In my Canada...

I recently sent out an email to all my contacts imploring them to consider donating to their (non-Conservative) party of choice in an attempt to, as I put it, “get our Canada back”. That prompted the obvious question, “What do you mean by ‘our Canada’?”

Well, here goes:

In my Canada we are recognised around the world as an independent and honest broker, not encumbered by the geo-political policies of the US, Great Britain, or any other country.

In my Canada we take strong, principled leadership positions on matters of global import such as climate change.

In my Canada we do not accept as normal our young people coming home in body bags from a foreign war we didn’t start and can’t win.

In my Canada we do not believe that a toxic waste dump in northern Alberta the size of PEI is just ‘the price we have to pay’ for prosperity.

In my Canada tougher sentencing and more and bigger jails are viewed as part of the problem, not the solution, for making our streets safer.

In my Canada the federal government and First Nations leadership actually get off their respective soap boxes and do something constructive to resolve the crises facing First Nations people.

In my Canada the federal government protects and supports Canadians imprisoned in foreign lands without prejudice, not negotiated on a case-by-case basis as determined by the degree of public outrage or the perceived political advantage/disadvantage of helping.

In my Canada we view the failed policies of the US war on drugs and say “not here”.

In my Canada the federal government is a uniting force, bringing provinces, people and cultures together rather than dividing and conquering for political gain and power.

In my Canada openness and transparency in government are a reality, not just an electioneering slogan.

In my Canada Stephen Harper is a civilian.