I am in Copenhagen, Denmark for the UN Conference of the Parties (COP 15). It is a smorgasbord (which I understand is Danish) of people, ideas, opportunities and disappointments. The one invariable thing experienced by me here has been something largely unreported in the Canadian media and something that I wish all Canadians could feel in person:
the current pullback when you tell someone you are from Canada.
It has happened to me so much that I now purposely avoid triggers in conversation that lead to questions of nationality. I refer to myself as Nova Scotian or I try to disassociate myself as much as possible from the disdain that many here feel for Canada (or at least its current federal policies). I am not alone. Each person that I have talked to about this from Canada has expressed similar experiences and/or undertaken similar strategies.
Granted, the people here represent a small subset of the world, and it may be that the view of Canada experienced here has not yet penetrated deeply in other countries. Many may barely know where Canada is, not alone its contributions to climate change. Then again, an impression of a nation formed on such little information can be transformed by no less information. We may want to think about whether the branding that we proudly wear on our chests and travelbags, branding earned over many years and through many sacrifices (e.g. UN, war, other), is at risk.
Make no mistake, Canada is the focus of many of the discussions and protests here. It is not the case that Canada is blending into a group of countries that are seen as the bad-guy; Canada, especially with its oil-sands, is being singled out.
Picture was taken at a demonstration in the middle of the COP 15 hallways against the Canadian oil sands. The person beside me said “this is what I was telling you about…” as she talked with her friend.
Canada has repeatedly ‘won’ the “fossil-of-the-day” competition at COP15, awarded tongue-in-cheek by CAN (a worldwide network of roughly 500 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)) to the country that displays the least progressive policies during the day ( http://www.fossil-of-the-day.org/ ).
It makes me all the prouder to be part of the Nova Scotia delegation. I have watched and participated as part of a contingent of extremely bright and capable persons, including business, governmental and post-secondary, that have represented the interests of Nova Scotia and Canada so well. It is incredible to watch what can happen when all the players are in the same building, no further than a text message and hallway away. I am so encouraged by the strategy employed by and quality of representatives from the Nova Scotia government. Meetings have occurred which, if finalized, will mean substantial clean-tech investment and jobs in Nova Scotia, bringing in international ideas, technology, and funds. A win-win situation.
UPDATE: Canada wins it all at ‘Fossil-of-the-day’
December 15, 2009 at 12:38 pm |
Good to read you Chris. Really disappointing to hear the reaction to Canada. Glad NS is so strongly recommended with such fine people. Look forward to hearing the stories when you are back.
December 15, 2009 at 2:07 pm |
I am happy that you have allied yourself with the position of our Premier Dexter and his government as well other parties of the NS contingent. NS, thru its government leaders, will create a high road, in which we, NS citizens can follow in respect of our desire to be at the forefront of the North American clean air and green energy initiatives.
I expect that NS will benefit greatly in the future from the contacts that you and others Nova Scotian have made. The international contingent thru the Premier, his ministers and people like you will recognize the hospitable climate NS offers to Green Energy proponents and environmentally sensitive enterpreneurs of the world.
Regards
Peter
December 16, 2009 at 2:14 am |
Well said Chris! I have little hope that the current administration will see the light, but the message is getting out. Hopefully they aren’t around long enough to cause too much harm.
Glad to hear that NS is looking at cleaner options. There is a real opportunity to establish ourselves as world leaders in clean energy, with all the benefits that go along with it.
Keep them coming!
December 19, 2009 at 12:42 pm |
I guess now that Obama has done a great deal to improve the US image regarding climate issues we have the opportunity to focus on Canada. I am very surprised and disappointed to learn about Canada’s feeble climate policy. In Germany Canada still has a positive overall image. Maybe the criticism will induce Canada to take more positive action in this matter?