The next government has so many broken institutions to rebuild and none bigger and of more importance, than our national identity and sense of self-worth. Agree absolutely that the non-political Monarchy is an excellent resource to help re-introduce a sense and pride of nation by focusing on the values that make us Canadians.
You forgot about Mordecai Richler, who is equal to Robertson Davis in literary stature, who most certainly is persona non grata for this particular government... too white and too Jewish!
Why can’t statues of Macdonald and others that were torn torn down and vandalized be put back into the public square? There was no meaningful discussion when they were abruptly removed and those who claim that these images are offensive need to go back to class, remove their DEI blinders and learn about Canadian history.
I agree that little emphasis is placed upon bringing Indigenous leaders from years ago into the public square. Let’s fix that too.
An interesting take. History evolves and not all growth is organic. New Canadians must wonder at our almost complete lack of traditions and communal celebrations. It hasn’t always been so.
Burton and Davies were my parents’ generation but theirs is the heritage I have to build on. And yet so much of what we characterize as our history is more than tinged with mythology and half truths.
That’s fine and not unique to us. But we have to believe in our country and it’s brilliant cold weather loving people.
When I was a kid there was community everywhere - at school, in the swimming pool, at the skating rink, there were free fireworks displays on Victoria Day, outdoor music festivals at Varsity Stadium, campaigns to attract tourists turned into Caravan - a celebration of new Canadians home culture and cuisine at local venues across the city which became a victim of its massive success. The Forum at Ontario Place hosted free concerts with the latest pop and folk acts, and performances of the National Ballet and TSO.
We did a school trip to Expo67 on a bus and saw amazing architecture and visions of a space age world of the future. It was magical. Later my public high school class took the train to Carnivale. Quebec City in February felt different and yet so Canadian. This is the beginnings of how I learned what it meant to be Canadian.
I felt bereft as the congregation sang Oh Canada last Saturday - I didn’t know the words. When did that happen?
Young people are seeking joy and fulfillment. They need places to go where they stop and say wow, what a great country. We used to have many vocal and well known patriotic Canadians. We used to put Canadian flags on our back pack when we hit the road - the first generation to travel the world.
I guess it was easier to unite us when governments were expanding, social programs were curing our problems and governments had policies and programs designed to promote and develop Canadian culture (and to attract tourism. )
I’m not sure the Royals are the answer but I like the idea of championing Canada with passion and commitment. This is an important domestic role for our government that has been vacated.
Very good points. The issue of community is one that is critical. It has somewhat diminished thanks to differing communities and their idea of “community” as well as immigration with obvious effects and finally social media. The latter has picked up where the old communities left off. Sort of. I think I liked the older idea of community. But what do I know. I am too old. Unlike most previous cultures I realize that in ours (for quite awhile now, at least since us boomers invented the concept), the young are “in charge” and the old are to be ignored.
I have traditionally been a proponent of republicanism in Canada and have dismissed the monarchy as a relic of the past.
However.
The spectacle of Trudeau degrading the monarchy and replacing it with the cult of his own vainglorious personality, the last decade or so of watching the American Republic slide into.....whatever it's becoming....and learning more about the gradual transition of the ancient Roman Republic into the authoritarian emperor-worship farce it became (to its eventual ruin)...well, let's just say if we are going to have figureheads in our governance, then you couldn't have a better one than the recently departed QEII.
Is Charles up for the job? Personally, I don't think so.....but his heirs (assuming Kate recovers)...I think, moreso than King Chuck. They combine the memory of Diana and the quiet grace of Kate. This could work for Canadians....perhaps.
I've grudgingly come around to the fact that a huge plurality of humans need to have some type of 'God On Earth's to look up to if not worship. I don't personally, but it's clear many do....witness TruAnon here, and Kennedy workshop in the USA....and then there's the Royals.
Just, please don't give them too much power, either theoretical or practical?
Pierre Berton - not “Burton.” Agree with all other points. But — no point. I am surprised that there has not already been a rush to ruin what is left of Cdn tradition by chucking “Chuck.” I am not happy but am too old to argue any longer.
Agree completely, let the young make what they will of it. I think one overlooked aspect of society today is that we simply live too long. Some go to pasture willingly, with grace, others kick and scream grasping to every last once of greed, power and influence.
It was a great gift under Elizabeth. She was a truly remarkable person. I think the monarchy will go through a mighty credibility struggle under Charles. IMHO, he's not fit to carry much less fill her shoes. William? We'll see.....
I disagree with statues being taken down; they should have ben left as teaching points. You shouldn't erase history, but it's essential that you learn from it. Based on my time in school 50 years ago, Canada has a long tradition of not teaching its basic history. Berton was a genius. After watching the National Dream, when you read his books, you read them in his voice. I disagree that Trudeau says our culture sucks. He says we need to look at reality....and then buggers up the entire message by flying off to Tofino on the holiday he created. But it is our political leaders who have to address the failure of the Indian Act; something they're clearly petrified to stare in the face.
We can be proud of what we are when we comes to terms with the reality of how we got here. It's still a great country; one sadly, currently lacking in competent leadership at any level, and the bullpen is empty (had to get that in on opening day), but still fabulous. We'll be even better when we stop pretending we came into existence through the 1867 version of a giant happy street party.
Canada's identity can be seen in the crowd of protestors on major streets in Canada, chanting from the river to the sea. This is the new Canada not the Canada anyone older than 30 grew up in. Our diversity is our strength slogan from Trudeau, is the very concept that has destroyed us. The Canadians of yesterday are not to be found, for they are cowering in their beds afraid to speak out for fear of retribution from not just the unruly protestors but from their own government. When we welcomed immigrants from Italy, Germany, France, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ukraine, Greece, Portugal, Spain, US and other European countries, we welcomed like minded, democratic loving people. Many of The immigrants we bring in today have no desire to be Canadian, support Canadian ideals, and become part of the Canadian mosaic and experience. Instead they bring their radicalized ideology, hatreds and grievances and demand we subordinate our values to their zealotry. Our country has been conquered from the inside by those intent on intifada.
Yes, in the past we did have immigrants from Europe but most of those came for a better life for themselves and their children. They had a vision and in many cases were fleeing from circumstances most of us can never imagine. To then turn around and paint "The immigrants we bring in today ... " as wanting something different than our European immigrants smacks of self-righteous bigotry. Who are you to judge. Yes there are those who hold radical views, just as some those European immigrants you seem so enamoured with, also held radical social and political views. Your final statement is repulsive and in my Canada has no place. Your view is just as radicalized as you stating new immigrants are intent on destroying Canada as we knew it. It is your way of thinking that is actually the problem with polarizing and alienating real Canadians.
Bill: thank you for the kind words in your response to my statement. I stand by my statement and with the authority of many of my "JEWISH" friends who are indeed scared for their lives. The radical element Trudeau allowed into this country are indeed the new voice of this nation. As to your comment that I am enamoured with the European immigrants, Guilty as Charged. They did more to build this country than some of the rabble we bring in today. You dear Bill may well walk down any street without fear, but there are thousands of "CANADIANS" that cannot in their own country.
Yes and yes. The present Liberal government is long past it's best before date, people are unhappy about the effects of things that neither federal nor provincial governments have much control over and in so many cases these governments have no real plan to deal with it. I also do not believe that everything is the fault of government policies. It would be interesting to hear what you believe is actually happening in Canada and the reasons for those things in the last few years, months and days. Also since this article is about Constitutional Monarchy and Westminster parliamentary system as a cornerstone of Canadian identity, I really do not know what "actually happening with Canada these days" means to you.
Lots of good stuff in here but I think the author is wildly over estimating how much Canadians like or care about the monarchy. It would be better if we found some common ground and got rid of them.
I think there is still a fair amount of goodwill for the monarchy. It's just not talked about as it's also a source of cancel culture now. (self censorship has been around long before the threatened hate speech bill) I would fully support the PM bringing a more prominent role for the monarchy back - even if the majority of people I know have no idea I'd support it. I'm sure I'm not alone in staying quiet about this. (Or of having been very truly upset when Queen Elizabeth passed and frustrated that public servants got a day off but meanwhile everyone else had to work - monarchs don't regularly pass away, it should've been a national day of mourning for everyone.)
If you can point to a system of government that has produced more peace and prosperity than constitutional monarchy, I’m open to modernization of the structure.
Interesting suggestion to ask the King or Prince of Wales to visit Canada every year. Most people see the monarch of Canada as an overseas figurehead and relic. If we accept that getting rid of the monarchy here will never happen due to constitutional complexities and minefields, then we may as well make the Crown meaningful in Canada. How to do that? Have key members of the royal family spend more time in Canada, take part in our civic life, and contribute in visible ways to making this country better. William's homelessness and Earthshot initiatives are potential good examples (still in early stages) of how the royals can show their value to ordinary people.
Well written and well said. The monarchy is one bulwark against the radical nonsense south of the border. The Westminster system of parliamentary government is another. In the interests of distancing ourselves from the more obnoxious elements of our history, or returning to it, we have forgotten the third option of moving forward toward a Canada populated by Canadians, united in our desire to build on our institutions rather than tearing them down.
The next government has so many broken institutions to rebuild and none bigger and of more importance, than our national identity and sense of self-worth. Agree absolutely that the non-political Monarchy is an excellent resource to help re-introduce a sense and pride of nation by focusing on the values that make us Canadians.
You forgot about Mordecai Richler, who is equal to Robertson Davis in literary stature, who most certainly is persona non grata for this particular government... too white and too Jewish!
Or because Mordecai Richler would have eviscerated this particular government.
Why can’t statues of Macdonald and others that were torn torn down and vandalized be put back into the public square? There was no meaningful discussion when they were abruptly removed and those who claim that these images are offensive need to go back to class, remove their DEI blinders and learn about Canadian history.
I agree that little emphasis is placed upon bringing Indigenous leaders from years ago into the public square. Let’s fix that too.
Every photograph ever taken of Justin Trudeau should be covered up with a Maple Leaf.
An interesting take. History evolves and not all growth is organic. New Canadians must wonder at our almost complete lack of traditions and communal celebrations. It hasn’t always been so.
Burton and Davies were my parents’ generation but theirs is the heritage I have to build on. And yet so much of what we characterize as our history is more than tinged with mythology and half truths.
That’s fine and not unique to us. But we have to believe in our country and it’s brilliant cold weather loving people.
When I was a kid there was community everywhere - at school, in the swimming pool, at the skating rink, there were free fireworks displays on Victoria Day, outdoor music festivals at Varsity Stadium, campaigns to attract tourists turned into Caravan - a celebration of new Canadians home culture and cuisine at local venues across the city which became a victim of its massive success. The Forum at Ontario Place hosted free concerts with the latest pop and folk acts, and performances of the National Ballet and TSO.
We did a school trip to Expo67 on a bus and saw amazing architecture and visions of a space age world of the future. It was magical. Later my public high school class took the train to Carnivale. Quebec City in February felt different and yet so Canadian. This is the beginnings of how I learned what it meant to be Canadian.
I felt bereft as the congregation sang Oh Canada last Saturday - I didn’t know the words. When did that happen?
Young people are seeking joy and fulfillment. They need places to go where they stop and say wow, what a great country. We used to have many vocal and well known patriotic Canadians. We used to put Canadian flags on our back pack when we hit the road - the first generation to travel the world.
I guess it was easier to unite us when governments were expanding, social programs were curing our problems and governments had policies and programs designed to promote and develop Canadian culture (and to attract tourism. )
I’m not sure the Royals are the answer but I like the idea of championing Canada with passion and commitment. This is an important domestic role for our government that has been vacated.
Very good points. The issue of community is one that is critical. It has somewhat diminished thanks to differing communities and their idea of “community” as well as immigration with obvious effects and finally social media. The latter has picked up where the old communities left off. Sort of. I think I liked the older idea of community. But what do I know. I am too old. Unlike most previous cultures I realize that in ours (for quite awhile now, at least since us boomers invented the concept), the young are “in charge” and the old are to be ignored.
I have traditionally been a proponent of republicanism in Canada and have dismissed the monarchy as a relic of the past.
However.
The spectacle of Trudeau degrading the monarchy and replacing it with the cult of his own vainglorious personality, the last decade or so of watching the American Republic slide into.....whatever it's becoming....and learning more about the gradual transition of the ancient Roman Republic into the authoritarian emperor-worship farce it became (to its eventual ruin)...well, let's just say if we are going to have figureheads in our governance, then you couldn't have a better one than the recently departed QEII.
Is Charles up for the job? Personally, I don't think so.....but his heirs (assuming Kate recovers)...I think, moreso than King Chuck. They combine the memory of Diana and the quiet grace of Kate. This could work for Canadians....perhaps.
I've grudgingly come around to the fact that a huge plurality of humans need to have some type of 'God On Earth's to look up to if not worship. I don't personally, but it's clear many do....witness TruAnon here, and Kennedy workshop in the USA....and then there's the Royals.
Just, please don't give them too much power, either theoretical or practical?
Pierre Berton - not “Burton.” Agree with all other points. But — no point. I am surprised that there has not already been a rush to ruin what is left of Cdn tradition by chucking “Chuck.” I am not happy but am too old to argue any longer.
Agree completely, let the young make what they will of it. I think one overlooked aspect of society today is that we simply live too long. Some go to pasture willingly, with grace, others kick and scream grasping to every last once of greed, power and influence.
Give it up and be happy.
great stuff. Unifying - everything Trudope is not.
Loved this piece! I just wish uniting this great country would be so easy - but hey, it's a start!
It was a great gift under Elizabeth. She was a truly remarkable person. I think the monarchy will go through a mighty credibility struggle under Charles. IMHO, he's not fit to carry much less fill her shoes. William? We'll see.....
I disagree with statues being taken down; they should have ben left as teaching points. You shouldn't erase history, but it's essential that you learn from it. Based on my time in school 50 years ago, Canada has a long tradition of not teaching its basic history. Berton was a genius. After watching the National Dream, when you read his books, you read them in his voice. I disagree that Trudeau says our culture sucks. He says we need to look at reality....and then buggers up the entire message by flying off to Tofino on the holiday he created. But it is our political leaders who have to address the failure of the Indian Act; something they're clearly petrified to stare in the face.
We can be proud of what we are when we comes to terms with the reality of how we got here. It's still a great country; one sadly, currently lacking in competent leadership at any level, and the bullpen is empty (had to get that in on opening day), but still fabulous. We'll be even better when we stop pretending we came into existence through the 1867 version of a giant happy street party.
Great conversation starter in Canada: "You don't like the monarchy; so you're a republican then?" 😉
Canada's identity can be seen in the crowd of protestors on major streets in Canada, chanting from the river to the sea. This is the new Canada not the Canada anyone older than 30 grew up in. Our diversity is our strength slogan from Trudeau, is the very concept that has destroyed us. The Canadians of yesterday are not to be found, for they are cowering in their beds afraid to speak out for fear of retribution from not just the unruly protestors but from their own government. When we welcomed immigrants from Italy, Germany, France, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ukraine, Greece, Portugal, Spain, US and other European countries, we welcomed like minded, democratic loving people. Many of The immigrants we bring in today have no desire to be Canadian, support Canadian ideals, and become part of the Canadian mosaic and experience. Instead they bring their radicalized ideology, hatreds and grievances and demand we subordinate our values to their zealotry. Our country has been conquered from the inside by those intent on intifada.
Yes, in the past we did have immigrants from Europe but most of those came for a better life for themselves and their children. They had a vision and in many cases were fleeing from circumstances most of us can never imagine. To then turn around and paint "The immigrants we bring in today ... " as wanting something different than our European immigrants smacks of self-righteous bigotry. Who are you to judge. Yes there are those who hold radical views, just as some those European immigrants you seem so enamoured with, also held radical social and political views. Your final statement is repulsive and in my Canada has no place. Your view is just as radicalized as you stating new immigrants are intent on destroying Canada as we knew it. It is your way of thinking that is actually the problem with polarizing and alienating real Canadians.
Bill: thank you for the kind words in your response to my statement. I stand by my statement and with the authority of many of my "JEWISH" friends who are indeed scared for their lives. The radical element Trudeau allowed into this country are indeed the new voice of this nation. As to your comment that I am enamoured with the European immigrants, Guilty as Charged. They did more to build this country than some of the rabble we bring in today. You dear Bill may well walk down any street without fear, but there are thousands of "CANADIANS" that cannot in their own country.
Yes and yes. The present Liberal government is long past it's best before date, people are unhappy about the effects of things that neither federal nor provincial governments have much control over and in so many cases these governments have no real plan to deal with it. I also do not believe that everything is the fault of government policies. It would be interesting to hear what you believe is actually happening in Canada and the reasons for those things in the last few years, months and days. Also since this article is about Constitutional Monarchy and Westminster parliamentary system as a cornerstone of Canadian identity, I really do not know what "actually happening with Canada these days" means to you.
Lots of good stuff in here but I think the author is wildly over estimating how much Canadians like or care about the monarchy. It would be better if we found some common ground and got rid of them.
I think there is still a fair amount of goodwill for the monarchy. It's just not talked about as it's also a source of cancel culture now. (self censorship has been around long before the threatened hate speech bill) I would fully support the PM bringing a more prominent role for the monarchy back - even if the majority of people I know have no idea I'd support it. I'm sure I'm not alone in staying quiet about this. (Or of having been very truly upset when Queen Elizabeth passed and frustrated that public servants got a day off but meanwhile everyone else had to work - monarchs don't regularly pass away, it should've been a national day of mourning for everyone.)
If you can point to a system of government that has produced more peace and prosperity than constitutional monarchy, I’m open to modernization of the structure.
Interesting suggestion to ask the King or Prince of Wales to visit Canada every year. Most people see the monarch of Canada as an overseas figurehead and relic. If we accept that getting rid of the monarchy here will never happen due to constitutional complexities and minefields, then we may as well make the Crown meaningful in Canada. How to do that? Have key members of the royal family spend more time in Canada, take part in our civic life, and contribute in visible ways to making this country better. William's homelessness and Earthshot initiatives are potential good examples (still in early stages) of how the royals can show their value to ordinary people.
Well written and well said. The monarchy is one bulwark against the radical nonsense south of the border. The Westminster system of parliamentary government is another. In the interests of distancing ourselves from the more obnoxious elements of our history, or returning to it, we have forgotten the third option of moving forward toward a Canada populated by Canadians, united in our desire to build on our institutions rather than tearing them down.
"The role of the Crown in Canada has been given a particularly cold shoulder by Trudeau."
But the role of the clown has been embraced. Credit where credit is due. ("And the award for Clown Prince of Posturing goes to...")