What makes us Canadian?

"Freedom of speech and religion is what Canada is all about for me."
– Jose Gabriel Quezada

"I am proud to be Canadian because we live in a civilized society & free democracy."
– George Kalimeris

"Multiculturalism? A history of peace and tolerance? A society of warmth and friendliness? People should be reminded that this country's history isn't immaculate. In World War II we deported Jews back to a government bent on genocide, we enforced taxes on Chinese immigrants and conducted state sponsored experiments on the mentally ill and handicapped. However, I am proud to say that we have not remained ignorant in educating our youth about the blemishes in our history. The majority of Canadians take for granted the privileges and resources that we have and fail to recognize how it affects other parts of the world. Yes, we have many diverse cultures living in this country but it is beneficial as much as it is detrimental. In other words one of our presumably proudest qualities (being diverse) is also one that interferes with the unity of the country. Increasing health-care costs due to an aging population and a government consisting of politicians who are more focused on pointing fingers than at actual problem solving, and a growing threat of American non-culture infecting our society are just a few of the issues we are currently facing. It's strange that so much effort could be placed into celebrating our nation's birthday yet we drag our feet and remain indecisive when it comes to policy-making and addressing significant societal issues.

"I feel that being Canadian means being able to help realize the belief, that through hard work and integrity we may help Canada to mature and grow to become something better than what it is. Being Canadian means that we make decisions based on how well the country as a whole can benefit, not on how oneself can benefit. An individual is Canadian because they do not tolerate ignorance at any level and will acknowledge and learn from mistakes made. A Canadian understands that we need to assist each other when trying to rectify errors and that we may have to make sacrifices ourselves in order to come to the support of others."
– Michael Zheng

"I am Afghan Canadian, and what I like the most about being Canadian is that we live in society where everyone enjoys the same rights. It doesn't make any difference if I came today or someone is living here from last two hundred years. That is what we are proud of, tolerance. It is a very positive role internationally. Afghans will be always thankful for Canadian military sacrifices in Kandahar, the most tough and dangerous front in all over Afghanistan."
– Khalil Khan

"What makes us Canadian is our love and respect for the lives of humans and wildlife. Our neverending compassion to make the entire world a better place to live, for humans and wildlife. What makes us Canadian is how we redefine and vitalize the meaning of human rights, equality, tolerance, love and peace, to people, to folklore, to everyone's culture, values and beliefs. I am a Canadian because everyone who lives in this country is my brother/sister, my neighbour, and without this land, I refuse to live.
 
"God bless this country, which no words can define."
– Adam Elameer

"I am a grandson of four Italian immigrants, both Catholic and Protestant. Both my parents were born in Montreal. My mom, who is Catholic, lost her parents when she was quite little and was brought up speaking French. She went to French school. My dad, who is Protestant, on the other hand, spoke Italian with his parents and English with his siblings. He went to English school. My two siblings and I went to English school in Montreal and spoke French to our mom and usually spoke English with our dad.
 
"I had just a basic knowledge of Italian until I decided to go to Italy and improve my Italian. I travelled as a backpacker all over the world for eight years and realized that I am truly blessed to be Canadian. When I learned that American backpackers were putting the Maple Leaf on their backpacks, then I truly was a proud Canadian. Speaking French, English and Italian proved to me I was a true Canadian. When our political leaders decided to have a wonderful health-care system like we have today, I found myself to be a lucky Canadian. When I travelled across Canada, I knew I was Canadian. But most of all, I am Canadian because my parents shared two different religions, three different languages and we're still alive and well. Canada is a perfect example of peace.  Shall I go on?"
– Anonymous

"Thinking of Canada always puts a smile on my face. I'm currently living abroad, I am a naturalized Canadian from Ecuador and I gotta say I'm a proud Canadian through and through since the day I saw my first Leafs vs. Habs game. Being Canadian means always being humane, always trying to do the right thing, never complaining but rather working hard to achieve your goals, being Canadian means being down to earth, fun, being able to be friends with any type of person, whatever their faith, their race, their preferences. If you ever felt Canadian, you know that tolerance is certainly our greatest feature. I've travelled a lot and I couldn't think of a more civilized place on earth, yet cool and so much fun!"
– Jaime Roberto Ramirez Escobar

"I  wasn't born in Canada, and I don't regret that one day I decided to be one. It is difficult to understand for me why I love Canada so much. But I'm Canadian by choice, and I think that is why I consider myself sometimes more Canadian that any Canadian born. I thank Canada, MY COUNTRY, for all what I have today, especially because I was able to raise my kids in a different way. I learned different values in life that never would have learn in my mother country (Peru). I feel so deep in my heart, that my eyes get wet, that I only to listen the Canadian anthem, and for the rest of my life, I'll have the flag in front of my house to let every body know that I'M A REAL CANADIAN."
– Victor Del Hierro

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