COLUMN: Viewpoint – Sometimes symbolism matters

All countries and provinces in Canada have symbols. These are things recognized, usually in legislation, that form part of the identity of a country or province. In Manitoba for example, the polar bear, the Prairie Crocus, the bison and the Great Grey Owl are just a few official symbols of the province. If you were to visit the Manitoba Legislature, you would see all the Manitoba symbols depicted in statue form throughout the building.

While some national and provincial symbols are not well known, other things that represent an area or country are very well known. Among the most recognizable are the national anthems of countries. In Canada, our national anthem, O Canada, is sung in schools on a regular basis and at the beginning of most sporting events held in our country. At times of national uncertainty or war, often citizens rally around anthems and symbols. So, it is no surprise that in recent months when there have been verbal comments from the United States President questioning the sovereignty of Canada, that Canadians have rallied around the symbols of our nation.

More than ever, the flag of Canada is being shown and displayed by Canadians. These days, when O Canada is sung, it is done with greater enthusiasm it seems as Canadians use this as a demonstration of support for the sovereignty of Canada. Some might say that this is just symbolism, and that symbolism shouldn’t be put over substance. However, the reality is that sometimes symbolism matters. It is important that Canadians, who often feel powerless about the impacts of international relations, have a way to show in a day-to-day way, their support for Canada. That doesn’t mean that the need to deal substantively with the impacts around trade and tariffs is reduced. In fact, one helps the other. Canadians’ expression of national identity through flying our flag and singing our anthem is a very real and tangible reminder to elected decision makers that this is important to Canadians and that action needs to be taken.

Even for lawmakers, the demonstration of national pride and allegiance has value. This topic was debated last week in the Manitoba Legislature as a Progressive Conservative resolution came forward calling on the Manitoba Legislative Assembly to begin each day with the singing of O Canada. While the current legislative day begins with a prayer and a land acknowledgement, many Manitobans may be surprised that there is no formal singing of our national anthem in the rules. There is a tradition that when the Lieutenant Governor is exiting the legislative chamber (which happens two or three times a year) that the MLAs will sing O Canada and God Save the King, but that is infrequent.

Recently, the NDP changed legislation to remove the singing of God Save The King from schools after a school division in western Manitoba began the daily practice. The NDP took away that option for school divisions to even recognize Canada’s history in this way.

Leaving the option for school divisions to sing God Save The King or for elected representatives to sing O Canada at the beginning of every day may seem like simple symbolism. But, as the past few months have shown, Canadians want the ability to show affection for their country and its sovereignty and to recognize its heritage and traditions. Elected representatives value this as well. While Manitoba’s NDP have suggested that these discussions are a waste of time, many Canadians would see taking a minute to honour our country to be a very good use of time. Because sometimes, symbolism does matter.