Canada's alluring fragrance

Why Canada is one of the best countries on earth to live in

TOPE ORIOLA STAFF

Canada has a huge appeal to a lot of people outside Canada. Those who are critical of Canada would also agree that there are a lot of things here that merit rolling out the drums.

Unless you’ve been on sabbatical in Jupiter, it must be clear to you that a large number of Canadians are living the dream of most of the world’s population. While I do not agree, based on eye-witness evidence, that most Canadians are middleclass, they are certainly not lacking the basic prerequisites for decent living. In the 2006 human development index, a ranking of countries by the UN based on variables like life expectancy, real income, and education inter alia, Canada emerged sixth overall after Norway, Iceland, Australia, Ireland and Sweden. This is no mean achievement, though Canada once ranked first for six consecutive years.

Also, a Nov. 20, 2006 article in Maclean’s, “They like us! They really like us!” explains “why the world loves Canada.” Based on a 2006 study by Angus Reid Corporation in 20 nations, that Canada’s image is at its best in years. One notable finding is that 91 per cent of respondents believe Canada is “better” than most developed countries, while 57 per cent agree that Canada is “a global leader in working for human rights and peace in the world.” I do have my reservations about Maclean’s knack for social-science research (recall the ranking of universities) — for instance, a paltry 125 people were surveyed in Lebanon and their views were supposed to represent the perceptions of 3.8 million people — but I believe the findings of this methodologically flawed research. As a “newcomer” to Canada, it is easy to observe the areas of strength and weakness.

There are a number of reasons Canadians should be proud of themselves; this is a society that works for the greater part. There are indeed fifth-world neighbourhoods in this “developed” society, as I wrote in one of my open letters to Nigeria, yet one undeniable fact is the constant attempt at improvement. From fixing of roads which easily go bad because of the vagaries of the peculiar weather in Winnipeg to issuance of generous scholarships and research grants purely on meritocratic grounds, this a delightful place to be. You would need to be related to or highly “connected” with a senior government official to get any of this in Nigeria even when you deserved it.

In the UN human development index cited earlier, all of the 30 “least liveable” countries except Haiti and Yemen are African countries. Realism means accepting the truth — there is obviously something we are not getting right in Africa despite the resources at our disposal, especially the inhuman gap between the rich and the poor. Such social inequities exist in Canada, but not to the same bizarre degree.

If there is any hope for minorities in the Western world — and I am one — Canada is arguably one of the standard bearers of that hope. Of course, I have read a chunk of Canadian history: the near-annihilation of aboriginal people,

There are a number of reasons Canadians should be proud of themselves; this is a society that works for the greater part.

the inhuman treatment meted out to people of African descent, Asians and other “visible minorities” and Ukrainians. Needless to mention the systemic discrimination still being faced today, yet as experience as shown in England, the Netherlands, France, the United States, Belgium and other immigrant countries, Canada is both like and unlike them. Canada’s immigration policy is more welcoming although still favouring some as against others, but at least, we do not have children of immigrants born in Canada who do not have Canadian citizenship. A look at the immigration laws of Germany, for instance, will convince you. Canada’s official policy of multiculturalism is not without its problems, but is an attempt at inclusion of all groups regardless of origin.

Mention must also be made of Canada’s universal health coverage, a tall dream even in the U.S., though waiting times are still very long. Other social and family services in Canada, such as pensions, sick leave and so forth are worthy of emulation by any serious country. I remain surprised that day care for children could generate such huge national debate as it did this year.

On a less-serious note, Canadians are very lively people depending on what the day’s temperature is. The real person behind the façade of the cold winter months comes out during the summer. I was surprised at the pervasive air of warmth this summer, after I arrived last winter. For many of us, Canada and Canadians have made a life-long positive impression — for the most part.

Those criticizing Canadian society do so in good faith. It is pointless criticizing an entity that has no capacity for improvement. Implicit in every criticism is an intrinsic belief in the capacity of the object of criticism to make the desired change whether or not the critic realizes it. Hence, Canada can be a lot better than it is now.

Pursuant to that, issues like the treatment of aboriginal people and other minorities need to be resolved comprehensively. The idea of tolerance is denigrating; what is needed is fullfledged inclusion, which is within the capacity of Canada. Balancing the developmental gap among provinces must also be looked into. Canada has done well to focus on the little things that matter to people rather than flexing its muscle around the world as its famous neighbour to the south is wont to. If this trend continues and positive changes are made, Canada’s alluring fragrance will continue to spread. Long live the maple leaf.

Tope Oriola is comment editor of the Manitoban and a graduate student in sociology.