Quote:
Originally Posted by MonctonRad
This whole discussion is exhausting, irrelevant and divisive. We should be focussed on our commonalities, and not on the issues that divide us, which are generally petty. Dogmatism and ethnic nationalism are the enemies of common sense.
Canada needs to remain whole, and to continue to offer a saner more rational version of North America to the rest of the world. I'm proud to be Canadian, and I'm proud of the entirety of Canada. It's wonderful to live in a country with such a diversity in physical form and in culture. Just think of how fortunate we are to have this diversity. A divided Canada is a lesser Canada. If we were ever to let this happen, our children and grandchildren would never forgive us.
Bill 21 is not a petard I personally want to be hoisted by, and neither is a pipeline to the east coast. I wish Quebec were more cooperative in the Canadian federation, but my wishes do not indicate any particular desire to see the dissolution of Canada. We are much stronger together than we are apart.
Canada is already a loose federation, loose enough that I think each region and province can express itself in the manner that it wants. Do we really need to loosen the ties that bind us even further???
Canada is an example to the world. Let's keep it that way..............
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I find these discussions tend to hang on one point (carbon tax, Bill 21, etc.) but no one thinks about the other 95%+ we agree on.
If Quebec or Alberta/SK gets 90-95% of what they want, I don't see that 5-10% being worth the cost of the divorce bill. Accepting differences is part of adult life.
To use an example: Brexit was sold to the UK as a painless, easy way for the UK to 'take back control' of its own affairs from the 'evil EU'. Well, it certainly hasn't worked out that way over there. There's a lot of things that have come up that the Brexiteers sure didn't mention for the referendum. They might eventually get all the control back, but at what cost?
As an Ontarian who admittedly benefits quite handsomely from a united Canada, I definitely have my self-interest at heart by promoting a united Canada, flaws and all. I take a dim view of those (especially those with divided loyalties) trying to split Canada.
...and once you create this new 'state', what then? Sunshine and rainbows? Or do you end up squabbling among segments of itself for a different reason? History shows the latter is more common than the former. Being part of something bigger than yourself can help keep a group united within that bigger thing.