It just wouldnt be Canadian to celebrate the way the U.S. does

Moose Jaw - As I watched Tuesday's inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, I wondered if Canada could do its swearing-in ceremonies the same way.
Picture it - hundreds are able to get the day off work and gather on Parliament Hill to watch the prime minister and his cabinet of over 30 each take the oath on the front steps of the Parliament buildings. After they're all sworn in, they wave to the crowd, or at least whoever is left, and then go to the one ball of the night, thrown by their own party.
If Canada did its swearing-in ceremonies this way, this is essentially how it would go. Not exactly thrilling, is it?
The truth is, the big showy inauguration just isn't very Canadian nor does it fit our system.
Our prime minister does take an oath but he does so with his cabinet. Plus, there's no speech delivered. That doesn't happen until Parliament convenes and then it is read by the governor general.
Other than that, it's pretty much the same - the leaders spend a few seconds pledging to not do anything illegal in their capacity. When you think about it, that's really not that much of an event
But the Americans take what is a simple event - a swearing-in and a speech - and turn it into an all-day extravaganza of celebrities, marching bands and formal balls.
This is the American way. Even in the midst of a nasty recession, Americans do things as big and grandiose as possible. As a country that is a little less zealous about demonstrating its patriotism, however, it just wouldn't seem right for Canada to go overboard.
Instead, we're quite happy with our tradition of the prime minister and his cabinet of 30 plus, driving up to the front of Rideau Hall. They walk in, sit down, take their oath in front of a few dozen friends and family and it is done.
If we did an event such as the one I described at the top, it wouldn't be a chance for people from both parties to celebrate, as it seemed to be in the U.S.
Instead, the opposition parties would be decrying the event as financially wasteful and as the height of hubris. Canadians aren't comfortable throwing around lots of money and putting on a big spectacle, especially if politicians are the ones throwing the party.
The Americans can have their fun and put on their big, all-day extravaganza, I'm happy to stick with our quiet Canadian way. But that won't stop me from watching the American event and marvelling at its magnitude.

Jason Small can be reached at 691-1255.