I was in the library today, I took out the DVD “Beloved”, which stars Miss Oprah Winfrey. I was a little annoyed when I saw this big display celebrating the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, and nothing to recognize British Columbia’s 150th birthday.

Yes, I admit, 400 is a lot more impressive than 150 so I naturally expect more attention in the Canadian newspapers and so forth.

But I expect to see more emphasis on British Columbian milestones in the Vancouver Public Library.

I, for one, take great stock in the unique history and culture of this land and think it’s pathetic that Canadian leaders don’t seem to share this view. That big banner, for example, was funded by the Canadian government. I know Canada has poured millions into Quebec’s celebrations, but not much into ours.

I feel that the whole concept of “Canadian culture”and “identity” is a crock of shit perpetuated by political and cultural leaders and institutions in places like Toronto. I lived in Ontario for four years and did a degree in Canadian Studies and feel that so much about Canadian culture and history is presented from an Ontario/Quebec-centric perspective.

This school of thought argues that Canadian history took place in Central Canada. All the events of historical and cultural consequence took place in Ontario or Quebec.

British Columbia is viewed by many out there as a beautiful, unspoiled hinterland. A destination for exploration, retreat and new beginnings. A place where Ontarians and Quebecers can go to start afresh.

Above all, it’s a place with no history or culture.

That’s such bullshit. There’s so much history here, and we need to do a better job of recognizing this.

So, I respectfully request that the library throws that Quebec thing into the river and put up a nice British Columbian display.