Happy Canada Day! In spite of a full schedule of appearances, ceremonies, and red-and-white people parades, Canada was kind enough to pause briefly to speak this week with A Vintage Life. We’re excited to be able to ask the questions…the burning questions we’ve had since grade 11 Canadian History class. Now’s our chance.
Me, dressed in Canada Day festive colours (1973).
CF for a Vintage Life: Happy Birthday! Bonne Fete! On behalf of all Canadians, let me congratulate you.
Canada: Thank you! I’m so excited to be the excuse that gives Canadians a long weekend to catch up on their relaxation and mosquito bites.
CF for a Vintage Life: Got any special plans for your big day?
Canada: Oh, you know…I’m rather fond of my national and provincial parks and Pierre Trudeau made it look so chic, so I think some canoeing might be on the menu. And speaking of menus, I’ll be indulging in a little poutine, smoked salmon, maple syrup with bannock, and Thai food, of course. It is my birthday, after all!
CF for a Vintage Life: Sounds great.
Canada: [smiles] I’m a little fuller around Ontario and Quebec than I was in my younger days, but I’m trying to age gracefully.
CF for a Vintage Life: I know that, like many of us, you’ve had periods of struggle with your mid-section over the years so that’s a great attitude. Listen, I’m thrilled to have this chance to chat because I wish I knew more about you. You’re a bit mysterious to me and many other Canadians.
Canada: Mysterious? Don’t you watch Rookie Blue or listen to CBC radio?
CF for a Vintage Life: Haha. No, of course not! You have to admit that you’re a little quiet, y’know. Not really one to flash your stuff to the whole world.
Canada: [blushes and looks mysterious.]
CF for a Vintage Life: [chuckling] Don’t get me wrong, I mean, we love you, of course. People always tell us how funny and beautiful and friendly you are. I think you’re smart and thoughtful too, although not many people remember to mention that. But, still, sometimes I feel as if we don’t really know you. I’m not sure why. I mean, my mother insisted that I take Canadian History through high school because, “you’re already getting brainwashed by American TV, you need to learn about your own country!” but somehow, it didn’t help. Actually, it was my least favourite class.
Canada: Oh gosh, I’m sorry about that.
CF for a Vintage Life: Yeah, well, I guess it’s not really your fault. But, the point is, after all that Canadian History, I should know a lot about you.
Canada: And you don’t?
CF for a Vintage Life: Well, I learned a lot from Canadian literature–Margaret Lawrence, Farley Mowat, Robert Munsch, Armond Ruffo, Gabrielle Roy, Lucy Maud Montgomery and more–but in History, we seemed to spend a lot of time pondering something called, “The Canadian Identity”.
Canada: The Canadian Identity?
CF for a Vintage Life: Yeah. Apparently, you didn’t have one…except that you were a “mosiac”, rather than a “melting pot”.
Canada: Ah, but now there’s Republic of Doyle. That must help.
CF for a Vintage Life: True, but that’s really only giving me insight into a slice of Newfoundland (and a lot of Allan Hawco‘s six pack, not that I mind.)
Canada: [blushes and looks mysterious.]
CF for a Vintage Life: Maybe that’s part of the problem. You’re so large and diverse that it’s hard to see and know all of Canada. Plus, it costs as much to see our country by plane or train as it does to go to somewhere with really good chocolate, like Europe.
Canada: [sighs.] Yes, even with polar bears, whales and the West Edmonton Mall, it’s hard to compete with European chocolate.
CF for a Vintage Life: Or Disney World on March Break. Maybe people would travel around and find out more about you, if it was a little less expensive. Do you have any sway with those frequent flyer people?
Canada: Unfortunately not. Just like everyone else, I have to pay for my luggage now (and at 146 years old, I come with a lot of baggage).
CF for a Vintage Life: Wow, I can see how that would be expensive. But, do you feel like you have an identity?
Canada: I think that like everyone, I have some days when I’m all, “look at my gorgeous Rockies” and “all our packaging has two languages on it”. Then, there are the shaky days when it’s non-stop pipelines and rainforests at risk and conditions in northern communities and then…well, it’s Niagara Falls. It all just comes pouring out. But, whenever I doubt myself, I just watch a Rick Mercer rant. I’ve got him on TiVo.
CF for a Vintage Life: But, do you ever feel that maybe you should, y’know, be a little more bossy? Kind of tell the world what we’re made of?
Canada: Bossy? No. I’ve always thought of myself as the Betty to Archie’s Veronica; the Mary Ann to Gilligan’s Ginger. But, I think that I sort of came into my own in 1965 with the new flag. It was a huge honour for me to have that recognition (I mean, you work and work your whole life and overcome so many obstacles–like the influx of Europeans and wrangling droughts and tree roots in the prairies and our sacrifices to the mines and wars–and suddenly, years later, someone notices) and I never feel better about it than when I look at my flag. It’s a deceptively simple design but have you ever tried to draw that maple leaf free-hand? It’s not easy, let me tell you.
CF for A Vintage Life: No kidding! I heard even Marie-Louise Gay gave up. So, the flag represents you pretty well, you think?
Canada: Yes. It’s a lot like Canada with its vibrant colours and a unique look among other flags. And, it looks pretty darn good on a backpack.
CF for A Vintage Life: Kind of sums us up pretty well, doesn’t it? So, Canada: any wishes for your birthday?
Canada: Christine, I just want what everyone else in Canada wants: a Coffee Only line at the Tim Horton’s drive-thru.
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Lily Mugford
I agree with Canada .. a coffee only line at Tim Horton’s inside and out would be great. A great interview but unlike you Christine, I enjoy listening to CBC radio… They have great stuff, interviews and music and you should give it a try, the other day there was a comedy program that had me laughing so hard, I had to pull over.
Christine Fader
I was indoctrinated with CBC radio growing up (so there’s some sort of immature rebellion thing going on between me and CBC radio now) and I also prefer more music to talking, however, I consider CBC radio a national treasure. Just don’t tell my parents… 🙂
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Michael A Fader
I would love a coffee only line at Tim Hortons as that is usually all that I am there to get!