I have a confession to make.

I have a huge, giant crush on Canada. She’s totally my type, in every way. Oh sure, I’m probably a bit biased, but I come by it honestly. I am Canadian, after all. I am extraordinarily lucky that Canada has allowed me to take up space on her for my whole life. She’s really made me feel welcome. And today, being Canada Day, I figured it was high time I tell her how I really feel and why I love her so.

She’s beautiful. I have been blessed to have seen this country from coast to coast to coast. I’ve lived among the totems of Haida Gwaii and in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I’ve been just about as far West as you can go and been to the most Eastern point too. I’ve visited every major city, and just about every province and territory. I’ve driven through the Rocky Mountains, and star gazed in the Big Sky of the Prairies. In each place, I’ve met the most incredible people.

I can tell you, from first hand experience, that this is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I mean, she’s really got it all – trees, mountains, lakes, oceans, cities, towns, and amazing people…my heart beats faster just thinking about it.

She’s generous. I’ve got it pretty good because of Canada. She takes care of my health, provides me with an education, and gives me choices – I can pick what I do for a living, in which city or town I reside, what kind of house I live in, and what sort of food I eat. Because I live in this great country, I am given the freedom of choice in how I live my life. Like my friend Scarborough Dude says in his latest podcast, we’re not the norm. So, I need to be grateful to Canada a little more often, for what she provides for me.

She’s free. Some people are mad at Canada right now, because some citizens were allegedly mistreated last weekend during the G20 in Toronto. Now, I don’t get into politics very often around here, and I’m not going to get too deep into it now. I agree that if even one person’s human rights are proven to be violated, that’s one person too many. We are lucky to live in a country where our rights are respected. But here’s the thing. Even those we love can make mistakes, and Canada is no exception. If it’s proven that peoples’ rights were violated during the G20, then I have faith in my country that justice will be served. I love Canada, so even though she might screw up sometimes, I have to have faith. That’s what love is about.

Canada IS a free country. Freedom DOES prevail, as long as we stand up for what we believe. We have it really, really good here. You want to know who doesn’t have it good? Google “humanitarian crisis”. I think then, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive Canada a little more easily for her missteps. Be thankful for the freedoms you have. They are the freedoms that our parents and grandparents and great-grandparents fought for, because they loved Canada, with all their hearts. Speak up if you feel you’ve been wronged, because you can. But be grateful that you have the power to do that. Because that’s what living in a free country is about.

Today, I plan to celebrate Canada’s beauty, generosity and freedom with my friends. We’ll wear our red and white, raise a glass, and toast all of the wonderful things that make Canada great.

And if you’re still not convinced how completely awesome Canada is, check out this video. You’ll see….

Happy Canada Day. Bonne Fête du Canada. Celebrate what makes us love her so.

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My idea is a simple one. Any Canadians who use Twitter should change their avatar picture to something that represents this great country of ours, in honour of Canada Day tomorrow.

So get in there, Twitterers and get your maple leaf on!

Happy Canada Day!

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My idea is a simple one. Any Canadians who use Twitter should change their avatar picture to something that represents this great country of ours, in honour of Canada Day tomorrow.

So get in there, Twitterers and get your maple leaf on!

Happy Canada Day!

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One of the things I love about social media is how I’ve been able to meet people from all over the world.  Over the past couple of years, I have met a ton of people from the U.S., England, Australia, and even Israel and Japan. Through my conversations with these people, I’ve learned about their lives, their culture, and what makes them proud about their country.

Next Tuesday is Canada Day, and in honour of my country’s 141st birthday, I want to share with you what I love most about my country and about being Canadian.

I have been tremendously fortunate to have been from coast to coast to coast in Canada. I’ve been to the most Western point on the Queen Charlottes and I’ve been to the most Eastern point in Newfoundland. I’ve lived 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle. I’ve driven through the Rocky Mountains, seen the night sky in the Prairies, and watched whales in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. What amazes me most about my country is the diversity of terrain and how untouched much of it still is. What makes me proud is that we care deeply for our land in this country, and we take pride in our natural surroundings.

As diverse as the land is, the people are even more diverse. Everywhere I go in this country, I am surrounded by music and art and passion and culture. We know how to celebrate life in this country. Newfoundland kitchen parties, full of music and stories and love. Aboriginal art and legends, full of history and passion and wisdom. French Canadian music, full of joy and honesty. I’m proud of the the amazing blend of cultures, languages, and history of Canada. I think it makes us pretty unique.

Many people will talk about other things that make Canada great too. Hockey is like a religion here. So is beer. If I get sick and go to the hospital, nobody sends me a bill. I can swear on television after 9:00 at night.

But for me, Canada has always been about wide open spaces and warm people. Our country is about acceptance of those things that make us distinct: our languages, our culture, our music. And that makes me so proud I want to burst.

I’d love to hear from you too. Please leave a comment, and share what it is that makes you proud of your country.

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