I was originally going to take the day off from blogging, but then, after reading the editorial in today's Star along with some letters reflecting what people would wish for Canada, I decided to briefly add my own thoughts.
Certainly, there are a number of challenges we face both as a country and as a society; traditional values of inclusiveness, consultation, negotiation, and compromise have all suffered badly under the Harper regime. But perhaps the gravest consequence of that cabal's rule is our aspirations as a nation; once grand in scope and vision (think, for example, of the nation-building involved in consturcting a rail system linking all parts of Canada, or the development of a national health-care system) they have grown muted, mercenary and small-minded. (Think, for example of Martha-Hall Findlay's recent sad assertion that building pipelines is a nation-building exercise.)
My own life-experience has taught me that we are at our best, both individually and collectively, when we have a deep sense of purpose; indeed, as we get older, no longer encumbered by the structure that defines so much of our lives during the working years, maintaining or rediscovering that sense of purpose is vital to the continuance of a meaningful life. The same is true, I believe, with nations. Under our current government, of course, there is no such purpose, unless you think it noble and worthwhile to despoil the environment, contribute to the growing catastrophe of climate change, or pay as little income tax as possible. Such cribbed conceptions reflect the souls of bean-counters, not leaders of society.
There is no dearth of projects to which Canada could aspire to, and in the process inspire the hearts and minds of the people. A national pharmacare program is eminently doable. Responsibly building a green economy would be another. A national housing strategy, a national childcare program, perhaps even a guaranteed annual income - all are within our reach.
We are approaching a turning point in our evolution as a nation. The upcoming election in 2015 will likely have far-reaching consequences for our future. Which vision will prevail, 'business as usual' or a bold rediscovery of our potential as a people and as a nation?
Happy Canada Day, Lorne. I believe we have just a matter of years to transform Canada or face the sort of decline that's already taking hold elsewhere. The fragility of nation states today goes unnoticed, unmentioned as governments just about everywhere duck their responsibilities whenever possible.
ReplyDeleteEven Canada is running a huge infrastructure deficit. We're not building new and we're not rehabilitating old. From the electric grid to municipal water and sewage systems to bridges, roads and overpasses, we're a nation in decay. As our infrastructure sags, the impacts of climate change - even the 'early onset' stuff of today - magnifies the load.
I suspect that Harper's faith-based belief mechanism is what enables him to disregard climate change threats. If he had recognized these challenges would he have defunded the government by rolling back the GST?
There's only one way forward and that begins with restoring our democracy. The cornerstone of that is building an informed public. There's much work to be done and the clock is ticking.
Happy Canada Day, Mound. Your assessment speaks to the urgeny of our present state and the fact that real leadership on vital issues is indeed in short supply. Like patients who ignore troubling symptoms, we seem to be largely a world in denial.
DeleteThere is so much to do, Lorne. And we are so much better -- and big hearted -- than the present government. Happy Canada Day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada Day, Owen. Now, we just need bold leadership to remind us that we needn't be defined by the small-mindedness of our present overlords.
DeleteLorne, I wish you a very happy Canada Day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, LD. I hope you are having a happy Canada Day as well.
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