It’s Canada Day.
That means at this very moment I’m decked out in red and white, either wandering through the Steveston Salmon Festival or, if it’s past five, drinking a strawberry daiquiri on a balcony with friends.
I love a party, especially a big public one like this that celebrates the best of this beautiful country. So, yes, I’m as happy as any patriot to wave a flag on our day of national pride.
That said, we’re living in strange times — times when fervent nationalism is enough to make one a bit queasy. Maybe it’s that Britian-for-the-British sentiment that fueled some to vote in favour of Brexit and break away from the European Union; or maybe it’s the anti-immigrant, nationalist parties gaining strength in Europe; maybe it’s Donald Trump’s pledge to build a wall to keep out Mexicans and his questioning of a judge’s ability to do his job because of his nationality.
Whatever it is, it’s giving me pause. It may be silly to equate a cheerful Canada Day parade with national xenophobia. And, indeed, one of the highlights of any Canada Day celebration is the swearing-in ceremony, where many recent immigrants are welcomed into the fold.
But it’s also a mistake to think national fervor and anti-immigrant attitudes can’t take hold anywhere, and, given that’s the case, we’d be wise to look at what fans the flames.
While I believe it’s a mistake to break up the EU, it can’t be denied that the EU has also made some mistakes that have contributed to, for some, a desire to leave. Even many of those on the remain side agree the EU needs reform, that Brussels is out of touch and its institutions have become more powerful than the governments that formed them. There is a lesson in all this that has nothing to do with racism and anti-immigration, rather it’s about the balance between larger interests and local autonomy/global markets and neighbourhood integrity.
And that brings me back to Richmond. Although worlds away, we’re not so different. Our debate over mega homes, foreign ownership and “recent” versus “long-time” residents is often laced with thinly veiled racism. However, it also reflects valid concerns about community development, private versus public rights, and a diminishing middle class. The important thing is to pick the right enemy. New immigrants (and the concept of a united Europe, for that matter) are not it.
So, it’s not just the red-and-white I intend to cheer at today’s parade, but also the purple and yellow lotus dancers, as well as the red and black Japanese drummers. And my flag? Rainbow.
That’s the Canada I celebrate.
