1 Lecture 14: Canadian Political Culture SOSC 152

2 Key Topics A.Cognition B. Affect C. Comparing American and Canadian

3 A. Cognition:

4 B. Affect: What do citizens feel about the major political institutions, such as: Parliament, parties, the media and the courts? Figures 3.1 shows strongest confidence in Parliament—27% respect Commons a “great deal” Serious doubts about Federal government—41% had very little confidence in Fed. Government (due to Mulroney government) Figure 3.2 shows that despite average score for respect for Party in 1990, since 1979, major decline in respect for and confidence in political parties.

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6 National Institution

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8 C. Comparing Canadian and American Attitudes Towards Politics

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10 NATIONAL IDENTITY and Political Culture 1. Louis Hartz: Colonial Society as fragmented society immigrants bring their ideology with them, which is only one part of the ideological spectrum within original country, they leave rest of spectrum behind. dynamic of old spectrum--i.e., battles among political ideas and political organizations, left behind. historical and ideological development in new society differs greatly, immigrant political values dominate new society.

11 2. Canada had two cultures (two fragments”), one in Quebec, one in English Canada Quebec political culture: "feudal fragments"-- traditional, elitist, strong state, strong Church--parochial political culture, feudal land ownership Quebec settled and ideologically fixed before French Revolution and emergence of French liberalism. Quebec politically passive until 1960s.

12 English Canada: mix of "liberal tradition" with elitist and traditional (Burkean) ideology of the United Empire Loyalists who fled the U.S. mix of equality, liberty free enterprise with collectivism, more hierarchical than U.S. with greater acceptance of state role in economic development. Socialism results from 20 th century migrants pressures from Western Canada farmers, European immigrants who want protection against moneyed interests in Ontario. broader spectrum of political views than in U.S. with socialism, liberalism, and statism in Canada, while US is dominated by liberal tradition, smaller state and no socialist base of support

13 MACLEAN’S / DECIMA POLL, 1989 – A North-South Dialogue 1.(To Canadians) What is the most important problem facing Canada today, the one that concerns you the most? Pollution/environment17% Unemployment10% Free trade9% Deficit/national debt9% Social/moral9% Inflation5% 2.(To Americans) What is the most important problem facing the United States today, the one that concerns you the most? Drugs/alcohol18% Deficit16% Social Moral6% Homeless/poverty6% Pollution/environment5% Economy5%

14 MACLEAN’S / DECIMA POLL, 1989 – A North-South Dialogue (con’d) 3.Do you view the following as an absolute right that can never be taken away, or as a limited right, one which in certain circumstances can be limited by government? a) A publicly funded health care system available to all, regardless of financial situation CanadaU.S. Limited right29%46% Absolute right71%52% No opinion3% b) A guaranteed minimum income for everyone CanadaU.S. Limited right37%47% Absolute right62%51% No opinion1%2% 4.Do you own a handgun? CanadaU.S. Yes3%24% No97%75% No opinion1%

15 MACLEAN’S / DECIMA POLL, 1989 – A North-South Dialogue (con’d) 5. What do you think is better for Canada/the United States: that new immigrants be encouraged to maintain their distinct culture and ways, or to change their distinct culture and ways to blend with the large society? CanadaU.S. Maintain34%47% Change61%51% No opinion5%2% 6.(To Canadians) If you had to describe Americans in one word, what would it be? Snobs11% Good9% Friendly8% Pigheaded6% Aggressive5% 7.(To Americans) If you had to describe Canadians in one word, what would it be? Friendly28% Nice9% Neighbors6% Wonderful5%

16 MACLEAN’S / DECIMA POLL, 1989 – A North-South Dialogue (con’d) 8. Would you strongly support, support, oppose or strongly oppose Canada and the United States adopting common and identical policy on all matters relating to defense and foreign affairs? CanadaU.S. Strongly oppose24%4% Oppose36%19% Support33%58% Strongly support5%15% No opinion2%3% 9. Would you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose Canada becoming the 51 st state of the United States with full congressional representation and rights of American citizenship? CanadaU.S. Strongly oppose54%10% Oppose31%22% Favor12%54% Strongly favor2%12% No opinion1%3%

17 MACLEAN’S / DECIMA POLL, 1989 – A North-South Dialogue (con’d) 10.Are you aware that Canada and the United States recently singed a Free Trade Agreement? CanadaU.S. Yes97%57% No3%43% 11.(To Canadians) Which one of these words, in your view, best describes the ideal Canadian? Tolerant38% Independent-minded27% Peaceful26% 12.(To Americans) Which one of these words, in your view, best describes the ideal American? Independent-minded52% Tolerant21% Aggressive12% Peaceful12%

18 MACLEAN’S / DECIMA POLL, 1989 – A North-South Dialogue (con’d) 13.(To Canadians) Who would you say is Canada’s biggest trade partner? United States83% Japan9% 14.(To Americans) Who would you say is United State’s biggest trade partner? Japan69% Canada12% 15.(To Canadians) Would you like to live in the United States? Yes27% No73% 16.(To Americans) Would you like to live in the Canada? Yes42% No56%