I am not and never have been keen on flags and other displays of patriotism. I am immensely grateful to have been born in a country that respects the rule of law and equal rights for everyone, but I never understood the concept of pride of country. Canada isn’t a cool place because of me. I do my best to be a good person every day, but I’m nothing special, patriotism-wise.
Still, in those sensitive times, many people rally around national symbols as a way to shied ourselves from the mayhem in Washington. And at the risk of making René Lévesque roll over in his grave, this includes a lot of Quebecers.
In my Ottawa Citizen column this week I ask readers to help me figure out who, other than people opposed to MAGA-washed Americans, we are. Here are a few answers. Send me yours!
I have anonymized this suggestion, but I want to give special thanks to the person who sent it.
An idea... those with excess means could volunteer to be paired with a social worker. After all they work with society’s most desperate citizens. I did so informally, as a close friend is a social worker. Without using names, she described a family whose youngest child developed severe epilepsy, in addition to autism. Every two to three days Mom and child travel by ambulance to the children’s hospital. Mom had to stop working. The child’s specialists haven’t isolated the cause of the seizures, despite repeated, numerous tests. They haven’t found the right cocktail of meds to control the epilepsy. The family are behind on their bills and are “on the cusp” of losing everything. I asked my social worker friend what amount of money would make a difference? The answer: $100. Mom has multiple children and far too much on her plate. I gave my friend $1,000 for the family. She said this was enough to save their home. It’s nothing for me, just a bit from a savings account that makes no difference to my life. My life is enriched with a donation to those who really needed it. There are many people like me living in Ottawa with extra money in savings, cash that could change lives. Social workers know where that money would do the most good.
Connie said:
The first descriptive word that came to my mind was caring. In 2023, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I did not shout it from the rooftops but with a large family and small community, the news spread quickly. The outpouring of support that I received was truly amazing. Family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues all touched my heart. Whether they sent messages, dropped off food, knit and quilted blankets, appeared with gift baskets or offered a hug, it was all so genuine and caring. I feel very grateful that I was able to ring the “bell” in March of 2024. I do not wish cancer on anyone but for me it was like the old country song, “you find out who your friends are” and boy do I feel blessed to live here with all these caring people.
Allan wrote:
People here are friendly and helpful - but not in your face. They are tolerant and welcoming to those who have just arrived from far away. Many can speak both English and French and are often also multi-lingual. Ottawa is overwhelmingly middle class (not too many very rich or poor folks like one might find in big cities). They are a well educated and highly capable bunch. Locals embrace all seasons and enjoy being active outdoors. Residents know they have it good here. That makes them proud Canadians - quietly confident and generally happy. There is no place I would rather live.
Robin said (and boy, do I love his use of “eternal optimism”):
Waving the flag is fine, but we need to put meaning into that symbol. That meaning can be a civic (as opposed to ethnic) nationalism. This means that we can be an example for the world of a society that is open and accepting of different ways of doing things and makes of that a success. As the United States retreats from basic research, foreign aid, and addressing climate change we Canadians should be thinking we can step into the breach. We can welcome American scientists, feed the world, and innovate solutions such as energy efficient houses. Canada has shown such resolve in the past. Building the transcontinental railway and creating a country in spite of Manifest Destiny was a remarkable feat. Our contribution to winning World War II was astounding. I had the privilege of going to the Juno Beach Centre and went away inspired by the skill, dedication and bravery of my fellow Canadians. More recently, the Ottawa Land Mines Treaty and Canada’s contributions to the International Criminal Court show what we can do on the diplomatic front when we make a commitment. So let us not just beat the Americans at hockey, let us use this opportunity to exploit our gifts of abundant natural resources, a well-educated and hard-working people, and a country governed by the rule of law and predictable legal conventions. We can do this without the anger of Americans, but we could use a dose of their eternal optimism.
Tim had this great suggestion:
How about city of Good Samaritans? We often see letters to the editor thanking some anonymous person who did something nice for the letter-writer. One could collect these stories for a book someday.
Bryden said:
To me, being Canadian means being polite, respecting individuality and diversity, and being welcoming and inclusive. It means being positive and confident, but not cocky or all-knowing. It is about being open to others’ thoughts and opinions. To be Canadian is to be part of a country that fosters growth and freedom.
Deanne wrote:
I’m Canadian, and proud as all get out. I love our socialism and care for those who come to our house to call it home, but wish for a much better support system when they arrive. I love the beauty of our land; from coast to coast to coast we are breathtaking with lakes and oceans, mountains and prairies, and expansive north of tundra, ice, snow and our indigenous families. Like you, flag waving has never been something I am prone to do; sorry to use the “f” word, but seems a tad fascist. I’m proud to love who I want, to be who I am, and to know that others have the same rights. On that score I worry a conservative government may seek to limit our freedoms in this regard, namely the leader of the official opposition claiming there are only two genders. This proposes a rather slippery slope. In closing, Canada is Canada because we seek to be unapologetically (sorry!) ourselves. Those who seek to find our identity in another nation, will be on a fruitless venture. We are free to be ourselves here.
Steve said:
“Who we are”? The short of it: Canadians! The long of it: Requires a lot more time and space afforded by an email. So, I will say this... Understanding what a Canadian is begins with a study of the Human Journey; and continues with an analysis of Canada’s place in that journey. It’s a process that was (is?) a part of the primary/secondary school curriculum. In the end, with a reasonable level of intelligence, one is provided a solid foundation on which to build a personal understanding, appreciation (possibly pride) of Self and Country.
