An unloved compromise imposed by the Crown, even some of the capital’s defenders argue that its unimpressiveness is somehow reflective of Canada’s undistinguished history.
We effectively have two national anthems, sung in parallel with increasingly different lyrics; a national obsession among Canadian elites for the country’s entire history, is often only achieved through English and French Canada ignoring each other.
What’s missing are the long-term reforms that would overcome resistance by the pension sector. The question is whether the Government will use the limited time remaining in the Parliament to fix these problems.
Frustratingly, despite leading in several dozens of polls, Conservatives are not polling nearly well enough in the seat-rich Greater Toronto Area to win an overall majority.
Pierre Pierre has gone beyond wonkish economic arguments to spell out the moral, social, and conservative consequences of the crisis.
David Johnston’s resignation as special rapporteur highlights the invidious position of those who serve, for just a few years, as a proxy head of state.
The irony is that it was originally established by a Conservative prime minister, and need not exist in a state of perpetual existential struggle against one of the country’s two main parties.
Why not conceive of the state as essentially a regulator and provider of services, dressed up in such odds and ends of holy writ as pass the smell test – one tax base under the NHS and the Equality Act?
Joining the UK would end its status as a dependant territory, and so finally nullify Spanish (and Argentine) arguments based on the UN definition of decolonisation.
Even in countries where voters would prefer a republic, it is a long way down their list of priorities.
Trudeau aims to create “the first postnational state” where, in his own words “there is no core identity, no mainstream in Canada”, but only a list of vague shared values and shared public services everyone pays their taxes towards.
“More than talk and language, actions are what matter, and we have taken robust action where necessary since I became Prime Minister.”
We need to look at improving efficiency, and new ways of doing things. Many who work in the NHS are frustrated with the waste of both time and money, resulting from inefficient practices and poor management.
From Canada to Montana to New Zealand, centre-right parties have found different ways to break the grip of NIMBY gatekeepers and build the homes people need – and are reaping the electoral reward.