Although there will undoubtedly be some serious disappointments in the months and years ahead, the joy and the pride that Canadians feel over the election of the Trudeau government is very strong indeed. Treat yourself on this fine Sunday morning by checking out the full array of letters from Star writers as they share their hopes for the future. Following are but three of them.
Canada reborn! My heart swells with joy and pride as Canada demonstrates democracy in action and Prime Minister Trudeau and his ministers are sworn in before the public openly and on national television. Is there another nation in the world where citizens have voted freely and elected such superbly qualified men and women who are immediately shown to all the citizens?
We are so blessed with freedom and the opportunity to have a Prime Minister who recognizes true Canadian values and will restore our status at the United Nations and throughout the world.
After the years, terrifying to me, of the Harper regime diminishing openness, eliminating discussion in Parliament, imposing cruel laws in areas of justice, immigration and engaging in undeclared war, the sun is streaming in and we are returning to the Canada that I have loved for more than 80 years.
As one born in Canada, I am thrilled to see the bright future for my wonderful country.
Shirley Bush, Toronto
For the Prime Minister-designate of our great nation to be ushered into the swearing-in ceremony, borne aloft on the haunting timbre of Cree tradition, and for him to emerge as our new Prime Minister, is a potent acknowledgement of the myriad peoples who made, and continue to advance, our nation.
Mr. Trudeau represents a rebirth of ideals, renewal of Canada as inspiration for the rest of the world. Through this territory, global citizens can, indeed, envision a hoped-for country, in which disparate peoples and diverse views can be incorporated into nationhood.
Through Canadian influence, the international community can aspire to parity, can pursue equity, can insist on right. Canada has always been this nation. May we never forget this moment, never abandon this movement, always seek the better angels of our nature.
Caril Phang, Toronto
The swearing in of the new government was a celebration of great joy and pointed symbolism that heralded a new era of inclusivity and civility in Canada. How fitting that – flanked by cabinet ministers proudly wearing Liberal red – our new Prime Minister chose to wear a tie coloured Conservative blue.
What a thoughtful way to demonstrate his belief that he was elected to serve all Canadians, not just those who chose to support him at the ballot box. His “sunny ways” are such a profound and welcome relief – we are so ready for them.
Gillian Bartlett, Toronto
I don't want to spoil the party or rain on the parade, but I wonder what we have here. A new citizen centric government or another tired neoliberal regime (whose policies are determined in large part by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives) with a new coat of paint?
ReplyDeleteHow the Trudeau Liberals deal with the TPP should answer that question.
While I share your concern, Anon, I wonder if it is possible that we will get a little of both? I am quite worried about the TPP. The more I read about it, the more I am at a loss to see how this will benefit more than a select group of Canadians. For it to be ratified, at least six countries have to endorse it. I am hoping against hope that doesn't happen.
DeleteOn the other hand, if we do continue, even in a reduced measure, to feel more positive about our country and the new government, perhaps we will see far greater citizen interest and engagement in the political arena. The resulting vigilance may help to prevent more such deals from being entertained in the future.
From the blog of a "conservative heretic":
ReplyDeletehttp://abearsrant.com/2015/11/sunny-ways-for-most-but-not-all.html
[snip]
By any system of measure, Trudeau’s new Cabinet is pretty impressive. It includes for example: a former astronaut, a couple of scientists (one of whom is a Nobel Prize winner), the former Chair of the C.D. Howe Institute, a human rights lawyer, a former First Nations Chief and public prosecutor, a farmer, a former Finance Minister, a Former Liberal Party Leader and the list goes on. In fact it is a long list of highly talented people who are significantly more accomplished than most of the media pundits criticizing them. If nothing else, it is a group of people with a proven track record of determination, professionalism and discipline.
[snip]
Instead of attacking the credibility of a group of what appears to be eminently qualified people, conservatives and the media might do better to ask why it is that the Conservative Party cannot attract talent of that calibre.
Your point is well-taken, Anon. Thank you. One hope, against hope, that the Conservatives will take some time for real introspection rather than simply make cosmetic changes.
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