'I've always been fascinated by how similar Quebecers and Albertans are': Steven Guilbeault
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Guilbeault said most Canadians probably hadn't reflected much on their own national identity before Washington changed its tone.
Their reaction — ten years after Guilbeault's old boss, Justin Trudeau, described Canada as a 'post-national state' — has been a surge in national pride that culminates today in Canada Day celebrations across the country.
'What we're seeing is a … renewed sense of pride in being Canadian,' Guilbeault told the The Canadian Press. 'This year, it will take on a whole new role.'
Guilbeault said he sees his role as a departure from the former heritage portfolio, which 'in its very definition implies that you're kind of looking backwards.'
He said his task is to work out what Canadian arts, identity and culture might look like in the coming years — not to attempt to pin down anything like a singular Canadian 'identity.'
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