Canada - 91.03
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America’s better hat
Perhaps the biggest news coming out of Canada in 2021 was the discovery of mass graves at Canadian Indian Residential Schools. The operation of these schools falls outside the statute of limitations for scoring, so Canada did not lose points over the existence of these schools or the mass graves discovered onsite. Canada’s response to the discovery of mass graves was poignant and tasteful and Canada’s treatment of Native Canadians has improved recently as a whole. Canada’s unique political and cultural landscape as fundamentally a foil to the United States has positioned it to improve on a number of policies in the United States and manage a more competent administration that better prioritizes its people. At the same time, Canada has a number of cultural differences from the United States, meaning that it doesn’t prioritize freedom to nearly the same extent as its Southern neighbor.
Human Rights - 94
Canada has fully abolished the death penalty. The land rights of indigenous groups are not adequately protected. Illegal fishing on native land in Nova Scotia depleted lobster supplies used by indigenous people, and government construction projects have regularly proceeded on native land without consulting residents. Quebecois government officials are prohibited from wearing “religious symbols” while on the job. The law extends to hijabs, crucifixes, and turbans, and regulates cops, judges, and teachers as well as other positions. Canada guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights. Abortion is legal without gestational limit.
Democracy - 95
Canada is a Commonwealth democracy, limiting its score to 95. The Queen appoints the largely ceremonial governor-general, and the prime minister is “nominated” by the people and approved by the governor-general. The nomination process is functionally a direct election. Parliament is directly elected. Canadian politics are fundamentally dominated by the Liberal and Conservative parties, with several smaller parties competing and winning seats but consistently failing to make a major political impact.
Freedom - 81
Canada guarantees freedom of speech but allows restrictions “within reasonable limits,” including provisions on hate speech. Quebecois government officials are prohibited from wearing “religious symbols” while on the job. The law extends to hijabs, crucifixes, and turbans, and regulates cops, judges, and teachers as well as other positions. Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) maintains an extensive surveillance network, allowing them to collect information on Canadian citizens virtually without limit. Evidence collected by CSIS is admissible in court. Canada has an extensive vaccine mandate. Unvaccinated Canucks above the age of twelve are not allowed to use public transit and unvaccinated government employees were placed on indefinite leave starting November 15. Marijuana is legal in Canada but possession, distribution, and manufacture of all other drugs remains illegal. Handguns and semi-automatic rifles are strictly regulated in Canada, and proof of threat to life is required to obtain a self-defense permit (which is necessary to own a handgun). Magazine capacity is also strictly regulated.
Economy - 94
Health - 98
Canada has a life expectancy of 82 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.42%. 26.8% of Canucks are obese and 2.5% are malnourished. Canada provides free universal health insurance to all citizens and permanent residents, with emergency care being provided for free regardless of citizenship status. Certain life-saving medications are not included under government insurance on a federal level. All Canucks have access to running water but some 2% are on Boil-to-Drink Orders.
Corruption - 81
Fraud and bid-rigging are infamously commonplace in the construction center. The Canadian tax code is easy to manipulate and wealthy Canucks often end up paying next to nothing in taxes. Many transnational corporations are very close with the Canadian government and the government has stepped in to defend several Canadian mining corporations from international responsibility.
Competency - 95
Canada is failing to provide for First Nations and protect religious minorities.
Future - 94
Canada has recently been expanding freedoms, namely in the field of drug laws. The Canadian economy has been growing slowly.
Actions Abroad - 74
Canadian mining corporations operating abroad are not held accountable for their actions. Nevsun Resources is being sued by Eritrean nationals for not protecting workers from dangerous conditions, and Export Development Canada allegedly defrauded the Colombian government. Canada has attempted to prevent litigation against both companies and has worked to protect both of their interests. Canada has a close relationship with Mali, providing a cumulative $1.1B in foreign aid and providing further funds for Canadian-managed infrastructure projects. Until 2019, Canada enabled the Chavez (and later Maduro) regimes in Venezuela. Canada maintained a close relationship and provided some limited foreign aid, despite international sanctions and human rights violations by the Venezuelan government. Canada’s arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wangzhou froze relations between Canada and China for several years. Canada has also publicly condemned China’s treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Canada has supported Israel’s military campaigns in and occupation of the West Bank.
No Canucks live below the international poverty line, and 11% live below the national poverty line. 5.73% of Canadians are unemployed. Canada has a moderate economic disparity. The minimum wage varies by state, but the lowest is $9.36 per hour in New Brunswick, and the highest is $12.75 per hour in Nunavut. Canada provides free health insurance to all citizens and permanent residents. Emergency care is free regardless of citizenship status. Despite this, many life-saving medications (including insulin) are not provided for free on a federal level. Canada’s economy shrunk 5.4% in 2020 and grew 1.9% in 2019.