Canada Day 2025

There is but one Trackside Treasure post per year that is not all about trains. 

This is it.

Our collaborative relationship with our international neighbours has coarsened. 

The one to our south has engaged in a trade war disguised as a trade embargo.

Misleadingly termed tariffs.

The world's longest undefended border becomes a transactional bottom-line.

We have a renewed sense of what it is to be Canadian. 

Justifiable fierce pride in our country. 

In Canada, nothing has changed.

Our faces still face the rising sun in the east and revel in its colours to the west, as the aurora enliven our Northern skies. 

The aspens, birches and pines whisper. 

Orcas, belugas and even the humble alewife cavort in our welcoming waters!

Shared water, shared air, shared borders show we are not on our own.

The very living rock beneath our feet. We, Canada, when winter approaches.

We do not just survive, we will thrive.

 

Is this the most insurmountable challenge our great country has ever faced? No. Do you remember the Dust Bowl, the carnage of two world wars, the Cold War, our constant struggle with our harsh environment, and each season that 'this could be the year the Leafs win the Cup?'

It was not Kanye, it was Nietzsche who said 'If it don't kill me, it make me stronger'. 

This has not and will not kill us, and it has made us stronger. 

A very happy Canada Day to all of Trackside Treasure's readers. 

Three days later is Independence Day and our neighbours to the south will remember their autonomy. 

(Celebrate with poutine, hot dogs or a TACO as appropriate.)

One of us chose Britain, one of us chose not to. And we can all live with that. 

--Eric