When it comes to global perceptions, Canada often basks in the glow of its reputed peace-loving nature, underpinned by symbolic associations with hockey, maple syrup, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A Canadian asserting, “Not the United States!” when asked to define their national identity is indicative of this stereotypical, yet comforting view.
‘Myths for Profit,’ a daring expose by Montreal’s social justice group Wide Open Exposure, calls these benign beliefs into question. The film invites viewers to interrogate Canada’s reputation as a gentle giant, arguing that its government and allies exploit this perception for profit.
Canada’s national pride, suggests Sherene Razack, author and sociology professor at the University of Toronto, acts as a comfortable blindfold for its citizens, distancing them from their more assertive neighbors, the Americans. However, this film subtly unveils the strings attached to this peace-loving persona, implicating Canada in the funding of global war industries.
The documentary alleges that Canada’s pension fund has significantly contributed to the creation of nuclear arms. It presents a stark contrast to Canada’s pacifist image by demonstrating its role in manufacturing critical electronic components for weapons deployed in international conflicts.
Moreover, the film points out Canada’s affiliation with several agencies and banks ostensibly committed to assisting developing nations. However, it critically notes that parts of these financial aids are often diverted to projects with deleterious social and environmental impacts.
One of the film’s highlights is a charmingly simplistic animated sequence outlining the history of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In a thought-provoking twist, the documentary argues that Canada exhibited an unusually pro-war stance during the 1999 Serbian bombings in the Kosovo War, employing several types of bombs that were legally prohibited.
Juxtaposed against the engaging animation, ‘Myths for Profit’ does not shy away from showcasing grim visuals – smoking limbs, perished children, citizens mourning over the remnants of their homes – a brutal reminder of the reality of war.
The film takes its audience on a journey that pivots the common narrative around Canada’s global role, provoking a shift from complacent acceptance to critical analysis. It effectively challenges many assumptions about Canada as a peacekeeping nation, leaving its viewers reevaluating what they know about their ‘friendly neighbor to the North.’
‘Myths for Profit: Canada’s Role in Industries of War and Peace’ pushes the boundaries of conventional wisdom, prompting introspection and inquiry. It is a provocative reminder that a country’s self-image and international reputation can sometimes serve to cloak its less flattering realities. This film is a wake-up call, a reminder that the search for truth should always trump the comfort of myths.
