SEPTEMBER 19, 2007

       Canadians are watching the markets to see when the almighty dollar will finally be equal to that of, you know, that other country.

       Over the last couple of weeks the eyes of Canucks light up when we see how much the loonie is climbing and competing against the U.S. dollar. But as we reach this 30-year high, it makes me think of what this has done to our national pride over the last few decades.

       We can now say that we are equal to Americans. Well, financially anyway. But the economy is so important to a country that this isn’t just a small feat. When we say that our money is nearly equal to theirs it’s a pretty big statement: “Hey, you aren’t better than us so there’s no need for us to feel inferior because of a weak dollar.”

       Is that when this whole rivalry between the two countries started? When Americans could come to our country and feel that what they have is worth more? Is that where the resentment from Canadians came?

       But my how the tables have turned when now the Great White North is now side by side with the neighbours to the south.

       Are we getting big egos? Not really. It’s not like we’re better than anybody else but now we just have a sense of pride knowing that something important like our money is equal to – and not worth less than – the U.S.’s.

       It’s interesting that for so long we’ve determined our worth and value by how our currency compares to that of other countries. I guess we’ll continue doing that and this tip of the scales in our favour helps us feel better about living in Canada.

       How should we celebrate? Road trip to states and let’s do some spending!