Happy Birthday Canada
Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.
~Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister 1968 -1984, on US ~ Canada relations
Make no mistake, I’m not a lock step patriot, aimlessly bleating cheers for my country sans any critical examination. Far from it. I was raised with the belief that to question and hold your country accountable to the rights and freedoms of its citizens was true patriotism in action.
The last 150 years have offered numerous things to criticize Canada about. But besides our stereotype of being the smiling, polite, wouldn’t say shit if our mouth was full of it northerners who say “eh” a lot, many of us have been busy too. Engaged as citizens in a participatory democracy, working to overturn problematic policy, championing causes, and advocating on behalf of those who couldn’t, or needed help. But on our 150'th birthday, I can say I am both proud and relieved to be a Canadian, grateful I have the privilege to reside in a country that does not just pay lip service to human rights.
For the last almost 20 years Canada has been a leader in human rights protections, with one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination mandates on the globe. It is illegal to discriminate in housing, employment, education, and access to goods and services in Canada on the basis of the following traits:
- race
- national or ethnic origin
- colour
- religion
- age
- sex
- sexual orientation
- gender identity or expression
- marital status
- family status
- genetic characteristics
- disability
- a conviction for which a pardon has been granted or a record suspended.
In 2010, Canada led by example in adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It has been far too long coming, but the following four philosophies are slowly being implemented actively around the country.
- the right to the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms;
- the right to be free from any kind of discrimination;
- the right to self-determination, autonomy or self-government; and
- the right to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and security of the person.
Now, moving on to two, not at all small reasons why it kicks ass to live in Canada.
Poutine
Fries, brown gravy, and cheese curds. Often with bacon. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it. I was fortunate to do my undergrad at McGill University in Montreal, home to some of the best offerings of this classic Canadian indulgence. It never tasted as good as it did at 2 am after a Friday night out.
Beaver Tails
Actually, it’s not as cruel as it sounds. Just a quick snip, a moderate amount of brief pain, and the beaver goes right back to his den. Like catching a fish and throwing it back.
Yes, I am kidding. And no, we don’t eat beavers!
A beaver tail is a sinful creation that is best enjoyed in the winter months, preferably outdoors. Nothing tastes as good as flattened out fried donuts smothered in cinnamon, icing sugar, and lemon juice. Well, that’s not altogether true. Because there is the version that is smoothed in garlic butter with aged white cheddar grated over top.
Just a few of several reasons I’m proud to be a Canadian! Happy Birthday Canada.
