Regardless of whether or not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex elect to make Canada their part-time home, our country is doing just fine with its “razzle dazzle” factor, despite what The New York Times might say to the contrary.

 

The article (and corresponding tweet) in question explore the implications of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s potential move to our “sprawling, bone-chillingly cold country,” amplifying the joy and excitement that move would supposedly bring Canadians.

 

For a prestigious newspaper like The New York Times to make over-dramatic claims about Canada’s lack of appeal when we’re just north of their country’s borders is incomprehensible. The New York Times is a well-respected, highly influential paper—it has sway over Canada’s representation in the foreign press, and social media as a result. 

 

The Times publishing an article that paints Canada as a desolate, “sleepy,” and self-pitying nation is not only comically inaccurate, but it proves the newspaper is shirking its journalistic responsibility to portray countries other than the US accurately and with respect, particularly given the recent tragic news of 63 Canadians’ deaths on Ukraine Flight PS 752.

 

Canadians have more on our minds than any “razzle” or “dazzle” the Duke and Duchess may bring with them from Britain. 

 

The New York Times’ article not only missed the mark for its careless representation of Canada’s atmosphere, but it also grossly simplified relevant Canadian news and attitudes. 

 

Hosting Prince Harry and Meghan isn’t as simple as a “royal fairytale for Canada,” despite the article’s claims. Concerns over the potential cost of our new royal residents to Canada’s taxpayers are well-founded, considering costs for previous Royal visits and the potential security bill Canadians may end up footing.

 

Canada faces broader problems than a lack of flair, and this story from The Times’ Canadian bureau misses that mark.

 

In an American publication like The New York Times, it’s tactless for their Canadian coverage to focus on Canadians’ apparent giddiness over the Royals’ possible move, as opposed to the recent tragedy of PS752’s crash, and even serious questions about the logistics of the Duke and Duchess’ move. For most Canadians, the celebrity magic that accompanies Harry and Meghan is the least of their concerns.

 

The article, while meant to be lighthearted and innocuous, is a miss in terms of Canadian representation in the foreign press. It demonstrates a need for more authentic and higher-quality Canadian reporting from The New York Times. 

 

Hiring Canadian correspondents who treat Canada with respect and gravitas would be a good place to start.