What makes us Canadian?

"Canada Rocks!!!
Living in the true north strong and free,
means much more then words to me,
I walk down the street and smile at my neighbour.
I have equal opportunities at earning my labour.
I take in the lush riches of mother nature so divine,
Camping and hiking, amongst her maple and pine.
Our elderly respected, our children kept dear,
A unity in our people, a life without fear.
Our flags which stand tall enriching the clouds,
Represent the dignity and diversity, of a land that is proud."
– Roxy Fraser, Ontario

"As a younger Canadian I feel so thankful for discovering what Canada has done for its people and for the rest of the world at such a young age. As a retired member of the Burlington Teen Tour Band I have left the band with more than just memories of songs and people. In 2004, the band travelled to France to represent Canada's youth at the 60th anniversary of D-Day on Juno Beach. We had the honour of being on the beach with the veterans and hearing their stories and seeing their pride come out in tears. It was a most emotional but rewarding experience. We also were at the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands in Holland where we learned even more about the Second World War which has left me with nothing but respect for those who fought for us and continue today to serve for Canada. Every time I hear the Teen Tour Band, all I can think of is how proud I feel to be part of such an incredible country.

"Canadians are not 'Americans' to other countries. We are certainly welcomed to other places in the world because our country has always maintained a reputation of peace and kindness."
– Jennifer Prior, Burlington, Ontario

"I love the vastness, beauty and diversity of Canada, its land and its peoples. However, when I think of Canada I think of a land that was stolen from the indigenous peoples that once inhabited this land and treated it with respect. I think of a country that has now chosen to become engaged in a foreign war and complicit in atrocities against civilians. 

"What makes me Canadian? What makes me Canadian is the ability to speak out against what I think is wrong. There are many things about Canada that are right and many things that are wrong. Waving a flag and posting a 'support our troops' sticker on your car is not what constitutes a Canadian. To ignore the injustice is to be unpatriotic."
– A.C., Maritimer

"I am extremely blessed to have been born in this wonderful country of ours … on July 1, nonetheless. I am honored to be a Canadian and proud of the qualities that we're known for, eh? In this world that doesn't have tolerance for other religions, nationalities, and differences in general, we are a peaceful nation. I am thankful that we're free, that we live in such a beautiful diverse country from east to west coasts and that our natural resources are abundant."
– Cathy Reisinger, Morinville, Alberta

"Canadians are different from the rest of the world. We are able to live in a diverse nation, where ethnic conflicts, poverty and acts of injustice don’t go by without action. We stand for values of morality, education, heath care, prosperity, peace and most of all freedom. Not only are we listed as the World Bank's second wealthiest society, but also the most desirable place in the world to live. As we travel the world, we should be proud to wear our flag on our bags, as we are cheerfully welcomed from nation to nation. We are known as peacekeepers and have shown and provided a unique lifestyle, which has given many the chance to share the same opportunity. Canada Day is a day to celebrate, look back and continue to work for a better life not only for ourselves but the rest of the world!"
– Jeff Bunn, Bradford, Ontario

"My name is Matt G of Nova Scotia, and I've lived in Canada all of my life. Born and raised in Atlantic Canada I can't imagine living anywhere else. I remember I took a flight out of the country from Halifax airport and as I flew both in and out, all I could remember seeing were the vast forests and lakes and thinking how beautiful it looked from up in the sky. I'm also very proud of our country being known for peace, compassion and cultural diversity, and I cannot think of any other country I would rather live in."
– Matt G., Nova Scotia

"As someone who was born and spent the first 35 years of his life in Sri Lanka, I am proud to be the citizen of a country that has as its significant features all that is best in democratic practice and a decency and civility that is, perhaps, without equal anywhere in the world."
– Emil van der Poorten

"What makes me Canadian? The need to leave my country to travel, work, study and the deep-seeded craving to return home."
– Marsha Stewart

"I am so grateful to have been born Canadian. I live in a land that has as many varieties of trees and landscapes as it does people. I was raised not to be prejudiced, to accept people for who they are, not for their former nationality, and to judge everyone on their own merit.

"Our country was founded by immigrants, whether it be by the natives thousands of years ago or by others who followed hundreds of years ago. I believe we who live in this great country are truly blessed. We have the most wonderful species of every living thing there is ... animals, trees, fish, shrubs, flowers and people. We are a melting pot of it all. I am truly blessed to be Canadian, to have raised Canadians and to never take this large, open, magnificent country for granted.  I enjoy living here and am always grateful for my good fortune."
– Nancy Murphy, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

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