Will The Real Canada Stand Up?

Neil McKenty asks: Is Canada one of the best places to be in the world?

Every once in a while this question creeps into the national dialog.

While I applaud Neil's willingness to exalt our successes on his wonderful blog, I would submit that the examples he cites should be kept in perspective.

Canadian neo-patriotism leaves me squeamish especially given its apparent hollowness.

Here we go with my devil's advocacy:

"The Toronto stock exchange has punched through the 15,000 level for the first time in its history. The TSX has gained 23 per cent since January; The Dow Jones has dropped 18 per cent in the same period. Which inspired one Bay street capitalist to exult: “Canada is probably one of the best places to be in the world.”

Not bad for a branch plant society.

The TSX smashing through 15 000 great for a stock portfolio - if it has enough resource stocks. Our market is performing well in large part because of Asia's appetite for resources. And with Canada being a semi-diversified economy dependent on natural resources, the math adds up in our favor. The Conference Board of Canada recently came out with a more sobering account of our economy over the long term.

When I was a financial advisor I learned quickly just how limited our options for investments were. Outside a few stocks we always had to subsidize our portfolios with U.S. stocks. Besides, want proof where we stand? Just walk into a any investment firm in Canada and try and find a broker during a U.S. holiday. Then watch the thin trading in T.O.

I would caution against comparing the American and Canadian economies. In fact, I wouldn't even compare Canada to any of the G7.

"We have a health care system that covers everybody; American politicians are debating the fine points while 47 million of their countrymen are not covered"

I think we Canadians have a superficial understanding of the complexities that grip American health. The 47 million number, so popular among nationalists and leftists, has been examined and explained away by several thoughtful U.S.- based publications. I don't live there so I can't speak about it. All I have is what my friends and family tell me.

What I can write based on personal experiences alone, is that there are many serious problems with the Canadian health care system. Including Canadians seeking treatment for serious health problems that the system can't handle. Let's leave it at that.

That's why private clinics are on the rise. The people are fed up. Who better to know than us? I'm part owner of a medical web directory for private clinics. There's a private health care revolution under way and Canadians seem unprepared for this reality. This is happening because somewhere, somehow the universal system is failing some Canadians.

I think we need to stop reading Janet Bagnall and watching Michael Moore movies.

That all being said, I would never advocate the dismantling of health care but I wouldn't brag about it either.

"The Canadian federal system - open and flexible - is the envy of the world."

Last I spoke to my friend who works for foreign affairs the envy aspect is not true. For a while, Canada was in fact a lesson on what not to do. We became nation of talkers; not doers. Our environmental record is sub-average, out foreign aid is pathetic and our peacekeeping missions do not match our boastful rhetoric. As for being open and flexible, depends what we mean. As a decentralized state, then yes, we are the most "bent-overed" state in the world.

But how to define open? Is Quebec an open society? Is the notwithstanding clause an example of flexibility or merely a self-serving anti-democratic law? What to make of the Liberals wasting millions to add more OLF inspectors? Does this not drain us of our civil liberties? Is this a transparent democracy? Not when Canadians can't elect leaders to the parties. What about the insidiousness of inter-provincial barriers? Canada is not a unified nation but a collection of parochial provinces each preserving its own interests.

"Canada stalwartly stayed out of the American quagmire in Iraq. But we are making a major military effort in Afghanistan where the real terrorist threat is."

I can't argue with this. Canada has contributed and made great sacrifices in Afghanistan. However, Iran has always helped to make Iraq a nice place for terrorists. But I wish not to get into this here.

I will say this. My friend is with the RCMP (he was an Air Marshall) and it is in their opinion that Canada is a legitimate target for terrorists. Imagine that, we didn't even go into Iraq. It's not a matter of if but when. Will we sink to the level of blaming Americans? Are we psychologically prepared as a nation?

Other than to follow a job, is it likely any Canadian would want to move to the States?

Is there a better place to be than Canada?

Where?

While the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side, this is obviously subjective and is a function of how and where people want to contribute their talents. The question is a tricky one because other than jobs why would anyone want to move anywhere? Sure some people act on their romantic impulses but for the majority of people practical considerations prevail.

Four of my friends have left for the States and will never come back. They quickly realized that all the negative press given to the U.S. is often exaggerated. As I have always strenuously argued, America is a complex society. More than most Canadians realize. Quebec politics certainly didn't help. Don't have any nationalist tell you otherwise. When people draw up their pros and cons list the politics here is always mentioned.

To be sure, it's not easy to exist in the U.S. and surely Canada has a calmer social existence but that's the trade-off for having a shot at succeeding in America.

Personally, I would love to stay in Canada but are entrepreneurs truly valued here? I've always lamented the Canada's general weak entrepreneurial class. It's been bludgeoned to death. We have lost our individualism here. We depend way too much on the government. This can certainly have an impact on any decision I may take down the road.

"I should add that some American politicians are making noises about opening up and renegotiating the Can-US free trade agreement, NAFTA. Hold on folks. If the USers monkey with NAFTA Canada will recalibrate the energy supplies we pour every day into the States. By the by, how many Americans do you think know that Canada supplies more energy to the U.S. than any other country on the face of the other. If you upset us we can cut you off."

Why must we always compare ourselves with the U.S.? Anyway, I guess we should thank Brian Mulroney for our healthy economic state. After all, much of the residual effect is thanks to FTA.

Canada has no power to renegotiate anything. It's a deal we signed. This is Canadian political empty talk. Look at the world around us. Look at how the EU is forcing America's hand. Our existence and prosperity is within the bosom of the American empire. We should get used to it. We sold ourselves out a long time ago.

And for conspiracy theorists this is an opening about the North American union. Quite frankly, I would not be surprised if Canada ends up in some type of union somewhere down the road.

The EU is having a huge impact on world affairs. It may leave North America with no choice in order to compete or maintain an economic advantage.