Being Canadian

To Be Canadian
Being Canadian simply doesn’t mean being born and raised in Canada. For me, it defines the diversity of the country and its people and the unity among the different ethnic groups that live together in peace. Canada is often referred to as a land of immigrants because for the past 200 years, we became a multicultural country thanks to the millions of newcomers that helped build our way of life. Being a multicultural country is one of the many unique characteristics we should be proud of Canada. Not all the countries in the world welcome immigrants with mutual respect and equal treatment like they do in this country. Together, the diverse group that makes up most of the population in Canada shares a common Canadian identity, which make up today’s multicultural society.
If a country can be defined by its citizens then the one thing that makes Canada the best country in the world is its people. According to John Buchan, a popular Governor General of Canada (1935-40), immigrant groups should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character; while they cherish their own special loyalties and traditions, they cherish not less that new loyalty and tradition which springs from their union. Immigrants were more than welcome to keep their traditional identity and they shall contribute for the benefit of this country but they also have to respect their new Canadian identity. I am glad that people of Canada are not a society that blends together to form one basic cultural norm based on the dominant culture but instead we have given the right to retain our culture.
Being Canadian means being a part of a multicultural society that values the diversity of its people where everybody has the same right regardless of their culture, race, religion, and beliefs. Being Canadian is being willing to respect the differences of one another. It means freedom. Being able to uphold religious freedom and voice our opinions openly without a fear of retribution and to know that my country is a safe and friendly place to live. To be able to travel across the country and feel welcomed to be a part of this country. To be treated with respect for being who you are. To be able to be myself and live my life the way I want to, and to stand up for what I believe in. It is such a great privilege to be a part of this country that promotes mutual respect and provides schools and health care.
People of Canada are generous and polite people. We show our love for one another by participating in every run being held, whatever the cause is, to show our support to one another and most likely to the people in need and I am sure it is the same from coast to coast. That’s what makes us Canadians; we help out each other in times of needs. Although we may have problems, we work together to work things out rather than to justify bringing to Canada violent, extreme or hateful prejudices. We don’t promote violence, and that’s what makes us a safe country to live in.
It took a lot of thought describing what it really means to be Canadian although my own definition of being a Canadian might differ from the others, it is a part of my identity, who I am. Let’s not forget that the citizens are provided with great education programs & health care, safety & freedom. That is one of the many reasons to be proud of being Canadian. The more I think about it the more I come to have great respect for my country. Our reputation as a nation preceded us and I am glad I live in Canada. For all those reasons I am very blessed and happy to live in the country of Canada.