Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

Hence the caveat: "Most Scots that I know..."

Each to their own.

Best wishes.

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

There is a legitimate reason for the relatively strong powers given to provinces. In a country this size, different areas face very different issues and problems - i.e., NWT's priorities are not those of Ontario. There are varying population demographics, climates, geography, political leanings, etc. If there were only one level of government, that is federal, responsible for overseeing the entire country, you can bet that any place outside the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal triangle would get short shrift - not even necessarily intentionally, but just because issues that did not figure in the capital region would not really be understood or on the radar. By having provincial governments with broad decision-making powers and influence, you have a body that understands what is going on locally and can deal with it more appropriately. At least, that is the idea.

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

Must be a bunch of damm Northerns to be asking dozy questions. Where's Canada ?









Inside of you. Same as any claim of nationalism

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

It exists as much as the UK, that is, at Olympics and World Championships- Oops even the UK doesn't exist there in football. There are even more regions with huge differences -verbally/ socially/ geographically in a tiny country like the UK.

In Canada we have historical connections and language connections and that seems to be it- province to province there is no real connection and that is evident when we hear the politicians speak.

Can't imagine why Newfoundland for example doesn't reverse its connection to Canada and then it would have its own rights around its shores and like Alberta not have to hand over all that money to Ottawa. It certainly would not lose its population then.

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

Ah then the Feds could end transfer payments, NF could go bankrupt paying EI, EI would end in NF, all the Newfies would have to move to where the work is (AB) and net-net the nation would be better of as a whole and more competitive. Free market thinking, I like it :D

Rich.

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

Ah, but they wouldn't have to pay Canadian federal taxes which are far greater than the provincial taxes- so I think with their natural resources they would do well and Alberta's economy would sink because they wouldn't have enough workers. They could join the EU and be better off than Iceland. :D

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

You underestimate the Newfie's desire to lounge around funded by the taxpayer. And they'd spend all the bonus on a year-long raging free fiddle music party.

I'd give it a year I tell you. :D

Rich

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

Ohh there's nothing like a stereotype to make us feel all superior you monged out tree huggin BC type, you...

Sadly the time for Newfoundland independence has been and gone. It's a popular myth that had Newfoundland became independent at the time of joining Canada in 1949 that it would have retained control of it's key industry - the fishery, managed it better and grown to be a strong successful nation in the same vein as Iceland. Unfortunately I think that the fishery would have been mismanaged for political expediency still (just regional politics as opposed to regional/national/internation politics) and would have still collapsed. One of the key themes of Newfoundland life has been protecting the outports, making sure they still exist. Iceland on the other hand has a very pragmatic approach to community sustainability - if a community isn't economically viable it isn't supported. Today, the viability of many communities in Newfoundland is in question.

Oil and Gas may be the saviour of the province as a whole but even with the resources present I doubt it would support independence. It does give an opportunity to change things for the better and be a more powerful player within Canada. Hence Danny Williams 80% popularity ratings for taking on big oil, Steven Harper and Quebec Hydro power.

BTW, Rich Newfoundland joining confederation probably resulted in a net benefit to Canada as a whole. At one time shipments of fish to Alberta kept that province from starvation. I would agree that there is an EI culture that has sprung up as the fishery has declined and become more seasonal. It's the darker of the Newfie character traits. More positive ones are a tremendous sense of identity and heritage and in many a strong work ethic. After all the x hundred thousand Newfies in Fort McMurray 'aint there for the scenery and climate.


AX

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

That seems to be a problem everywhere in Canada today whereas years ago the residents of these communities would have migrated elsewhere in Canada, now they have to be kept going at a ridiculous cost to the rest of the taxpayers.

Re: Does Canada Exist?
 

There was once a political leader in Quebec, now mercifully retired, who said that this was an artificial country. His motives are/were obvious but I have to agree with him wholeheartedly.

The West has nothing in common with East.

It is not just geography or sheer size as Americans still consider themselves Americans whether they live in Maine or California, Mississippi or Alaska.

In this country the narrow minded provincial mentality prevails. So in my mind Canada doesn't exist; it is nothing more than a loose federation comprised of whining selfish provinces. There is no such thing as national unity.

How this so called county has managed to survive all these years is beyond me.