Please Sir, May I Have Some More?

Funny, I thought I was reading an article about Canada teetering on the brink of a recession, then I read the comments. Talk about the great divide, the old east versus west argument, the old my province is better than your province discussion. Can we get rid of the old and get on with the new?

Yes, I'm from Alberta, born and raised, lived here all my life, but my husband is from PEI, and most of my family has moved to BC, so it really bugs me when Canadians can't get along. My son just came back from a school visit to Montreal and Quebec City, he loved it! (especially because Quebecers took pity on him and spoke English) The biggest thing he noticed, how clean both cities were, not the language difference. So, why the great divide? He didn't notice it, why do we adults?

It all starts with this comment, and then goes downhill from there.

alberta#1
As Ontarians keep getting laid off, get on EI, and use up their savings to make ends meet, they should sell their homes there in Ontario before it's too late and move to Alberta.
In Alberta we have a labour crisis. There are "for hire" signs everywhere, home prices came down 15% in the last year and we have very little taxes...

Living in Beautiful British Columbia
A comment for those that live in Alberta. Remember your oil is eventually dry up and soon you will have nothing left to boost about. Becareful what you say now, for when your time comes, the rest of the country will laugh right back at you.

Charles
Hey Alberta get off your high horse you time is coming.

It is time to change the Government and let the Liberals get our economy back on track before the Conservatives George Bush our economy.

There were some voices of reason, like this one:

Linda
I tend to agree with post like that of "Bob H from Petawawa".But there are flies in the ointment.
The vastness,and resultiong diversity of this country creates natural differences.The regions differ not only in economic make-up,but also on many social isses.I wonder how we can reconcile those differences,and still be civil.All,while not creating a patchwork Canada,with provinces that are more like countries.
I don't begrude my fellow Canadians anything.But,as an example,many in the west feel dominated by Ontario.We not only have an unelected Senate,but also a Senate which does not reflect any western values.Or,if they do,they are over-ridden by eastern appointees.
If Ontario wants something,most ofter the rest of Canada has to accept it.As another example,if McGuinty wants the feds to give GST to cities,and Alberta of BC wants to cut the GST,guess who gets their way.If McGuinty wants to ban handguns,those of us in the west are stuck with it.The difference in how we live is never taken into account.Or if Ontario wants Liberals,we all get Liberals.Or vice-versa.
If we don't fix our government in a way that lets us all live together,without one province overshadowing a province that's half a continent away,we will always be spitballing each other.It's never personal.It's just that live in Toronto does not reflect life everywhere in Canada,so our governments,and our laws should reflect that.
I live in BC.I am a Canadian with no desire to fight with other Canadians.But I also feel obligated to defend my values,and my lifestyle.If that means arguing or resisting changes advocated by another province,so be it.Don't take it personal,just try to look for compromise that works for us all.

The question: Is Canada too big and diverse to survive as a country. What is the solution to this kind of bickering?

First, considering all the problems other countries have, this minor bickering is kind of like the Edmonton/Calgary sports events, pretty much harmless fun.

I think the provinces need to take more responsibility and stop blaming Ottawa, and Ottawa needs to stay out of provincial areas of responsibilities. Now, I know the lefties want more government, more interference, more bans on "stuff", and less responsibility for their actions until they get into trouble, but that's been tried and it doesn't work.

I wonder when the provinces are going to pay off their debts? Do they really think they can continue spending without accountability? Doesn't someone have to pay the piper sometime, or do they just continue to blame the last guy in power? The federal government is bad for that, but the provinces are worse, because they can always blame the federal government for not giving them enough. Pass the buck works, for our first nations, provinces, municipalities and health care system, everybody has their hand out for more.

"Please Sir, may I have some more" echoes through our land, with no one taking any responsibility for the situation they have put themselves into.

Old divides need to be forgotten, new paths need to be explored.