Feel free to deconstruct the question if it helps to explain your personal sense of national identity.
do you identify more with the British, the French or the Americans?
Most probably they identify mostly with Canadians, but I think I should let one of them speak. Where's Jayne when we need him?
Ignore me ;)
As an American myself, I'd be very surprised if any of them chimed in as heavily identifying with us at this point. We're not exactly high on most folks' love list right now.
Still high enough that most of the people on this planet would move here if possible. What we need to do is get even more disliked until people stop trying to break in...
Most Canadians I have met are friendly and outgoing. I think you'll find Canada, especially around the major cities, 'multicultural' or perhaps a blend of European styles. Regardless of with whom or what they might identify, though, Canadians in general are wonderful, hospitable people. I am always fond of (and pleasantly amused by) the random friendly greetings I receive from strangers whilst in Toronto.
We are probably more like Americans than British but we have never truly let go of out connection to the Queen and Commonwealth. I think we as Canadians are more easy going and laid back than Americans. We don't take ourselves quite as serious and I do think we have a tendancy to be more polite.
Canada is huge and as such we have several very unique identities across the nation. The Atlantic Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and Toronto, the Prairies and Pacific Coast.
I live in the Prairies, we are hard working people with a high emphisis on agriculture. There are many area's where I live where you can go and there is no one else even close to you for kilometers and you can literally see as far as the eye can see. In the northern part of the Prairies you enter forests and there are thousands of beautiful fresh water lakes.
I'm currently working on a job in the Rocky Mountains and they are another natural beauty.
As an American myself, I'd be very surprised if any of them chimed in as heavily identifying with us at this point. We're not exactly high on most folks' love list right now.
I like Americans but if I let the media think for me I wouldn't. I have this nasy habit of thinking for myself.
I also think it's perfectly reasonable that anyone from another country is fascinated with our nation, since Canada is simply awesome. :P
I also think it's perfectly reasonable that anyone from another country is fascinated with our nation, since Canada is simply awesome. :P
Yes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zey8567bcg
:D
Although it wasn't always the case, our national identity isn't really tied to any other country,
Really? Who's Canada's head of state?
What I mean by all this is we're a pretty diverse bunch over here. My family is all pretty Irish on my father's side and Dutch on my mother's, but we always just answer that we're Canadian. I lived in Japan for three years, my brother is still there after ten years, and at college I hang out with all the Chinese kids. So who knows anymore.
Really? Who's Canada's head of state?
Heh, most of our actual Governing is done by the Prime Minister (Stephen Harper), but yes our head of State is the Queen appointed Governer General (Michelle Jean).
Heh, most of our actual Governing is done by the Prime Minister (Stephen Harper), but yes our head of State is the Queen appointed Governer General (Michelle Jean).
"The head of state in Canada is the sovereign or Queen of Canada. The Queen's powers are exercised by the Governor General of Canada except when the Queen is in Canada."
Actually, I believe the Queen is Head of State...
Anyway, I'm not going to upset the Americans anymore for now.;)
"The head of state in Canada is the sovereign or Queen of Canada. The Queen's powers are exercised by the Governor General of Canada except when the Queen is in Canada."
Actually, I believe the Queen is Head of State...
Sigh.
Yeah, she is. Symbolically. Functionally it's the PM. We repatriated our constitution back in 1981. We are a separate country and govern ourselves. The queen is as much our head of state as she is the UK's. Symbolic, not functional.
Personally, I think the younger of those two princes should marry some Quebecois girl and we should start our own royal family from there, but that's just me. And I'm not really serious about it.
Actually, I believe the Queen is Head of State...
Our Head of State is decided by the National Igloo Building Contest. All candidates have five hours to build the structure. When the time ends, they sit inside the igloo, while hungry polar bears try to get at them. When there is one survivor remaining, that person becomes the new Head of State. It is a popular event, which is why our population is so low.
Other things to note about Canadians:
1) We are peaceful and non-violent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY1yoS2ZrbI
2) We are loving and respectful to our families:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5kGUW6M7W0
3) Finally, our citizens are dignified and sensible:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aMHdVruMZE
The queen is as much our head of state as she is the UK's. Symbolic, not functional.
But, she could dissolve Parliament if she choose to. I wouldn't really call a Country independent of another if it doesn't have total control over its own gov't.
But, she could dissolve Parliament if she choose to. I wouldn't really call a Country independent of another if it doesn't have total control over its own gov't.
Heh, this made me chuckle.
No, she can't. Her title is just a nostalgic nod to the Royal Family. It has no real power.
2) We are loving and respectful to our families:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5kGUW6M7W0
We need a "Boot to the Head" emoticon. Surprisingly enough there's not one on deviantART.
No, she can't. Her title is just a nostalgic nod to the Royal Family. It has no real power.
According to the Canadian legal docs I've studied. Is there recent ones that are indexed on the web you could point me to?
There have been many amendments that further make Canada an independant nation.
It's a confusing thing really. Most accept the GG and Queen as symbolic.
But, she could dissolve Parliament if she choose to. I wouldn't really call a Country independent of another if it doesn't have total control over its own gov't.
She has as much power over parliament as the animals on the other side of the coin.
The Queen's representative in Canada is the Governor general (Adrienne Clarkson, not to be confused with head of state). This position is more of a "government watchdog" role, her job is to monitor and police the spending and actions of the government. Which she then reports to the Prime minister.
What the queen CAN do, is propose new laws and taxes AFTER she has the approval of the parliament(any taxes collected go to the Canadian government). She can also bestow the title "the honorable" on people which she is required to do for certain government positions.
Canada is not even required to follow the established UK monarchy, but setting up a new royal family would be a pain. Alot of the laws and positions in Canadian government require some sort of monarch, who doesn't matter because they are powerless anyway. How do you go about electing a symbolic figure?
I don't know if the Queen can ask the GG to dissolve Parliment, it's never come to that.
Yes, legally that could happen. I'm surprised more Canadians are aware of this.
Anyway, God Save the Queen!
Yes, God Save the Queen
I daresay she could have done a better job than our last 2 leaders in the U.S.
p.s. I listen to her Christmas address every year.
Please keep your posts polite, respectful, and on-topic, and refrain from making personal attacks.
But, she could dissolve Parliament if she choose to. I wouldn't really call a Country independent of another if it doesn't have total control over its own gov't.
We do have total control over our... well, okay, we have more than the Queen, is what I really mean.
In B.C., if you've legally arrested somebody for commiting a felony, and they run, you can shoot them dead. That doesn't happen because you can bet as soon as it does that law will be changed. But changing laws is laborious and expensive. Unless it's going to matter, we just don't bother.
If the Queen ever actually tried this stuff, it would not go through. We'd go through the trouble and expense of changing the law instead. But seeing as how she's unlikely to even try it, we just don't care enough to officially change it. Everybody knows what would actually happen (and parliament actually dissolving isn't included).
If the Queen ever actually tried this stuff, it would not go through. We'd go through the trouble and expense of changing the law instead. But seeing as how she's unlikely to even try it, we just don't care enough to officially change it. Everybody knows what would actually happen (and parliament actually dissolving isn't included).
Remember Australia in 1975?
"In 1975 Governor-General Sir John Kerr carried out a constitutional coup by exercising his “reserve powers”, sacking the elected Labor Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, and forcing a general election."
Never say never... :D
Remember Australia in 1975?
"In 1975 Governor-General Sir John Kerr carried out a constitutional coup by exercising his “reserve powers”, sacking the elected Labor Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, and forcing a general election."
Never say never... :D
No, I don't. Before I was born. And Canada is not Australia, the year is not 1975. Not last I checked, anyway.
No, I don't. Before I was born. And Canada is not Australia, the year is not 1975. Not last I checked, anyway.
Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I didn't know you were so young. I know a lot of Canadians & Aussie's and I don't know of major personality differences that would prevent this from happening in Canada. It happening in '75 is not relevant. Same Queen, same gov't structure, etc.
Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I didn't know you were so young. I know a lot of Canadians & Aussie's and I don't know of major personality differences that would prevent this from happening in Canada. It happening in '75 is not relevant. Same Queen, same gov't structure, etc.
I agree. She could do it. She probably won't, but she could. If the Canadians tried to separate or got out of line - off course it would kick up a stink - even back home in the UK where most people see the Queen as a way to attract tourists.
There's an odd British law which says that it is legal to shoot a Scotsman in Yorkshire with a bow and arrow. Except on Sundays.
There's an odd British law which says that it is legal to shoot a Scotsman in Yorkshire with a bow and arrow. Except on Sundays.
Moral of the story; Don't wear kilts in Yorkshire, except on Sunday's. :P
I am Canadian, proud to be so and have had the opportunity to see a fairly large amount of my own country.
For the most part I've found the people wherever I go very polite, friendly, and willing to help. We as a nation see ourselves as this supposed stereotype and for the most part live up to it. While it is difficult to take the jibes and ribs from our southern neighbors with a smile sometimes, it's not so very hard to do so knowing what a great country we have here.
My family background is European, specifically Dutch and English, and I have had the delightful chance to meet relatives from both nationalities when they have come to visit. Almost to a one they have all agreed that the people were wonderful and the scenery is breathtaking.
For the moment I live in a small town in northern Alberta called Fort McMurray. I've been a resident here for 28 years now. This town, much like most of the country once one gets more than 4 hours away from our southern border is somewhat isolated and remote. The country here is rugged and wild, with little civilization to be seen for hours at a time while driving. (We are approximately 2 hours or more from the nearest town). The next largest city is Edmonton, our provincial capital, and is roughly 5 hours south of us.
The winter here can be exceedingly brutal, with temperatures of -45 to 55 degrees celsius and additional windchills reaching lows of -60 or more. But this is mostly due to our northern location.
My original hometown is Victoria, British Columbia and is probably one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. All of Vancouver Island is known for it's mild climate, beautiful lush temperate rain-forests and easy-going populace.
The maritime provinces are filled with hard-working and salt of the earth people, especially as one travels into the smaller towns and suburbs of the larger cities.
All in all Canadians are people that you will probably enjoy meeting, and we will most likely welcome you with happy arms.
Just do yourself a favor and make sure you don't talk smack about the beer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HGPh8Hjyg8
Cheers!
By the Letters Patent issued by George VI in 1947, the Governor General must seek the permission of the monarch, via the Prime Minister, before leaving Canada.
and
The position of Governor General greatly changed during the late 1920s and early 1930s in the aftermath of the King-Byng Affair. In 1926 the Liberal Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King requested that Governor General Lord Byng of Vimy dissolve parliament. The Governor General however, used his reserve power to refuse the request, citing both the fact that King actually held the minority of seats, and the general election that had been held only months earlier. Accordingly, King resigned, and Lord Byng appointed Arthur Meighen to replace him. Within a week however, Meighen's Conservative government lost a no-confidence vote in the House of Commons, forcing the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call elections. After Mackenzie King returned to power with a clear parliamentary majority, he sought to redefine the role of the governor general.
Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I didn't know you were so young. I know a lot of Canadians & Aussie's and I don't know of major personality differences that would prevent this from happening in Canada. It happening in '75 is not relevant. Same Queen, same gov't structure, etc.
Yeah, I'm just a yung 'un. Of course, I don't feel so young when I'm at college... most of my fellow students are over ten years younger than me. My wife was born in '75, but I wasn't until '77.
Though it is (I assume... don't know about Australia too much, only went there once) a similar government structure, it's a different political climate these days. The power of UK and thus its influence over the Commonwealth has changed. We used to just follow whatever the UK was doing in international affairs. Now we follow what the US is doing for the most part. The balance of power is different, the world is different. Don't think it would go down the way it did in Australia here in Canada in 2008, nor do I think it would necessarily go down that way in Australia in 2008, though that's pure speculation. I am largely ignorant of Australian politics.
Not Canadian, but think we should blow up Canada. Put it in a big glass dome because that is where all the cold air comes from. BRRRRR.
Put on a coat.
Just remember this: If you hate the cold, there's no point turning on the A/C. Ever.
Other things to note about Canadians:
1) We are peaceful and non-violent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY1yoS2ZrbI
2) We are loving and respectful to our families:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5kGUW6M7W0
3) Finally, our citizens are dignified and sensible:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aMHdVruMZE
4) Molson.
Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I didn't know you were so young. I know a lot of Canadians & Aussie's and I don't know of major personality differences that would prevent this from happening in Canada. It happening in '75 is not relevant. Same Queen, same gov't structure, etc.
I am quite happy that there is a safe guard. The Governer General wouldn't dissolve parliament on a whim. And it's a good thing that John Kerr did as that stalemate that was happening was doing nobody any good.
"In 1975 Governor-General Sir John Kerr carried out a constitutional coup by exercising his “reserve powers”, sacking the elected Labor Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, and forcing a general election."
Oh no! Forced democratic election. It's actually a shame that America doesn't have something like a G-General to stop its megalomaniacal tendancies.
Originally Posted by Kursk
But, she could dissolve Parliament if she choose to. I wouldn't really call a Country independent of another if it doesn't have total control over its own gov't.
Funny that other countries try to have control over their own government and yet America forces their control on these countries when they do something that America doesn't like. Just like having a governor general really, but uninvited.
Still high enough that most of the people on this planet would move here if possible. What we need to do is get even more disliked until people stop trying to break in...
LOL. You are too funny.
I should state for the record that I have nothing against individual Americans but the way the government treats almost every single other country in the world disgusts me.
If the Canadians tried to separate
Separate from who?
Put on a coat.
Coats are for girls.
4) Molson.
Ewwwww!
Ewwwww!
I'll second that, and further add that Unibrou makes some amazing beers. Based in Quebec, and their sort of "flagship" brew is called Maudite. They also make La Fin du Mond, Ephemere, and a few others. Trois Pistoles comes to mind. Great stuff.
I'll second that, and further add that Unibrou makes some amazing beers. Based in Quebec, and their sort of "flagship" brew is called Maudite. They also make La Fin du Mond, Ephemere, and a few others. Trois Pistoles comes to mind. Great stuff.
I'm not a fan. I find their stuff too yeasty. That is just a personal preference, though. I still recognize it is a good beer, jsut not one that satisfied my tastes.
It's a little unfair to compare mini/micro brew with factory-beer, though. I mean sure, Molsons is much better factory beer than the examples coming out of the US, but it is still just factory-beer and thus total ****. I'll take a nice American-made Sam Adams over a Molsons or Labatts any time, anywhere.
Myself, I'm that rarity of Canadians, one of the few who finds beer revolting. On the few occasions when I drink, it is usually rum and coke.
I'm sorry, we're going to have to revoke your citizenship unless you're a big enough hockey fan to make up for it.
I'm sorry, we're going to have to revoke your citizenship unless you're a big enough hockey fan to make up for it.
You see here's another thing, as big Hockey fans you are closer to Finland or Sweden than England or France.
I'm sorry, we're going to have to revoke your citizenship unless you're a big enough hockey fan to make up for it.
I've lost track of the NHL, as the league has lost it's magic for me since Gretzky and Ray Bourque retired.
However, I'm a big fan of the women's olympic hockey team, since their incredible performance in 2002. Hayley Wickenheiser and Cassie Cambell are nigh unto gods (er... goddesses), as far as I'm concerned.
Myself, I'm that rarity of Canadians, one of the few who finds beer revolting. On the few occasions when I drink, it is usually rum and coke.
Rum is nice sometimes, but I just can't say no to a classic Canadian made Crown Royal and Seven myself.
Mmmm-mmm! Rye, rye, we're all gonna fry!
Oh, and hockey hasn't been good since the late eighties.
And yes, the beer *is* really good here. It alone, should be incentive enough to come.
Come to Ottawa if you want:
-a downtown core that is NOT gridlocked at 4PM
-lots of news about federal politics
-everything available in French and English
-acres and acres of safe suburban neighbourhoods
Vancouver is the only canadian city I have spent real time in. It is a wilderness for the soul! Featureless, grid based, etc. I don't recall seeing many tramps, (lots of prostitutes though). The people were friendly enough but only in private.
I remember the beer being crap, but I only had rubbish beer anyway at a couple of parties and clubs (I was 18/19 when I stayed there) as I was underage for the most part - quite a change from the netherlands!
Food was cheap though. I remember indoor markets with food courts serving fresh food. Really good chinese food in richmond, the asian area.
The national parks were nice enough, but I enjoyed NZ much more!:P
I'll second that, and further add that Unibrou makes some amazing beers. Based in Quebec, and their sort of "flagship" brew is called Maudite. They also make La Fin du Mond, Ephemere, and a few others. Trois Pistoles comes to mind. Great stuff.
A great big QFT, & La Fin du Monde FTW!!
Basically, if you need to justify a reason to come to Canada, do it to improve your D&D games. I just came back from a ferry trip along the West Coast: 15 hours along a coast of lush green forest atop large misty mountains with a total of 1 town in-between. Points of Light, indeed.
The only place worth seeing in Canada is Montreal. Club Cleapatra, and Club Super S** were a lot of fun.
I thought Club Cleopatra was full of transvestites?
I thought Club Cleopatra was full of transvestites?
No no no, those were just female dwarves under those beards. :P
My original hometown is Victoria, British Columbia and is probably one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. All of Vancouver Island is known for it's mild climate, beautiful lush temperate rain-forests and easy-going populace.
Hey! A fellow Victorian! Nice to see another from around here on the boards, I was starting to think I might be the one :P
Anyway, I identify mostly with being Canadian, and more specifically West Coast. Ottawa (the national capital) and Victoria (BC's capital) try to pretend the other doesn't exist most of the time.
With such physical distance separating the two coasts of the country, I think its a bit hard for us to really identify with the country as a whole, beyond our immidiate regions (unless like DarkRaven you are fortunate, and have the opportunity to travel enough to really see the whole country.) except in a hypothetical sense.
For example, imagine the (forgive me for generalizing, just a little) pretty extreme cultural differences between, say England and Scotland. Now multiply that by the physical difference between Europe and somewhere in Central Asia, added to the fact that our families come from litterally EVERYWHERE (which is pretty cool) and now you have an idea of the differences in cultural identity across the country. Personally I think its pretty cool - we can travel within our own country to experience a culture radically different than what we're used to. We don't really have a singular national identity, but many little ones that form a mozaic to show who we are.
And here I've gone running off my mouth again. Hope I didn't bore you too much, thanks for reading.
Oh and a good one on the Points of Light - Canada (especially BC and the Praries) is the only place in the west with enough uninhabited pure wilderness to actually demonstrate the Points of Light concept. We do have fewer Goblins though...
I thought Club Cleopatra was full of transvestites?
That would explain a lot. On Second thought Club Super Sex, and the little strip club I found near china town are the only two places worth seeing.
Come to Ottawa if you want:
-a downtown core that is NOT gridlocked at 4PM
Cos there is no nightlife to speak of.
-lots of news about federal politics
And the frustration and anger that goes with it.
-everything available in French and English
Whether you want it or not.
-acres and acres of safe suburban neighbourhoods
You say that like it is a good thing.
;)
That would explain a lot.
That you consider this one of the only places in Canada worth seeing really does explain a lot, though not about Canada.