Canadian Leftward Drift Resulting in Rift with US - 5 Dec 2003
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...A report says Canada's increasing leftward drift on social issues is resulting in a growing rift with the United States. According to the New York Times, a more distinctive Canadian identity -- one far more in line with European sensibilities -- is emerging and generating new frictions with the U.S. Some say the latest round in philosophical differences came in the lead-up to the Iraqi war when Canada, like most of Europe, opposed the U.S. decision to go to battle. The divide grew even deeper this summer when both the Canadian courts and the federal government opened the door to the legalization of homosexual "marriage." Canada has also moved this year toward legalizing marijuana use. In fact, the Times reports that retiring Prime Minister Jean Chretien recently joked about kicking back and smoking some pot. One other point of significance: the Times story notes that weekly church attendance among Canadians has plummeted since the 1950s, while American church attendance has remained virtually constant. |