Notably National Post columnists Matt Gurney the author of the above piece has been in favor of enhanced US Canadian law enforcement cooperation(see below) but says the latest US demands are “too much”
Notably National Post columnists Matt Gurney the author of the above piece has been in favor of enhanced US Canadian law enforcement cooperation(see below) but says the latest US demands are “too much”
@usxcanada
Thanks. Away for a few days and just now seeing your response.
@TheMom, I grew up here in Canada, and have lived here for more than 50 years, but in a US origin family. I see it as my role and responsibility as a citizen, resident and human being in a democratic society, to try and be aware of issues, to advocate for remedies, to foresee and prevent harm, and to recognize injustices – no matter when they were finally uncovered or when they took place. For me, being a responsible citizen includes offering informed criticism where it is warranted. If we can’t identify and talk about problems, we can’t do anything about them.
It would be a mistake for Canada and Canadians to rest on our laurels – real and illusory, or rely on convenient national myths. That is something that we have been criticizing the US for doing as well. Canada as a nation is a creation of humans, and like every other human society, including that of the US, has flaws – some which are universal. I don’t consider it bashing Canada to counter national myths in order to try to prevent some injustice from happening again, or in order to try to ameliorate damage that has already taken place. The willingness of Canadians to face uncomfortable historical and current truths is the way forward to creating a better and more just society, and to preserve the best of what we already have. ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’ (Santayana?).
Canada has not been exempt from maltreating segments of the community, including children, sometimes by officially sanctioned policies, and sometimes by deliberately turning a blind eye. What has happened in the past casts long shadows on the present, therefore the historical examples.
Canada is remaking policies and laws to facilitate resource extraction – regardless of the cost in human and environmental health and survival. It is an unequal contest between communities and corporations (with the aid of federal and other politicians) which has repercussions for all Canadians and the environment http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/campaigns/ring_of_fire.php
Societal barriers don’t have to be codified in law and in policy to have shape and power.