5/10/2006 (I think): Canada - Europe with American-Sized Cars

It took us 45 minutes to cross the Washington-to-Canada border. And this was Saturday, around 11 a.m., when you should expect crowds. But unlike the Mexico-America border, we weren't even asked for our passports or for a few bucks to wash our windshield. We could stay here forever, smoke buckets-full of marijuana without being sent to jail, and live cheaper than most places in the States (the current exchange rate is 7-to-1).

Canadians joke that America is the 9,000-square-mile border left behind. In many ways, they've got it right. I mean Canadians take things slower, enjoy more pacifistic politics, revere nature and the English queen, and don't even lock their doors at night. (Sure this comes from Michael Moore movies, but the Canadians concede to this social phenomena.) And then there's free health care, beautiful views, and the nicest people you've met on earth.

After spending three months living in Ireland, I had many complaints. Namely that the Irish abhorred diversity. They had terrific stout, rugged bogs, and were the nicest people in Europe, but it got boring there. Everyone was white and Catholic. I need more diversity to survive. That's where the Canadians differ. They offer benevolent spirits alongside great Thai food, Buddhist temples, and African art. Oh, and the scenery is spectacular. Other than the large cars and the occasional Starbucks, Canada (B.C. anyway), resembles Europe more than America.

Curious about Canadian politics, Mac and I engaged a history major working the floors at the Victoria Wax Museum - in Vancouver Island - about Canadian culture, politics, and history. The would-be 30-minute Diane-and-Charles wax tour led us through a two-hour lesson in B.C. Canadian politics.

Among the highlights:

• Canada operates under a Westminister System, a democratic system of government following parliamentary rule (i.e. parliament more powerful than executive branch). Constitutional monarchy; federal parliamentary democracy
• Party discipline in Canada controls most elections. MPs (members of Parliament, similar to our house representatives) follow and vote along party consensus. If one aborts party vote, votes becomes benign
• Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II; Representative in Canada: Governor General Michaëlle Jean; Prime Minster: Stephen Harper
• Cabinet: around 30 ministers appointed by prime minister
• Legislative branch consists of two parts: Senate and House of Commons (upper and lower houses, respectively). Senate limited to 104 members, appointed by governor based on prime minster's rec; House of Commons currently at a little over 300, elected by plurality vote, for no longer than five-year term.
• Government provides campaign financing for incumbent - $1 dollar for every vote. Only minor private contributions allowed for competitors. Makes incumbents slightly favored
• Marijuana decriminalized
• Health insurance is free. Although waiting lists for operations can last up to two years
  

There are many more differences between us and Canada, including three-plus party politics and adherence to the Kyoto Protocol. The interesting thing is that Canadians must learn American politics, while we just learn American politics. Why is that? What are we, egocentric or something? There's more to this world than America. God to Allah, let's hope so. I don't know if Canadians are right. But fuck, at least they're different, eh?