It has been far too long since I’ve written anything, as we know, life can get in the way, and it sure doesn’t give a damn about your plans. Nonetheless, I’ve finally returned to good ol’ Canadian soil, and (gladly) left the suffocating smog of Beijing.
Travel has been a huge part of my identity for the last five years, and I have had the opportunity to explore and immerse myself in several Asian countries and even a couple of European ones. I’ve met some amazing people and developed some lasting friendships along the way, but there is really no place like home.
Canada is my homeland, and I wouldn’t go insofar as to say I’m proud to be Canadian – after all what does that really mean? Still, I am delighted my passport carries that reassuring coat of arms, as we canucks really do receive a certain hospitality abroad. Nevertheless, like with any home, it requires maintenance and even some upgrading now and then.
Now, don’t get your under things in a bunch, I know it is a privilege to live here, to be a national. Canada has one of the strongest banking systems in the world; we have public healthcare, and an abundance of natural resources. We are welcomed warmly the world over, and pollution masks, are not an accessory we require. Canada is a great country, but I’ve never been satisfied with ‘great’, especially when I know ‘better’ is within reach.
My comparisons of Canada to places like Norway, Denmark, Sweden and even the Netherlands – countries who have truly embraced a socially responsible ideal – have been a common utterance of mine. But each time the suggestion arises that we have the potential to be as socially liberal, and environmentally conscious, I’m countered with, “(blank) is a small country, and establishing (blank) would not be possible here, Canada is too big”. Well that is some defeatism if I’ve ever heard it. If you can’t find the solution, you haven’t looked hard enough.
There is no reason Canada cannot establish an affordable and fuel efficient rail system, establish limits on urban sprawl, offer affordable post secondary education, build vertical farms, or even implement bicycle friendly cities. The solution for being better than great lies in the cure for the apathy that hinders it. We are the Great White North, but its damn time we find a new adjective, eh?
-Parry
The Misanthropic Bird 
Excellent blog. I agree; this country of ours has the potential to be much better than great. If we could figure out a way to stop the political idiocy and realize that we CAN take the best components of socialism AND capitalism, particularly with the massive amount of untapped, homegrown talent we have, Canada could become the premier country on the planet. Unfortunately we have too many single minded, or apathetic voters to make the changes needed. Perhaps, someday soon, a true leader with the political will to look beyond the blue, red, orange or green of the political rainbow, will come along and start us on that path. Voters could then get off their collective behinds, elect this leader that goes beyond party lines, and see real change for the best, for all. This is the only foreseeable chance we would have to become better than great. But is it only a dream?
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I agree that Canada is a great country and for so many reasons we are fortunate to call this it home. Perhaps that’s why people from Asia, Europe, Africa etc. want to immigrate here in much larger numbers than Canadians want to leave and take up residence in those countries. There are certainly infrastructure and social challenges as the density of cities such as Toronto and Vancouver increases and I’m confident strong leaders will arise to solve these issues and keep Canada great!
Bonnie
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Great post lady! I gotta admit though, my favourite part: you’re back!?!? So exciting! I’d love to catch up and hear all about your adventures abroad. Perhaps at Jack Astor’s, like old times? Let me know—it’d be great to see you 🙂
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Yes! Absolutely! And thanks for reading my stuff! Email me your number, and I’ll then text you with mine! parry@misanthropicbird.com OR misanthropic.bird@gmail.com
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