Ottawa: Federal Capital and First National Symbol‪.‬

A national capital endeavours to make a "national statement" to citizens and to foreign visitors. The capital strives to somehow embody the country it represents. And perhaps it is only the "stranger in the city" who can objectively assess a capital city's success in this. Here, a French scholar and longtime student of Canada examines Ottawa's history as an aspiring symbol for the nation. He observes that Ottawa has seen many many plans and been shaped by many visions over the last hundred years -- and argues that now is the time for a new capital idea. WHAT STRUCK ME most on my first visit to Ottawa was the amazing number of references to national symbols, the multitude of signs trying to convince one of the strength of patriotism in this place -- the swarm of red and white maple leaf flags demonstrating Ottawa's need and will to assert itself in the eyes of every visitor as Canada's foremost symbol. I could not help thinking that this only betrays the lack of self-assurance that has afflicted the city ever since it was designated Canada's seat of federal power.