Oh, Canada. Oh.

Today our country is one hundred and fifty-five years old, and there’s much of which to be proud.

Despite our smaller populace, by dint of our good fortune and industrious people, we sit at the table of the G7 economic heavy-hitters. We’re the destination of choice for immigrants from all over the world, and in terms of Global Warming impact, we may turn out to be one of the few Lucky Ones. We’re blessed, very blessed.

It’s far more than our resources and our position on the globe, though– it’s our people. We’re mostly at peace amongst ourselves, tolerant of differences, comfortable in diversity, caring for the less fortunate while encouraging success, proud without being arrogant. We’re resourceful, survivors, overcomers. What’s not to like?

What’s not to like is that this is not all we should be. With great privilege comes great responsibility, and Canada has nothing to offer but platitudes and “thoughts and prayers”. Climate change? Meh, well, you know, we’re not the bad guys. Ukraine? Meh, well, we’ve got the biggest Ukrainian diaspora on the planet, and we sure love those easter eggs! Let’s see if we can spare a cannon or two – we’ll get them there by winter.

Transportation policy? Another study, a few million dollars toward a vague plan with a twenty year timeline. Renewables? Yes, yes – we think they’re a great idea. Position on this or that emerging issue? Check the weathervane.

Fortunately we have a stellar public service and moderate to good leadership at the provincial and municipal level, so the country chugs along nicely enough as though we were California or New York. But at the federal level we’ve had neither a courageous act nor original thought in about a decade.

And to replace our Drama Teacher in Chief? Well, the Nude Emmicrats have proved themselves once again prepared to make a deal with the devil, and the Tories seem intent on rallying around their own Ted Cruz Without the Charm.

Oh, Canada! Oh, oh.