He stood at the podium. Exhausted and scared, he looked at his wife and kids in the crowd gathering below. They would become the nation builders. She smiled at him, excitedly. When he’d told her of Helen’s offer, and all it entailed, she couldn’t wait to begin. She’d helped him prepare the information releases, organising the transitions. The times he’d wanted to stop, she’d pushed him. "What’s so difficult about raising a country," she’d asked, "after you’ve chased toddlers?" May we all have her stamina, he thought.
The technician signalled. The Queen’s speech had ended. He was on in 3..2..1... With new found calm, he faced the world, and began.
"Good Afternoon. My name is Brian Edwards, with the CBC, now with its headquarters on the Isle of Canada."
"First, we would like to extend our congratulations to the residents of the mainland, the newest citizens of the United States. We wish you the best of luck and happiness in your new Country."
"This broadcast, though it is being transmitted across the world, is addressed specifically to, and applies only to, the current residents of Vancouver Island and the surrounding southern Gulf Islands."
"Whenever there is a change in government, security issues are of utmost priority. It was not possible to give advance notice on the formation of the new country."
"Each and every resident of the Island will have the opportunity to choose if you would like to become a United States citizen on the mainland with the other former British Columbians, or if you would like to remain on the island, as a citizen of the Isle of Canada."
"We encourage everyone to stay and help build this new country, and preserve the flavour and tradition of Old Canada – along with the incredible Nation that this Island will become. A few things will be different, but most aspects of daily life will be the same. We will still have jobs to go to and food to buy. There will be many new opportunities ahead as we transform this Island into a Nation."
"There will be many questions, and we will provide the answers. The first order of business, however, is to introduce you to the first Prime Minister of the Isle of Canada. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Right Honourable, Helen Murphy."
The doors were swung open by the guards. Together they descended the wide granite steps of the Parliament staircase. They were stunning; she in a white formal tailored dress, he in his black great coat with tails. Most striking was his tie. Its throat-piece was a large obsidian oval encased in a silver brocade cinch. The blue of the sky, the green of trees, the harbour, and the people, mirrored off its curved black surface.
At the first landing the podium was flanked on each side with the Flag – The Red Maple Leaf; on the front of the podium, the Great Seal of Canada.
When they reached the small platform, she stepped up and began.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, good afternoon."
"This government will follow the structure and tradition of old Canada, with an elected Parliamentary body."
"I am pleased to announce that on our National Holiday, the First of July, Her Majesty, the Queen of England will attend our celebrations in Victoria, and will transfer The Mace to our Parliament’s Sergeant-at-Arms, as is the protocol."
"Although this Nation will have the texture and richness of the old ways, there are five major changes, and I want you to hear them from me, today."
"First. Because of the advancements in technology, this government will be streamlined in comparison to what was here before. There will be no need for top-heavy administration. Each area of the federal government will be minimally staffed. I am confident that Governor Jordan will be needing all those who were previously employed by the provincial government to assist him on the mainland. You now have a large State to oversee."
"Second. The new nation of Canada will have no taxes. There will be no income tax, no property tax, no business or corporate taxes. The Isle of Canada has long-term revenues sufficient to fund all existing municipalities at current budget levels."
"Third. Health care, including pharmacy, will be fully funded and provided at no cost to all citizens."
"Fourth. Consider this day as the end of the welfare state. There is an abundance of jobs – the Isle of Canada is about to undertake a major build program. There will be plenty of opportunities for everyone, at every age, skill level and ability."
"Fifth. There is no longer a separation of status between one person and the next. All laws and rules apply to everyone, equally. All opportunities and challenges are before everyone, equally. That being said, I speak now to the First Nation communities. The government of Canada is out of the business of making decisions for you. Because of the history of circumstances, however, it is long past time to make some things right."
"Therefore, as of 10 o’clock this morning, full ownership and legal title to all the lands on the Isle of Canada that were previously designated as "Provincial Parks of British Columbia" were distributed and transferred to the aboriginal people on the Island, in the manner of their choosing. We all look forward to the creative ways they will discover and develop to support themselves and their families, as everyone on the Isle of Canada will also endeavour to do."
"We must all continue to encourage the distinctive cultures found on this Island. Our acceptance of others is one of the things that made old Canada great; it will make us great as well. We will remain the mosaic, the best of the world, celebrating the joy of diversity."
"What ever decisions you may make, I wish the best of life, health and happiness for you and your families."
"It is now my honour and privilege to introduce to you the Queen’s Representative to the Isle of Canada, The Right Honourable, Governor General, Harrison Thorn."
Harry Thorn looked out over all the people who had gathered around them and knew the gentle soul of Canada would live.
"When I first thought of appropriate words to say to you today, I remembered what my grandfather had told me when I had asked him about the future. He said there is only one thing you need to remember. Try to make this place a little better then when you arrived."
"We have a great future before us on our new Island Nation. We have many great traditions to carry forward and many new traditions to build on this journey.
We cherish and carry with us
the words of past leaders.
We cherish and carry with us
peace, and order, and good government.
We cherish and carry with us
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We can move forward now
with those good words
for us to hold and keep
remembering another leader’s words
of miles to go – before we sleep."
the words of past leaders.
We cherish and carry with us
peace, and order, and good government.
We cherish and carry with us
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We can move forward now
with those good words
for us to hold and keep
remembering another leader’s words
of miles to go – before we sleep."
