NationStates Jolt Archive


What do you think of Canada?

Alexandria Quatriem
03-06-2005, 19:43
Just curious to see what the world thinks of my country.
Sinuhue
03-06-2005, 19:47
Hmmm...well, I think it's a land full of contradictions, of ugliness and beauty, a land that both reveres and despises its First Nation's people, a place where many ethnicities are welcome, yet where racism still seethes under the surface, perhaps even more insidious than in the US for the fact that it's less open...I think it is more than the sum of what it is not...not American, not this, not that...but it is a land that has difficulty with definitions, and for some reason, its people consider that to be a drawback instead of a freedom.

Then again...I'm a little biased...
Czardas
03-06-2005, 19:47
*walks by whistling to avoid getting an official warning for flamebaiting ;)*

Seriously? I like Canada, especially the parts without any people in them. You know, the wild northern wilderness? There I can be without having to reflect on how awful people are to each other. Of course that's precisely what I would reflect on anyway...I always do...but you know what I mean...

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe
Alexandria Quatriem
03-06-2005, 19:51
I am Canadian, and proud of it. I like the majority of Canadians, although many of them are assholes, I like the culture, I love the landscape, and I like our healthcare system, or I would if it wasn't under-staffed and under-funded. But I despise our government...they're worse than the American government, which I also hate with a passion.
Alexandria Quatriem
03-06-2005, 19:52
Wow, I like it how the majority of the voters agree with me so far...hehehe...
Sinuhue
03-06-2005, 19:54
Wow, I like it how the majority of the voters agree with me so far...hehehe...
Well...I have to say that putting aside the fact that I tend to despise ALL governments, I have to challenge the idea that ours is worse than the government of the US. I mean...come on...
Uginin
03-06-2005, 19:55
I am not Canadian. I like the landscape and culture. The gov. is tricky. I put that I both liked and disliked it. They have issues, but it's better than America's Congress, IMO.
Saxnot
03-06-2005, 19:57
I like Canada on the basis of it's landscape, dual language system, and I met a cool little Canadian girl once. She was fun.
Czardas
03-06-2005, 20:01
I am not Canadian. I like the landscape and culture. The gov. is tricky. I put that I both liked and disliked it. They have issues, but it's better than America's Congress, IMO.Practically anything would be better than America's congress.

And don't say a dictatorship. There they at least make no pretense of being a democracy. --Misquoting Abe Lincoln

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe
Kryozerkia
03-06-2005, 20:02
It's great. I love it...with the exception of Ottawa and the people from Ottawa. Ottawa is a bloody hell hole...
Alexandria Quatriem
03-06-2005, 20:04
Well...I have to say that putting aside the fact that I tend to despise ALL governments, I have to challenge the idea that ours is worse than the government of the US. I mean...come on...
I suppose when I say that our government is worse than the Americans', I mean the people in it...but I suppose it still manages to make better choices, runs a better system, etc.
Sinuhue
03-06-2005, 20:06
I suppose when I say that our government is worse than the Americans', I mean the people in it...but I suppose it still manages to make better choices, runs a better system, etc.
I think that is more due to the fact that we don't have the capability to (credibly) go invade other countries :D That and we've managed to keep the christian right out so far...
Calsnonof
03-06-2005, 20:07
I like Canadian Bacon................... :confused:
SHAENDRA
03-06-2005, 20:07
It's great. I love it...with the exception of Ottawa and the people from Ottawa. Ottawa is a bloody hell hole...
Hey, take that back!
Krilliopollis
03-06-2005, 20:09
I know a Canadian and he's an alright guy. Total pain in the ass when we talk politics though.
Eriadhin
03-06-2005, 20:12
I actually don't mind Canada.

But my brother and Sister and I have been bouncing around an idea for years about Canada.

You see, Canada never does anything political, they have like no enemies, they get into no wars, they don't export anything all that spectacular, in fact, its all rather quiet up there in the north ::grins::

They have a grand master plan to take over the world! They are just quietly biding their time while everyone else blows eachother to bits! :D
Haloman
03-06-2005, 20:19
My Dad's Canadian. I have a lot of Canadian relatives. I'd have to say they're pretty nice, in general. I just dislike the government. Oh, and just a random question: How much do Canadians pay in taxes?
Rogue Newbie
03-06-2005, 20:20
I hate Canada's government, national healthcare is for the birds and its cost is going up more and more, potheads are annoying, their GDP per capita sucks, they're way too into free trade, a good portion of their GDP is from exports they sell to us (the U.S.), et cetera, et cetera. Of the fifteen to twenty Canadians I've spoken with, I've hated all but one, because they are either idiots, or socialists, or both, or they like the French, or they think they burned down the White House because they have no knowledge of history whatsoever. I hate the Frenchies more, though.
N Y C
03-06-2005, 20:20
@ the post on tjhe top of the page
Actually, Canada has, to my understanding, been fighting (If rather politely), with Denmark over disputed islands between Canada and Greenland (Greenland, remember, is a danish possesion)
Ocalmsnoci
03-06-2005, 20:33
Despite what anyone wishes to argue, the U.S. still has relatively intact free-speech laws. The same can't be said for Canada and most of Europe.

Voted "I hate it's government" and "I love it's landscape".
Cloudy Memories
03-06-2005, 20:36
Canada is awsome. I live in Canada. The government can be a pain in the butt at times (espically with the lack of money going in to education and health care). Really what nation doesn't have a messed up government though. Canada is #1 when it comes to hockey!!!!!
Eriadhin
03-06-2005, 20:38
@ the post on tjhe top of the page
Actually, Canada has, to my understanding, been fighting (If rather politely), with Denmark over disputed islands between Canada and Greenland (Greenland, remember, is a danish possesion)


*points*

See I told you they were up to something! :D
No one fights over land peacefully!

Very sneaky, those Canadians ::Grins::
Constitutionals
03-06-2005, 20:42
Just curious to see what the world thinks of my country.



Canada HAS a goverment?

One that actually does stuff? Other then free healthcare?

I'm suprised.

(sorry. no offense intended, but the Canada joke is just to easy).
Czardas
03-06-2005, 20:47
*points*

See I told you they were up to something! :D
No one fights over land peacefully!Oh yes? What about the argument between me and my next-door neighbor over the back yard?

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe
SHAENDRA
05-06-2005, 05:29
I hate Canada's government, national healthcare is for the birds and its cost is going up more and more, potheads are annoying, their GDP per capita sucks, they're way too into free trade, a good portion of their GDP is from exports they sell to us (the U.S.), et cetera, et cetera. Of the fifteen to twenty Canadians I've spoken with, I've hated all but one, because they are either idiots, or socialists, or both, or they like the French, or they think they burned down the White House because they have no knowledge of history whatsoever. I hate the Frenchies more, though.
Is there anybody you like? Just Asking
The Downmarching Void
05-06-2005, 06:19
I'm a Canadian, and I love our Lanscape, I like the people, but I like most people anyway. The "Culture" of Canada I don't like, it needs a lot of work to start resembling a culture. I hate our government as I do all goverments.
I look forward to visiting my hometown of Winipeg for a month this summer. Better weather and friendlier pppl than what you find in Ontario.

I have this theory that there's a giant Asshole Production Factory hidden in the secret depths below the CN Tower. 24/7 it churns out assholes, in order to keep ahead of the game and ensure the province with the least friendly people remains Ontario. PEI doesn't count. Islanders are Secretive, Parochial, Xenophobic and Suspicious of all outsiders because of the inbreeding. Ontario has worked hard at the task, Dalton McGuinty, the current Premier is a good example of Ontario high tech Asshole Manufacturing Sector. [\TANGENT]
Yuunli
05-06-2005, 06:45
My two favorite countries used to be Luxembourg (for the languages) and Canada (for the landscape). But now I've been to Sweden. They have elks and snow, too. :cool:

I've been to every province of Canada except Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. I spent most of the time in Québec, but the most stunning place was in British Columbia. :) I didn't like Toronto, though.

I'm European, by the way.
Commie Catholics
05-06-2005, 06:47
You Canadians have the greatest stereotype.
Schiggidy
05-06-2005, 07:03
I am Canadian.
I hate Canada's government, national healthcare is for the birds and its cost is going up more and more, potheads are annoying, their GDP per capita sucks, they're way too into free trade, a good portion of their GDP is from exports they sell to us (the U.S.), et cetera, et cetera. Of the fifteen to twenty Canadians I've spoken with, I've hated all but one, because they are either idiots, or socialists, or both, or they like the French, or they think they burned down the White House because they have no knowledge of history whatsoever. I hate the Frenchies more, though.

1. You say the cost of healthcare is going up more and more... I assume you mean because the population is growing. But what pays for healthcare? Taxes. And with a greater population, more people will pay them.
2. Canadians aren't potheads; the law is just that if you are caught with marijuana, then you are fined rather than arrested. The idea is that most drug users aren't the ones trafficking.
3. Why do you care how much Canada is into free trade? It benefits Canada and the US. Because really, you do need our resources. (Wheat, softwood lumber, etc.)
4. You hate the Canadians for being "idiots, socialists, or both, or they like the French". So, you hate them for disagreeing with you.
5. Actually, we did burn the White House. The British were stationed in Canada at the time, and many of them were born there. So, you could argue that they were British and not Canadian, but many were born in what is now Canada, and so would be considered Canadian.
Schiggidy
05-06-2005, 07:06
[QUOTE=The Downmarching Void]I look forward to visiting my hometown of Winipeg for a month this summer. Better weather and friendlier pppl than what you find in Ontario. [QUOTE]

YES! A WINNIPEG MAN! As for the nicer weather comment... how long has it BEEN since you were in the 'Peg? This winter we got to -50 degrees celsius with windchill... and the mosquitos can suck a man dry in minutes.
CanuckHeaven
05-06-2005, 07:53
Just curious to see what the world thinks of my country.
What do you mean...your country. :)

There are only 3 things that I would like to see improved in Canada:

1. Elimination of children living in poverty.

2. Improve environmental record.

3. Free university and college education for those who are monetarily challenged.

This has to be one of the best countries in the world in which to live.
Undelia
05-06-2005, 08:07
In the immortal words of Peter Griffon, "Canada Sucks."
Schiggidy
05-06-2005, 16:31
@Undelia
If you're not joking, please explain.
Rogue Newbie
05-06-2005, 17:26
Is there anybody you like? Just Asking

Well, I like the United States, to start. :D I like Japan, too, it's a cool place, and their history is cooler than anywhere else. Of course, the U.S. wrote their consitution, so it's no wonder they're so awesome now. ;) I like most of the Brits I've met because they have awesome accents and they can speak properly. Sure, I like people. I just really hate Canadians and Frenchies, the latter much more.
Haloman
05-06-2005, 17:33
Well, I like the United States, to start. :D I like Japan, too, it's a cool place, and their history is cooler than anywhere else. Of course, the U.S. wrote their consitution, so it's no wonder they're so awesome now. ;) I like most of the Brits I've met because they have awesome accents and they can speak properly. Sure, I like people. I just really hate Canadians and Frenchies, the latter much more.

The majority of Canadians that I've met I've ended up liking. Of course, a lot of them were my dad's family, so I'd naturally like them. The only Canadian I didn't like was this french Canadian, who gave me this dirty look when I sat down on the bus. Yeah...
Green israel
05-06-2005, 17:37
I don't really care from canada as I don't care from portugal, japan and madgaskar.
I hate only the ones who hate me because of my nation, race, religion or opinions. as I am leftist israeli secular jewish, the hate list is long.
canada isn't there and I know nothing about it. you can see it as compliment.
Rogue Newbie
05-06-2005, 17:40
Haha, well, there are two Canadians at my school, both of which annoy me, and I've met ten or fifteen more playing Call of Duty for like a year, all but one of which annoyed me. The one I didn't mind was pretty cool, though. I wonder... in America, the rebellious thing to do, for lack of a better word, is be a tree-hugging hippy or a goth or a Frenchy-lover. Since almost all Canadians are like that, is being a flag-waving anti-pothead warmonger the rebellious thing to do?
Drunk commies deleted
05-06-2005, 18:38
I've got no problem with Canada. You guys have a decent society. The people seem friendly. I don't follow your politics, but all in all it seems you're one of the better countries in terms of human rights, decent ethical values, and modernity.
Rubbleland
05-06-2005, 19:04
I'm Canadian, and I'm quite outraged at these negative replies. The majority of those seem to come from:

A) People who only care about a nation's power and money (*cough* Americans *cough*)

B) Conservatives and Fascists

C) People who judge a nation by it's GDP (see A)

D) Uninformed people that know very little about Canada

E) French bashers (even though, for the most part, only Ontario and Quebec have a large number of Francophone citizens)

F) People who are sensitive to the fact that the political spectrum includes a left wing and a center wing (see B)

G) Gun collectors

:p
Drunk commies deleted
05-06-2005, 19:09
I'm Canadian, and I'm quite outraged at these negative replies. The majority of those seem to come from:

A) People who only care about a nation's power and money (*cough* Americans *cough*)

B) Conservatives and Fascists

C) People who judge a nation by it's GDP (see A)

D) Uninformed people that know very little about Canada

E) French bashers (even though, for the most part, only Ontario and Quebec have a large number of Francophone citizens)

F) People who are sensitive to the fact that the political spectrum includes a left wing and a center wing (see B)

G) Gun collectors

:p
I'm an American, I'm a gun owner. My comments were positive. Please don't paint with too broad of a brush.
Undelia
05-06-2005, 19:16
@Undelia
If you're not joking, please explain.

Sorry, I coudn't resist. Its from an episode of "Family Guy". I couldn't do it justice if I explained it, so I won't.
Rubbleland
05-06-2005, 19:17
I'm an American, I'm a gun owner. My comments were positive. Please don't paint with too broad of a brush.

Hence why I used the word "majority", not "all". ;) It's a good compromise between all or none. :D

Anakin: If you're not with me, you're my enemy!
Obi-Wan: Only a Sith thinks in absolutes!
Dobbsworld
05-06-2005, 19:18
Maybe I'll care more after my second cup of coffee. Sunday mornings and Canadian Nationalism are never a good mix...
Taldaan
05-06-2005, 19:21
As far as I know, I like Canada. I don't know any Canadians, but I tend to like people until I have a reason not to. The landscape is good. I don't really know anything about the culture or politics, so I'm undecided on those. However, I could just be biased because America next door makes them look good!
Gramnonia
05-06-2005, 19:25
I wonder... in America, the rebellious thing to do, for lack of a better word, is be a tree-hugging hippy or a goth or a Frenchy-lover. Since almost all Canadians are like that, is being a flag-waving anti-pothead warmonger the rebellious thing to do?

Hey, I'm one of those flag-waving warmongers! And believe me, it gets real, real lonely up here. Bloody liberal-hotbed university students! Which is why I'm moving to Dixie ASAP after I get my degree. :mp5:
Carnivorous Lickers
05-06-2005, 19:26
I've been to Canada a few times and liked both the people and the landscape. I have a friend in Ontario and I like her. I know nothing at all of Canadian polictics.
Rogue Newbie
05-06-2005, 19:28
Hey, I'm one of those flag-waving warmongers! And believe me, it gets real, real lonely up here. Bloody liberal-hotbed university students! Which is why I'm moving to Dixie ASAP after I get my degree. :mp5:
LOL, if that's true, that's really funny. Maybe I'll see you when I'm visiting family in North Carolina. :D I'm a dirty yankee from Ohio.
Dobbsworld
05-06-2005, 19:39
Hey, I'm one of those flag-waving warmongers! And believe me, it gets real, real lonely up here. Bloody liberal-hotbed university students! Which is why I'm moving to Dixie ASAP after I get my degree. :mp5:

You'll be in good company, I'm sure...

*yawns*
Whomping Whillows
05-06-2005, 19:40
I actually don't mind Canada.

But my brother and Sister and I have been bouncing around an idea for years about Canada.

You see, Canada never does anything political, they have like no enemies, they get into no wars, they don't export anything all that spectacular, in fact, its all rather quiet up there in the north ::grins::

They have a grand master plan to take over the world! They are just quietly biding their time while everyone else blows eachother to bits! :D


ROFL! as a canadian, i have to laugh. Its true though we do sit back and watch everyone blow themselves up. We do have our fair share of shit like Somolia and other lesser known peace keeping missions. We along with the US did turn away the Japanese and the European Jews. We might not be invading other countries but we have a few stains on our hands too.

Put all that aside though I do like Canada a lot. I like the US alot too. Only thing about the states I dont like is the same thing i dont like about canada. The politics and the governments. Other then that the two nations are quite similar and I dont have anything against the avarage Joe or Sam.

lol

Chey
Taverham high
05-06-2005, 20:00
my canadian great aunt nd uncle came to the UK this weekend, and they are cool. all the canadians ive met ive liked, and canadian landscape looks to me to be some of the best in the world.
Schiggidy
05-06-2005, 20:14
Sorry, I coudn't resist. Its from an episode of "Family Guy". I couldn't do it justice if I explained it, so I won't.
No, I own Family Guy on DVD, but do you actually hate Canada or is it just an amusing quote you wanted to write?
Cabra West
05-06-2005, 20:15
I spent 6 months in Montreal a few years back (an entire winter, to be precise) and I loved everything about that town. I loved speaking three languages (I was working at the German Library of the Goethe-Institute, so I spokeFrench, English and German on a daily basis), I liked the way I was treated, with a lot of curiosity and friendliness, I liked the attitude of the people, I really really enjoyed it all. I thought about going back ever since, but I haven't had the opportunity yet.
Undelia
05-06-2005, 20:43
No, I own Family Guy on DVD, but do you actually hate Canada or is it just an amusing quote you wanted to write?

Its alright. I don't like the government, and the only Canadian I have ever known was kind of a jerk, but a land with that landscape can't be so bad. All in all, I'm kind of neutral. Wouldn't want to live there, camp there yes.

Also, your taste in television is impeccable. :D
Schiggidy
05-06-2005, 20:56
hee hee.. be sure to catch the new one tonight.
Erniewitt
05-06-2005, 20:57
There is one thing you have to like about Canada. Tim Hortons double double!
Swimmingpool
05-06-2005, 20:59
Not Canadian

I like Canadians

I like Canadian culture

I like Canadian landscape

I both like and dislike Canadian government, for legalising gay marriage and hash. However, their relief for the tsunami has been poor. Despite declared relief of over $400 million, 90% of it remains in Ottowa banks.
Swimmingpool
05-06-2005, 21:15
Has anyone else noticed how Sinuhue has ticked all but one option?
Kiwi-kiwi
05-06-2005, 21:21
I love the Canadian landscape. So kinda-diverse and unpopulated. Though mountains make me nervous, despite looking beautiful. Maybe it's because I'm a Maritimer...
North Island
05-06-2005, 21:21
Just curious to see what the world thinks of my country.

Litle America.

I dont know really.
I have only once been there so I can only judge from that and to tell the truth I didnt think much of it.
But you have nice people there.
Dobbsworld
05-06-2005, 21:26
Litle America.

I dont know really.
I have only once been there so I can only judge from that and to tell the truth I didnt think much of it.
But you have nice people there.

'Don't know really', 'didn't think much of it' = Little America?

Yeah... I can see it somehow... even if we here all know that to be completely untrue.

We have nasty rotten people here, too by the way.
Eichen
05-06-2005, 21:32
Where's the "Who gives a shit about Canada?" option?

I woulda picked that one.
Swimmingpool
05-06-2005, 21:39
Where's the "Who gives a shit about Canada?" option?

I woulda picked that one.
Thems a-fightin' words!
Dakini
05-06-2005, 21:45
I like Canada. Well, all except Brampton, Ontario. There are very few good things about that place, being my friends and family who are there, other than that it's a hell hole and I'm glad to have gotten away from it and off to Hamilton. Yes, Hamilton has the huge indurtrial area and all that shit, but when you get around the uni, it's beautiful and people are friendly and really, for a city of half a million people, there were 4 murders last year. I'd say that's pretty fucking good.

Also, you can walk down the street and greet people and have them greet you in return and if you ask for directions or the time everyone's polite and will help you out. So much better than Brampton.
Wurzelmania
05-06-2005, 21:51
Met a few decent canadians over the 'net. That's the limit of my personal involvement (except the whole WW2 bit).
Eichen
05-06-2005, 21:56
Thems a-fightin' words!
:D

Somebody had to say it eventually!
Schiggidy
05-06-2005, 21:57
Not Canadian

I like Canadians

I like Canadian culture

I like Canadian landscape

I both like and dislike Canadian government, for legalising gay marriage and hash. However, their relief for the tsunami has been poor. Despite declared relief of over $400 million, 90% of it remains in Ottowa banks.

They didn't legalize hash, they decriminalized it. Subtle difference. The tsunami thing I'm not sure about. I heard that the money we sent to Thailand didn't end up used for rebuilding, it ended up in the hands of criminals. I really like Canada's system of governement. This constitutional monarchy works really well because it ensures that the party in power MUST heed the needs and ideas of all parties in order to stay in power.
Saige Dragon
05-06-2005, 22:10
Well for all those who said or think Canada is a nation that does not contribute to the world economy, I believe you are mistaken. As the 2nd largest country in the world I believe we have the worlds largest oil reserve, next to that is the largest uranium deposit and aren't we the largest source of fresh water in North America? We also (had) one of the largest beef industries as well as lumber. With all these natural resources Canada easily has the potential to become a world player, all we have to do is take control of these resources instead of letting other nations come in and seek what they want, picking and choosing leaving Canada with the scraps.

What do I think of our "Canadian Culture"? Terrible. It is not Canadian, its Anti-American. Yes George Bush is an idiot. Yes the Americans make dumb decisions in the name of Freedom. Yes, maybe they got what was coming to them. Does that stop me from liking America? No. (Us) Canadians need to get of our asses and create our own identity different from the ones the media throws at us. We are Canadian so lets act like it.

I love and hate the Candian people. Some can be amazingly nice people that follow that typical "all Canadians are nice" stereotype while other can be complete assholes who register below George Bush on the moronic scale. But as everybody is an individual there will always be the assholes and there will always be the too nice to survive type. Thats just the way life is and thats just the way Canada is.

I love the the Canadian landscape. BC is beautiful. I never thought I'd say it but after spending my summer in Manitoba last year, Gimli is the coolest small town in the world. Saskatchewan is still to flat however. King Ralph, premier of Alberta (combines the best of BC and the rest of Canada in one province) is an illiterate drunk who never passed high school. But because of that he can't do much harm. Besides, considering our lack of Canadian programming on the TV he does a pretty good job filling in whenever the Simpsons and Family Guy aren't on.

On that note, the Canadian gov't sucks. Actually it suck so bad that its a smelly stink mess of crap mixed with some dead fish and maybe the odd politician rolling around in it. Some insist it is fine. Others say it just needs some time to get back onto its feet. No, it needs a complete overhaul. We need to shoot every single politician and then start over. And while were at it why don't we ban the 2 words "I believe" in every goddamn political speach ever. Stephen Harper, WAKE UP, this is a democracy, nobody cares what you think. You should be caring about what the people think. Same for you Belinda Stronach. Yes I applaud your right to choose but did it ever occur to you to talk to your constiutents first and make a decision on their behalf? Probably not...