For Canadians every July 1st should be special. But it will be hard not to see this Canada Day as extra special. Over the past several months, there has been a surge of Canadian patriotism that has seldomly been seen in our lifetime. While Canadians have always generally been proud of their nation, it has usually been expressed in a quiet more reserved way. Some would say that is a very Canadian way.
But the past few months have seen something different. We have seen a concerted effort by Canadians to buy local products, exuberant singing of our national anthem at sporting events and a change in travel and vacation plans to spend more time and money in Canada.
Of course, this burst of patriotism was the result of a tariff and trade war that was instigated by the United States after a new administration came to power in Washington in January. It was heightened by talk by U.S. President Donald Trump that Canada should cease to be a country and instead join the United States as the 51st State. While this rhetoric has diminished over the past few weeks, the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods has not, and most Canadians still feel frustrated and even betrayed by our closest neighbor and trading partner.
Former Liberal Prime Minister Trudeau, when asked earlier this year how Canadians define themselves responded by saying that one of the ways is that we are not Americans. But that answer sells Canada far short of what it truly is. Canada is not defined by what it isn’t as much as all the great things that it is.
First of all, Canada is a brave nation made up of brave citizens. This was most dramatically demonstrated by our participation in World War I and World War II but equally by our efforts as peacekeepers in many missions since. Canada is also a welcoming country. While we are well known as a destination for many to come and start a new life in search of freedom and opportunity, we welcome people from around the world in other ways as well, at international sporting events or cultural events to name just a couple.
Canada is a trading nation. Agriculture is not just a significant contributor to our local economy, but our food products help feed the world. Combined with manufactured goods and raw materials, we provide to the world quality products and natural resources.
Canada is also a beacon for democracy. While there are often concerns about the state of our own democracy, the fact remains that compared to most other countries in the world, Canada is recognized as one of the countries with the strongest democracies.
These are just a few of the attributes of Canada that are worth celebrating. This Canada Day also marks a couple of special anniversaries. While Canada itself is turning 158 years old, our national flag is turning 60 years old. As well, the Supreme Court of Canada is marking 150 years in existence.
