It Even Looks Canadian

National Post, Letter Of The Day

Published: Thursday, October 09, 2008

Re: 'National Bankruptcy' Iceland's Latest Fear, Oct. 8.

Iceland, in the words of its President, is facing the "very real danger" of national bankruptcy. If the situation deteriorates, Canada should invite the small island nation to join our confederation, just as we did 60 years ago with another island in the Atlantic facing bankruptcy.

Canada is far larger and more economically diverse, and thus is far less likely to suffer huge shocks from a single bank failure. We also already have an existing concept of distinct "nations" within the country masquerading as provinces that could accommodate Iceland. After all, Iceland is the same distance away from Ottawa as Vancouver, and it has a largely English-speaking population (and a healthy dose of French speakers). In fact, Canada is the first choice of Icelandic emigres. A NATO member with no army of its own, Iceland is already functionally defended in part by Canada, and would cement our claims to the Arctic as well as providing a link to Europe.

With a population almost as large as Newfoundland's and larger than P. E. I.'s and the territories combined, and with a strong history of self sufficiency, Iceland would likely neither be a long-term drain, nor swallowed up in a melting pot.

Most importantly, it's the polite thing to do.