Thursday, February 26, 2009 11:59 AM
Flags of our fathers
asteele
A provincial NDP constituency association in Manitoba (ironically in the riding of Riel) proposed a resolution to that governing party that Manitoba deserves a new flag.
They note that the Red Ensign design used by Manitoba is virtually the same as Ontario's, with a bison in the shield rather than three maple leaves.
According to the association, the banner "is outdated and a relic from the days of our former British colonial heritage."
Symbols like flags are immensely powerful and debates over modifications or complete changes always make an enemy of someone while satisfying no one.
The addition of the Confederate battle flag in the emblem of several southern U.S. states in the mid-1960's launched a half century of legislative battle that amazingly continues to this day.
Canada's own flag debate in the mid-1960's was a bitterly divisive battle between the forces of tradition and progress.
So politically charged was this battle that both Ontario and Manitoba adopted their current flags, virtually the same as the former national flag, to protest the Pearson Liberal's in changing to the current Maple Leaf design.
Even secondary symbols like government emblems can be highly charged. When Dalton McGuinty moved to modify the provincial government's trillium logo, the reaction ranged from a disinterested minority wondering why this was a priority to ranging pockets of highly incensed traditionalists who rallied against the change.
So, the advice to Gary Doer is simple.
Don't.
In the midst of a recession, with tough choices to be made, voters want government focused on their priorities. Getting caught up in a side issue like this will only distract your Ministry, staff and supporters and prevent you from getting out your messages on jobs and growth.
