Finally, Canada has a problem: Denmark

[Canadian Socialist]

Finally, Canada has a problem: Denmark

JAMES TRAVERS

There's a school of thought that believes this country's biggest problem is that is has no big problem. Pretty prosperous and tolerably tolerant, we muddle along, eating doughnuts, bickering about hockey and trying to amend the Constitution, with no defining purpose.

True, the theory has flaws. Convinced we shine a global light, Canadians refuse to look into their own dark corners of aboriginal life while the constant argy-bargy between the federal and provincial governments serves well enough as the cross we bear. That said, there's substance in the idea that the pleasantness of the place is an Orwellian soma drugging us into happy-face complacency. Somehow, someone, somewhere, will see to it that the nation's social, psychological and economic wealth will continue expanding with no significant effort or sacrifice.

Bill Graham has now tossed a rock or, more specifically, an Arctic boulder, into that placid pond. Along with creating a most amusing summertime diplomatic diversion, the defence minister's unopposed occupation of Hans Island effectively challenges the notion that Canada can achieve its personal best without raising a sweat.
<snip>

http://tinyurl.com/exsvp

I find this very funny, but rather sad at the same time.

[getmeouttahere]

1. Being NOT American...

I'd really like to see Canada, especially English Canada, strive to be more NOT American. Having traveled to various parts of Canada on business numerous times in the last 5 years, as well as the odd pleasure trip, it seems to me Canada has become more like the U.S. during that time. Kind of a Walmartization of Canada. So I've been enjoying reading about Canadian politicians who are willing to stand up to BushCo, the same-sex marriage legislation passing, etc. This is a good sign. Don't get me wrong - the U.S. still has far more fast food restaurants per capita, a blight on the landscape if nothing else, and Canada appears to do a much better job of preserving its heritage. But I hope these progressive political happenings continue in the Great White North. At least one country in North America is moving forward.

[happyslug]

2. Hans Island

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Island
http://www.naval.ca/article/Heubert/The_Return_of_the_Vikings.html
http://marmot.blogs.com/korea/2004/05/stupid_territor.html

[Beaver Tail]

3. Damn you happyslug

You beat me to it

Edit

We also have a similiar the same problem with Spain. Spanish fishing trollers have be caught fishing in Canadian waters and then there is the problem with the Magdalen Islands, owned by the French Government

[rman]

4. It obviously needs liberation, or something.

Maybe there's a little bit of oil there.

[Beaver Tail]

5. This all comes down to Natural Resources

Specifically Fishing. Canada has some of the best fishing grounds in the World and other countries certainly envy that position. This is why France will not give up the Magdalen Islands (http://www.grandcolombier.com/english/history.html) and the current dispute over Hans Island.

[getmeouttahere]

6. Mistaken by many as part of Quebec...

and I'll assume that is because French is spoken there...

[Puzzler]

7. I don't think this is new...

... it's been going on for a few years now.

-P