What does it mean to be Canadian?
On this July 1st Canada Day, thanks to listening to CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada’s national public broadcaster), a conversation this morning had me truly asking myself that question. Although I’ve always been proud to be Canadian and grateful for calling this home, I hadn’t ever really given it deeper consideration. Until now.
As I contemplate being Canadian it also means the freedom to follow a faith of our choosing; loving who we chose and the freedom to marry who we please (and if we please) — all without condemnation. It’s also our communities; our art; our Indigenous communities; our blended and unique cultures; and our wide open spaces. We may not be pleased with most of our political leaders, but we at least are free to make those changes by how we vote. We have far more to be grateful for, than not.
Recently on CBC radio, Fred Soofi who came to Canada 40 years ago said, “Since the beginning, what I really enjoyed in Canada was the freedom of expression, freedom of political choice, freedom of where to live and who to be. I always enjoyed these things.” Mr. Soofi has distilled down what it means to be Canadian, and he’s correct. I agree, it’s that and more.
I recently read what David Suzuki, environmentalist and activist, said when asked that question. His answer went back to his decision to return to Canada after working in the USA from 1954 to 1962, ” … Canada meant equalization payments whereby the good fortunes of the wealthy provinces were shared with those less fortunate. Canada meant medicare and a society that tried to care for all instead of allowing Darwinian competition and survival of the fittest. Quebec, the National Film Board, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation were also critical differences that appealed to me, and I have never regretted committing to Canada as my home.”
Happy Canada Day!
“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.” — Jack Layton wrote those important words.
when i was a child, we went camping at least once a year in Canada. i know i was under the age of 6 when we sold our camper and those trips ended, but i can still recall how beautiful Canada was.
your images here reflect the beauty
Happy Canada Day to you. Our freedoms are very precious, thank goodness most Canadians identify with them. It seems in the blink of an eye they can be lost.