"character"

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In many circles of Canadian society, it is almost considered a joke to talk about fundamental values and character, about the need for such attributes as honour, respect, integrity, compassion or responsibility. To them, such talk is the hallmark of conservatives, of Canadians who espouse "family values," and of evangelical Christians. But not for Don Cousens, the mayor of Markham and a former Progressive Conservative MPP, who believes strongly that character matters, and that it is crucial to building better communities. He also feels character is lacking, or at least slipping, in today's society, and he is trying to do something about it.

"Character is something fundamental to our society," Cousens said in a recent interview. He contends there has been a breakdown in society and values are no longer promoted or taught by, in his eyes, too many parents and teachers. Cousens said he started to feel restless in 2000, worrying about his community and Canada. "There had to be a better way to show our respect for one another, demonstrate good citizenship, teach our children how to participate responsibly in a civil society and foster democratic ideals of justice," he wrote in the introduction to his book, titled Building Character, a Community's Success Story. "Yes, there had to be a better way to build a stronger spirit of community."

Here are the 11 character attributes of the Character Community program:

• Respect: Treat others and yourself with high regard and dignity.
• Responsibility: Be accountable for your actions and keep commitments.
• Honesty: Be sincere, trustworthy and accountable.
• Compassion: Be sensitive to the feelings of others.
• Courage: Stand up for your beliefs and principles.
• Inclusiveness: Build a community where everyone feels valued.
• Fairness: Treat others equitably.
• Optimism: Keep a positive attitude.
• Perseverance: Keep your eye on the goal when faced with challenges.
• Initiative: Recognize what needs to be done and do it.
• Integrity: Do what is right and ensure there is no difference between what you say and what you do.

Cousens isn't naive. He knows there are lots of cynics, but he keeps pushing his ideas — and the book. "It is not a prescription to cure society's ills," he says, "but is a movement."

— BOB HEPBURN, Toronto Star (2005/10/29)

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