Grumpiness in midst of plenty | Editorial | Comment | Calgary Sun
Why are we so grumpy about our country?
Is it our government? Is it our lifestyle? Is it that we're just a nation of curmudgeons? Are we feeling guilty about our treatment of certain disadvantaged segments of society?
A recent Leger Marketing poll released to Sun Media suggests satisfaction with the federal system is waning coast to coast.
From 1999 to 2009, approval of the federal system dropped to 50% from 65% in the Atlantic provinces, to 55% from 68% in Ontario, to 54% from 61% in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and to 40% from 64% in Alberta.
Nationwide, satisfaction with how the nation is working sits at 49%, down from 64% in 1999.
So what gives?
There are many reasons to be happy with our lot in life.
Statistics Canada reports crime was down last year.
An Ipsos/McClatchy poll conducted during the current health-care debate in the U.S. shows Canadians gripe about wait times, but we're generally content with our treasured health system.
A Canadian Community Health survey conducted by StatsCan last year showed 91% of Canadians were satisfied or very satisfied with life.
And a Human Development Index measurement compiled by the United Nations listed Canada as the third best nation in which to live in 2006 (the most recent year studied).
Yet less than half of Canadians are happy with a nation that has given them such a fruitful, privileged place in this world.
We are not, it seems, inclined to give our federal system its due.
This isn't something governments can address. They give Canadians what they think we want.
Perhaps we cast a jealous eye across the border and see President Barack Obama settle small problems over beer. We'd like to think we could do that in Canada, too. Suds have been known to foment wisdom. We need to consider how we got to enjoy such a prized lifestyle.
One hopes the answer is that the recession is playing havoc with our national psyche and we'll bounce back.
Canadians will never be chest-beating nationalists, but we need to believe our country works.
Why are we so grumpy about our country?
Is it our government? Is it our lifestyle? Is it that we're just a nation of curmudgeons? Are we feeling guilty about our treatment of certain disadvantaged segments of society?
A recent Leger Marketing poll released to Sun Media suggests satisfaction with the federal system is waning coast to coast.
From 1999 to 2009, approval of the federal system dropped to 50% from 65% in the Atlantic provinces, to 55% from 68% in Ontario, to 54% from 61% in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and to 40% from 64% in Alberta.
Nationwide, satisfaction with how the nation is working sits at 49%, down from 64% in 1999.
So what gives?
There are many reasons to be happy with our lot in life.
Statistics Canada reports crime was down last year.
An Ipsos/McClatchy poll conducted during the current health-care debate in the U.S. shows Canadians gripe about wait times, but we're generally content with our treasured health system.
A Canadian Community Health survey conducted by StatsCan last year showed 91% of Canadians were satisfied or very satisfied with life.
And a Human Development Index measurement compiled by the United Nations listed Canada as the third best nation in which to live in 2006 (the most recent year studied).
Yet less than half of Canadians are happy with a nation that has given them such a fruitful, privileged place in this world.
We are not, it seems, inclined to give our federal system its due.
This isn't something governments can address. They give Canadians what they think we want.
Perhaps we cast a jealous eye across the border and see President Barack Obama settle small problems over beer. We'd like to think we could do that in Canada, too. Suds have been known to foment wisdom. We need to consider how we got to enjoy such a prized lifestyle.
One hopes the answer is that the recession is playing havoc with our national psyche and we'll bounce back.
Canadians will never be chest-beating nationalists, but we need to believe our country works.
