Canadian Expatriates, its contributors, and readers have been invited by Foreign Affairs Canada to participate in a series of eDiscussions. The current topic is “Showcasing Canadian Culture and Know-How Abroad”.

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What role does Canadian culture and know-how play in our foreign policy?

How might the government best promote Canadian talent and expertise in the world?

The eDiscussion runs from April 4 to May 6, 2005. At its conclusion, a summary of the discussion will be sent to senior policy planners.

The Expat admin team encourages its readers to join in the eDiscussion at the Canadian International Policy website.

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While Canadians do respect their politicians (to some extent, at least) we do not revere them to the magnitude that other nations venerate their leaders. In fact, Canadians make many a joke at their political leaders expense, a Canadian past time to which the likes of programs such as This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Royal Canadian Air Farce, and Double Exposure can attest. The bottom line is that Canadians love political satire.

One company is working to change this. Rather than skewering our civil servants with satirical jabs and impersonations, Canadian Legends is working hard to turn our Prime Ministers into heroes, action figures and all. So far their line is quite limited as they only have Sir John A. Macdonald on the shelves, but they do have Sir Wilfrid Laurier in the works.

I received a package in the mail several months ago. Underneath the brown paper wrapping was a small book about the birth of Canada and a molded version of our forefather himself, Sir John A. Macdonald, looking dapper in his hard plastic grey suit. He came with a small table, two tiny plastic books, and a pair of glasses. To my dismay, the accessories where somewhat inaccurate as there was not a tiny glass of gin accompanying Sir John, nor were his elbows jointed to allow for true to life drinking capabilities. Nevertheless, Sir John does make a very handsome action figure.

I am waiting with bated breath to see what is next in line as I certainly would like to maintain a complete collection of Canadian Prime Ministerial action figures. Perhaps William Lyon Mackenzie King's figure will include a small plastic dog and his mother's ghost, whom toy owners could consult for advice. Maybe Canadian Legends could team up with Mattel, the maker of the Magic 8 Ball, and put that decision making technology into William's mother's ghostly skull.

One can only hope that Pierre Trudeau's action figure is complete with a rose in the lapel of his suit, a pair of sandals, and full finger flipping action. Perhaps John Diefenbaker 's figure will come with the Red Ensign which he fought so hard to maintain against the Pearson Pennant, and will almost come with a model of the Avro Arrow. Unfortunately someone will pull the plug on putting the plane into the box at the last moment. One could only think that Kim Campbell 's action figure would be produced in limited numbers and would be available for a short matter of time, as would John Turner's.

Here's to you, Canadian Legends, for raising Canada's Prime Ministers above the realm of satire and into the new and exciting world of action adventure figures!