Standing Meekly as 10

Remember when Lucien Bouchard anchored Canadians with the assertion that Canada 'was not a real country?' In some philosophical way he was right. The only problem with his thought was that if Canada did not exist a case can be made that by extension neither does Quebec. Nationalists across the board are fooling themselves on this front.

I'm not sure exactly what he meant but it seems to me that there is an issue that gains little respect or attention. Whenever politicians unveil their soup de jour menu to 'make Canada a better place for all Canadians' I always wonder just how they will do it in a place like Canada where in many areas a national policy is absent.

Without a national policy to maintain a contained identity, Canada is merely a collection of petty Provinces. When we say Canada is fragmented and regionalized it generally means that the country is made up of 10 governments ganging up on one. First Ministers conferences are showcases in just how dysfunctional and childish Canada can really be. How many years have we been talking about the same repetitive issues? We still can't fix health care in this country because there is not clear concise rules as to how to do it. This makes for one parochial and ineffective jamboree. We really have little that binds us. Saskatchewan (insert whatever Province here) comes before the flag of Canada.

Take education. One of the most important aspects of national socialization begins and ends with history. Education falls under provincial jurisdiction. Not surprisingly, provincial considerations take precedent. Particularism has overtaken our identity as Canadians. We SAY we are Canadian but what we really mean is that we are Mantitoban, Ontarian etc. Ottawa is just a far away place where politicians go to hang out.

Securities and trade is another. It is laughable that countries like Canada boasts of its trade image abroad while maintaining inter-provincial barriers. It is one of quintessential nonsense to go into another Province and not have he same products. There's 'free-trade' between Canada, United States and Mexico but none between our provinces. "We're working together to fix this," is another famous line spewed by short-term minded elected officials.

Securities are an important aspect of economics. It has become a highly regulated industry and in order to protect investors it is paramount that ONE national set of rules governs everyone. Yet, we do not. Provinces war with one another over a semi-diversified economy is like two countries fighting over a piece of desert. It's pointless. We'd have so much to gain if we could set our differences aside.

John A. Macdonald was on the right track - corrupt drinking notwithstanding - when he attempted to create the famous National Policy principle. It feels as though Canada was glued together with good intentions and it soon unglued.

Canadians are not about the big picture. They are about the small snap shot. The idea of Canada as a nation preparing itself to take over Britain' empire never had a chance. It quickly dissipated under the twin weight of American and British influence - and Canadian immaturity.

Canada stands meekly as 10. It would be far more accomplished standing as one.