The Strength in Canadian Values and Heritage
I recently found myself in the middle of a tense, unexpected conversation—two couples discussing politics over patio drinks and dinner at a restaurant. I didn’t plan to get involved, but something got me hyped. I said, “Oh, I’m Canadian.” One woman responded, “Canada’s never been on my destination travel list. I overheard your “eh.” I smiled and said, “It’s beautiful. We have amazing scenery. I overheard your “huh” also.” She shrugged. “I have no desire to go.” Another man added, “I don’t care about Canada. I’m not Canadian.” And there it was—that gut-punch feeling. That wave of pride, of protectiveness. I was insulted.
What I wanted to say? “Thank goodness—we don’t want you.” What I actually said? “I’m not American, and I don’t want to be.” But what I should have said? Readers, weigh in, what is the right response, if there is one? Is there a response that left room for connection? Canadian no response at all? Something like: “Shouldn’t we all care about each other? We’re all people—with families, with histories, with hopes.” That moment stayed with me. Not just because of what was said, but because of how it made me reflect. We overhear things. We carry the weight of conversations that weren’t ours to start, but still affect us deeply. Sometimes we engage. Sometimes we don’t. But either way—we carry it.
Our beliefs, our pride, our identity—they rise to the surface whether we speak up or stay silent. And that’s the choice: Do I react from emotion, or respond with intention? Am I trying to defend, or understand? Am I protecting my ego, or preserving my values? Am I trying to convince—or simply show who I am, or just reacting in the heat of the moment?
As a Canadian & as a human, I am still learning.
Still breathing through these moments. Because empathy isn’t weakness—it’s strength. We don’t have to agree with everyone. We don’t even have to like what they say. But when we choose empathy, we remain in control. We choose curiosity over argument. And that’s powerful. I’m proud to be Canadian. Proud of our land, our heritage, our people. We lead when grounded in values and vision. And when the world forgets who we are, we keep showing up with grace, with strength, and with pride. That’s how we lead.
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