A Mari Ad Mare Ad Mare

[FiveParadox]

Dennis Bevington, M.P., the Member for the Western Arctic, Northern Development Critic and Natural Resources Deputy Critic (for Energy) for the New Democratic Party of Canada, is set to introduce legislation once the House of Commons convenes next month, in order to change the motto of the nation to "from sea to sea to sea."

The New Democratic Party of Canada strongly supports the endeavour, and the other three parties with representation in the House (even the Bloc Québécois) are considering the measure. In addition to the parties, the move has the support of the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, P.C., C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., LL.D., the 26th Governor General of Canada.

Of course I think we should be 'From sea to sea to sea.' I've used it endlessly in my speeches for six years. I say it all the time to people, and it's only logical. You can never forget your history, but on the other hand, this is the reality of the country — the North is now totally part of the Canadian identity."

Click here to read the entire article (exclusively in English).

The Liberal Party of Canada is currently considering endorsing the measure; however, the Conservative Party of Canada seems to be approaching the issue with a more cautious nature. The Bloc Québécois has also committed to considering the matter.

The measure would propose that the current motto, "a mari usque ad mare" (or "from sea to see") be amended to read "a mari ad mare ad mare," or "a mari usque ad maria" (the former reading "from sea to sea to sea," and the latter reading "from see to other seas").

:?: Sources
Click here for the Web site of the Edmonton Journal.

:!: Revision : Resolved a typing exception (fourth paragraph).

 

[Curiosity]

Five

That's a beautiful change and I hope he continues to use the tripling of the phrase regardless of how long it takes for the rest of Canada to catch up.

It sounds wonderful in French as well.

 

[Lotuslander]

I have no problem with with the actual idea of including a third sea in the motto but, I dislike A mari ad mare ad mare as it does not take into account the spirit of Canada's motto; A Mari Usque Ad Mare. The motto is incorrectly translated as;"From Sea to Sea". A more correct translation would be From Sea all the way to the Sea. Usque in the motto implies "all the way, or up to, or, even to". So, if usque or a similar phrase could be included to make the motto from sea all the way to the other seas or a similar phrase I would be more in favour.

 

[FiveParadox]

One of the mottos being considered, Lotuslander, is ad mari usque ad maria (translated, approximately, as "from sea all the way to the other seas").

 

[Mogz]

I don't see a problem with this. Canada is actually enveloped by three (3) seas, so there's no point in utterly forgetting the 3rd one. That said it's not a huge issue for me, I was content with sea to sea, chuck an extra sea in there and I won't mind at all, don't and I still won't mind.