Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/91

Contributor - John Moerman

Title - As I See It: What Is The Way To A New Canada?

Topic - Canada

During the last half year, we have witnessed on the one hand, a strong pitch by the Federal Government to hold the nation together, while on the other hand, me too" voices were raised by the various Provincial Governments. Together, this resulted in the establishment of some 8-10 Commissions studying the future course of a new Canada. For pragmatic reasons, political and constitutional experts are now seeking input from average Canadians like you and I. In Alberta, we are told that we are in need ?f "a more fundamental examination oi our nationality."

Issues under study and review in our province include such matters as: various systems of government, federal institutions, divisions of responsibilities between certain levels of government, amending formulas, restructuring the nation, aboriginal issues, basic rights and freedoms, and more. All of this is, of course, in light of Quebec's demand for increased rights and powers which now belong to our central government. Large numbers of Canadians interpret this as: Quebec imposing its will on the rest of our nation. Perhaps, under Meech Lake it would not have been much different.

For some time now, I have been seeking to follow and evaluate all these matters our politicians, academics and constitutional experts have been telling us. And, yes, I have reached conclusions too. In my heart, mind, soul, and spirit, I have been able to bring about a consensus! However, before sharing this with you, I have something more to add, for together, with this study of the above mentioned political and constitutional' matter, I have also given much thought and prayer to a number of other issues plaguing our nation' For example consider with me, the quickly growing and seemingly unsolvable social, moral and spiritual problems undermining our nation's well being.

Therefore, when I read in the introduction of Alberta in a New Canada, that we must "begin a broader and more fundamental examination of our national community" (Letter to all Albertans), I found that the discussion paper of the "Constitutional Reformed Task Force of Alberta" had not even considered any of these underlying problems or illnesses of our "new Canada."

We thereby have been given the two-pronged impression that these matter, are entirely unrelated to our nation's overall situation while, when we were able to reach a consensus on all Federal and provincial power sharing matters, we have made it into a prosperous and fulfilling life for all of us.

Nothing is further from the truth! To my understanding of basic national issues, the above mentioned document is a very one sided study. The root causes of our nation's stupendous problems reach much deeper and wider. They go far beyond Quebec's demand for increased rights and powers on the basis of her distinct society status. The various levels of government also need to look elsewhere in order to thwart off a further sliding into unmanageable problems. Not doing so is like saying, "since the Gulf war is now over, we have solved the problems in the Middle East." The strength of any nation and society does not merely lie in either strong Federal powers or strong Provincial powers, together with fiscal and monetary policies guiding the economy. The strength of our nation and society also rests on basic morality, integrity, responsibility, and our obedience and faithfulness to God. These are the pillars that speak of better future things! However, I see levels of Government doing away with such basics. Consider the vacancy left by the removal of prayer and Bible reading in our educational system. A pluralistic society does not allow for this anymore. Society is also placing its stamp of approval on various forms of immorality, and governments concur because of powerful lobby groups. Moreover, we are closing our eyes to the damaging effect of screen violence which is daily acted out by way of shows and films in theatres and on television across our nation. All of this is a must because 64 money" claims that censorship infringes on human rights and freedoms. The same can be said of abortion the killing which takes place in the womb. Should people have such a choice?

Does any of this show that governments have begun to face up to basic social, moral, and spiritual problems? Therefore, it is with such things as these in mind, that I have reached my conclusion on the outcome of the various Constitutional studies which are now in progress across the nation. I believe that even though you and I may have strong convictions as to the Quebec dilemma, it is entirely immaterial what our politicians, academics and constitutional experts finally decide in relation to Canada, with or without Quebec. For as long as there is no change in attitude on the above mentioned moral, spiritual, physical and social wrongs, there is no way our nation can reap God's blessing on the hard work done to bring about constitutional changes on behalf of a new Canada. With these types of illnesses, our problems will simply become larger and larger. History has shown us repeatedly that it is mankind's own peril to ignore and disobey God's direction and rule for any nation.

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