"Besides that, I was born here, my parents were born here but my grandparents were not. Strange as that may sound as a qualification, it is the history of what we call Canada. I am a strange (or lucky) bird being the youngest son of a youngest son, my family memory goes way back. My grandparents, whom I never met, immigrated to this country in the late 1800s. In three generations we have been here as long as Canada has been a legal entity. My grandparents were dropped off by the CPR at an empty spot in the track in Saskatchewan and homesteaded land, lived in a sod hut and raised six kids. The six kids are all dead but lived through world wars and depression and good and bad and raised us, my generation. The generation who has a lot. I have a friend in China to whom I sent an email wishing them Happy Canada Day, saying, 'You must laugh at us, we are only 140 years old and you are so ancient.' The reply was, 'No, wish I was there.'
"I am Canadian because of what my grandparents did. They travelled to, literally, the great unknown, and struggled and didn't go out of this world with a lot but they left that set of values which has carried through the generations. I'm not rich, but I have a hell of a good life. That's Canadian."
– Norm Cameron
"Like the bold Rocky Mountains of Alberta I stand to protect thee as our anthem is told. Like the spring crocus coloured purple I stand for pride in my daily stride, always bending to compromise. Yes, I am Canadian."
– Brian Slater, born in Canmore, Alberta
"I’m extremely proud to be a Canadian! What a great country to be in with its many cultures, beautiful landscapes, oceans, mountains, wide-open spaces, fresh air, four fantastic seasons to make living so interesting. Yes, Canada is the land of the free and it's no wonder so many immigrants want to move here for the good life in a democratic country, medicare and a population that is so down to earth, fair, honest, considerate and ready to help anyone. I’ve travelled a bit and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Go Canada Go, from Montreal, Québec. Let’s all keep up the good work and live for O Canada on this special day. A huge thank-you to our fantastic military people who are doing a great job all over the world in the service of their country."
– Denis & Denise Gingras, Laval, Quebec
"Hello, my name is Paige and I'm 11 years old. I live in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. I was born here and raised here. I have a little story to tell you all!
"Every summer my parents go to Newfoundland, the province above us, for a month to visit my father's family, who live in Gander, Deer Lake, St. John's and everywhere in between! Although I love being up with the family, my favourite part of our annual trip is getting there and coming back.
"Our family usually catches an 11 p.m. or 1 a.m. boat in Cape Breton, so we leave at lunchtime. This stretch of driving is always amazing. I love seeing the best of my province! The hills, the valleys, the peaks, the highways, the grass, and even the sky! Everything in Canada is so beautiful! This year on the trip I'm going to try to stay awake the whole time.
"The boat ride is definitely my favourite part of the trip, all the staff who are there are great, and the ship is beautiful. The Caribou and the Leif Ericson are my favourite ships.
"I love going up to the open deck and watching waves pass us by in the moonlight – it's so beautiful.
"I think being Canadian is awesome. Being Canadian is about being peaceful, having fun and enjoying our beautifully amazing country.
"Thank you Canada, and thank you for your time!
"P.S. I wrote this myself, its 9:15 am, Canada Day!"
– Paige, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
"What makes me Canadian? Waking up each morning safe and sound, free from the anxiety of civil unrest or war. I appreciate so much that I can walk out my door and never have to worry about snipers behind the backyard shed. We live in such an amazing, respectful and peaceful country. I will be thinking of our Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan this year. It is because of you that I am safe at home. Thank you!"
– Patti Boudreau, Williams Point, Nova Scotia
"Our national anthem says it all for me! Each time I attend a function and it is sung, I get goose bumps and tears as I listen to the words. Nobody sings it better than Andre Boileau of Penetanguishene, Ontario! Our Canadian flag is another reason. So recognizable with its maple leaf! The benefit of being a Canadian is that no matter where I have travelled, I am welcomed openly. Yes, you bet I am proud to be Canadian!!"
– Diane Bald, Penetanguishene, Ontario
"I've always been proud of being a Canadian and loving the country for its friendly people, open spaces and beautiful scenery. I appreciated being from Canada even more when I started working on cruise ships. Canadians were always the friendliest passengers and travelling to so many different countries I never felt afraid to say I was from Canada. I currently live in England with my fiancé, and whenever I say I am from Canada no one has a bad word to say about the place. People are always saying, 'I love Canada, we went there for a holiday...' or 'I want to go to Canada, see the Rockies, Vancouver, etc...' They're always so excited and want to learn more about the country or tell me stories of the friendly Canadian they met in the past. I also am excited to tell them of our great land and the wonderful things to see and do.
"I have been all around the world and seen many beautiful countries but nothing compares to Canada! Wishing all my fellow Canadians a very Happy Canada Day!"
– Erin A. Sawchuk, Edmonton, Alberta
"Everyone knows that wherever you go in the world, everyone loves the Canadians. I am so proud to have my Canadian luggage tag on my suitcase and to wear my Canadian T-shirt but the thing that makes me Canadian is this: At every given opportunity, I sing out O Canada, either in English or in French with all my heart and with so much pride. Many times I am the only one singing but it doesn't stop me. Two years ago, my daughter was playing in a hockey tournament and she was the only player who took her helmet off and sang when the Canadian anthem was played. I was so proud of her."
– Val Flowers
"I am so proud to be Canadian because we live in a country that accepts us ALL as equals. I am a gay man who is married to my husband because we live in a country that accepts all people regardless of their sexuality. I am a happy, productive dude who just happens to love another man. I am so happy that we live in a country that accepts us for just a couple of guys that love each other. Is that so wrong? I have the greatest respect for anybody that wants to make a commitment to each other be it gay or straight or whatever."
– Paul Allen
What do you think makes us Canadian? Send your ideas to feedback@canadianliving.com.
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