It’s time for Elbows Up Canada! The Federal election has been called for April 28th and it’s time for us to make sure we get out and vote. It’s time to support our democracy… one of the top rated in the world.
NOTE: To view this article in a range of other languages click on the Canadian flag in the upper right corner.
We live in an incredible country that has been blessed with a wealth of natural resources. Innovative and creative people. And, a culture that is unique in the world.
One of the bedrocks of our democracy is The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If you haven’t read this lately… it is time you did.
Don’t believe the misinformation about Canada’s universal health care system. We have plenty of which to be proud. Canada’s health care system ranks as number 4 in the world. The USA? 15th.
As a country we enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world. We rank 19th, with an average life expectancy of 82.88 years. Females can expect to live to 85.03 years and males to 80.74 years.
How does the USA compare when having the highest per capita health care costs in the world? They rank 48th with an average life expectancy of only 79.61 years. The average life expectancy for females is 82.11 years, and males is 77.22 years. That’s right… on average Canadians live three years longer than their southern neighbours… and we spend far less on our universal health care system.
We can be proud of our Canadian democracy which is ranked as the 6th strongest in the world. Canada is one of only 19 countries rated as being a full democracy. Only 11.4% of countries on the planet are full democracies and we’re one of them. The USA is now rated as a flawed democracy… and it appears to be getting worse day by day.
Elbows Up Canada! We have a lot to love about our country!
I make no bones about the fact that I’ll be supporting Mark Carney. He’s a man with a comprehensive plan, and a strategic vision for the country. Someone who possesses consummate talents and intellect. A man who understands the private sector, and proved his business acumen during his successful career at Goldman Sachs.
Mark Carney didn’t become the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Governor of the Bank of England without having incredible intelligence and the ability to think strategically.
After leaving the Bank of England, Carney was appointed the United Nations special envoy for climate action and finance. Here’s a man who intimately understands global issues and finance.
Carney rose from humble beginnings in Western Canada and is a shining example of what is possible with talent, intellect, drive and hard work.
Canada will be best served by a seasoned, intelligent, calm visionary who will be laser focused on getting innovative things done quickly so Canada can take advantage of its incredible potential. That man is Mark Carney.
Elbows Up Canada!
For those of you who live outside of Canada, if you’d like to understand some of the creativity, guts and determination of this country… it is exemplified by the final performance of The Tragically Hip on August 21, 2016.
This final concert was viewed by 11.7 million people in Canada… almost 1/3 of the country’s population. This incredible event is documented in the film Long Time Running.
There may be some hope for our future with the United States…. with people like Senator Adam Schiff and his recent message to all Canadians.
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Hi Tom,
Isn’t it great to hear these words of support from so many people outside of our country? I think that the most important part of this post is how you have publicly posted your political preference in your blog without fear of reprisals.
As a former snowbird who has always personally admired and liked America, I now often hear from my friends returning home from “down south” how they do not intend to return. It is not because they feel badly treated as Canadians by the Americans. It is because they are disheartened by how the Americans treat each other – former friends cannot stay friends because they have a different political persuasion, and it can get bitter. So sad.
Hi John,
Thanks for adding to the discussion. It warms the heart to read supportive comments from outside of Canada.
Generally speaking I think things in the USA are more aggressive and polarized than the are in Canada. This is likely especially true of politics and religion. I have no factual data to support my position… just my observations.
Since day one when this photography blog was launched we’ve made it clear to readers that we intended on making this website a safe place to visit. One where people would not be subjected to venom and vitriol. I think the people that frequent our website appreciate the non-combative atmosphere here. Over the past ten years I doubt that I’ve had to delete more than one, or perhaps two, comments a year that were out-of-keeping with our civil approach. And that’s out of more than 7,000 comments that have been posted here. We have a wonderful community of readers! 🙂
Tom
It’s totally baffling why the orange one is even considering keeping these America first tarrifs which are hurting them too!
I fully support Canada in it’s dealings with the orange one.
I am sure over here in the UK we would come as a useful trade partner too.
Keep the faith
Mark
Thanks Mark… we appreciate your support! The long and positive relationship that we’ve had for centuries with the UK remains steadfast.
Tom
For the first time in my fairly long life I’m absolutely ashamed to be a citizen of the U.S. Unfortunately about half our population supported trump, but we will all suffer. If I was Canadian I wouldn’t purchase anything made in the U.S. or from a U.S. supplier. Believe me, you DO NOT want to become the 51st state, even if that would help us by putting more sensible people in Congress.
Hi Woody,
Thank you for your supportive comment… folks on this side of the border appreciate it! The initial shock and anger we felt here is quickly transforming into resolute determination. Most of us in Canada do not feel any ill will against democracy supporting Americans. We understand that you too are under attack. The relationship we once enjoyed with the United States has been forever transformed.
Tom
Tom,
You proud Canadians are fortunate you don’t have to suffer the pain and embarrassment of living in a predator country that is self destructing. It is unbearable, as an American, to watch the effective assault on our universities, legal system, the press, and security organizations. I am shocked how rapidly the guardrails of our democracy are collapsing.
Hi Jack,
Your friends in Canada are also horrified with what is happening in the United States. We’re doing the best we can to avoid keeping Poilievre out of power. If he is elected our social programs will be under attack… he has a long history of trying to undermine our public pension plan and lengthen the retirement age… done so that money can be put into corporate tax cuts. Sound familiar?
Tom
I’m a UK resident but I support your views entirely Thomas.
As for Mr Carney, having witnessed his handling of the Bank of England, I would support him 100%.
Hi Lyndon,
Thank you for your comment and sharing your UK experience with Mark Carney as the Governor of the Bank of England.
Tom
As a US citizen (in California, thank heavens) and former resident of Canada, I say before you get those elbows up, soak the elbow pads in salt water. When they are dry they are terrifying. Just ask the ghost of Eric Nesterenko.
Long live Canada, the best neighbor any country to hope to have.
Thanks for your supportive comment Charles… folks in Canada appreciate their American friends.
Tom
Clever phrase ‘elbows up’ , kind of sums it up and glad to hear it! We are pretty upset down here too but also know what finally happened Icarus 😉
Hi John,
Elbows up isn’t just a clever phrase up here. It really describes a part of our culture in terms of how we react to threats, and pulling together through tough times. Canadians may come across as mild mannered and polite much of the time… but we can get aggressive and very focused when the situation calls for it.
Tom
“Mala tempora current”. Also in Italy.
Hi Thomas,
Like many Australians who value our democracy & sovereignty we watch with dismay at the suggestion that Canada should become a state of the USA.
I don’t know a great deal about Canadian politics but wish you & your country well & may you remain a proud independent nation.
Regards, Ron
Thank for your supportive comment Ron!
Tom
Hi Tom,
I would take that healthcare list with a big grain of salt. I would suspect USA to be much lower on the health care ranking list and Denmark would be ranked close to Sweden and Norway.
Anyway Canada is no doubt a great country with a good health care system and also populated with sane people 🙂
Hi Anders,
You are correct about healthcare in the US potentially being ranked lower. I did find some lists where this was the case,,, but I did not want to use a worse case example.
We try to be sane… but like any other country in the world we do have some wingnuts.
Tom
I am from Australia and Echo your sentiments. We are also still a full democracy and far removed from the United States of Trump. That country is rapidly descending into an exclusive autocracy. And sorry to see that Americans actually voted for a person who promises much but delivers little. You are going to elect a man who will bring you forward and help you resist the octopus to your south. I really wish we had potential politicians of his calibre. Unfortunately we don’t and we are up for an election in the next two months. So I hope you elect Mark Carney and hold your ground as a great country in which to live.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your supportive comment… much appreciated! None of us can control what happens in other countries. From my perspective, it seems that all of Mark Carney’s life was preparing him for this moment in history. Hopefully a sufficient number of Canadians share my view and will elect him with a majority government.
Tom
Frankly I am embarrassed, Wife and I have traveled Extensively in Canada, Greeted and Treated by Friendly and Kind Hearted People. We Wintered last Year in Arizona, all Kinds of Friendly Canadians there, and are Wintering this year in Florida, all kinds of Friendly Canadians here. I apologize for my Country, we are off the rails, hopefully We will get back on Track again. Love the Maple Leaf !
Hi David,
Folks up here in The Great White North appreciate that we that there are many Americas, like you folks, who are supportive of our country and our long, positive relationship with the United States. Thank you for sharing your perspectives.
Tom
Well said Tom, I agree with what you say.
Gary
Thanks for adding to the discussion Gary!
Tom