Met by two excellent tour guides, the Mace made haste in seeking out the steps of democracy in this fair (yet chilly) city. Off it went to the very heart of reasoned debate - the New Brunswick Legislature.
"Not bad" said the mace, "But can you maybe hold me a little higher so I can peek in the window? I'm missing the action in there. It's been a while since I've seen any reasoned debate, and quite frankly, I'd like to remember what it looks like."
After getting a taste of the legislative, it was time for a hint of the executive. On to Old Government House, currently the Lieutenant Governor's home, but at various times a hospital, World War One soldier's barracks and RCMP headquarters when it wasn't used for governmental purposes. "They had some good uses for this place when it wasn't being used for Government", thought the Mace, "However, I hope that's not the fate in store for Parliament. After all, what would I end up doing? I can't dress a wound, and I'd be lousy as a soldier's bedpost."
Continuing the walking (Macing?) tour of the city, they strolled by the pedestrian bridge, one of three bridges that connect the North and South sides of Fredericton.
Nearby the bridge is a very lovely display, showing Fredericton's support for the Games in Vancouver. "I'll be heading there soon", said the Mace. But then it paused to ponder: "If we can show support for our fellow Canadians who are 5,634 kilometers away, why can't our people in the House show support for their fellow Canadians who are less than 50 feet away?"
Leaving that bit of imponderable logic for another time, the Mace's guides brought it to another place in Canada where the rules of reality do not always apply - the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, home of a renowned collection of art works, including those by the surrealist, Salvador Dalí. "His paintings do remind me of home" admitted the Mace.
The last stop of the tour was to the Fredericton Cenotaph, memorializing those from the city who died in the service of the country and its citizens' right to Peace, Order, and Good Government.
"The peace and order are here," said the Mace, "but perhaps the definition of good government has changed since the times of these soldiers. I wonder what they would have to say about the country as it is today? Or as it will be tomorrow?"
And with that final question, it was time to head onto the next leg of the journey. Bidding its hosts a fond farewell, it was back in the box, and off to Prince Edward Island.
Next up will be back to the west coast to check on the top half of the mace and its journey to Vancouver!
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