THE END OF AMERICA: THE BEGINNING OF CANADA - A RESPONSE

In his recent article entitled 'The end of America: The beginning of Canada,' Patrick McCreevy (1988) asserts that the Falls at Niagara act as a visible border or 'wall,' which separates two vastly different places. Since the American Revolution, however, Canadians and Americans residing along the Niagara frontier have made every effort to reach across the river which separates them. By means of either improved transportation and communication facilities, by marriage, or the free trade agreements of 1854 and 1989, local Niagarans have overcome the physical barrier of the river. In fact, in the summer of 1989, Canadians and Americans paid tribute to two centuries of 'openness' and peace along the Niagara Frontier with a four-day 'friendship festival' held in July.     

THE END OF AMERICA: THE BEGINNING OF CANADA -A REPLY TO THE COMMENTARY

I presented 'The End of America: The Beginning of Canada' as a speculative piece of geographical interpretation. Judging by the length of the foregoing commentary and the number of written responses I have personally received, it is evident that my speculations have aroused considerable interest. I welcome the opportunity to clarify my argument. Rather than replying point by point to all the issues raised in the commentary, I will focus my remarks on what I take to be the central objection.     

THE END OF AMERICA: THE BEGINNING OF CANADA -A REPLY TO THE RESPONSE

The author of the foregoing response provides some welcome factual clarification but seems to misunderstand the broader issues raised by the article. Here I will respond briefly to each of the author's major questions.     

GLOBAL CHANGE: THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA PERSPECTIVE

Geological processes are fundamental to the understanding of Global Change and the geological record provides a baseline against which to assess the nature and significance of contemporary global change (Price 1986)