Canadians VALUE . . . (Part 2 of 2)© J. M. Bridgeman
Feb 1, 2002
Value #7 VISION: Bankers and engineers envisioned a land link making Canada a nation Ad Mare Usque Ad Mare, from sea to sea, and built railroads across the continent in 1885 (the CPR) and again in 1919 (the CNR, by nationalizing unconnected short lines). Our neighbour to the south did this twenty years before we did and we hired many of their professionals and labourers. Early exploration from Europe was also inspired by visions of a passage to the Orient and/or a wealth of resources to trade. (See also EQUALITY below.)
Value # 8 EQUALITY: In the 1890s, Canada began inviting landless people from all over the world (starting with Europe) to come to this empty land and help build, promising them they could keep their own cultures. (We didn't always tell them that they'd have to swear allegiance first to the Queen or King of England, and send their children to schools where they would be forced to learn to speak either English or French, and that they'd be expected to abide by our laws, even if they didn't necessarily know what those laws were.) But historically, immigration policy has been welcoming and egalitarian, celebrating diversity, offering OPPORTUNITY to anyone who chose to come and make a new life. As an offshoot of valuing EQUALITY, Canadians generally hate SNOBBERY and any person or group who behaves as if they believe they are better than someone else. Value #9 STRENGTH / HARDINESS: A land of ice and snow, some people think, never having heard of seasons or summer. But it is true, most of us know from personal experience that the natural environment can be harsh, that misstepping into water or cold or air can be fatal. This necessary constant vigilance makes us more aware that life is precious, a gift not to taken lightly. We don't need to externalize evil or create enemies to rally against; we have natural challenges that require our attention. Value # 10 BEAUTY: Because most of us live in or travel through nature frequently, we are sensitive to and moved by natural beauty. Expecting open space, we seek to own land in order to buffer ourselves from clear-cutting neighbours and to bunker ourselves for when the end will come. Expecting space, we value personal PRIVACY. Respecting territory, we value HOSPITALITY, the generous invitation to enter our private spaces. We avoid crowds, eschew line-ups, and escape to free air whenever possible, immersing ourselves in awe-inspiring overwhelming beauty. Our love of nature inspires a sense of caring for the natural environment and putting, or attempting to balance, visionary and opportunistic needs with other values that reside in nature.
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