Letter from the Prime Minister
Free We Choose Canada Newsletter
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Roddy - Canadian
My love for this country can be summarized in one word, "variety".
Where else in the world can you combine hundreds of cultures, styles and
landscapes? Where else in the world can one go from fine dining and lodging
in the ritzy downtown core of Toronto to roasting marshmallows around
a campfire in cottage country via a short road trip? While my travel to
other provinces has been limited, I can say that I have enjoyed exploring
the variety that Canada holds for every new adventure.
The events of the not so distant past have precipitated a greater appreciation
for our country and what it has to offer. We have the luxury of experiencing
and sharing new customs and cultures with our other fellow Canadians.
Furthermore, our quiet mannerisms are being washed over by a wave of patriotism
that continues to grow. And so it is a variety of components that unite
to build this great country that I call home.
Maimu - born in England
of Estonian heritage.
My parents were both displaced persons in Europe looking for a place to live and bring up children as their homeland was locked behind the iron curtain of The Soviet Republic. They chose Canada and I am forever grateful they made this decision. When we came to Canada, we were a small family of three with 2 suitcases, a few dollars and not much else to our name. My parents both spoke broken English, however, they found that they had unlimited opportunities when they arrived.
Both of my parents worked hard resulting in the opportunity for me to pursue a solid education and career. I am proud to say that both of my children have had the opportunity to learn and grow in Canada. As a family, we have traveled extensively and appreciate the comforts of our home Canada.
Today, I have the opportunity to return to Estonia, the land of my forefathers. I will make the visit and return to my home, always to Canada.
Rick's story
- A Canadian living in the US.
I am a proud Canadian and getting prouder every day and just wanted to express it. I am presently living in Bellevue, WA as a bit of a working holiday and adventure. I don't particularly love Bellevue but it was a simple way of living and working in a foreign country while keeping close to my friends and family in the Okanagan, B.C.
For me, living in the US of A is a eye opening experience. I can now see firsthand the hypocrisy of the American system and the ignorance of the people. Generally speaking Canada places much more value on human values. The US health care system is a joke. The best health care in the world may be available in the US but only for the rich. The middle class and especially the lower class suffer from this system and the corresponding social costs.
Their attitude towards things like guns borders on lunacy. One on one the people I meet are nice but in groups they all seem to adapt the same ignorant attitudes.
I have lived years admiring the USA largely because of childhood images of perpetual summers in California and so on. I used to think Canada was second class in talent, money, and character but no longer. As you know we have world class talent in many fields , Celine, Jim Carey, Shania, top diabetes research in yes, Edmonton!, and lots more. We would have far more if we had the critical mass of 300 million people to market to. It doesn't matter. We are polite, happy, fun loving, prosperous, compassionate and just generally nice people. People around the world don't want to bomb us or put us in our place. Many people from the US claim to be Canadians when they travel. No wonder!
There is not much point in going on about the USA however it serves as a easy comparison for me to make when evaluating Canada.
In any event, living here for a while makes me really stand up and notice how much I like Canada. I still own and will continue to own my apartment in the Okanagan. I go there 3 weekends each month summer and winter. Last weekend I was in my apartment looking on the lake and I felt like crying at the thought of leaving to get to work on Monday in Bellevue. I have traveled lots and I never remembered a time when I was so appreciative of Canada and home. I like the laid back and polite nature of us Canadians, the countryside, and so on.
Now, I feel like I am here to have an adventure and by staying I am making myself more appreciative that we were born in such a great country with such great people.
I see the Americans waving the flag and constantly affirming how great it is to be American and I silently smirk in pride because "I Am Canadian". George Bush Sr. talked about making America a kinder, gentler place to live. Maybe he wanted the US to be more like Canada!
I have far more to say on what I believe it means to be Canadian but in the interests of brevity I wanted to express myself on my reinforced appreciation of my country.
Thanks for promoting pride in Canada.
Jenn's story
- Canadian
I sit in class at my high school learning about how other countries
strive to be like Canada. It makes me feel so lucky to be where I am.
Canada is multicultural and Canadians are proud to be in a multicultural
society. I am proud to know people from other countries who sit beside
me in class. Their perspectives are refreshing and add value to my learning
experience.
I choose to live in Canada because there is freedom of speech. I can openly
express my opinions and do as I choose. There is freedom from discrimination
and persecution which means I can be who I am and live how I want to live.
I would like to help make changes in my lifetime. I would like to see
a cure for cancer, MS, and other diseases. In Canada, I know that I can
get directly involved in seeing this personal dream become reality.
I am proud to stand when I hear the national anthem. I am happy to live in a place called Canada and I am proud to say "Canada is where I belong."