Canadian National Railway Co. has removed the word "Canadian" from everyday company use, prompting NDP house leader Bill Blaikie to charge that a national institution is trying to separate itself from its history.
The Montreal-based railway — which wants to be known only as "CN" — says the move has nothing to do with the word "Canadian," it is just part of a new corporate branding strategy to help customers identify the company. (The Globe refers to the company as CN on second reference.)
Mr. Blaikie brought an internal CN memo to attention during Question Period Friday, saying the employees have been prohibited from using any language with the word "Canadian" in it.
"You can say CN, but you can't say Canadian National," Mr. Blaikie said in the House. "You can't say Canadian National Railway. I wonder if the minister of transportation would undertake to look in to this."
My Commentary:
We're had 'Her Majesty's Royal--or Loyal-- . . .', 'Royal', 'monarchy' just about obliterated, and I read that the Queen is starting to look her age on Canadian coinage and stamps -- so maybe we should get rid of her image there. Maybe that is why I do not hear Stephen Harper referred to as Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, just as Harper, Canadian Alliance Leader. It has been going on for years on CBC -- but then, I would notice that kind of thing. Now, the Montreal-based national railway company wants to get rid of the word 'Canadian'. Is anyone surprised? NJC
