Celebrations are over but our traditions continue

Charleswood

As I write this column, Canada’s birthday is about to be celebrated by hundreds of thousands — maybe millions — of Canadians who live in this magnificent country.

Some may not see it that way, though. Our summers are beautiful but short; our winters are long and cold. We have problems — political, economic, and inequality issues leave much to be desired. But we live in a democracy which, for the most part, respects individual rights and freedoms, and attempts to resolve issues through dialogue — not violence.

It is the recognition that Canada is special that has triggered a sense of patriotism the likes of which haven’t been seen since the last war. As suggested by many, we have U.S. President Donald Trump to thank for that. It is with that sense of national pride, Canadians have declared we will never be United States’ 51st state.

Unlike our neighbours to the south, who are being governed by what is looking more and more like an autocracy, rounding up and imprisoning or deporting “illegal” immigrants, Canada welcomes immigrants and look for ways to accommodate those who want or have to leave a war torn country, like Ukraine and more recently Gaza.

Canada has always been known as a peaceful, gentler nation. Perhaps the times we lived in and the social and economic policies that were implemented made that possible. The Baby Boomer generation, for instance, lived through the best time in history. Being one of them, I can attest to that. The economy was fairly steady, meaning jobs were plentiful, and salaries generally kept pace with inflation.

That kind of security may become less prevalent with the advent of AI. Recent graduates will probably find getting into the job market more difficult. Jobs that could have become a lifelong career may be tailored around what AI can’t do. No one knows when this shift is will take place, but as predicted, it will be sooner than later. The powers leading this evolution will need to monitor the uncertainty it create and mitigate its risks. And the workforce will have to prepare for changes to come.

While it’s doubtful Canada will be the vanguard in the world of AI, it will hopefully keep pace. But unlike the U.S. President’s obsessions with being “the best”, it should never be the goal of our nation to be the best if it means sacrificing the wellbeing of its citizens.

Trumps comment about how the U.S. economy is so much bigger and better while continuing to threaten Canada with more and more tariffs, are becoming worn. That brag must be embarrassing to citizens of a country that has been a friend and ally for more than a hundred years.

A quote from President Jimmy Carter — “The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens…” — is an attitude that most Canadians value and adhere to. Canada Day celebrations are over, but our democratic traditions will continue. And we are thankful for that.