Understanding Canada’s Evolution: Liz Truss and the British Influence

When Liz Truss lived in Canada for a year in 1987 as a child, one might wonder how she perceived the country during that time. Was Canada still very British, or had it evolved significantly? This article explores the roots of British influence in Canada, the diversification of the Canadian identity over the years, and how these factors impact our understanding of current Canadian culture.

The British Legacy in Canada

So long ago, Canada certainly harbored more British influence in many ways. The 1980s were a period when the country still paid homage to its British heritage. For instance, Marks and Spencer's items were more recognizable, and one could still find a pub and an English tea room in several cities. This is quite different from the present day, where British cultural influence has largely diminished, except for certain vestiges found in specific areas.

Generational Perspectives on British Influence

From a personal perspective, my grandparents, who moved to Canada from the UK after World War I, found solace in familiar places. The ability to find a pub and an English tea room became a cherished comfort for them. My parents also took my grandparents to see gardens in Niagara Falls that reminded them of home. Similarly, the Ottawa Parliament buildings and Toronto's Legislature buildings evoked familiar feelings.

In my youth during the 1970s, national symbols like God Save the King and later God Save the Queen were often sung in schools, and we celebrated special royal occasions as part of our curriculum. The Queen’s presence in our culture was a significant part of our upbringing, though the affection and sentiment had waned over time.

Canada’s Current Diverse Identity

However, by 1987, Canada was no longer perceived as predominantly British. The country had transformed into a melting pot of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Today, Canada is often regarded as the most ethnically and racially diverse nation on the planet. This diversification has made the Canadian identity distinct from its British roots.

Specific Examples of British Influence in Modern Canada

While the national story might indicate a complete decline of British influence, one can still find remnants of it in several areas. For instance, in certain parts of Greater Vancouver, architectural styles, statues, and street names pay homage to British history. There is also a business district in West Vancouver that attempts to mimic a British seaside town, though it falls short of the charm and authenticity of the original setting.

I remember growing up in Burnaby, where the local community did not have a particularly British feel, even when I was a child several years earlier. This continued to hold true for the vast majority of Canada. The vestiges of British influence, while still present, are not as pervasive as they once were.

Personal Reflections on Canadian and British Identities

With my own background as a Canadian who received education in the UK, I have a unique perspective. My occupation in the UK and my extensive travels through England, alongside the experience of being from Canada, have given me a dual understanding of both worlds. We aren’t entirely British, nor are we Americans. Instead, we exist somewhere in the middle, merging elements from both cultures.

Many of the teachers I encountered in Canada during the 1970s were British. We adopted some British spellings and traditions, such as the monarchy and certain customs. However, we also diverged in several ways. For example, we play baseball rather than cricket, drive on the right, and use dollars instead of pounds.

Our accent, while distinctively Canadian, often leads to confusion with our American neighbors. The British identity, once deeply ingrained, has evolved to become a blend of influences, reflecting the broad and rich cultural tapestry that is modern Canada.

In conclusion, the legacy of British influence in Canada extends far beyond our collective memory. While the 1980s saw a more pronounced presence of British culture, today's Canada is a diverse and vibrant nation that continues to embrace its multicultural heritage. Liz Truss’s experience in Canada at that time provides a snapshot of a period when British influence was more pronounced, but it also underscores how much the country has evolved since then.

The exploration of these historical and contemporary facets of Canada not only enriches our understanding of the country's identity but also highlights the ongoing quest for a unique and inclusive Canadian identity.