Kim Shorts: On being Canadian

The past few months has been a whirlwind of being reminded about what it means to be Canadian. It’s a love affair we didn’t know we needed, and it’s one that we are wholeheartedly embracing. The mosaic of Canada – its lands, water and people - are truly a testament to this country, strong and free.

So, it’s not surprising that I have found myself asking what does it means to be Canadian?

I am so proud of being Canadian and living in such a beautiful country. It’s a special feeling that sometimes leaves me speechless (a rare occurrence, I know). Thinking about Canada fills me with so many wonderful feelings and words - from our mountains and rolling fields, to the wide-open prairies, and the great deep blue lakes, along with our great arctic territories, the fascinating Confederation Bridge, and that wonderful place called The Rock - there is so much that Canada has to offer.

Canada’s history needs to start with a profound respect for its Indigenous people – the true caretakers of Turtle Island. As a nation of proud people, we need to continue to respect and protect Canada.

I’ll be the first one to admit that, as a country, we’re not perfect. We make mistakes, and we are, most definitely, a work in progress. We don’t always get it right, and may behave against the traditional Canadian stereotype that people expect of us. We also have to remember that there is always someone out there who is having a tougher go at getting through life. But living in Canada is also about helping in your community and others. Hopefully, people see it’s about uplifting each other.

I’d like to think that hard-working Canadians try to make Canada a place where people feel welcomed. I want to believe that we all demonstrate respect – for our country’s history, for our differences, and for each other. I know it’s a tall order, but these aspirations are what help continue to build up Canadians and Canada.

I asked a few Canadian friends and family from across the country about what it means to them to be Canadian. They ranged in age from 18 to 80-plus. Here are their responses:

“Aside from feeling proud, safe, included, and respected, I think being Canadian means living with just laws - both written and understood - and being surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife,” said Janine Jones, East Prince, Prince Edward Island.

“Being free without fear, is the Canadian way,” said Sherry Mouland Anderson, Alliston, Ontario. She also shared this quote from the late Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip: “To become a country and truly call ourselves Canada, it means we must become one.”

“Being Canadian is definitely a privilege,” said Jolene Dixon-Williams, St. Albert, Alberta. “Getting along with each other and not judging, is what everyone expects from us.” She added, though most of the Canadian stereotypes are true, people are not always nice. “But I would have to say I have met only a couple of rude people in my 18 years living here.”

“The freedom to be able to speak your mind without retribution,” said Pauline Harris, Okotoks, Alberta.

“I am truly grateful to be Canadian,” said Jessie Hurley, Port Moody, British Columbia, adding, “I would like to see people put their money where their mouth is and honestly support Canadian products, businesses, traditions, neighbourhoods, language - anything and everything that is Canadian.”

“Canada - from the West coast to my home on the east coast, Prince Edward Island - is the safest, most comfortable place to live,” said Susan Oxley, Victoria by the Sea, Prince Edward Island.

I’ve been fortunate to have travelled across Canada at different times in my life, and no matter where I went, people were always hospitable and generous.

I was born in the City of Jonquière, Quebec. When the City of Saguenay was constituted in 2002 by municipal amalgamation, the Borough of Jonquière was created. Only in Canada can you be born in a city that no longer exists! My birth certificate makes for an interesting conversation.

A few years ago, my two sisters and I took my mother on a memorable road trip to visit that place where we were all born. Even more memorable was meeting a gracious gentleman in a local restaurant who, as a young man, apprenticed with our father.

I spent my school years in Ontario, and during high school, we had the pre-requisite ski trips to the picturesque snow-capped mountains in Eastern Quebec. When our children were little, we took them to Old Quebec City and different parts of Quebec for holidays. It was such a great experience for all of us. and we did, indeed, use the time there to practise our not-so-great French. We found Quebecers to be welcoming.

When we were young children, our parents took us to experience the hot springs in Banff, Alberta. I have visited Alberta several times since, and have found its cities and towns to be wonderful. This past fall, I went to Calgary and Edmonton to visit with family. (On that trip I knew I was in good hands flying in one of our ever-economical Canadian airlines by the amount of white duct tape that was wrapped around my seat handle. Only in Canada, eh?)

I have also been to Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia. It is a gorgeous and friendly province. I had the good fortune to also visit Gibson, the island where “The Beachcombers” TV series was filmed. I was gobsmacked by all the lushness of the deep-green forests that covered the island. All I could think was, “There could be dinosaurs in this here forest.”

Manitoba has a warm place in my heart. I met the love of my life in Dauphin; learned the best Ukrainian jokes while living in Canada’s Ukrainian capital; had my life threatened because of a story I was working on as a reporter. The folks of Dauphin embraced and took care of this Ontario girl.

Working with the local RCMP, and the federal and provincial government representatives on Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Brandon University, provides another great recollection of memorable people. All I can say is that the folks who live in Manitoba were over-the-top warm and welcoming.

Saskatchewan is also full of interesting people. My first encounter with this province was the long drive from Manitoba to Alberta – you’re pretty much seeing the same thing as you cross the province. That is until you hit North Battleford and that really wakes you up! Regina and the small towns that pepper the land are filled with generous people.

Our Eastern provinces are so different than the rest of Canada when it comes to the land, but not the people. Everyone is just so nice. Over the years, I’ve visited New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and I have a sister who lives in Prince Edward Island. I try to visit her as regularly as possible just so she can tell me what to do. She is the older sister after all!

But all kidding aside, these are wonderful provinces to visit and from what I can tell, everyone is so happy living in Canada!

I have yet to visit the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Who knows maybe someday I’ll end up there?

Most of you know Ontario well enough, and like every other part of Canada, Ontario and its people also have so much to offer. I consider myself lucky to live in the Huron-Bruce area. Then there is beautiful Kincardine with that former town motto that sums up for me what Canadian communities are all about – "Where You're A Stranger Only Once."

All I know is that no matter where I have been in Canada, I have seen strangers treat me and others with kindness; and as Canadians, when we are kind, we are stronger together.