A little self-reflection is a good ritual on a birthday.
So too with Canada, which turns 148 today.
As a nation, we’ve been accused of being a few things over the years: too nice, too careful, too polite and a little boring.
But after a quick consideration of the alternatives, we conclude that most countries would be grateful to have such problems.
Sure, we have our share of Bob and Doug McKenzies, but we’ve also had Wayne Gretzky, Terry Fox, Chris Hadfield and David Suzuki.
In financial matters, Canada’s yawn-worthy prudence has protected us from some of the worst global crises.
In its unassuming way, Canada’s been ahead of the game on many social issues. Take same sex marriage, which became legal across the U.S. last week. Been there, done that.
Or the hand-wringing with which Americans have grappled with ObamaCare. In contrast, Canada’s Medicare system is about 50 years old. And let’s not even get started on gun control.
Of course, not everything in Canada has been beaver ponds and the Maple Leaf Forever.
There’s a dark blot in the way we have treated First Nations, whose land we now occupy. We’ve had our share of political scandals and environmental blights.
This year, political parties will be asking Canadians to consider just what it is they value as they head into a federal election. The answer to that question won’t be known until after Oct. 19.
But politics aside, these are questions worth pondering and yes, celebrating, at least once a year.
Happy Canada Day.
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