might possibly do ... and despair over how they are losing elections one after another ...
It sounds like Canada is becoming the country that our own founding fathers envisioned. The US sees itself as a symbol of freedom and democracy, but we have never really been that. Our super-patriotic, love-it-or leave-it mentality has been a facade, behind which hides bigotry and prejudice. While Canada thrives, the US, under our nationalist leadership, has become mired in divisiveness, anger and conflict. More and more, the US is becoming less united. Our foreign allies distrust us and we are becoming more isolated from the rest of the world. The difference in our countries is apparent in our leaders: Canada has a young, energetic, forward-thinking leader and we're stuck with an out-of-touch, old man, riding in a golf cart, stuck in the past.
203
A young inexperienced leader who won because of his last name
4
The Canadian model of government and leadership does seem best suited for the 21st century. Maybe the 21st century will be the "Canadian century." I'm now convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that while the 20th century was truly the "American century," the 21st century started as the "American calamity" and will end in an apocalyptic catastrophe, maybe before 2100. That may sound crazy, but just ponder what has happened, how events have unfolded, and where they seem to be headed. We look for someone to lead us out of our intractable conflicts, but the leaders we choose aren't up to the task, and we seem prone to electing worse and worse people to positions of power. I see through a glass, darkly, with only disaster and catastrophe in sight for the future, both near and distant.
15
As a Canadian-American it is my observation that whereas Race has always dominated so much of American politics, the centuries old rivalry between the British and the French has always dominated Canadian politics. Negotiating a compromise between two white European cultures during it's entire nationhood has both prepared Canadians for the mosaic of different heritages that it has become, but it has also resulted in Canada's more respectful attitudes and policies towards its 'First Nations' (Native American) indigenous populations. The delicate balances required to keep the anglophones and francophones united in one nation did not begin with the crisis Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau faced in the early nineteen seventies; it has been the deciding factor in the unity of Canada ever since the time that the Civil War in The States concluded and even before then.
5
Canada never had "Citizen's United", Fox News or the Koch brothers.
133
no but there have been attempts to create them, all of which failed just like the Kellie Leitch candidacy for leadership of the Conservative Party
2
"Canada never had "Citizen's United", Fox News or the Koch brothers."
"Sun TV" was launched (Fox "News" north) and died a quick and painful death.
"Sun TV" was launched (Fox "News" north) and died a quick and painful death.
2
Actually, there was a startup TV channel modelled on Fox News, with a very right wing bent. They failed to grow any kind of meaningful audience and folded in less than 2 years, I believe. However, you are correct that the political fundraising landscape is fundamentally different, as is the election cycle which is much, much shorter as well.
I just read a report of how Canadian Muslims have been advancing into the school boards there and using their position to advance some Muslim rules and guidelines into the school curriculum.
Lets see how long this multiculturalism lasts...the jury is still out.
Lets see how long this multiculturalism lasts...the jury is still out.
23
I suggest you evaluate the factualness of that report very carefully.
As a Canadian, I have seen no evidence of that.
As a Canadian, I have seen no evidence of that.
2
Yeah, better fact-check that. The closest thing you point to as an encroachment of Muslim philosophy into Canadian schools is that we allow Muslims to pray when their religion requires them to. That is, we make accommodation for people to practise their religion. What it doesn't mean is that we incorporate Muslim theology into the mainstream curriculum.
We had some Muslim families protesting the Ontario sex-ed curriculum but I believe the most we'd accommodate them is to allow them to have their own kids opt out (which is too far if you ask me, but you can't force people at a certain point – and their kids will learn about it one way or another whether they like it or not).
We had some Muslim families protesting the Ontario sex-ed curriculum but I believe the most we'd accommodate them is to allow them to have their own kids opt out (which is too far if you ask me, but you can't force people at a certain point – and their kids will learn about it one way or another whether they like it or not).
Please.
What report and by whom?
Canada has been multiculturalist for many generations now.
The jury is not out and as this article attests, the verdict long-ago in.
What report and by whom?
Canada has been multiculturalist for many generations now.
The jury is not out and as this article attests, the verdict long-ago in.
I've never been more proud to be a Canadian than I have this past year. It seems floating around aimlessly without an identity all these years has truly paid off. Hat's off to the cultural mosaic! Here's to 150 more years of riding the moral high ground! Sorry for pumping our own tires? No apologies necessar-eh, Canada! No apologies necessar-eh!
85
Jacob, I'' sure the First Nations see things a bit differently, eh...
Get real man.
Get real man.
1
I question the premise that populism is a bad thing. Just because you say so doesn't make it true.
12
Pls set up a Speaker's Forum & make the rounds in the U.S., explaining your successful multi-cultural, immigration system!
1
No. Everything you discuss leads to the same conclusion. Canada is simply more liberal. The liberals are more liberal and the conservatives are more liberal.
Also I'm getting tired of the term "populist." I'm never sure what it means. TRUMP is a populist? Sanders is a populist? Le Pen is a populist? Corbyn is a populist? Hitler was a populist? I'm lost.
Sanders would be a centrist liberal in Canada. As would Corbyn. Le Pen would be a conservative Quebeceño shouting into the woods. TRUMP would be laughed out of town. And yet they are all considered "populists."
Rewrite and resubmit to your editor. C-
Also I'm getting tired of the term "populist." I'm never sure what it means. TRUMP is a populist? Sanders is a populist? Le Pen is a populist? Corbyn is a populist? Hitler was a populist? I'm lost.
Sanders would be a centrist liberal in Canada. As would Corbyn. Le Pen would be a conservative Quebeceño shouting into the woods. TRUMP would be laughed out of town. And yet they are all considered "populists."
Rewrite and resubmit to your editor. C-
53
"Sanders would be a centrist liberal in Canada."
No, he would be a left leaning NDP (New Democratic Party).
No, he would be a left leaning NDP (New Democratic Party).
2
Our would-be Trump of the North, Kevin O'Leary, scurried away with his tail between his legs during the recent Conservative party nomination.
Sanders closely aligns with the New Democratic Party ----however, his pro-gun and free tuition stances would be seen as too radical.
Le Pen would be granted a free psychological evaluation.
Corbyn? Another punt at NDP leadership, but yet again, his affiliations with extremist groups would quickly void his candidacy.
We Canadians are quite boring in the way we pick our political leaders. The Conservative Party picked the most blank slate possible, the NDP are stuck with a guy more right leaning than the Liberals, and Trudeau has 'sunny-ways'.
Sanders closely aligns with the New Democratic Party ----however, his pro-gun and free tuition stances would be seen as too radical.
Le Pen would be granted a free psychological evaluation.
Corbyn? Another punt at NDP leadership, but yet again, his affiliations with extremist groups would quickly void his candidacy.
We Canadians are quite boring in the way we pick our political leaders. The Conservative Party picked the most blank slate possible, the NDP are stuck with a guy more right leaning than the Liberals, and Trudeau has 'sunny-ways'.
1
From Encyclopedia Britannica:
"POPULISM, political program or movement that champions the common person, usually by favourable contrast with an elite...
...the term populism can designate either democratic or authoritarian movements. Populism is typically critical of political representation and anything that mediates the relation between the people and their leader or government...
...in its contemporary understanding, populism is most often associated with an authoritarian form of politics. Populist politics, following this definition, revolves around a charismatic leader who appeals to and claims to embody the will of the people in order to consolidate his own power. In this personalized form of politics, political parties lose their importance, and elections serve to confirm the leader’s authority rather than to reflect the different allegiances of the people."
"POPULISM, political program or movement that champions the common person, usually by favourable contrast with an elite...
...the term populism can designate either democratic or authoritarian movements. Populism is typically critical of political representation and anything that mediates the relation between the people and their leader or government...
...in its contemporary understanding, populism is most often associated with an authoritarian form of politics. Populist politics, following this definition, revolves around a charismatic leader who appeals to and claims to embody the will of the people in order to consolidate his own power. In this personalized form of politics, political parties lose their importance, and elections serve to confirm the leader’s authority rather than to reflect the different allegiances of the people."
There are plenty of racists and supporters of Trump in Canada. I suspect the proportion of right-wing supporters is pretty similar in Canada as in the U.S. and has similar geographic support (rural versus urban; mid-west versus east and west coast). The difference is that the politicians have so far not chosen to really exploit those fears, but are starting to. Canada needs to remain vigilant to those populists.
127
phil a.....you're right to a point, but i think you're wrong in numbers. the cons ran the most negative and misleading campaign in modern canadian history in 2015 and were sent packing. part of the reason is the parliamentary system plus there are more than two parties. most conservative support is west of ontario. finally, in general, canadians are more tolerant and 'live and let live' than thebexcitable 'folks' to the south.
5
You are right - just read the Comments on many articles in one of the main newspapers in Canada, the Globe and Mail. Also, Canada had a taste of some aspects of right wing nastiness under the previous Harper government and fortunately turned away from that.
1
The recent rebuke of Kelly Leitch and others of her ilk is a good indicator we are vigilant. Ten years of Stevie has made us very cognizant of those who strive to sow racial discord and hate as the Canadian supporters of the orange one remind us.
2
Pandering to new immigrants makes a broad political consensus that in turn "creates a virtuous cycle?" Great for Canada and I wish all of them luck. But the problem I am concerned about is uncontrolled immigration in the U.S.
Historically, the U.S. also required the sponsorship of immigrants where the sponsor guaranteed that the immigrant would not become a ward of the state, would learn English, prove their employable skills and was not a criminal. Somewhere along the line, probably 1965 immigration act, that requirement was jettisoned.
This article left a lot to be desired.
Historically, the U.S. also required the sponsorship of immigrants where the sponsor guaranteed that the immigrant would not become a ward of the state, would learn English, prove their employable skills and was not a criminal. Somewhere along the line, probably 1965 immigration act, that requirement was jettisoned.
This article left a lot to be desired.
19
That's just one feature but you left out the points system and the fact that Canada has strong control of its borders.
6
I've visited a dozen US states at least and have seen no evidence whatsoever that immigration is a problem in your country. From where I sit as a Canadian, it looks to me like your problems stem more from unbridled, unregulated capitalism and the widening gap between rich and poor.
1
Complete utter fiction. Immigration was far less controlled in the early 19th and early 20th century. In fact, the ability to pursue foreign criminal records was primitive to non-existent until recent decades.
It's not just tolerance and inclusivity. Economic opportunity for all and a strong safety net is what keeps populism at bay.
158
Nice theory, but if Republicans were to suddenly embrace multiculturalism rather than assimilation, or worse, embrace illegal immigrants and their law breaking, this conservative voter wouldn't just go along and approve. I would find another party.
12
So sad. Your insistence on assimilation is what's wrong. The "take it or leave it" attitude towards US citizenship is offensive. Here in Canada, we do a pretty good job of -- and enjoy -- letting everyone build their own immigrant communities, then enjoying and celebrating them.
Canada doesn't "embrace" illegal immigrants either.
Canada doesn't "embrace" illegal immigrants either.
1
Why, exactlys, is assimilation wrong? Is it not a choice a society is free to make? Certainky there are many countries in the world that demand it yet it seems only Western ones are told it is wrong.
3
This article ignores that Canada lacks a robust First Amendment, and anything considered remotely insulting can be labelled "hate speech" and prosecuted by Human Rights Tribunals. As a result, Canadians are wary about admitting their true thoughts about uncontrolled immigration and the influx of "refugees" from terror-supporting nations. But if you look at the steady decline in political support for pro-immigration politicians like Trudeau, you can detect a hint of populism encroaching on even the federal sphere outside of Quebec and the West.
Policing speech keeps the resentment hidden, but not for long, and eventually it finds its outlet at the polls.
Policing speech keeps the resentment hidden, but not for long, and eventually it finds its outlet at the polls.
23
ms klein.....you're talking nonsense about canadians being wary about admitting their true thoughts. any canadian is free to say 'we're admitting too many, say, americans' and not be worried. or that we need to keep canada 'european'...i welcome the diversity. it seems to me that americans get upset when their view of the usa as the greatest country in the history of the universe is challenged and they come up with misleading or misinformed arguments. reminds me of the ranting about how horrible 'socialized' medicine is. finally, i lived in a country that is 99% of the same race. that wasn't a strong point.
2
You have no idea what you are talking about regarding hate speech laws.. which by the law also exist in most of the world including where racist populism has caught fire.
Canada has its share of racists and just listen to Leitch or a variety of commentary in the news. No, people are not fearful and they are not being prosecuted.
Canada has its share of racists and just listen to Leitch or a variety of commentary in the news. No, people are not fearful and they are not being prosecuted.
2
Actually we don't worry about being prosecuted for hate speech at all, unless we're engaging in it.
We are a nation of immigrants, unless we're indigenous, and they're a nation of immigrants, they just have more seniority.
My family immigrated here in the late 17th century to New France (Canada didn't exist then). I'm the offspring of immigrants.
Yes Canadian values include tolerance and acceptance, yes we always have outliers, just like any population would. What we haven't done is incubate a culture of political bias against part of citizenship.
We are a nation of immigrants, unless we're indigenous, and they're a nation of immigrants, they just have more seniority.
My family immigrated here in the late 17th century to New France (Canada didn't exist then). I'm the offspring of immigrants.
Yes Canadian values include tolerance and acceptance, yes we always have outliers, just like any population would. What we haven't done is incubate a culture of political bias against part of citizenship.
1
I think a big part of this phenomenon in Canada is due to the fact that we have more than two viable national political parties, which inherently discourages the "us-vs-them," "liberal-vs-conservative" mentality that is currently ravaging the United States (and to a large extent the UK).
Polling in the US shows that majorities support policies such as immigration, health care reform, and so on. But at the same time, many Americans are also in favour of tax cuts, deregulation, and gun rights (for various reasons, good and bad). With the two-party scheme, it's an all-or-nothing proposition; there is no middle ground.
In Canada, the presence of three major parties, each with its own set of policies and goals, allows for a reasonable compromise of sorts for those who wouldn't otherwise neatly fit the dominant left-leaning or right-leaning party, and each party must therefore be responsive to public perceptions. If the Conservatives came out in favour of a "Muslim ban" à la Trump, minority voters who leaned Conservative would have no problem voting Liberal.
One last thing: having strict limits on corporate campaign funding is also helpful!
Polling in the US shows that majorities support policies such as immigration, health care reform, and so on. But at the same time, many Americans are also in favour of tax cuts, deregulation, and gun rights (for various reasons, good and bad). With the two-party scheme, it's an all-or-nothing proposition; there is no middle ground.
In Canada, the presence of three major parties, each with its own set of policies and goals, allows for a reasonable compromise of sorts for those who wouldn't otherwise neatly fit the dominant left-leaning or right-leaning party, and each party must therefore be responsive to public perceptions. If the Conservatives came out in favour of a "Muslim ban" à la Trump, minority voters who leaned Conservative would have no problem voting Liberal.
One last thing: having strict limits on corporate campaign funding is also helpful!
8
As the author rightly observes, we in Canada are favoured by geography, but so is the US to much the same extent. We are also fortunate in not having to bear the (largely self-imposed) mantle of being the "last, best hope", the "shining city upon the hill", the world's only superpower, etc.. We also have a relatively small population and an economy that is deeply reliant on international trade. Those things combine to make us outward looking and accepting of differences. We have a very difficult time trying to decide what it means to be a Canadian and, while we talk about it quite a bit, it isn't an issue that preoccupies us or that factors into our politics.
S
S
41
This was an excellent piece of writing, and very informative. I wonder if it's possible for the United States to duplicate the Canadian mosaic approach, but I fear that it's too late.
7
The unanswered question is "why should it"? Will Canada even be Canada in another generation or two by following the "mosaic" approach? Why is it that Western national identities are to subservient and secondary to outside non-Western ones, and must change rather than the other way around?
11
Of course we'll still be Canada, we started as a land of immigrants, we'll continue that way.
What exactly makes you think that "Western" identities can't be one of acceptance and inclusion?
What exactly makes you think that "Western" identities can't be one of acceptance and inclusion?
1
Canada embraces change and diversity, that is the essence of accepting and promoting multiculturalism - in the 21st century post-globalized world, it's an incredible asset.
Canada is one of the largest countries on earth but its population is less than that of California. There is room to grow, and except for in a few of the big cities nobody feels overwhelmed by neighbors . Perhaps this plays a role in acceptance of immigrants.
2
Maybe another contributing factor is the fact that the vast country of Canada, with a land mass quite a bit bigger than the US, has fewer people than California. It is more likely easier to communicate with 35 million people than 335 million. But Canada surely is a shining example for the US to pay attention to!
8
pat boice....the figure i saw a year or two ago is that canada is about 23% non white. it also has a larger per capita citzenry/legal residents who were born outside the country than the usa does.
2
We're about 50/50 white/non-white in cities like Toronto. Canada will one day be more non-white than white. We're good with it. I think we understand that skin tone means nothing.
1
Good for Canada! I was tearfully elated when we elected Obama to the Presidency - I thought it was a turning point in our racial prejudices! Boy, was I wrong! The fact that he was smart, classy, and was the best President we've had in a very long time, just about "did 'em in" to those with prejudices!
I am stunned. Are there really politicians out there that care for the people they govern?
39
Politically this story holds true. Culturally, Toronto and other cities have large immigrant enclaves that do not reflect a melting pot nation. Is there a Canadian identy at all?
1
Yes, we have an identity.
We're a country of people who welcome others who are different, and enjoy the things they bring to our country.
We believe in peace, order and good government, and recognize that their are some things that only the government can provide, and we expect them to provide it, and we expect to pay for it.
We expect all to be treated the same, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual identity, marital status or wealth.
We don't live in a perfect place, however we keep trying to improve.
We're a country of people who welcome others who are different, and enjoy the things they bring to our country.
We believe in peace, order and good government, and recognize that their are some things that only the government can provide, and we expect them to provide it, and we expect to pay for it.
We expect all to be treated the same, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual identity, marital status or wealth.
We don't live in a perfect place, however we keep trying to improve.
9
Beyond the somewhat pleasing veneer painted by this writer, beneath it all lurks a very authoritarian tendency bred by the innate conservatism and love for order most Canadians are programmed with at an early age. Indeed it was Pierre Trudeau who used the wartime War Measures Act to suspend all of our civil liberties in 1970 during the so-called "FLQ Crisis", featuring troops in the streets. And lest we forget the 2010 G20 police riot in Toronto which saw the mass incarceration of peaceful citizens. The fact that Canadians accepted such police state tactics (and indeed the American faux War on Terror) speaks more to their innate low self-esteem, which also contributes to the ready acceptance of strangers. Woe betide any of our "New" Canadians should they jaywalk in the name of their cultural identity in any meaningful way.
3
Fully agree. Merci!
Dude, sounds like we're ready to be colonized! If only we had the constitutional right to be openly bigoted, there might be hope for us.
2
The only thing "innate" in Canada is a proud, forward-thinking, inclusive mentality. You're talking about events almost 40 years ago when separatists kidnapped and killed a federal politician. Trudeau was a singularly intelligent and human politician, with all of Trump's self-confidence and none of his... well, anything. Sorry Canada is such a disappointment to you.
Police are police, even in Canada, and the G20 disaster was a product of a conservative politician who hated Toronto and foisted the gathering upon the city without any planning or support. Canadians were appalled at what resulted.
There is no lack of self-esteem up here make no mistake. Toronto's transit system was just ranked best in NA, btw.
Police are police, even in Canada, and the G20 disaster was a product of a conservative politician who hated Toronto and foisted the gathering upon the city without any planning or support. Canadians were appalled at what resulted.
There is no lack of self-esteem up here make no mistake. Toronto's transit system was just ranked best in NA, btw.
1
I know a retired, biracial couple in their 70s who are looking to move to Canada. Hope it is as welcoming of American immigrants. Concerned about the point system as these two will almost certainly not be going back to work, but perhaps they could invest in Canada.
1
canada is decent country that often feels smug because it usually only compares itself to the usa--which is a pretty low bar to hurdle.
and, ms taub, premier isn't what a governor is called ontario. it's what a 'governor' is called in every predominantly english speaking province which is all of them except quebec.
also, quebec has an agreement with the federal government about its own immigration priorities.
and, ms taub, premier isn't what a governor is called ontario. it's what a 'governor' is called in every predominantly english speaking province which is all of them except quebec.
also, quebec has an agreement with the federal government about its own immigration priorities.
2
If this is what Canada and Canadians choose for themselves it is all fine, well and good for them. It is their nation and and they are free to pursue the path they feel is best suited to their situation.
That set of circumstances, though, does not mean that another path is immediately "wrong" or that other nations, such as the United States, are somehow bad or evil for opting for a different course, as some would have it.
This line is telling, "...Canadian politics accounts for diversity without polarizing across ethnic or religious lines..." - a stark contrast to the US where I believe that some of the intense resistance to a similar set of choices comes from the often rabid "agree or you're a hater, racist, xenophobe, etc." frequently seen here in the States. This sort of "our position is more moral" posturing often results in a level of scorn for "old, white, and Christian" as derisive epithets while overlooking or ignoring problems posed by any other group. People are people, and no subset is inherently without some issues, though you would be hard pressed to get that from some of the overheated rhetoric in America today.
The melting pot versus mosaic approach are simply two choices, and one is not inherently more righteous or better than the other, despite what one side or the other may claim. It may work well in Canada (or it may, over the long hail not) but that does not mean it need be a model that other nations MUST follow.
That set of circumstances, though, does not mean that another path is immediately "wrong" or that other nations, such as the United States, are somehow bad or evil for opting for a different course, as some would have it.
This line is telling, "...Canadian politics accounts for diversity without polarizing across ethnic or religious lines..." - a stark contrast to the US where I believe that some of the intense resistance to a similar set of choices comes from the often rabid "agree or you're a hater, racist, xenophobe, etc." frequently seen here in the States. This sort of "our position is more moral" posturing often results in a level of scorn for "old, white, and Christian" as derisive epithets while overlooking or ignoring problems posed by any other group. People are people, and no subset is inherently without some issues, though you would be hard pressed to get that from some of the overheated rhetoric in America today.
The melting pot versus mosaic approach are simply two choices, and one is not inherently more righteous or better than the other, despite what one side or the other may claim. It may work well in Canada (or it may, over the long hail not) but that does not mean it need be a model that other nations MUST follow.
3
In my many visits to Canada, I have never experienced the kind of overt, or subtle, racist comments that I have in visits and conversations around the U.S. I'm sure that antipathy exists in Canada, but not the ingrained, historical and codified dislike of "others" so prevalent in the U.S. Most Canadians are truly decent people.
43
I've got to say Tom, as someone of mixed ancestry who is not exactly lilly-white, I'm never aware of my racial background and never think about it - until I cross the border into the USA. Then I'm reminded of it in a dozen little ways daily by both black and white folks. And I live in the most conservative Province in Canada.
There's your difference between Canada and the USA in anutshell.
There's your difference between Canada and the USA in anutshell.
1
When viewed from the grotesquerie of what this once great country has become, we can only look at our Northern neighbor with a combination of jealousy, admiration and shame. Does anyone even question how much better off we in New York State (and other states along the border) would be if were we able to secede and join Canada, at least as part of a political union? The time for a realignment in this country is well past due. Let the southern and interior Midwestern and western states have Trump, poverty, no healthcare, environmental catastrophe, unemployment and state religion based on biblical law, and we'll take Canada. Oh Canada!
45
New York, New England, Washington State, Oregon, and California would make a fine addition as the United States of Canada!
Seriously, I've been to 22 states all across the Union and met many people in my travels, and the average person from Buffalo, Albany, Seattle or San Francisco has WAY more in common with a Canadian than they do with someone from Little Rock or Dallas or Atlanta.
Seriously, I've been to 22 states all across the Union and met many people in my travels, and the average person from Buffalo, Albany, Seattle or San Francisco has WAY more in common with a Canadian than they do with someone from Little Rock or Dallas or Atlanta.
1