This is an excellent and informative article Ryan. Thanks for identifying the insidious nature and the goal of Poilievre's "Canada First" program. He is dangerous to Canada and Canada’s respected role in international relations.
Quite right. We must start to ignore the unpredictable rants and actions of our southern neighbour and help Canada to reaffirm its place in the global community. We must make our values clear and challenge those who disagree to justify their positions so that the rest of us can examine nand respond. I believe in a fair and just society that takes care of its people and the enviroment with a healthy future in mind. I believe in medicare and foreign aid, fully democratic systems, I believe negotiation rather than threats and war is the best route to a peaceful global soiety that is just and is fair. I believe in taking action for climate change and aiding those who cannot, I believe many parts of the globe are going to ber very challenged by climate change and we must find a reasonable way to take care for those people, I believe in a civil service that is fully capable of protecting the people and the environment. the cost of not doing these things is too great!
I so appreciate your article, Ryan, a sane and wise voice in a distressing and devastating time. My heart goes out to those suffering and dying due to stupid decisions by a greedy, immoral man. I consider compassion to be the highest human value of which Trump has none. Voices like yours are of the utmost importance at this time. Thank you. 🙏
Good morning to subscribers. We shouldn’t forget that the people trying to run this global economy are already filthy rich 🤑 and buying power if a there’s a recession or war in the world they’ll be the ones lest effect ed we must not fool ourselves these people don’t give a rip of common folk we need to get back to good old fashion human life LIVE LOVE and CARE 😍🙏
Hi Ryan, I meant this to be just a direct response to you. I'm not a Blogger, and I won't be checking back for comments.
Stop me if you've heard this one :
"So a car salesman and a realtor walk into the White House........"
And what follows is an unprecedented opportunity for stand-up comedy, if Canadians truly are courageous and independent.
Example : "If you can't trust a South African car salesman, then who CAN you trust ?"
And take it from there.......
Because you see, we do have the right and ability to speak in those terms, without fear.
That was never even much of a possibility, until recently Jeff Douglas revived his Canadian Rant, ( which is as much of a tear-jerker as the original, and just as funny ).
Rather than supremacist in any way, it is as humbly determined to laud ( mostly ) minor characteristics, while including a few socially conscious acknowledgements.
Further it should be noted that at no time did any politically active Canadian, from any Party, or independent, actually apply a truly Canadian approach responding to Trump's many threats and insults.
What might that have looked like ?
Well, there's a lot to consider with that topic, a few examples would do :
- Inform Canadians what membership in the Commonwealth actually means.
Anyone who was concerned about being assimilated, should spend a few hours learning about what being a commonwealth member for each person, ( and collectively ) constitutes.
The concept of "Chattel" comes up
Then, they could contrast that with what citizenship in a Republic is about, where the individual is deemed to be more like a child.
- Inform Canadians about the amount of land and resources, ( in fiscal and material value ) which are foreign owned. And ask them to consider how Trump would be able to "buy" those out.
- Earlier Arrivals to the continent, were not vociferous. It seems that few Canadians have explored why that is, and how that works with the King's response from England and the Democrats responses in the U.S. ; because those work together.
There never was a looming territorial/identity crisis.
Again, why did no one bother to provide measured and valid information to Canadians ?
It may be because it was deemed not in the best interests of national, provincial, and municipal leadership to do so.
Failure to do so created the anxiety and resentment which Canadians expressed.
- Suddenly, "Free Trade, ( & etc. ) between provinces might not be such a bad idea ? Really ?
So, professional qualifications from Saskatchewan, are now recognized in any province of Canada ?
To me that sounds like a a politically revolutionary event which will unite and reshape the country.
Had it been done in a thoughtful and effective manner many years ago, we'd likely not have been harassed with such glee.
Your work overseas is laudable. Your descriptions of your work and the conditions which you encountered are authentic and that overcomes most politically tinged inferences.
However, you might be too young to remember the mass protests and widespread objections to the monopolization of global aid by America, to "Third World countries".
Those protests were not limited to North America, nor did they begin in the 1970's.
U.S. Aid programmes, saved a lot of lives and improved living conditions for many globally.
Yet it may be that you noticed how the Aid programmes operate at an Arms length distance from the military, industrial and economic control which so often follows U.S. Aid programmes.
America is not alone in that regard, however they are the benchmark for such entanglements.
While the world has wrung their hands in faux outrage and concern, people in countries who had been receiving USAID, ( etc. ) suffer.
By now, each province in Canada, and most countries in the world could have committed to sending immediate aid.
A number of citizenry Demographics could have been offered immediate employment, here and abroad. And there could have been a reasonably effective "hand-off" from USAID workers to replacement workers........ almost immediately, ....... because we truly do care.
It may well be that what began as an intention to shock and upset the world, could have turned into a much more open and collegial approach to international equality and participation.
Perhaps somewhat impractical/idealistic, however, also somewhat achievable, especially if many or most other countries of means, were genuinely unlike the Americans whom they criticize.
- There are frequent international gatherings of earlier arrivals to all continents.
I expect that from their perspective, forging meaningful ties by providing workers and funding, ( certainly from the Canadian representatives ) to countries in need would offer a worthy sense of succession to the now defunct, "World Council of Indigenous Peoples"...... ( which had energetically debated - "All populations are Indigenous", While concurrently considering that for many, the nature of Humanity is fluid, not static ; before dissolving ).
For me, that sort of thinking is what defines "Canada First", and it is considerably different than how Poilievre, or Ford defines it.
When we know ourselves, and live up to the highest standards of that opinion, we will be deserving of joining all others who are similarly disposed, in the manner in which "Globalism" was originally envisioned.
All in all, "Yes, we'll pay another 10 cents an apple, and donate from our own resources, willingly, with varying degrees of ability, because that is exactly how Canada could be, ( among ) ( the) First".
An informed, active and united country would not have had time for the face-pulling and knicker twisting which ballooned into the apparent emergency which has dominated the news cycle.
P.S. - As I write this - "Four hours ago" - "U.S. Supreme Court upholds ruling ordering Trump administration to fulfil $2B in USAID contracts"....... not that it will end there, so easily.
Good morning watching news this morning here’s another truth in my opinion bees 🐝 protect their hives vigorously bears 🐻 protect their cubs to death billionaires protect their money with LIES
Quite right. We must start to ignore the unpredictable rants and actions of our southern neighbour and help Canada to reaffirm its place in the global community. We must make our values clear and challenge those who disagree to justify their positions so that the rest of us can examine nand respond. I believe in a fair and just society that takes care of its people and the enviroment with a healthy future in mind. I believe in medicare and foreign aid, fully democratic systems, I believe negotiation rather than threats and war is the best route to a peaceful global soiety that is just and is fair. I believe in taking action for climate change and aiding those who cannot, I believe many parts of the globe are going to ber very challenged by climate change and we must find a reasonable way to take care for those people, I believe in a civil service that is fully capable of protecting the people and the environment. the cost of not doing these things is too great!
Prime Minister Trudeau lead us thru COVID . . . . Who will lead us thru this current insane tsunami of greed, thoughtlessness and 'dumb' decisions??? I fear for the Planet on this one!
Both my son and I are handicapped and therefore we are on Trump's hit list. His "might is right' policies scare us, I am glad I am Canadian. My work has sent me to many third-world countries. I was happy to see someone who cares in government. We need to keep Canada first, Thank you for the post that keeps this in mind. It should be everyone's first thought.
You have described the dilemma of our times. Populism is inuring ourselves to the suffering of others and by doing so is taking away the supports we have for those in need. People first is a much better rallying cry than “Canada First”
I truly appreciate your well written insights and wish more people could be as informed, thoughtful and caring as you. Thank you Ryan and keep being an optimistic advocate for a better future.
This is an excellent and informative article Ryan. Thanks for identifying the insidious nature and the goal of Poilievre's "Canada First" program. He is dangerous to Canada and Canada’s respected role in international relations.
Thank you.
Quite right. We must start to ignore the unpredictable rants and actions of our southern neighbour and help Canada to reaffirm its place in the global community. We must make our values clear and challenge those who disagree to justify their positions so that the rest of us can examine nand respond. I believe in a fair and just society that takes care of its people and the enviroment with a healthy future in mind. I believe in medicare and foreign aid, fully democratic systems, I believe negotiation rather than threats and war is the best route to a peaceful global soiety that is just and is fair. I believe in taking action for climate change and aiding those who cannot, I believe many parts of the globe are going to ber very challenged by climate change and we must find a reasonable way to take care for those people, I believe in a civil service that is fully capable of protecting the people and the environment. the cost of not doing these things is too great!
I so appreciate your article, Ryan, a sane and wise voice in a distressing and devastating time. My heart goes out to those suffering and dying due to stupid decisions by a greedy, immoral man. I consider compassion to be the highest human value of which Trump has none. Voices like yours are of the utmost importance at this time. Thank you. 🙏
Good morning to subscribers. We shouldn’t forget that the people trying to run this global economy are already filthy rich 🤑 and buying power if a there’s a recession or war in the world they’ll be the ones lest effect ed we must not fool ourselves these people don’t give a rip of common folk we need to get back to good old fashion human life LIVE LOVE and CARE 😍🙏
Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for writing. Have a good trip to Toronto.
Hi Ryan, I meant this to be just a direct response to you. I'm not a Blogger, and I won't be checking back for comments.
Stop me if you've heard this one :
"So a car salesman and a realtor walk into the White House........"
And what follows is an unprecedented opportunity for stand-up comedy, if Canadians truly are courageous and independent.
Example : "If you can't trust a South African car salesman, then who CAN you trust ?"
And take it from there.......
Because you see, we do have the right and ability to speak in those terms, without fear.
That was never even much of a possibility, until recently Jeff Douglas revived his Canadian Rant, ( which is as much of a tear-jerker as the original, and just as funny ).
Rather than supremacist in any way, it is as humbly determined to laud ( mostly ) minor characteristics, while including a few socially conscious acknowledgements.
Further it should be noted that at no time did any politically active Canadian, from any Party, or independent, actually apply a truly Canadian approach responding to Trump's many threats and insults.
What might that have looked like ?
Well, there's a lot to consider with that topic, a few examples would do :
- Inform Canadians what membership in the Commonwealth actually means.
Anyone who was concerned about being assimilated, should spend a few hours learning about what being a commonwealth member for each person, ( and collectively ) constitutes.
The concept of "Chattel" comes up
Then, they could contrast that with what citizenship in a Republic is about, where the individual is deemed to be more like a child.
- Inform Canadians about the amount of land and resources, ( in fiscal and material value ) which are foreign owned. And ask them to consider how Trump would be able to "buy" those out.
- Earlier Arrivals to the continent, were not vociferous. It seems that few Canadians have explored why that is, and how that works with the King's response from England and the Democrats responses in the U.S. ; because those work together.
There never was a looming territorial/identity crisis.
Again, why did no one bother to provide measured and valid information to Canadians ?
It may be because it was deemed not in the best interests of national, provincial, and municipal leadership to do so.
Failure to do so created the anxiety and resentment which Canadians expressed.
- Suddenly, "Free Trade, ( & etc. ) between provinces might not be such a bad idea ? Really ?
So, professional qualifications from Saskatchewan, are now recognized in any province of Canada ?
To me that sounds like a a politically revolutionary event which will unite and reshape the country.
Had it been done in a thoughtful and effective manner many years ago, we'd likely not have been harassed with such glee.
Your work overseas is laudable. Your descriptions of your work and the conditions which you encountered are authentic and that overcomes most politically tinged inferences.
However, you might be too young to remember the mass protests and widespread objections to the monopolization of global aid by America, to "Third World countries".
Those protests were not limited to North America, nor did they begin in the 1970's.
U.S. Aid programmes, saved a lot of lives and improved living conditions for many globally.
Yet it may be that you noticed how the Aid programmes operate at an Arms length distance from the military, industrial and economic control which so often follows U.S. Aid programmes.
America is not alone in that regard, however they are the benchmark for such entanglements.
While the world has wrung their hands in faux outrage and concern, people in countries who had been receiving USAID, ( etc. ) suffer.
By now, each province in Canada, and most countries in the world could have committed to sending immediate aid.
A number of citizenry Demographics could have been offered immediate employment, here and abroad. And there could have been a reasonably effective "hand-off" from USAID workers to replacement workers........ almost immediately, ....... because we truly do care.
It may well be that what began as an intention to shock and upset the world, could have turned into a much more open and collegial approach to international equality and participation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps somewhat impractical/idealistic, however, also somewhat achievable, especially if many or most other countries of means, were genuinely unlike the Americans whom they criticize.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- There are frequent international gatherings of earlier arrivals to all continents.
I expect that from their perspective, forging meaningful ties by providing workers and funding, ( certainly from the Canadian representatives ) to countries in need would offer a worthy sense of succession to the now defunct, "World Council of Indigenous Peoples"...... ( which had energetically debated - "All populations are Indigenous", While concurrently considering that for many, the nature of Humanity is fluid, not static ; before dissolving ).
For me, that sort of thinking is what defines "Canada First", and it is considerably different than how Poilievre, or Ford defines it.
When we know ourselves, and live up to the highest standards of that opinion, we will be deserving of joining all others who are similarly disposed, in the manner in which "Globalism" was originally envisioned.
All in all, "Yes, we'll pay another 10 cents an apple, and donate from our own resources, willingly, with varying degrees of ability, because that is exactly how Canada could be, ( among ) ( the) First".
An informed, active and united country would not have had time for the face-pulling and knicker twisting which ballooned into the apparent emergency which has dominated the news cycle.
P.S. - As I write this - "Four hours ago" - "U.S. Supreme Court upholds ruling ordering Trump administration to fulfil $2B in USAID contracts"....... not that it will end there, so easily.
Thanks and all the best,
Fred.
Good morning watching news this morning here’s another truth in my opinion bees 🐝 protect their hives vigorously bears 🐻 protect their cubs to death billionaires protect their money with LIES
You are spot on with your evaluation for the need to share and assist rather than attack those in need.
The world has too many bullies already.
We are all connected and need to view ourselves in relation to the rest of the world. Ryan, thank you for your excellent article.
Quite right. We must start to ignore the unpredictable rants and actions of our southern neighbour and help Canada to reaffirm its place in the global community. We must make our values clear and challenge those who disagree to justify their positions so that the rest of us can examine nand respond. I believe in a fair and just society that takes care of its people and the enviroment with a healthy future in mind. I believe in medicare and foreign aid, fully democratic systems, I believe negotiation rather than threats and war is the best route to a peaceful global soiety that is just and is fair. I believe in taking action for climate change and aiding those who cannot, I believe many parts of the globe are going to ber very challenged by climate change and we must find a reasonable way to take care for those people, I believe in a civil service that is fully capable of protecting the people and the environment. the cost of not doing these things is too great!
Thank you, Ryan, for an eloquent message on the importance of international solidarity. Jingoism is never an answer and you have made that clear.
Prime Minister Trudeau lead us thru COVID . . . . Who will lead us thru this current insane tsunami of greed, thoughtlessness and 'dumb' decisions??? I fear for the Planet on this one!
Both my son and I are handicapped and therefore we are on Trump's hit list. His "might is right' policies scare us, I am glad I am Canadian. My work has sent me to many third-world countries. I was happy to see someone who cares in government. We need to keep Canada first, Thank you for the post that keeps this in mind. It should be everyone's first thought.
You have described the dilemma of our times. Populism is inuring ourselves to the suffering of others and by doing so is taking away the supports we have for those in need. People first is a much better rallying cry than “Canada First”
I truly appreciate your well written insights and wish more people could be as informed, thoughtful and caring as you. Thank you Ryan and keep being an optimistic advocate for a better future.
Thanks for providing an informed perspective on troubling world events.