Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says

[jimmy olsen]

I must concur.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/beavers-cant-cut-it-as-national-emblem-but-polar-bears-can-senator-says/article2216290/

Beavers can't cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
steven chase
OTTAWA— From Friday's Globe and Mail
Published Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 4:41PM EDT
Last updated Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 7:57AM EDT

508 comments

A Conservative senator is urging the country to dump the iconic beaver in favour of the polar bear as an official emblem of Canada, saying the rodent has had its day.

Senator Nicole Eaton, apparently unmoved by the pride of place that Canada has accorded the furry rodent over the years, announced in a statement that it's time to trade in a "19th-century has-been for a 21st-century hero."

The Ontario senator, appointed in 2009 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, says the polar bear should replace the beaver as a chief symbol for Canada.

"The polar bear, with its strength, courage, resourcefulness, and dignity is perfect for the part."

She said it's time for Castor canadensis to step aside.

"The beaver was named an official emblem of Canada on March 24, 1975. After 31 years, it is time for an emblem makeover."

While Ms. Eaton's proposal is serious, she used a statement in the Senate Thursday to take several light-hearted potshots at the beaver, noting the creature isn't universally beloved.

"Many accuse the dentally defective rat of being a nuisance that wreaks havoc on farmlands, roads, lakes, streams and tree plantations," the senator said.

Her staff explained the Toronto-based senator is a fan of Canada's North, having visited several times, and noted her office features several photos of polar bears.

NDP MP Pat Martin, whose home province of Manitoba is a habitat for both beavers and polar bears, said the senator's proposal leaves him cold.

He said the rodent – or the drive to hunt its fur, more precisely – has a unique role in Canada's early beginnings.

"Polar bears are cool but the beaver played a pivotal role in the history of Canada. It was the relentless pursuit of beaver that opened the great Northwest."

Ms. Eaton said Canada is ready to restyle itself.

"A country's symbols are not constant and can change over time as long as they reflect the ethos of the people and the spirit of the nation."

The senator said the polar bear is more noble and rugged.

"The polar bear is the world's largest terrestrial carnivore and Canada's most majestic and splendid mammal," she said, noting it "survives in the harshest climate and terrain in the world."

Mr. Martin, however, said the beaver more perfectly captures the ethos of a nation of immigrants.

"You can't beat a beaver for stoic hard work and industry, a perfect metaphor for our pioneering Canadian spirit."

[Valmy]

Oh you have to be kidding me.  Beaver is what Canada is all aboot.

[Ed Anger]

I like beaver.

[The Brain]

Dignity? Poking through trash for scraps of food is real dignified. I watch TV.

[The Brain]

I like beaver.

[PRC]

Beavers are amazing.

[Jacob]

I don't know, I think an industrious, adaptable survivor is a pretty good symbol, especially compared to one that face extinction as its habitat is reduced.

A polar bear is a good symbol for a country with pretentions of being a 'big power' but not for Canada. We have neither the population nor the military budget to be embody a 'polar bear' symbol.

If we want a symbol more muscular than a beaver, hockey players and lumberjacks will do just fine as a supplement to (not replacement of) beavers.

[Ed Anger]

Bob Probert should be your mascot. Or Bertuzzi.

[Razgovory]

I'd much rather look at a nice beaver then a big hairy bear.

[Ed Anger]

Shaved beaver is nice. Too much fur is a no no.

[DGuller]

Seems like beavers everywhere are going out of style. 

[Syt]

I like beaver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYDfwUJzYQg&ob=av3e

[Malthus]

An appointed senator would prefer an animal notable for scavenging over one that is notable for its hard work? Why is that not surprising?   

[viper37]

It's a Conservative Senator.  Having a royal fetish was not enough for them, they must keep destroying everything that makes Canada's identity.
Time to make a stand.

[Eddie Teach]

A polar bear is a good symbol for a country with pretentions of being a 'big power' but not for Canada. We have neither the population nor the military budget to be embody a 'polar bear' symbol.

Russia's already got a bear and they're just as cold as you are.