America matters

Posted by admin on Oct 21, 2008 in Issues & Ideas | 0 comments

The response brought forth an inner chuckle denoting a hint of sarcasm. When I posed the question, “Why should the American election matter to Canadians?” to a friend, the colourful honesty of this intelligent woman surprised me: “Because it’s much more exciting than the Canadian election!”

In truth, that response generally resounds with Canadians—American politics trump Canadian politics. Not only in the realm of entertainment, but even in the realm of efficacy. Now don’t get me wrong, Canada has had some movers and shakers in its day: Vanier, Diefenbaker and Trudeau. On the whole, however, Canadian drama is simply incomparable to that of the United States. The sheer size of the US in terms of political sway, military strength, and economic power demands attention. When the United States of America rolls over, the world shifts.

Comparing Canada to the United States is like comparing a peanut to a coconut; they are both good, but the second one is higher up, and has a heavier impact. The US is a major global player. How this 2008 election pans out will directly affect international affairs. Will the US continue to send troops into Iraq? Should the American government allow or even advocate cross- border entry into sovereign nations without permission, such as the recent case of the US military troops crossing into allied Pakistan territory from Afghanistan in pursuit of Al Qaeda? What sorts of administrative reforms will be introduced? How will the present economic downturn and mortgage crisis be offset? Will the new administration embrace open or protectionist policies?

Why should the American election matter to Canadians? The answer lies in the question.
Canada and the United States are two similar sovereign nations, sharing one common language (overlooking a few small spelling differences, that is), one continent, similar geography, many of the same holidays, similar lifestyles, fashion, fads, pop culture, and educational approaches. We have, arguably, one mother country and closely linked young histories. Our big brother to the south influences much of what Canada does; can it not when we share so much, including a vast border? Yet ask any Canadian what makes him or her uniquely Canadian and the answer will likely be something along the lines of “NOT American!”.

The question reveals a very real distinction, however small, between the two nations. For the various Americans who think that Canada is just an extension of their own great nation, there are many more Canadians who are adamant that it is not. To maintain this distinction, Canadians need to be aware of what is going on in the US. We are directly affected.

In terms of campaign awareness, the task of the Canadian is heavier than that of the American. We’ve recently had to follow the Canadian election, as well. Should Canada have had a federal election amidst all of the excitement of the American political race? It’s arguable. The fact remains that the Conservative government caught the nation off guard. While aggravating Canadian citizens by once again having to go to the polls, the call for an election is a call for action. Canadians, however, may not have paid such close attention during their own election—with one ear cocked to the US.

If we Canadians are at all concerned about state sovereignty, lower taxes, or the rise and fall of our dollar; if we care about our healthcare, natural resources, or maintaining a colourful mosaic of ethnic and cultural backgrounds; if we value our world-renowned reputation for being “nice” and maintaining peace; if we appreciate that we have a Parliamentary form of government (and a few more voting options than two), then the American election should matter to us.