I went on a search of opinions of what the Canadians think of the shape Canada is in. My trip started right here in Hope, B.C. and went to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and back to Hope B.C.
My first day took me to a campground in Moxie Lake a few miles west of Cranbrook B.C. The people there did not seem to have a care in the world, they were really enjoying their holiday’s.
On the second day I went through Calgary, as always the city seemed to be busy getting ready for their yearly Stampede, then I ended up in Edmonton, Alberta. Edmonton was very, very busy construction wise, but even so their hostels were feeding and bedding homeless people to their capacity.
Continuing east on Yellowhead Highway, major cities like Lloydminister and Saskatoon were being overwhelmed by people using the food banks and hostels. In most small towns where I stopped to refuel my van, I was sure to find the food bank timetable on their notice boards. Most farmers were complaining about the high cost of feed for their animals and the lack of rain this late in the year.
When it comes to Manitoba, I decided not to check on Winterpeg for personal reasons, bad things have a tendency of happening to me during visits to this city.
Although I have to say that Manitoba has the best highway as far as the Trans Canada highway is concerned. There is also a lack of passing lane available, during designated passing zones — which makes it hard to pass when the speed limit is only 90 km/h.
Ontario also has a problem with the growing need for food banks and for hostels. My former hometown, the Soo has been changing tremendously since I left, and that has been about 40 years ago. You can shoot a cannon down main street after 6 o’clock, without worrying about hitting anyone.
Last but not least, I wavered from my idea of speaking to Canadians about the shape Canada is in today. In my opinion we better start to worry about the situation in Greece, to avoid what is presently happening there. With a forthcoming general election, it is time to wake up our politicians from their doldrums before it’s too late.
Yukon Eric Holopainen
Hope, BC
