With Canada Day just around the corner, like many Canadians I am thinking about what it means to be Canadian. To me, being Canadian means being AWESOME in so many ways! Here are a few of the things of which I am most proud and grateful.
- Personal freedom – to travel, freedom of expression, freedom to marry who you want, how to dress, what religion to follow and what political party to support
- Laws to protect our citizens – Privacy laws; laws against theft, white collar crime, rape, domestic violence, child pornography
- “Progressive” and continually progressing rights and equality of all peoples – acknowledgment and fair treatment to people of all ethnicities, religions, gender, age, sexual orientation, social economic status
- Education – everyone in Canada has the opportunity to receive a free education to grade 12
- Health care – If you are bleeding, you can get free stiches; if you break your leg, you receive a free exam, x-ray and cast. In even the worst cases, that require an overnight or multiple overnight stays, it is of no “cash out of pocket” to you
- No matter who you are, you are able to access to food, clean drinking water, electricity, heat and air conditioning
- Nature! Thousands of miles of natural forest, prairies and habitat
- More Nature! Lakes, rivers, streams and falls
- Social media – we are allowed to conduct and participate in this technology in Canada
- Media – freedom to report, watch, read
- Great beer, better wine, maple syrup, BC salmon, Maritime lobster
- Timmies!
- Canadian Whisky
- Qualities we are known for as a country: Polite, Respectful, Thoughtful, Generous, Smart, Funny
- Stable government and voting rights
- Armed forces – to protect us at home and those that need our help
- Our incredible natural resources and products
- Newfie accents
- Canadian girls
- Intense seasons that build our character
- Incredible musicians – Leonard Cohen, Celine Dion, Neil Young, B.T.O., The Watchmen, The Hip, David Foster and a vast array of talent in every musical domain
- CBC and Don Cherry
- Hockey
- Amateur sports and super athletes
- Terry Fox, Dan Akroyd, David Suzuki, Jim Carrey, Mike Meyers, Michael J. Fox, Rick Hansen
- B.C.’s beauty, Alberta mountains, Saskatoon’s bridges
- Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors
- The Kids in the Hall
- Winnipegger’s humour
I am most proud to be a Canadian because most of us are immigrants from somewhere, yet we can all call Canada home. I am Canadian because of a smart decision my great-grandfather D.L. made. He decided to leave Russia to bring his family to Canada for a better life. Thank you D.L.! I know how fortunate my entire family and extended family are because of this courageous and selfless move that he made so many years ago.
Happy Canada Day!