While America’s political theatre keeps the cameras rolling, its power structure is quietly being rebuilt. Canada’s survival depends on recognizing that this is not a phase — it’s a transformation.
My read is that we do not "go blithely into the night".
Rather we seem to be responding in two ways each of which enable the other.
Our government on the one hand seems to be reacting as you outline but, we only see shadows of what is happening out of the public eye. Economic and defense coalitions are being pursued and developed.
Responses by individuals has enabled the government to cancel counter-tariffs. It has become a cultural imperative to avoid US products when shopping and tourism from Canada to the US has fallen dramatically.
Yes some provinces (ALBERTA) have decided that the currying of favour is the way to go but that's mostly a political response to placate their populist supporters. I suspect they are going to be surprised by how little of the populace agrees with that sentiment.
Really well put, Tom. You’re right — not all the movement is visible, but it’s happening in quiet, deliberate ways. That mix of public patience and private recalibration might be exactly what keeps Canada steady through this storm.
Thanks, Sandra — exactly. The grass only looks greener until you realize it’s been painted that way. We’ve got our own work to do here at home, but at least we can still do it in the open.
It feels like some of the articles I read should be in conversation with each other. This one talks about provinces that focus on their own grievances potentially ripping the country apart even without the help of US expansionism.
Add this article about the Newfoundland election, which talks about some of that region's historical grievances.
As someone born in the southern part of Ontario (Sudbury -- which amusingly thinks of itself as part of Northern Ontario, even though it is south of the 49'th), I grew up being told the origin story of "Canada" which is really only the origin story of the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec (The colony of Canada -- Ontario was created at confederation -- there was no colony of Ontario).
The fact that Canadians don't actually know much about Canada, and the very different origin stories that exist for the different regions and governments, will be part of what leads to the end of Canada. This is Canada's own doing -- institutions that are so afraid of their own truth that they don't inform citizens won't survive much questioning or much foreign interference (USA has always been the greater threat than Russia or China).
BTW: My personal views on the institutions of Alberta and Newfoundland are different than how those regions see themselves and their historical grievances.
Reviewing "Don't Tell the Newfoundlanders", a book about colonialism.
Thanks, Russell — I did read Evan’s piece on Newfoundland and Labrador, and I agree it raises some valuable points. You’re right that most Canadians have a pretty narrow sense of our own origin stories, and that gaps in civic understanding leave us vulnerable to division and outside influence.
Leni: Thanks very much for your posts and thoughts about our country during a time of turmoil. The dregs of two gatherings are mostly sorted and the only task in hand is boiling down bone for broth and turkey soup. All the best.
Thank you, Peter — that’s such a kind note. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts. There’s something grounding about tending to a pot of broth while the world around us feels like it’s simmering over — maybe that’s the perfect metaphor for how Canadians quietly hold things together. Enjoy the soup, and thank you again for being part of the conversation.
This is an observant and thoughtful essay. Canadians should be verging on panic. Instead most are blithely unaware of the risk and accuse those expressing such fears as ‘sensationalists’.
Thanks, Chip — that’s an astute observation. I think part of the problem is that we’ve been conditioned to see “alarm” as impolite, even when it’s justified. Naming the danger isn’t sensationalism; it’s responsible citizenship.
My read is that we do not "go blithely into the night".
Rather we seem to be responding in two ways each of which enable the other.
Our government on the one hand seems to be reacting as you outline but, we only see shadows of what is happening out of the public eye. Economic and defense coalitions are being pursued and developed.
Responses by individuals has enabled the government to cancel counter-tariffs. It has become a cultural imperative to avoid US products when shopping and tourism from Canada to the US has fallen dramatically.
Yes some provinces (ALBERTA) have decided that the currying of favour is the way to go but that's mostly a political response to placate their populist supporters. I suspect they are going to be surprised by how little of the populace agrees with that sentiment.
Really well put, Tom. You’re right — not all the movement is visible, but it’s happening in quiet, deliberate ways. That mix of public patience and private recalibration might be exactly what keeps Canada steady through this storm.
Excellent outline of current events, and fair warning to all Canadians who think the grass is greener down south…
Thanks, Sandra — exactly. The grass only looks greener until you realize it’s been painted that way. We’ve got our own work to do here at home, but at least we can still do it in the open.
I think we can. We cannot afford complacency…it will be the end of us all and the country we love…
You’re right, Sandra — complacency is the real danger. The good news is, awareness like yours is exactly what keeps us moving, not drifting.
Thanks I’m doing what I can…I hope everyone here does the same…safety in numbers…
It feels like some of the articles I read should be in conversation with each other. This one talks about provinces that focus on their own grievances potentially ripping the country apart even without the help of US expansionism.
Add this article about the Newfoundland election, which talks about some of that region's historical grievances.
https://scrimshawunscripted.substack.com/p/newfoundland-election-preview-liberal
As someone born in the southern part of Ontario (Sudbury -- which amusingly thinks of itself as part of Northern Ontario, even though it is south of the 49'th), I grew up being told the origin story of "Canada" which is really only the origin story of the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec (The colony of Canada -- Ontario was created at confederation -- there was no colony of Ontario).
The fact that Canadians don't actually know much about Canada, and the very different origin stories that exist for the different regions and governments, will be part of what leads to the end of Canada. This is Canada's own doing -- institutions that are so afraid of their own truth that they don't inform citizens won't survive much questioning or much foreign interference (USA has always been the greater threat than Russia or China).
BTW: My personal views on the institutions of Alberta and Newfoundland are different than how those regions see themselves and their historical grievances.
Reviewing "Don't Tell the Newfoundlanders", a book about colonialism.
https://r.flora.ca/p/reviewing-dont-tell-newfoundlanders
Why I don't believe Alberta is bullied by extractive industries such as Big Oil
https://r.flora.ca/p/alberta
Thanks, Russell — I did read Evan’s piece on Newfoundland and Labrador, and I agree it raises some valuable points. You’re right that most Canadians have a pretty narrow sense of our own origin stories, and that gaps in civic understanding leave us vulnerable to division and outside influence.
Leni: Thanks very much for your posts and thoughts about our country during a time of turmoil. The dregs of two gatherings are mostly sorted and the only task in hand is boiling down bone for broth and turkey soup. All the best.
Thank you, Peter — that’s such a kind note. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts. There’s something grounding about tending to a pot of broth while the world around us feels like it’s simmering over — maybe that’s the perfect metaphor for how Canadians quietly hold things together. Enjoy the soup, and thank you again for being part of the conversation.
This is an observant and thoughtful essay. Canadians should be verging on panic. Instead most are blithely unaware of the risk and accuse those expressing such fears as ‘sensationalists’.
Thanks, Chip — that’s an astute observation. I think part of the problem is that we’ve been conditioned to see “alarm” as impolite, even when it’s justified. Naming the danger isn’t sensationalism; it’s responsible citizenship.