"Great" is a word that should be used reservedly
Pierre Berton was well known in Canada. He wrote a large number of books. He appeared on some Canadian television and radio shows. The topic he was most interested in was Canadian history.
He was also intemperate, arrogant and an intellectual elitist.
But was he a "Great Canadian"?
If that were measured by honours and awards bestowed by Canadian institutions, you would have to agree that he was.
However, that view reflects a rather provincial assessment of Canada within the world and would also promote the "inferiority complex" that has been a problematic part of Canada's identity.
Put another way:
1. Pierre Berton's books didn't sell that many copies, particularly outside of Canada. (BTW, does anyone know of a website which reports book sales from all publishers, much like the RIAA site for music?) Of course, of those sold, even fewer were read! How many people here have even tried to read one of his books? They're hardly page-turners!
2. His television and radio presence was strictly Canadian and flamed out over 30 years ago!
3. His views on Canada were not particularly unifying.
I tend to be more impressed with Canadians who establish their credibility in different fields on the world stage. Yes, that means I would even put certain musicians well ahead of Berton.
We are now living at a time when the original players in modern Canadian media are passing. We seem to be honouring them simply because they were around for as long as they were, rather than for their role in elevating Canada within the world community. Many Canadian media icons are really not that different from those kids, who upon becoming adults, never moved out of their parent's home! I wonder if that makes them "Great Children"?
Berton loved Canada. Canada is great. That doesn't mean that Berton, by extension, was also great.
