canada and socialism?

[EL CHICO ROJO]

I'm in 9th grade in NY. Now I have been assigned with a mega right wing teacher. I mean seriously a big fan of capitalism (I avoid debate in class out of fear that my grades will suffer if she realized I was a socialist) Anyhow today she refered to Canada as a "socialist state". Now I know socialism an though it has some socialist polocies i really dont think you can call them socialist. Just wanted to know what you all thought.

[Jesus Christ]

Canada is absolutely not socialist, but rather still capitalist, but it is one of the most, if not the most, developed and socially progressive countries in the world.
It makes new social strides every day, and sooner or later, it will break from its capitalist chains.

[Commie Girl]

:D Hey! I am Canadian and I do not believe we are a socialist state, but our society definately has many socialist values and policies (YAY for Canada!) Nationalized Health Care and Education, general tolerance within a Multinationalist Society (versus the "melting pot" idea of the U$). I believe this makes our state much more open minded ie: gay marriage has wide acceptance as does the decriminalization of marijuana and our policies on free-speech are condoned and revered here. We do have a National Broadcasting System ( CBC) which is free to air controversial films without repercussions or interference from the Government. See my post where you can watch "Commandante" which no U$ stations will air due to its content (Fidel Castro).

We also promote peace, diplomacy and a general culture of non-violence.

A former Prime Minister, Pierre E. Trudeau, was, I believe, one of the greatest P.M.'s this country has ever had! He was a Socialist and brought us our Constitution and Bill of Rights which is a model for many countries. Alot of the establishment considered him a communist, especially after he became close to Castro....they held each other in very high regard!

[Nickademus]

i'm also canadian and i would definately NOT consider canada to be socialist. it does have some socialist ideas though .... health care is one example ... although unlike what most americans think .... all healthcare here is NOT free. here in BC we have to pay to have a basic health plan ..... yes visits to the dr. are paid for as is necessary surgery ... but medication isn't covered. and even now some provinces are thinking of privitization.

but definately not a socialist state .. getting there hopefully but we'll see (especially considering our current PM is a banker ... oy vay).

[Commie Girl]

Originally posted by [email protected] 29 2004, 08:43 PM
(especially considering our current PM is a banker ... oy vay).
:) Paul Martin is NOT a banker....he is a capitalist. He bought and owns Canada Steam Ship Lines and turned it into a very successful corporation.

We also pay in Alberta for Health Care premiums...68$ per month for a family.....no user fees right now, but the Alberta Govt is talking about implementing them, which they tried to do in the 80's and were penalized by the Federal Govt.

[EL CHICO ROJO]

Thanks just wanted to verify what I thought ( man my teacher is a moron)
I MUST ESCAPE TO CANADA (would go to Cuba but Im quite libertarian and I dont think my ever open mouth would go over too well with El Comandante)

[Rasta Sapian]

Hey Rojo, I have one word for you to describe all of Canada "Liberal"
very liberal indeed, come and visit me, I live on the east coast, I could take you for a ride in my canoe. ;)

[EL CHICO ROJO]

liberal, socialist,not imporotant as long there aresome socialists in the gov. which is more than I can say for the US
I MUST ESCAPE TO CANADA

[Regicidal Insomniac]

I live in Ottawa and let me just echo the comments from my fellow canucks that Canada is definately NOT socialist.
We have largely socialized medecine, health care, education, etc. but implicit power relations are horribly capitalist.

[bluerev002]

Health care and things like that are most likely what your teacher ment.

Ive even heard college proffessors mention the US beign part socialist because helth care is a socialist idea.

Just some of the basic good stuff the people get for beign born here :unsure:

[Al Creed]

Although Canada, on the whole, is not socialist, we are the home of the first successful North American Socialist movement. (Saskatchewan, in 1944, elcected a Socialist party for Provincial Government, the first place ANYWHERE in North America To do so)

There are still clusters of Right WIngers and Pro-Capitalists (located mostly in Alberta), Most Canadians are liberal, and would describe themselves as such. However, This proves to be a detriment to us, as they associate themselves with the "Liberal" Party, a party that is headed by a Big Capitalist.

It seems like Im not the only Hoser who has high hopes for Canada;)