CBC.ca is reporting the results of a recent Ipsos-Reid survey that attempts to summarize what Canada means to Canadians. Those involved in the survey were asked five open-ended questions — what is Canada’s defining person, event, place, symbol and accomplishment? The results might surprise you;
- Person — Pierre Trudeau
- Event — Canada Day
- Place — Niagara Falls
- Symbol — Maple Leaf
- Accomplishment — Canadarm
While I agree that they are all things that are definitively Canadian, they’re not necessarily the definitive things in their categories. If you hop on over to the original article you can see the top ten for each category. My picks would have gone a little differently;
- Person — Pierre Trudeau (but in my heart I want it to be Tommy Douglas)
- Event — 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms (there was a whole hubbub about it at the time — big deal stuff)
- Place — Parliament Hill
- Symbol — the flag
- Accomplishment — Universal Health Care
What would you have picked?
•Person, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock
•Event, The inception of The Dominion of Canada May 8, 1867
•Place, Vimy Ridge, April 9–14 1917
•Symbol, The Beaver
•Accomplishment, NOT following the Americans into IRAQ
What defines Canada?
Definitely not shopping at Walmart or running across the border.
The Walton family (who owns 40% of Walmart) has in the past supported PRIVATE school systems in the U.S.OF A. In Canada we have universal healthcare. In the United States they have 50 million people who can’t afford their private healthcare system. People who shop in Canada support Canada’s healthcare/education and other social services. Walmarts culture is an ‘everyone for themselves’ culture. Definitely NOT Canadian eh?
Argh. Thanks for this…
What defines Canada is DEFINITELY NOT Trudeau. Give me a break. If I could think of one person that did his very best to tear apart our country and its great history, it was this loon.
Canada’s greatest Marxist — Pierre Trudeau
Canada’s biggest mistake — apart from electing the aforementioned commie cuddler, creation of the state run media in this country. Which site Pierre’s baby, his dismantling of our Rights and Freedoms as their greatest Canadian achievement.
That along with other great achievements like abortion on demand, massive redistribution of wealth, a cradle to the grave nanny state, unsurpassed political corruption, lack of freedom of speech, and lastly awarding old Dr. Death Morgentaller with the Order of Canada.
Thank you Pierre for what you have done to my country.
There you have the CBC’s Canadian values. Oh let’s not forget Captain Eugenics, Tommy Douglas.
Anyhow,
Greatest War Hero — Billy Bishop
Greatest Achievement — The Dominion of Canada — Agreed
Greatest place — Vimy Ridge, April 9–14 1917 — Agreed
Greatest embarrasment — constantly attacking our neighbor to the south like a petulant child and not helping out in Iraq yet still trying to remain relevant on the world stage.
George, why should we have our troops sent to Iraq and get killed? I think not sending the troops to Iraq is the greatest accomplishment. We should withdraw from Afghanistan too and save the lives of our young troops.
I’d honestly prefer to see no troops in Iraq as I never see peace in that country.
Its interesting who came out on top for the survey.
Honestly I dont have anyone that comes to mind for the person, to each there own I suppose. I wouldnt put universal health care at the top either though, our health care is seriously lacking, and it saddens me.
Alex why do you hate walmart so much?
I think some above are missing the point.
I don’t care about the Walton family or WalMart.
Trudeau has his lovers and haters.
The question is “What defines Canada?” It’s not titled here’s your chance to rant about former politicians or Canada/U.S. comparisons.
Having said that;
1. John A MacDonald
2. Vimy Ridge
3. The Rocky Mountains
4. Maple Leaf
5. Canadarm/Insulin
I agree COMPLETELY with George!!!
I’d say for event: War of 1812. Our only war and we won!
I think this whole idea is viewed wrong.
According to the 80/20 rule, it is often that 20% of the people are making 80% of the noise. For me, less than 5% of people I know even watch hockey. So, Maple Leaf doesn’t define Canada for my view.
More importantly, Canadian is harmonious. Instead of voting for just one thing that is best, there are cocktail of things are great while degree of importance varies from person to person.
The true Canadian way is not to argue what is best at all, and let individuals define their own Canada.
Well, I guess I agree that Trudeau defined Canada in that he is solely responsible for our high debt and subsequently high taxes. He is the epitome of ‘tax and spend’ Liberalism. Hopefully Dion doesn’t win power — because he follows to same philosophy.
My tops would be:
Person — John Diefenbaker
Event — Vimy Ridge
Place — Vimy Ridge
Symbol — Maple Leaf
Accomplishment — Freedom
My biggest problem with most Liberal leaders, Paul Martin aside, is none of them speak English.
I COMPLETELY agree with George, except for attacking Iraq. It’s great that we are in Afghanistan, however. Support your troops!
Ya Im not into hockey one bit lol
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