A lot has happened since last year. Heck, a lot has changed in just this first half of 2025. Change can sometimes lead to adversity, and adversity to uncertainty. I know I’ve felt uncertain as the events of the last few months have unfolded. But as I’ve thought about recent events and the ripples they’ve made across our country, the world, and my own life, it’s been encouraging to see the good that can, and has, come from all this.
Here in Canada, I think we’re rarely a bunch that feels the need to wear patriotism on our sleeve. Ours is a quieter kind, more likely to hum beneath the surface until challenged. But over the last few months, we’ve all noticed a resurgence in patriotism. In the wake of recent remarks and actions outside our borders, we’ve all had to consider what makes Canada…well, Canada. What really makes us “the True North, strong and free?” What kind of nation are we? What kind of nation do we want to be?
Canada’s home to quite a diverse population, which makes sense for such a big nation, and how many different groups have called it home over the years. While there is strength in our unique points of view, it’s also easy to silo ourselves away. Because it’s so easy to get stuck in our own circles, we can easily miss out on learning more from those around us. When we’re too focused on expressing our own opinion, we don’t listen to the thoughts of others. It’s easy to assume those who aren’t like us are very unlike us, and that in turn makes it easy to forget there’s more linking us than dividing us. In recent months, I’ve been trying to find those similarities and build connections with neighbors and acquaintances, and even family members I’ve long disagreed with about this or that. I think a lot of Canadians are doing something similar in their own lives.
Here's something else I’ve seen in recent months: Canadian kindness is contagious; that’s why we’re known for it the world over! There’s nothing that takes more strength than finding opportunities for kindness even when the headlines are bad and the world uncertain and instinct says to hole up and wait for trouble to blow over. But this past year, I’ve seen more Canadians going out of their way to bring more kindness into the world, and it inspires me every day.
Of course, there are still challenges ahead, both from without and within. There are important differences of opinion we need to find middle ground for, and some that might never be able to be resolved by a trip to our coffee shop and a good chat. The next few years will likely bring even more uncertainty that we’ll have to be smart, patient, and strong to withstand.
But this Canada Day, as we appreciate what we have and who we are, let’s find ways to exemplify our country more in what we say and do—to the world, sure, but most importantly to each other. Because Canada is worth it…and we are all worth it to each other.
Happy Canada Day! May our holiday be filled with fun and memories!
Sincerely,
Fabien Ouellette
