A love letter to my nation (not my government)
from an avowed Anglophile and an old stock Canadian
As 2024
draws to its close I would like to share my thoughts on our present
socioeconomic crisis under a Trudeau led coalition government which destined to
fall and take the nation down with it. We face significant challenges in the next
several weeks and months. The current government in Canada is in utter,
complete, and perfect chaos. Trump has
declared that he wants Canada to become the 51st State. He even had
his son post a meme of the Donald purchasing us on Amazon. Canada, one of the
most resource richest nations on the planet, on Amazon like we are whore to be prostituted
as though America was her “John”. You may think that this is merely clever or funny,
or even a good idea given the fact that America’s economy is infinitely
stronger than ours and will become even greater under an administration
dedicated to reducing waste, cost, and variation. DOGE led by Vivek Ramaswamy
and Elon Musk will implement a modern version of what General Douglas MacArthur
did in Japan when he unleashed Drs. Deming and Juran on them to help fix their postwar
economy. Both are now lauded as heroes of industry by the Japanese for their unmitigated
successes in transforming their industries.
But back to
Canada and the US. Why not join the Union? After all taxation is much lower in
the US than it is in Canada. Canadians under the Trudeau government have become
poorer than even the citizens of Mississippi which is the poorest state in America.
But you are likely forgetting two things, that the US is still being informed
by the Monroe Doctrine and the American belief in Manifest Destiny. Moreover,
if you do not know what either are and how they relate to how Canada came into being
as an autonomous nation and an independent member of the British Commonwealth
you know literally nothing of the history of your own nation. Today I heard, “That
was then, this is now”, to which I answer the oldest adage regarding history ever
written, namely that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it. Of
course, each repetition will have its own peculiar variation.
But first
let us examine the Monroe Doctrine and its coefficient of Manifest Destiny. The
Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny are two significant concepts in American
history that are closely related in their impact on U.S. foreign policy and
territorial expansion. So, the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny therefore had
significant impacts on Canada, shaping its history and development in various
ways right up until today.
The Monroe
Doctrine:
The Monroe
Doctrine, declared in 1823, primarily aimed to prevent European interference in
the Americas. While it was focused on Latin America, it indirectly affected
Canada by reinforcing the idea that the Western Hemisphere was under the
influence of the United States. This doctrine contributed to a sense of
American dominance in the region, which influenced Canadian policies and
attitudes towards its southern neighbor.
Manifest
Destiny:
Manifest
Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined to expand across
North America, and it had a more direct impact on Canada. This ideology fueled
American expansionist ambitions, leading to tensions and conflicts with British
North America (now Canada). Some key effects include:
1. Territorial
Expansion: The idea of Manifest Destiny led to American interest in
annexing Canadian territories. This was particularly evident during the
mid-19th century when there were calls for the U.S. to expand into British-held
territories in Canada.
2. Canadian
Confederation: The threat of American expansionism was a significant factor
in the push for Canadian Confederation. The provinces of British North America
united in 1867 to form the Dominion of Canada, partly to strengthen their
defense against potential American aggression.
3. Border
Disputes: Manifest Destiny contributed to several border disputes between
the U.S. and Canada, including the Oregon boundary dispute, which was resolved
in 1846 with the Oregon Treaty.
4. Cultural
and Political Influence: The expansionist ideology also influenced Canadian
culture and politics, as Canadians sought to distinguish themselves from their
American neighbours and assert their own national identity.
Overall, the
Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny played crucial roles in shaping the
geopolitical landscape of North America, influencing Canada's development and
its relationship with the United States.
But first
we must go back to the political beginnings of Canada as a nation distinct and separate
in identity from that of the USA:
Our start as
a parliamentary system under English Common Law and British constitutionalism after
initial settlement by Loyalists setters from America in Upper Canada (now
Ontario) and their insistence on having English Common Law as opposed to French
Civil law of Lower Canada (Quebec).
John Graves
Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (now Ontario), had
several reasons for establishing a new province under English Common Law:
Political
Stability: Simcoe
aimed to create a stable and orderly society in Upper Canada, distinct from the
revolutionary fervor of the United States. By implementing English Common Law,
he sought to ensure a legal system that was familiar to British settlers and
loyalists who had fled the American Revolution.
Economic
Development: Simcoe
believed that a well-ordered society based on English Common Law would attract
settlers and promote economic growth. He introduced freehold land tenure, which
allowed settlers to own land outright, encouraging investment and development.
Social
Order: Simcoe wanted
to establish a society based on aristocratic and conservative principles, with
a strong Church of England presence. He believed that English Common Law would
support these values and help create a loyal and cohesive community.
Abolition
of Slavery: Simcoe
was instrumental in passing legislation to gradually abolish slavery in Upper
Canada, making it the first British colony to take such steps. This move was
part of his broader vision of creating a just and equitable society.
Simcoe's
efforts laid the foundation for the development of Upper Canada as a distinct
entity with its own legal and social structures, separate from both the United
States and other British colonies.
The War
of 1812: This was indeed a significant challenge to Canadian autonomy and
played a crucial role in shaping Canada's national identity.
Key
Impacts on Canadian Autonomy
1. Defense
Against Invasion: The
War of 1812 saw multiple American invasions into Canadian territory. The
successful defense against these invasions by British forces, Canadian militia,
and Indigenous allies helped solidify a sense of Canadian identity and unity.
2. National
Identity: The war
fostered a sense of national pride and identity among Canadians. The collective
effort to defend their land against American forces brought together people
from diverse backgrounds, including English and French Canadians, Indigenous
peoples, and Loyalists.
3. Military
and Civilian Cooperation: The war highlighted the importance of civilian soldiers in defending the
territory. This cooperation between military and civilian forces became a
defining characteristic of Canadian defense efforts.
4. Indigenous
Alliances: Indigenous
peoples played a crucial role in the war, forming alliances with both British
and Canadian forces. Their contributions were vital in several key battles,
although their sacrifices were often overlooked in the aftermath.
5. Political
and Social Impact: The
war's outcome reinforced the need for a strong defense and contributed to the
eventual push for Canadian Confederation in 1867. It also influenced Canadian
policies and attitudes towards its southern neighbour.
Overall, the
War of 1812 was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, marking the first
significant challenge to Canadian autonomy and laying the groundwork for the
development of a distinct Canadian identity.
William
Hamilton Merritt was
a significant figure in Canadian history, particularly known for his role in
the development of the Welland Canal. His contributions had a profound impact
on both defense and trade in Canada. Merritt was a businessman, politician, and
soldier born on July 3, 1793, in Bedford, New York. He moved to Upper Canada
(now Ontario) with his family and became involved in various business ventures
in my hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario. Merritt had fought in the War of
1812 and was captured by American forces, which influenced his later endeavors.
Merritt’s
great legacy, The Welland Canal
The Welland
Canal was Merritt's most notable achievement. He first proposed the idea in
1818 to create a canal that would connect Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, bypassing
the Niagara Falls. The canal was crucial for several reasons:
1. Trade:
The Welland Canal
facilitated the movement of goods between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic
Ocean, significantly boosting trade in the region. It allowed ships to bypass
the Niagara Falls, making transportation more efficient and less costly.
2. Defense:
The canal also had
strategic military importance. During times of conflict, such as the War of
1812, controlling the waterways was crucial for defense. The Welland Canal
provided a secure route for moving troops and supplies, enhancing the region's
defensive capabilities.
3. Economic
Development: The
construction and operation of the canal spurred economic growth in the
surrounding areas. It created jobs, attracted settlers, and led to the
development of towns and industries along its route. Merritt's vision and
determination were instrumental in the canal's construction. He organized local
meetings, raised funds, and enlisted government support to bring the project to
fruition. The Welland Canal remains a vital part of Canada's transportation
infrastructure and is a enduring testament to Merritt's legacy.
Funding
the Welland Canal:
Merritt
faced numerous challenges in securing funding for the Welland Canal. Initially,
he hoped for government support, but when that proved insufficient, he turned
to private investors, including those from the United States. American
investors were interested in the canal because it promised to enhance trade
routes and economic opportunities between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic
Ocean.
How this
impacted Canada’s Factories and Mills:
Investment
and Control: By
accepting American investment, Merritt inadvertently allowed American
businessmen to gain a controlling interest in some Canadian mills. These
investors were keen on ensuring their investments were profitable, which often
meant taking an active role in the management and operations of the mills.
Economic
Influence: The
influx of American capital brought with it a degree of economic influence.
American investors sought to maximize their returns, which sometimes led to
decisions that prioritized their interests over those of local Canadian
stakeholders.
Technological
Advancements: On the
positive side, American investment also brought technological advancements and
expertise to Canadian mills. This helped improve efficiency and productivity,
contributing to the growth of the Canadian economy.
Trade and
Commerce: The
Welland Canal itself facilitated increased trade and commerce between Canada
and the United States. This interconnectedness meant that American businessmen
had a vested interest in the success of Canadian industries, including the
mills.
Overall,
while American investment in the Welland Canal and Canadian mills brought
economic benefits, it also led to a degree of foreign control and influence
over Canadian industries, so much so that most of our factories and mills became
wholly owned subsidiaries of American parent corporations. This dynamic played
a significant role in shaping the economic landscape of the region during that
period.
Why the
building of the Rideau Canal coincided with that of the Welland Canal:
The Rideau
Canal and the Welland Canal were both constructed in the early 19th century,
and their development coincided due to several strategic, economic, and
political reasons.
Their Strategic
Importance
Defense: After the War of 1812, there was a
heightened sense of vulnerability in British North America (now Canada). The
Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832 to provide a secure supply route
between Montreal and the naval base in Kingston, bypassing the potentially
vulnerable St. Lawrence River. This was crucial in case of another conflict
with the United States.
Military
Transport: Both
canals were designed to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies. The
Welland Canal, completed in 1829, allowed ships to bypass Niagara Falls,
providing a safer and more efficient route for military and commercial vessels.
Economic
Development
Trade
Routes: While the
Welland Canal facilitated the movement of goods between the Great Lakes and the
Atlantic Ocean, the Rideau Canal, which was initially built for military
purposes, also became an important commercial route. It connected Ottawa to
Kingston, enhancing trade and transportation in the region.
Political
Factors:
The
influence of Great Britain: Both canals were part of British efforts to strengthen their influence
in North America. By improving infrastructure and transportation, the British
aimed to secure their colonial territories and promote economic growth.
Settlement
and Development: The
construction of these canals encouraged settlement and development in the
surrounding areas. Towns and industries grew along the canal routes,
contributing to the economic prosperity of the region. In summary, the Rideau
and Welland Canals were built around the same time due to their strategic
importance for defense, their role in facilitating trade and transportation,
and the political objectives of strengthening our British ties in North
America.
The 1837-38
Mackenzie-Papineau Rebellion as a reaction to American expansionism and British
Colonialism:
The
Mackenzie-Papineau Rebellion, also known as the Rebellions of 1837-1838, was a
significant event in Canadian history. It was driven by frustrations with
British colonial rule and the influence of American expansionism.
Background:
The
rebellions took place in both Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now
Quebec). Key figures included William Lyon Mackenzie in Upper Canada and
Louis-Joseph Papineau in Lower Canada. Both leaders sought political reform and
greater autonomy from British control.
Reaction
to British Colonialism:
Political
Reform: The rebels
were frustrated with the lack of political reform and the dominance of the
British-appointed elite. They demanded responsible government, where the
executive council would be accountable to the elected legislative assembly.
Economic
Grievances: Economic
hardships and land issues also fueled discontent. Many settlers felt that the
colonial government favoured the interests of the elite over those of ordinary
citizens.
Influence
of American Expansionism
Republican
Ideals: The American
Revolution and the subsequent expansion of the United States influenced the
rebels. They were inspired by republican ideals and sought to establish a more
democratic system of government.
Support
from the U.S.: Some
rebels received support from American sympathizers. For example, Mackenzie
established a short-lived "Republic of Canada" on Navy Island in the
Niagara River with the help of American volunteers.
Outcomes:
The
rebellions were ultimately unsuccessful, and the British military crushed the
uprisings. However, they led to significant changes:
Lord
Durham's Report: The
British government sent Lord Durham to investigate the causes of the
rebellions. His report recommended the unification of Upper and Lower Canada
and the establishment of responsible government.
Act of
Union 1840: The Act
of Union merged Upper and Lower Canada into a single province, laying the
groundwork for the eventual creation of the Canadian Confederation in 1867.
The
Mackenzie-Papineau Rebellion was a pivotal moment in the struggle for Canadian
self-governance and highlighted the tensions between colonial rule and the
desire for democratic reform.
How the
liberal party was birthed in part by Mackenzie and Papineau
The Liberal
Party of Canada has its roots in the reformist movements led by figures like
William Lyon Mackenzie and Louis-Joseph Papineau. These leaders were
instrumental in advocating for political reform and responsible government in
the early 19th century.
William
Lyon Mackenzie was a
prominent figure in Upper Canada (now Ontario). He led the Reform movement,
which sought to challenge the power of the Family Compact, a small group of
elites who controlled the government. Mackenzie’s efforts culminated in the
Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, which, although unsuccessful, highlighted the
need for political reform and greater democratic representation.
Louis-Joseph
Papineau was from
Lower Canada (now Quebec). Papineau led the Parti Patriote, which similarly
sought to challenge the dominance of the British-appointed elite and advocate
for the rights of French Canadians. The Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837-1838,
led by Papineau, also ended in defeat but underscored the demand for
responsible government and political change.
Influence
on the Liberal Party
The efforts
of Mackenzie and Papineau laid the groundwork for the development of the
Liberal Party. Their push for responsible government and democratic reforms
resonated with many Canadians and set the stage for the emergence of a
political party that would champion these ideals. The Liberal Party, officially
founded in 1867, drew on the legacy of these reformist movements and leaders,
advocating for a more inclusive and democratic political system.
The
American Civil War and the Fenian Raids influences on Canadian independence
from Great Britain
The American
Civil War (1861-1865) and the Fenian Raids (1866-1871) both played significant
roles in shaping Canadian independence from Great Britain.
American
Civil War:
Military
and Political Tensions: The Civil War heightened tensions between Britain and the United States.
Britain's neutrality and its support for the Confederacy due to the cotton
trade angered the Union, leading to incidents like the Trent Affair, where a
British ship was seized by the Union Navy.
Canadian
Sympathy for the Union: Many Canadians sympathized with the Union cause, partly due to their
opposition to slavery and their close economic ties with the northern states.
Increased
Military Presence:
The threat of American invasion led Britain to station troops in Canada, which
underscored the need for a more unified and self-reliant defense.
Fenian
Raids:
Irish-American
Veterans: The Fenian
Brotherhood, composed of Irish-American Civil War veterans, launched several
raids into Canada to pressure Britain to withdraw from Ireland. My own
great-grandfather was a veteran of the conflict and received a grant of land in
some god forsaken part of Ontario on the Canadian Shield in case he had the
sudden urge to go farm rock. My cousin Roy Rymer still pays the taxes on that
property. Great granddad once told my father that the only thing he shot during
the Fenians Raids was a farmer’s cow to feed the boys from the Lincoln and
Welland Regiment in which he had served. It was a two-day march from St.
Catharines to Ridgeway where the engagement took place.
Canadian
Unity: The raids
exposed weaknesses in Canada's defense and highlighted the need for a unified
military and political structure.
Path to
Confederation: The
threat of Fenian attacks and the desire for a stronger defense were key factors
that led to the Confederation of Canada in 1867.
Both events
underscored the vulnerabilities of British North America and accelerated the
movement towards a more independent and unified Canadian nation.
The Charlottetown
Conference and the need of Confederation to establish Canada as a nation
capable of self-government
The
Charlottetown Conference, held from September 1st to 9th,
1864, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, was a pivotal moment in the
journey towards Canadian Confederation. Originally planned as a meeting of
representatives from the Maritime colonies (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and
Prince Edward Island) to discuss a possible union, the conference took a
significant turn when delegates from the Province of Canada (present-day
Ontario and Quebec) were invited to join.
Key
Outcomes of the Charlottetown Conference:
Discussion
of Union: The
conference shifted focus from a Maritime Union to a broader union of all
British North American colonies. The delegates discussed the benefits of
uniting the colonies to create a stronger, more self-sufficient entity.
Agreement
on Principles: While
no formal decisions were made, there was a general agreement on the principles
of union, including the need for a federal system that would allow for both
regional autonomy and a strong central government. This is distinctly different
from the American system which emphasises State’s right and their autonomy.
Social
Interactions: The
conference included social events, such as dinners and banquets, which helped
build relationships and trust among the delegates.
Path to
Confederation:
The
Charlottetown Conference was followed by the Quebec Conference in October 1864,
where a more detailed plan for Confederation was drafted. This plan, known as
the 72 Resolutions, laid the groundwork for the British North America Act,
which was passed by the British Parliament and came into effect on July 1st,
1867, creating the Dominion of Canada.
Significance:
The
Charlottetown Conference marked the beginning of a series of negotiations that
ultimately led to the formation of Canada as a self-governing nation. It was a
crucial step in the process of Confederation, demonstrating the willingness of
the colonies to work together towards a common goal.
"Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" as the counterpoint to "Peace,
Order, and Good Government"
"Life,
Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" and "Peace, Order, and Good
Government" are two foundational principles that reflect differing
philosophies and priorities in the founding documents of the United States and
Canada, respectively.
"Life,
Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"
This phrase
is from the United States Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas
Jefferson in 1776. It encapsulates the core values of American political
philosophy:
Individual
Rights: Emphasizes
the importance of individual freedoms and personal rights.
Self-Governance: Reflects the belief in the right of
people to govern themselves and seek their own paths to fulfillment.
Rejection
of Tyranny: Stresses
the need to break away from oppressive governments that do not respect these
fundamental rights.
"Peace,
Order, and Good Government"
This phrase
is from the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867) and
highlights the priorities of the Canadian Confederation:
Collective
Well-Being: Focuses
on the overall stability and welfare of society.
Rule of
Law: Emphasizes the
importance of legal order and governance structures that maintain peace and
prevent chaos.
Public
Interest: Prioritizes
decisions that benefit the collective, often through a strong and proactive
government role.
Contrasting
these Philosophies
Individualism
vs. Collectivism:
The American principal underscores individual rights and personal freedoms,
while the Canadian principal emphasizes collective well-being and social order.
Liberty
vs. Stability: The
U.S. approach values personal liberty as the highest good, whereas the Canadian
approach values peace and stability, often requiring a balance between
individual freedoms and societal needs. It is the stability of our system of
government that has allowed Canada to avoid some of the more violent extremes
of civil discord so common in America. The belief in stable, calm, responsible
government is an unreconcilable difference between how our two nations are
governed, that is until the erosion of Canadian values which have occurred largely
but not entirely under the Liberal Party of Canada since the mid 1960’s due to
parliament pursuing a “progressive agenda”
Government
Role: The American
ideal tends to advocate for limited government intervention in personal lives,
while the Canadian ideal supports a more active government role in ensuring
public welfare. Again, I must point out that this intervention in individual
freedom largely began with Pearson’s vision of more state intervention in our
lives. It was also Pearson who was instrumental in bringing Pierre Trudeau to
the fore. A moment in our political history which began our downhill slide
toward the tyranny of his son.
Nevertheless,
these differing principles reflect the unique historical contexts and cultural
values of each nation. The American focus on individual liberty arose from a
desire to escape British colonial rule, while the Canadian emphasis on peace
and order emerged from a need to unify diverse provinces and maintain stability
under the British crown.
My conclusions:
We face the
possibility of prorogation in the coming weeks to delay the fall of the current
corrupt government. This will only serve to further abuse Canadians who are already
suffering. All of this is due to our rejection of Christianity as the
underpinning principle upon which any functional government’s value, principles,
legislation and laws must rely. For without Christ Canada cannot exist as a
nation that exists to fulfill our most fundamental constitutional principle of “peace,
order, and good government”.
So here we
are, once again being bullied from the south in a two-century old fulfillment
of America’s quest for Manifest Destiny. Trump is being lauded as our saviour by
many Canadians on my social media feed who claim some affiliation with
conservativism. I often wonder whether real conservatives and true liberals exist
at all. I am being given constant proof of the failure of our education system due
to our progressive school boards. This failure has virtually erased the
knowledge required to understand what either of these political philosophies
mean.
For Trump to
suggest that Wayne Gretzky could simply “become” the next Prime Minister with
out first becoming the leader of a political party capable of winning an election
showed his massive ignorance as to how the Canadian system of governance functions.
Trump referred to Gretzky as a good
candidate to become the “Governor of Canada”, an offer which the “Great One”
promptly turned down due to its insulting impossibility. I was forced to study
American history as a lad, something which at the time I found boring. Today I
am grateful that I was offered perspective as to why the USA still operates on
principles that threaten our autonomy. It is not a Godly move to interfere in
the sovereign government of another nation. It is not for America to tell us
how to fix our own problems brought on by Neo-Marxist “progressives” (a term
which I despise due to its meaninglessness) who have weakened us once again to
the point where we are made vulnerable to American expansionism and threats to
our sovereignty.
For those of
you who may think based upon what I have stated here that I am not pleased
Trump won would also be missing the point since I am pleased. Frankly the
reason you are missing the point is due to the fact you lack a proper
historical perspective of how and why our situation is so dire. Due to ungodly hubris,
we often think that we know more than we do. Donald Trump is not Canada’s saviour,
Jesus Christ is! If you claim to be a Christian, then you need to stop
worshipping at the false god of political messiahs. We must pray that Trump’s new
administration will serve God’s will in America and that the parliamentary system
we have inherited from our ancestors will right itself since its traditions
have served us so well until the “progressives” corrupted it with their godless
agenda.
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