Milestones Matter

Tuesday April 17, was Charter Day.  It marked thirty years since Pierre Elliott Trudeau signed on behalf of Canada a document that enshrined our rights in law.  I started a thread over on the Hawthorne Villager about it, and it quickly disintegrated into Trudeau bashing.

It got me thinking about the Canadian Identity, and how milestones matter. In the last two weeks two important anniversaries were marked.  The first was the 95th anniversary of Vimy Ridge.  Canada was barely 50 years old.  At the outset of World War I Canadian soldiers were scattered among British regiments fighting under British commanders.  At Vimy Ridge they were gathered together forming four divisions under a Canadian commander and asked to fight.  In the war's context it wasn't a very significant battle, but after it was done Canada had an army.  And that made it very significant for Canadian history.


  On April 17, 1982 the  Charter of Rights and Freedoms, was officially signed into law.  Before then Canada enjoyed a kind of half-nation status; some decisions could be appealed to the British Privy Council as late as the 1970's. Until the Constitution and Charter's passage Canada was ruled by the British North America Act- something that originally created the country.  There were no firm rights for First Nations, and the Provinces had little idea on their responsibilities; ie: what they had to provide for the citizens.

Thanks to the Charter, as of 1982 Canadians had their rights enshrined- as close to set in stone as you could get.  It made it illegal for someone to be discriminated against based on their colour, sexual orientation, or religion.  It guaranteed people the right to vote in an election, and the right to stand themselves for election.  It cemented people's freedoms of mobility- to leave the country/ province.  It guaranteed that citizens were treated fairly under, and before the law (people were given a free trial).  In short, and in hindsight it was a remarkable achievement.  Making it even better, did you know the Charter of Rights served as inspiration for something similar in South Africa?

And that's why I'm disappointed in the Harper government for marking it with merely a press release; a statement.  I get that it's a hyper partisan atmosphere in Ottawa these days; and Pierre Trudeau was after all a Liberal.  But he did get the leaders of 10 different provinces and territories to agree on something- and that's an achievement few Prime Ministers have been able to duplicate since.  And arguably the charter and its stated freedom of expression is the reason why politicians can call each other names.  Shouldn't such an achievement have greater recognition?

Canada is so eager for newcomers to appreciate our culture, and history. It's time we started making milestones matter despite the politics behind them.  You never know, that could be the start of a different identity apart from being "not American."

The Royal Visit

There is nothing like seeing the country through the eyes of others.  I knew Canada was a place of unparalleled beauty and incredible contrasts.   And now the Duke, and Duchess of Cambridge know it too.  They were only here for 9 days- long enough to experience a taste of what we have to offer as a country, and re-emphasize the fact we have not only a shared history with Great Britain, but traditions and culture of our own.

They are symbols of our history as a British colony; they'll be King and Queen here one day.  But in their visit to Ottawa, and taking part in a citizenship ceremony- and in the trip to Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). served as silent acknowledgement that Canada has its own unique history, and traditions..  In P.E.I. they visited "Province House" where the fathers of Confederation negotiated the accord that brought Canada into being. 

In another piece of Canadiana William played street hockey in the Northwest Territories.  The only things missing from the cliche was the golden Prince scoring the winning goal on a penalty shot, and for someone to yell "car."  They were white hatted- given white cowboy hats by the Mayor of Calgary.  What struck me watching the tour how casual it was, and at the same time it managed to combine the history, and tradition of the British Monarchy, with the uniqueness of Canada in a recipe for an incredible memory that will be talked about across the country.

This country when seen through Catherine and William's eyes is a magnificent place full of incomparable riches (What girl doesn't want diamonds?).  The incredible beauty, and resources of  the Northwest Territories,  to the history of Québec City, Montreal, and Prince Edward Island.  The traditions of the Stampede are something unique to Alberta.  We forget how amazing a country this is- it's good to be reminded every so often.

So thank you William, and Catherine for showing us what a beautiful country this is.  And for reminding us of our past, while at the same time giving us a taste of the future. 

Remembrance Day and Afghanistan

When I was young, I was always aware of Remembrance Day.  I remember lots of cold November Sundays marching in the parade with Girl Guides, and gathering around the cenotaph.  In school, I can recall yearly assemblies held- often with Veterans in to speak to us; they brought the history to life.

Now, as I've grown older I've become more aware of that history.  What Canadian soldiers did in both world wars was nothing short of heroic.  In W.W. I the French, and English tried to take Vimy Ridge, and failed.  But the Canadians succeeded, and have been honoured for it with a monument on French soil.  In W.W. II, Canadians landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, and ended up gaining the most ground of any allied forces in Occupied France.  They fought through Italy, and in Holland when the Nazis finally surrendered their hold on that country, they did so to a Canadian General.  This is just some of what we are honouring as we pause today- at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month for two minutes of silence.  We will remember them.

In remembering the past today, let's also spare a thought for the future.  Canada is still fighting a war  in Afghanistan; our soldiers trying to bring the same values to that country, others defended on our behalf so long ago.  I have been fortunate enough in the course of my job to meet a Veteran of that conflict.  He served one tour there, and would consider serving another.  For me, that has put a face on the conflict happening half a world away. 

At 11am I thought of the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, and I thought of the younger faces I saw at the cenotaph. I hope we will listen to the stories of the Afghan Veterans as surely as we listen to the older gentlemen. Because in listening that's the only way we learn.

Spare a thought today or any day for those who fought for our freedom, and those who continue fighting for it.