LIFE IN CANADA
SIR,—I have read with interest Mr. Butler's account of his experiences selling clothing in a Canadian deparirnent store. The picture he presents of life in Toronto is not, however, representative of Canada as a whole. The English tradition is very strong in Toronto, but in other parts, where French, German, Russian or Polish immigrants have settled, the atmosphere may be quite different.
Mr. Butler quite rightly stresses the riches of our natural resources, but they will not last for ever. The findings of a recent Royal Commission on Ontario Forestry are very disturbing to one taking the long-term view. It takes a hundred years to produce an eight-inch Mack spruce, and young trees do not always grow where the mature timber has been removed. Agriculture forms- the basis of our economy, yet in many countries of southern -Ontario the top soil has been eroded as a result of timbering, leaving nothing but sand. This presents a serious problem in conservation.
Mr. Butler discussed the material aspects of life in Canada and failed to mention the cultural. How did he enjoy the C.B.C., especially the " soap operas "? We have no Third Programme to relieve the monotony of jazz bands. There are very few symphony orchestras in Canada, and most of our plays and movies come from across the border. The explanation is, of course, that our country is young and a national culture develops very slowly. It is a tragedy that so many Canadians with artistic ability end up in the United States. However, in spite of the problems and uncertainties, Chadians are happy, friendly people, as Mr. Butler pointed out. Anyone with character and ability would certainly find life in this country very satisfying.— Yours sincerely, J. S. SPEAKMAN. 35 Strathearn Blvd., Toronto, Ontario.
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