Canadian self-image

For many years, the Canadian identity was largely defined by British influences, and a desire among Canadians to emulate British culture and traditions. This goes back to Canada's loyalist founding, by escapees of the American Revolution. The loyalists wanted a nation that would preserve the existing status quo that had existed under British colonial rule, and Canada was thus created to fill this desire.

As the 20th Century dawned, the Dominion of Canada began to seek out greater independence from Britain (see: Statute of Westminster), but still remain loyal to the larger Empire. However, the hardships Britain endured in two succesive world wars greatly crippled the superpower nation, and quickened the decline of the once mighty British Empire. Britain thus could neither afford, nor had any great desire to continue playing the mother role to Canada. Canada was thus forced to seek closer ties with her North American neighbour, the United States.

The collapse of British imperial leadership, as well as the consequences of the Westminster statute had large consequences for the Canadian national indentity. Canada could no longer simply see herself as a child in a grand imperial family under mother England. She was now a completely sovereign nation, sharing a border with a superpower which was also her main business partner.

Since World War 2, Canadians have thus struggled to decide what it is exactly that "makes them Canadian." Though Canadians continue to live under the British crown, the British aspect of the national identity is barely evoked anymore.

Canadians now usually define themselves by comparing their differences with the United States. Some Canadians argue that government policies such as socialized medicine and gun control make their country different from the United States.

In a poll that asked what institutions made Canada feel most proud about their country, number one was Health Care[?], number two was the CBC, and number three was peacekeeping[?].

The search for the Canadian identity often yields some whimsical results.

In 1999 the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) held a competition whose goal was to compose the conclusion to the phrase: "As Canadian as ..." The winning entry read: "... possible under the circumstances."

Robertson Davies, one of Canada's best known novelists, once commented about his homeland: "Some countries you love. Some countries you hate. Canada is a country you worry about."

Pierre Berton, a Canadian journalist and novelist, once alluded to Canada's voyageur roots with this famous saying: A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe without tipping it.