the quiet strength of canadian values

Yesterday, I read a thought-provoking article by comedian and Ottawa native Tom Green. In an era of alarming rhetoric about annexation and tariffs from our neighbor to the south, Green highlights how many Americans remain unaware of how deeply these issues affect their northern neighbors.

In recent months, I've been encouraged to see Canadians come together. It is almost as if this dangerous rhetoric has been a rally call for national unity. For generations, Canada's identity has often been externally defined by what we are not — specifically, not American. People might have also recognized some of our other quirks: our love of hockey, pronunciation of particular words, or colder climate.

My first meaningful reflection on Canadian identity came during my high school years when preparing for a trip to Europe. As my mother sewed a Canadian flag onto my backpack, she explained the importance of being identified as Canadian abroad. This wasn't just about national pride — it was about safety. That small maple leaf carried significant meaning in the global community.

Throughout my travels, I discovered firsthand the power of Canada's international reputation. Introducing myself as Canadian opened conversations in unique ways. People respected our nation not merely for its natural beauty or cultural exports, but for its principled stance as a peaceful ally with a history of supporting other countries during difficult times. The symbolism of our flag provided not only reassurance but instilled a profound sense of national pride.

This feeling resurfaced years later when I moved to the United Kingdom to pursue my Master's degree at the London School of Economics. I left for school just months after the London bombings. My parents, concerned for my safety, sent me off, this time with an even larger Canadian flag on my backpack — as if doubling the symbol might double my security.

At the LSE, my program included students from across North America — five of our ten-person cohort hailed from Canada and the United States. Studying demography, public health, and development allowed me to compare international policies with Canadian approaches. This academic perspective illuminated both our strengths and shortcomings relative to other nations. Throughout that year, my appreciation for Canada deepened. Though imperfect, I recognized that our country possessed fundamental systems that could elevate us to greatness.

It was with this optimism that I decided to come back home. I loved London -- it is actually one of my favourite cities in the entire world. Ultimately though, I knew that my heart was in Canada and this was where I wanted to start my career. 

Throughout my life, I've experienced countless moments of both immense pride and profound disappointment in my Canadian identity. What defines us as Canadians, I believe, is our commitment to doing what's right. We don't always succeed initially and have made significant mistakes throughout our history. However, what distinguishes us is our willingness to acknowledge our errors and earnestly work toward making it right.

This ethical foundation explains why Canadians have earned a reputation as global "good guys"— often stereotyped as non-confrontational and excessively apologetic. That is until you threaten the very thing that matters the most to us: our identity.

In today's geopolitical landscape, Canada faces unprecedented challenges to its sovereignty and identity. The casual threats of annexation we've recently witnessed don't just represent political rhetoric; they fundamentally misunderstand the depth of Canadian national identity. As global citizens who proudly display our maple leaf abroad, we recognize that being Canadian isn't merely about what we aren't — it's about the values we uphold and the distinct society we've built. When these core elements of our identity are threatened, our characteristic politeness gives way to resolute determination. After all, apologizing frequently doesn't mean lacking conviction — it means having the strength to acknowledge our own humanity while steadfastly defending what matters most.