The -O-n-c-e- Peaceful Country of Canada

The Once Peaceful Country of Canada

In a recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit of Britain has shown that Canada has dropped in ranks as a peaceful country of the world. Canada slipped from 8th place in the world to 11th. So what does this mean for this country that is a little less peaceful…I’ve yet to see Canada crumble around me or the sky falling or peace protests overrunning our streets.  An old Social Studies teacher of mine once said that Canada had been the “boy-scout” for the UN for quite a few decades, but in recent years our commitments in Afghanistan has forced us to neglect this role as peacekeepers.

…according to Britain’s Economist Intelligence Unit, which considered external and internal factors in the ranking. Of the 140 countries on the list, Canada ranked 11th…The United States was listed at 97…

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2008/05/is_canada_a_peaceful_country.html

So does the fact that Canada has lost its title as #8, really a big issue to the people of Canada or the world? This small slide from 8th to 11th may cause some Canadians to send out warning flags of panic, but in a more realistic perspective were living in one of the top 20 most peaceful countries. My feeling is that this “frightful” drop will not impact the country for the worse, simply make the country stronger. Any test that an object, person or even country survives only makes it stronger in the end.

I don’t see this as being the slippery slope that leads off a cliff to becoming a non-peaceful nation, just a change of opinion of one agency in another country. In my opinion no Canadian should be swayed by this drop in rank, but if the thought makes you squirm that we are less peaceful, post your views. Make others see your point of view, because the more views there are, the bigger the picture we are able to piece together.

So what are your thoughts? Even if you’re not Canadian, what are your views if it was your country? Does it bother you, or should it bother you?

So many questions and yet… you’re the only one with the answers!