A fellow Canadian reminded me this morning that today, July 1, is Canada Day.

Living here in Dubai, where it’s 45 Celsius and God-knows-how-humid at the moment, I guess I could be forgiven for forgetting my country’s 142nd birthday.

Truth be told, I often don’t keep track of what day of the week it is, let alone what DATE. I probably should have remembered yesterday as I blogged about Canadian politics and how my country, relatively stable though it is, came close to being torn apart on several occasions over the past 30 years.

While this national day may have slipped my mind, I will surely always remember with pride the beautiful place that is my native land.

Here are some of the things I love most about Canada (in no particular order):

snow, cold, the four seasons, maple trees, maple leaves, maple syrup, the Rocky Mountains, the foothills, Chinook winds, the Eastern Townships, hockey, lakes, forests, prairies, beaches, rivers, creeks, streams, the smell of the earth, the smell of the sea, the smell of the mountains, hiking, walking, golfing, music, Calgary, Georgeville, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Victoria, Tofino, Canmore, Ottawa (and all the places in between those places), country roads, safe city streets, thunderstorms, lobster, salmon, fiddleheads, peace, freedom, security, universal health care, access to education, loonies and toonies, almost equal rights for women, manners, respect, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail, family, friends, and of course the cultural mosaic comprising all Canadians and their amazing diversity.

A few years ago, one of the major Canadian breweries aired an advertising campaign around the theme “I am Canadian.” The campaign included a character named Joe, a catchy anthem and a series of ads that “took the mickey” out of being Canadian.

Here are: one of the ads, the campaign song and a spoof by actor William Shatner, who really is, by the way, Canadian.

I am Canadian TV Commercial




I Am Canadian "Anthem"




I Am Canadian TV ad "Spoof" by William Shatner

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written by Wanda Sommerfeld, July 03, 2009

I recently heard that when your tears are close to your eyes when you're feeling joy, the veil is very thin and you are close to God.

On Canada Day, my husband and I spend the day as 'band groupies'. Our 14 year old daughter plays flute in a Jr Marching Band called the Calgary Round Up Band. We celebrated in Canmore, Alberta Canada, at the parade, and then afterwards went to the field show presentation, to watch the kids.

Sitting in the sun, with the unbelieable setting of the mountains of Canmore as a backdrop, watching your child preform in a celebration of Canada Day is as good as it gets. It was a snapshot of heaven I will carry in my heart for the rest of my days -- the beauty was unbelieveable. We are incredibly lucky to be Canadian, and it's events like that that help remind me how truly lucky I am!

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written by Sue Munroe, July 10, 2009

Hey there!
I was traveling back to the Middle East on Canada Day. But before I left, I thought about what I enjoy about Canada and things that I miss when I leave:
-my family! (my brother's crazy humour!!)
-my friends (I just don't see them often enough)
-trees (could we bring a few and plant them here?)
-New Brunswick milk and butter--and ice cream!
-slow and somewhat patient drivers (not like here!)
-sudden rain showers that don't create a huge dustball
-Frenchy's clothing stores (and other second hand ones)
-Walmart (no we don't have target in Eastern Canada)
-sunset at 10pm in the summer
Ah, the list goes on!!
Hope everyone enjoyed their 01 JULY!
SUE

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written by Jeff Wiegand, September 30, 2009

Live in Dubai, from Toronto. Taxi drivers here almost always ask: "Where're you from?" I say:"I am Canadian" and at the same time, I make the Sign Language sign for "Canada." The sign is a closed right fist with the fingers against your upper right chest. But being a male Canadian, I place the sign against my chest with obvious pride. A few times, the driver has looked at me and made the sign himself---a bit nervously. Don't really blame him.
True North.

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