Our Almost Twin - Ireland
In terms of population, aging and immigration, Ireland is a fascinating near brother of Canada. Perhaps its greatest advantage, however, is how compact it is geographically, compared to our immense sea-to-sea sprawl.
Read how Ireland is dealing with its challenges here.
1 comment:
Interesting read.
With the 'always playing catchup' part of the article, it made me think that Ireland is going through the sorts of things that Canada did during the mid-late 1960's.
Bursting maternity wards and schools packed so tight that they are literally standing room only.
On the immigration front, I suspect that they are behind Vancouver in the learning curve of the sort of intolerance that comes from so many new faces coming to town. From 2,000 to 63,000 Poles added in one town in 4 years; hardly time enough to do any sort of assimilation or integration.
The only saving grace perhaps in all of this is more than 1/2 (52%) are new immigrants, meaning more than half are able to select their own voices in the Irish elective process, at least locally.
I also agree that the smaller countries can do it right ---> ALL OF IT. Meaning BC should end its close association within the Confederation and start acting more independant on many many issues (more like PQ has been) and use that leverage to make a better life here.
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