The Greatest Canadian

I have to agree that this list is somewhat of an embarrassment.

This show was a bit of a shock to me. As Canadians we pride ourselves on our nation as a whole. Though we do have many Canadians who distinguish themselves, we have a tendency to defer to a national gestalt rather than single out one specific person. We pride ourselves on our clean air, safe cities, our cultural mosaic, and our health care system; that, despite its problems, is still the envy of many nations.

To celebrate a past or present citizen who contributed to this nation is something that is long past due. However, to rate them like a pop music billboard chart is absurd.

Within that top ten format the selections are a tapestry of the distinguished and the ridiculous. Many have objected that Don Cherry is on this list. I have to agree. Cherry, no doubt is a Canadian icon. It just seems ironic that an illiterate, ex-hockey coach is sitting pretty at number seven when Mordacai Richler, Margaret Atwood and - gasp - Glenn Gould are absent!

Perhaps we should take a long hard look at our nation the next time we choose to rate the contribution of it citizens. Perhaps we should look past the fleeting pop culture consumerism that has engulfed us to see what has got our nation to where it is, and perhaps a clearer picture of where we are heading.

Stephen McDonald May 19, 2005 Whitby, Ontario, Canada.

I have to see that I was a little shocked in seeing who made the list of great Canadians. It's a real pity that some people who hadn't really had any

accomplishments other than insult people and give their loud opinions *cough* Don Cherry *cough* made the top ten. However, for the remaining, I believe

that they truly did have an affect (and still do) on Canada and even the world. It is great that they have had this as recognition. Pity there were no great women on the list ... to replace Don Cherry....

You may have noticed I don't support Don Cherry here... he's good on Hockey

Night in Canada... but as a top ten... not so much.

I voted for Terry Fox because he had such a tragic event happen to him at such a young age (as many people do) and he did something about it. From the

beginning his journey alone without publicity to the millions raised during his run for a cure. A run that is still taking place throughout many parts of the world! This young man is truly a great Canadian. He did it to help others, it had nothing to do with personal gain.

Well that's my two cents on the subject, I hope that you learned a little about our Canadian history and some accomplishments that we as Canadians should be

proud and thankful for.

Mel