They got sick and tired of being 'given' a Constitution, and the guilt trip that accompanies such a maneuver. The more traditional mechanism of demagogy explains why Canadians tend to be either cynical or bitter. The people we are 'supposed' to admire tend to be corrupt, and cover this up with principles that are seen as smarmy. This is the real reason why Jeffersonianism has not take root. It's not that all our heroes have secret flaws - it's that anyone that takes the Canadian myths seriously is gullible as hell unless they're sheltered and protected.
Nihilism has a cash value in Canadian politics - never forget it.
I emphasize that I'm talking about the apolitical realm, where normal heroism can flourish. Politics is too pragmatic for the same standards that we apply to, say, hockey players or other sports figures. The standards of a good politician are therefore lower. If you're wondering why honest, but unpoliticized, patriotism is alternative up here, that's the reason. Cynicism is mainstream.