Canadian politics: Who cares?

Self-tutoring about current events: the tutor comes out in support of Canada’s PM.

The following is according to my understanding.

I saw headlines about “Who cares?”, but was unaware what they referred to. When I saw the video footage, I was impressed.

Reporter: “When was the last time you spoke to the President?”

PM: barely audible, under his breath: “Ah, who cares?”

It seems, since, that the PM might have regretted those words. Nonetheless, I think they were great. As he went on to explain at the time, he has been busy with other things, as have the Americans been: they will talk again.

It seems Canada must reduce its dependence on US trade, rather than pinning hopes on it. Both sides, it seems, need “space” for now. Canada’s PM does not have the power to bring the US to a favourable trade deal with Canada if the US doesn’t want it. Therefore, there seems little point in being occupied with the issue; it will have to sort itself out with time.

What’s strange to me is the criticism the remark seems to have received. It came out in a very subdued way. I think it was appropriate. Moreover, it was very Canadian, in my opinion: why occupy oneself with something one can’t control anyway? That’s the kind of honest resolve I grew up around in the 70s and 80s in the Maritimes. I think we need more of that these days in Canada, not less.

Source:

cbc.ca