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King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands spent the first day of their three-day state visit to Canada in the capital Ottawa. They visited Parliament Hill, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and spoke with Canadian war veterans.
After a week with two deadly attacks on Canadian soldiers in uniform by domestic perpetrators, Canada is carefully taking stock. Many don’t want their country to change. “We’re certainly hoping that our government and our parliament remain accessible.”
Two deadly attacks in one week have shocked Canada. A debate about domestic jihadists has suddenly gained urgency. But many are reluctant to jump to conclusions. “We are a country that is very free and open, and I think we feel strongly that should not change.”
A Canadian soldier was shot and killed yesterday at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The gunman then stormed into Canada’s Parliament. It was the second attack in Canada within three days. Many Canadians are uncomfortable to be part of a conversation about terrorism. “This is not normal.”
Only one foreign flag has ever flown atop Ottawa’s Peace Tower: that of the Netherlands. The occasion was the birth of Princess Margriet in Ottawa in 1943. To celebrate her 70th birthday, the unique historic gesture was commemorated this year on Parliament Hill.
The Canadian government offered its ‘sincere apologies’ yesterday for Canada’s past policy of sending indigenous children to Indian residential schools. Victims of the racist system express relief. “I thought it was normal, that I had to do this to become a human being.”
An exceptionally mild winter has helped propel the issue of climate change to the top of the political agenda in Canada. With the appointment of a new Environment Minister, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is hoping to make a fresh start on environmental policy, the Achilles heel of his government.
Syrian-Canadian Maher Arar was deported by the United States to Syria, where he was imprisoned and tortured. Back in Canada, the computer engineer is waging a spirited battle to clear his name and uncover the reason for his deportation. “The Syrians weren’t interested in me, they were doing contract work.”
Canadians should take more pride in their accomplishments during World War II, such as the liberation of Holland, say historians. In the brand new Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, the achievement takes its place in Canada’s sometimes uncomfortable military history.
In parts of Canada, Muslims can resolve disputes according to Sharia, Islamic law. According to Adrienne Clarkson, acting head of state of the country, Europe tends to be too tense in dealing with immigrants. “We understand what it’s like to be a loser.”
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