Comedian Mark Critch opens up about Trump, Canadian pride in his newest book

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For Canadians who are fans of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mark Critch’s humour and political commentary are a familiar source of entertainment. After all, 51-year-old Critch has been a cast member since the early 2000s and has been poking fun at stars and politicians like Avril Lavigne, Hillary Clinton and Justin Trudeau since then.

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Now with his third book, “Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For,” Critch is turning his eye to our southern neighbours – and calling on President Donald Trump in the process. 

Critch says that it was actually Trump’s bluster about Canada becoming the “51st state” that inspired him to pen his latest set of essays, which offer a satirical look at Canada’s current relationship with the U.S. and our own unique national identity. Find our full interview with Critch below, where he shares how growing up in Newfoundland helped shape his sense of humour, what Canadian pride looks like and why Canadians make such talented comedians.

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Q&A with Canadian comedian and author Mark Critch

Q: What motivated you to write Sorry, Not Sorry at a time when discussions around Canadian identity seem particularly charged?

A: I had been writing another book, a novel, but I found myself coming back to Canadian identity. Every time I heard President Trump in the background talking on TV about the “51st state” or saying “Governor” instead of “Prime Minister,” I found myself pacing and muttering to myself. 

I emailed my editor and asked if people ever switched books midstream. Apparently, they do not. But the publisher was willing to take a chance. Ordinarily, my outlet for commentary is This Hour has 22 Minutes. But we had just finished for the year, and I had a lot I wanted to say. I started in April and passed in the last draft, fittingly enough, on July 1st.

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Q: Did writing this book change your own sense of Canadian pride?

A: I have always been very proud to be Canadian. But writing this book made me prouder of Canadians, if that makes sense. We seem to be more unified of late. 

Canada is not a melting pot like the U.S.A. It’s often been called a “cultural mosaic.” But beyond that, each province has its very own unique culture – it’s not just Quebec. To see Canadians choose to put aside our differences to work together and buy Canadian and take down some provincial trade barriers makes me very happy. By trying to break us, Mr. Trump seems to have united us.

Q: How did growing up in Newfoundland help shape your sense of humour?

A: It’s easy for a comedian to perform in Newfoundland and Labrador and be the least funny person in a room. I grew up watching the comics who later went on to star on Codco on CBC,  as well as great comedic actors on stage doing topical humour. Our tradition was never stand-up. It was always sketch, [with people like] Mary Walsh, Rick Mercer and Greg Malone. It’s impossible to grow up there and not comment on current events. 

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The humour can be a little dark at times. That comes from living by the sea. There can be a lot of tragedy. A joke shared at a dark time can remind you that “we will get through this, too.” Also, as far as Canada goes, we joined a little late to the party. So, it’s good to be a little on the outside of something if you want to poke fun at it.

Q: Do you think Canada’s global image differs from how Canadians see ourselves?

A: A lot of Americans almost see us as a pet. Kind, safe, loyal, like a golden retriever. Canadians know that the dog bites if you step on its tail.

Q: You use satire to address serious issues — how do you balance humour with the weight of more serious topics?

A: I think humour can make commentary more palatable. You can get your point across to an audience who might not otherwise be interested in politics or “the news.” It’s a fine line at times. There’s a big difference between laughing about something and laughing at it. I think an audience can feel your intent. 

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I rarely have an issue. I think sincerity is key. And I never write anything about someone that I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying to their face. I wish more keyboard warriors on social media had that same rule. The world would be a much kinder place if we stepped out of the shadows when we spoke to each other.

Q: Why do you think Canadians make such talented comedians?

A: I think Canadians are successful worldwide as comedians for the same reason that Newfoundlanders are successful in Canada. It helps to be off to the side a little. You look over the fence at the neighbours, and all the madness and the step away allows just enough distance to see the bigger picture. We also grew up with the influences of English comedy like Monty Python, mixed with the American style, which is slicker and flashier. These hot and cold taps seem to make our comedic bath water just the right temperature.

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Q: What books are you currently reading? Are there other Canadian authors that you admire?

A: I’m currently starting to dig into my buddy Alan Doyle’s excellent new book about Newfoundland and Labrador entitled “The Smiling Land.” Michael Crummey is a favourite. Perry Chafe’s first book, “Closer by Sea, “ is excellent, and I’m anxiously awaiting his new one. Megan Gail Coles is great. I realize I’m naming all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. You have to watch us. We do that.

Q: What do you hope audiences will take away after reading this book?

A: I hope Canadians just hear a fellow Canadian saying, “I’m here, too. Wasn’t that awful? We’ll get through this, too.” 

If we can laugh at something, it doesn’t control us. Our greatest resource isn’t oil or lumber. It’s people. 

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kmendonca@postmedia.com

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