What makes us Canadian?

"May 23, 1999, was the day I landed in Canada with no idea about my future in a completely new country. I was scared and worried how I'd survive here all alone.  It was a bit tough in the beginning then it slowly turned out all good. I met new people, with diverse community, language, culture and point of views, but they all had one thing in common -- they were all in Canada. I was overwhelmed with the caring nature and openness they had to let me mix with them and share my values. I never felt like an outsider, I was always welcomed with open arms wherever I'd go.
 
"Canada has given me new life skills that I was not aware existed in me. Confidence to become something was built in me and helped me to find my true self. It gave me the opportunity to go to school and achieve what I never thought I'd one day have.  Today I'm a well-established and accomplished citizen of this country.  I got everything that I ever dreamed about it.  I work for one of the 50 best employers in Canada. I am a valued employee and treated well with respect and acknowledgement. I made my identity in this country. I would not have been able to do that in my own birth country.  Canada, I thank you from my bottom of my heart for what I am today." 
– Shaheda Patel, Markham, Ontario

"Being a Canadian is more than most can imagine. We are the friendliest, most loving people in the world. Canada is a country of hope and security, and is beautiful. It is clean, well maintained, and our fellow Canadians make Canada what it is.

"Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, I miss home as I live in Germany right now but do have hopes to move back home to Canada because Canada is my home and I am proud of it.  My three boys, who were born in the U.S., are now Canadian citizens and will have better opportunities as Canadian citizens. My eldest son keeps asking me to move to Canada so that opportunity is at hand for us. I miss Canada very much and look forward to coming home soon."
– Isaaf Ghaday

"Pride in my Canadian identity is what makes me Canadian. I am an immigrant to Canada and there are many reasons I feel pride in being Canadian. I love the fact that Canada cares about people. The universality of our health care system demonstrates that and any threat to that shows up in the political polls as Canadians show concern for the continuation of that system. Our countrywide system of social services, although administered by the provinces, shows that we care about those less fortunate than ourselves. I am from Denmark and that country has a social democratic history. It is no surprise then that social democracy has had an impact on Canada as well. I hope for the future that Canada shows increasing interest in ecological advances and in investing in them. Our multicultural country as well makes me proud as I see just how well we all can live side by side with respect. Certainly there are exceptions but by and large, we co-exist and indeed all grow from our shared histories."
– Kirsten Hauge, Chilliwack, B.C.

"I crank up the radio as the sign tells that there are just a few more miles yet to go. I'm greeted at the border by a friendly stranger standing in the booth. When they flash me that smile and tell me 'Welcome Back,' I know I'm home. Home is where I want to spend my life and share my dreams. I'm in Canada, our home and native land. Crossing that border is a jolt of excitement. I wonder why the car can't go faster or why that speed limit sign has a limit of 20 – don't they know the adrenaline that flows freely through my body as I ride onto the open roads of Canada?

"I am a Canadian. And always will be.

"I'm a dedicated follower of hockey, I enjoy fresh brewed beer (Molson), flash strangers a friendly smile, eat poutine proudly, I pronounce it zed not zee, show my tuque off to the tourists, cheer like nuts when Canada scores and most importantly stand proudly when my Canadian anthem is sung throughout the crowd surrounding me.
 
"HAPPY CANADA DAY!"
– Jack Pearson

"I have recently discovered how truly proud I am to be Canadian. I am currently working in Japan as a participant of a program that hires graduates from around the globe to teach English and increase cultural awareness in rural Japan. Living in Japan, I have met young people from many countries around world, and have learned a great deal about other countries besides Japan and the other Asian countries I have visited and I have realized how unique Canada really is! We are open-minded, peaceful people who strongly believe in social justice and equal rights for all. After living in such a homogeneous society, I have also really discovered how lucky we are to live in multicultural society and how acceptance of different cultures really shapes our identity as Canadians.

"I have also discovered how lucky we are to have so much wilderness and nature around us. We are healthy, active people who enjoy the outdoors and care for the environment.

"I have learned how important being a Canadian is in terms of my identity, and I believe that leaving my country and living in a completely foreign culture allowed me to discover an appreciation for the beauty that is Canada. I look forward to returning to Canada with this perspective and seeing the welcoming, smiling faces of my fellow Canadians."
– Jade McDonnell, Gunma, Japan

What do you think makes us Canadian? Send your ideas to feedback@canadianliving.com.