Canadians VALUE . . . a True North Dozen
Our sense of loyalty has evolved to the point where we expect people to retain a certain amount of loyalty to their own origins but to leave any historical anger and conflict behind when assuming Canadian citizenship or residency. The only Canadian politician to be assassinated, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, was targeted in 1868 as a result of ancient animosities in Ireland. Hundreds of Canadian citizens died in a terrorist bombing in 1985 as a result of animosities carried here from India. Loyalties which inspire actions that infringe on the rights of others are not welcome here.
Value # 5 HUMANITY / HUMAN RIGHTS: Canada abolished slavery in the 1830s when Great Britain did, and offered sanctuary to fleeing slaves who arrived via the Underground Railroad. We weren't immune to the bigotry which accompanies outdated ideas, as any member of a "visible minority" can attest to from personal experience. We have fought for male suffrage, female suffrage, universal suffrage, worker rights. We have instituted free universal education to secondary school level, and the right to medical care for all citizens, not just those who can afford it. We have abolished one by one laws which deny humanity and take away the rights of individuals (such as capital punishment, family and property laws against women, etc.) We struggle every day to ensure humane treatment and the meeting of basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) for all, starting here at home.
Value #6 RESPECT for AUTHORITY: For many years Canada was symbolized internationally by the RCMP, the Mounties, a police force commissioned in 1873 to prepare the West for railroad-building and immigration. One Mountie, Inspector James Morrow Walsh, who had befriended Chief Sitting Bull and his people during their years of sanctuary in Canada, escorted them to the border where a troop of U.S. Cavalry waited. Walsh didn't need a "show of force" because the Sioux respected him and the government and Crown he represented.
The other half of this "Respect for Authority" equation is RESPECT. Manners are the manifestation of respect in social situations. Canadians are notoriously POLITE, quick to say "Sorry," thanking even dispensing machines when they give us our selections. A typical Canadian respects everyone until a person does something to lose respect. Then we excuse ourselves and walk away.
Further to this "Respect for Authority" value, Canadians are sometimes accused of having no sense of humour. Personally, I don't like any humour that
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