Why I Am a Proud and Grateful Canadian

I am going public and declaring that I am a proud and grateful Canadian. Let’s be honest: sometimes we polite Canadians find it hard to openly show our patriotism and pride in our country. The recent Canada 150 celebrations and current events around the world should remind us that we have a lot to be proud of and even more to be grateful for. 

I am certainly not claiming that Canadians are perfect. On our bad days, we can be selfish, cynical, partisan, and petty. But, by any measure, the list of our national accomplishments is long and strong. When we are at our best, we are a model for the world.

Allow me to highlight a few our accomplishments. We are the most welcoming nation on earth. Our doors are open to refugees and immigrants from around the globe. They come here and find a country that respects and values who they are. Canada is far more that a refuge—it is a place where people from other cultures can thrive.

We are also compassionate and caring. We look out for our neighbours next door, those hurting and struggling in our communities, and our fellow Canadians in BC and Fort McMurray. We also offer help and support to other countries like Haiti and Italy after earthquakes.

I have the privilege of working for CLAC. Through its Building Communities program and fundraising for the victims of the Fort McMurray fires, CLAC has demonstrated its commitment to do its part to address community needs and help fellow citizens in distress.

Canada is a country that is committed to looking after all of its citizens. National pensions, top-notch educational institutions, and universal healthcare are programs and services that we often take for granted, but such programs and services are envied by others around the world.

All of this and much more causes one to reflect and be grateful. Although I am sometimes guilty of taking rights and freedoms that I enjoy in this land for granted, I also realize that I am blessed to live in this country. We should be thankful! 

And it is also good once in a while to stand up and shout, “I am proud to be Canadian!”