Taking control

There's ample coverage of the dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans Island. But before asking whether Canada should be making claims to new territory, let's ask whether Canada has done all that well handling another relatively recent addition. A new film suggests otherwise:

In 1944, Iceland, a desperately poor place, became independent from Denmark. Five years later, Newfoundlanders went in the opposite direction and voted to join Canada...

Debate ensues on the issue of provincial autonomy and how natural resources such as fish, oil and nickel have been exported to other places for processing and refining. Manufacturing of finished goods, consequently, also takes place elsewhere.

Iceland, with its similar terrain, is shown as having a lifestyle quite to the contrary. Small shops owned by Icelanders are shown vs. the big box stores of Canada. No mansions or great displays of wealth are seen. Three hundred thousand tourists visit each year. With a population of 280,000 people, Iceland publishes 1,000 books per year.

Of course, Newfoundland chose its course, and hopefully it will take some steps economically thanks to the Atlantic accord. But there should be no doubt that Canada's parental attitude has had a negative effect - and that we're still a good ways away from doing the most possible for the territory we already have.