Richard, your questions are the very reason I...

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Subject: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...
  Richard, your questions are the very reason I like to hang around here. (to be honest I am weary of all the rest)

riding = precinct or voting district. based on geography but trumped by population size. Each riding has a political representative in parliament. each party (federally the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, Quebecois and Green) have an intended leader - however they must win their own ridings before they can sit as the leader in parliament.

Because there are 5 parties, it is a freaking miracle to get a majority of seats hence we are facing endless minority governments which require diluted legislation and deal making.

The RCMP were the historic national police when it made no sense to have anything else. Larger cities have their own police force but the RCMP still deal with issues of national impact. Because of their history, there is tremendous loyalty.

The Governor General is our non-elected, appointed ceremonial head of state. She is technically the stand in for the queen and precides over any change in government, opening and closing of parliament etc. Mostly her role is a feel good, I love our country type of deal. Her term is 5 years.

Senate is a second look group that are appointed (and my political sore spot) Legislation cannot pass without their approval. Useless, partisan, unaccountable, and a waste of money is about the best I can come up with.

[25-11-2007,00:01]
[***.121.220.199]
Sharon
(in reply to: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...)
Mr. Mulroney hmmmmmmmmm. think George W or Richard Nixon.

at least that is my perspective. My office is directly across from a large Chapters Bookstore. Mr. Mulroney was there a few weeks back to sign his latest book. All I needed to do was cross the street... too much trouble :)

I am a product of Pierre Trudeau. Yes he had his faults but he taught me to be proud of my home and to dream about a better future.

[25-11-2007,00:43]
[***.121.220.199]
Sharon
(in reply to: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...)
Sharon your showing your age. Trudeau mania LOL me too.

I never forgot when the media asked him what will you do regarding FLQ and his calm reply, Watch Me!

Or when he and Canada told Nixon we would recognize China first and he gave them the finger. Trudeau was the one that made us metric because it was common sense and every other important country was as well. Trudeau was the one that did not care to agree with everything below the 49th and never tried to kick out US draft dadgers who had no money or political connections to avoid the draft.

Trudeau mania I could go on for days.

Roy
www.cvimmigration.com

[25-11-2007,09:49]
[**.52.219.37]
Roy
(in reply to: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...)
Thanks Sharon, glad you expanded on these uniquely Canadian issues and qualities. I´m surprised most coming to Canada don´t seem to understand or care about how things work there.

I´ve recently become an admirer or Trudeau myself. Maybe as Roy describes, I liked him because he wasn´t afraid to stick his finger in the eye of Uncle Sam. His charisma was equaled only by Kennedy. When I was living in Canada (soon to return) I noticed a DVD video set from CBC-TV in stores and libraries that dramatized his life. Tempted to see. Quite a leader.

But I have complete respect for an even previous PM, Lester Pearson, as the author of Canada´s health care system. Still one of the best national systems in the world.

When I was there, I assumed that "riding" was like a congressional district, but couldn´t find more. Looks like it´s really the equivalent of UK´s "constituency".

Finally, in the news recently I saw that the Governor General´s speech to parliament was termed "disappointing". This was strange to me at first, since she just represents the Queen. But then I saw an item about how she simply reads aloud the majority´s planned policies for the coming year. It seems this is what was disappointing to the opposition. Do I have that right?

Ok, thanks to the board for humoring me with these things. We can now get back to the USA vs. Canada wrestling match :-).

[25-11-2007,14:52]
[**.47.168.9]
Richard
(in reply to: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...)
Lester Pearson was also responsible for the establishment of the UN Peacekeeping program.

Constituency is correct. We are modelled after the UK system (remember the Queen part).

The Throne Speach that opens parliament is the declaration of the ruling (majority) party about their plans and proposed legislation for the coming term. It is presented by the Govenor General with some form of nod that she has read the proposals and views them as constitutional blah blah blah.

She controls elections. If Harper is defeated in the House or he decides he cannot govern - he goes to the GG and tells her so. She then either offers the opposition party the opportunity to find some kind of alliance or she calls a general election.

While she has no legislative power she has significant control. She is a bit of a ´parent´ over the workings of parliament.

Trudeau (no offense) had more intellect than Kennedy. Kennedy was a great leader of the people and orator but Trudeau would cut you in tiny little pieces with his articulate persuasiveness. He is the author of our immigration policy and how it differs from the US melting pot idea. He was also responsible for creating and forcing the Charter (imperfect as it is) which created distance for Canada from the rest of the Commonwealth.

Some people hated him (and still do). There are some fabulous books out there about his life and several documentaries of note.

He was the guy who made it ´cool´ to be a Canadian.

To Roy - I was just a babe :)


[25-11-2007,15:42]
[***.121.220.199]
Sharon
(in reply to: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...)
I am also surprised at the lack of interest in Canadian politics and culture by new immigrants (or immigrants-to-be), at least here on immigration boards. Most Americans (not necessarily those intending to immigrate to Canada, mind you)are under the impression that Canada is simply "US-lite" (sic, intended), and I get the idea that most immigrants seem to follow this mindset. It becomes a matter of "where can I get the best paying job" rather than "what set of values suits me best" when deciding to immigrate to North America. It´s no wonder that Canadians feel a need to differentiate themselves from Americans, and that it is a source of (quiet)pride when those differences make it into the spotlight.

I do think that American citizens face a different set of questions when they decide whether or not to immigrate north. It´s been good to share some of these with you, Richard, and I look forward to more conversations during this transition period as well as after we both make it--finally--across the border. I know that you are as eager as I am to learn firsthand what it is to be a Canadian, and how it differs from being an American.

Sharon, you are always the voice of reason, and an invaluable source of Canadian knowledge. I´m not one to get into the many arguments that occur here on this board, but when I silently follow, I can only assume most people appreciate your logic and honesty, as well as your sense of fairness. You put an amazing amount of time and energy into this board, and you ought to be commended.

Happy American Thanksgiving weekend. Next year, Richard, we´ll get to celebrate at a more reasonable time of year (actual harvest time)!

[25-11-2007,15:49]
[**.72.65.164]
wannabecanadian
(in reply to: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...)
Wannabe-
Couldn´t agree more. Looking forward to a coffee (Tim Hortons) with you sometime next year in Canada. Hope to stay in touch in the meantime during our transition. Much to share.

(still working on DC here)

[25-11-2007,15:59]
[**.47.168.9]
Richard
(in reply to: Richard, your questions are the very reason I...)
thank you wannabe. This thread is the part I love - helping with the stuff that isn´t on the CIC website.
[25-11-2007,16:47]
[***.121.220.199]
Sharon
Reply to the Richard, your questions are the very reason I... posting
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