Thoughts and Musings

I am Canadian. Not by accident. Not by default. By the values I learned and the choices I’ve made.

I am Canadian because we build things together. Then complain about them together. Then fix them anyway.

I am Canadian because “peace, order, and good government” isn’t thrilling. But it works. Most days. Which is the point.

I am Canadian because we chose a mosaic, not a melting pot. We assembled. Like IKEA, but with fewer missing screws. Usually. Though sometimes duct-tape.

I am Canadian because living with difference isn’t a side quest. It’s the main storyline. English and French, and everyone else who showed up and stayed.

I am Canadian because we’re polite. Not soft. Polite like: “sorry” with eye contact. And sometimes a quiet stern warning. And if pushed, elbows are involved.

I am Canadian because we line up. We respect the line. The line is sacred. Cut the line and you will feel it. Cold and silent.

I am Canadian because we hold doors. Even if it becomes a ten-door relay. You’re welcome. And also: please hurry – respect the door.

I am Canadian because we care about fairness. Not perfection. Fairness, as best we can. Close enough, but honest.

I am Canadian because we shovel our neighbour’s driveway. Then pretend it was “no big deal.” It was a big deal – and a good thing to do. We just don’t say that part out loud – ever.

I am Canadian because winter taught us humility. And planning, and endurance. And that optimism is just denial with a better jacket.

I am Canadian because I can have family and friends with wildly different opinions… and still hang out. Still laugh. Still like each other, especially if beer is involved.

I am Canadian because we can argue hard, then pass the potatoes. Debate, agree to disagree then help you move.

I am Canadian because disagreement isn’t a divorce. It’s Tuesday, over coffee.

I am Canadian because we want the argument to end in something usable. A compromise. A plan. A duct-tape solution that holds until spring. Duct-tape is always important

I am Canadian because we borrowed the best ideas and made them fit. British planning, French social solidarity, American energy and ambition; but quieter. And recently, finally, Indigenous stewardship, we’re finally learning to respect more.

I am Canadian because we don’t need everyone to match – that would be boring. We need everyone to belong.

I am Canadian because our patriotism isn’t loud. It’s durable. It shows up. It sticks around. It brings snacks, or beer.

I am Canadian because we’re not perfect. We’re just committed. To building forward. Together.

I am Canadian because we’re assembled community; Piece by piece. Patch by patch. Winter by winter. A bit messy – but beautiful.

That is Canada. I am Canadian