I am Canadian and proud of it. Even with the challenges that we face from time to time, we are one country and we have every reason to be proud, and we cannot permit differences to come between us. Written in 2018.
Canada’s a people, much more than a place
It is our mighty spirit that connects us across our space
We count in the thirty millions yet in total we are one
By working well together, we’re a nation never to be undone.
We come from many places, including from here within
Our culture is ever changing, enabling us to learn and win
We are like our landscape, diverse in many ways
Our differences make us stronger, earning respect and praise.
Canada is big in size, with three oceans all around
And on our southern border, there are no fences to be found
We have mountains, plains and valleys, and forests galore
Our rail, roads and rivers connect us, shore to shining shores.
We have fought so many battles to keep our world a safer place
Our warriors die so valiantly serving with determination and grace
Our flag flies high above us no matter where we go
We do this with our allies and in the face of foes.
We have two official languages, yet there are many more alive
We live four separate seasons but we really enjoy five
We are a federation along with a Queen or King
And fortunately, we have many who can act, paint or sing.
We are a caring nation and say sorry for no reason
Our health care system costs us but is there in any season
We give to others and provide a home to those who are lost
And volunteers abound because of heart and also to cut cost.
We are a humble people eager to learn and to right our wrongs
We’re forever getting smarter, enabling all to belong
We know we’re not perfect yet each day we work and strive
We want to be better and to be content with our lives.
We celebrate our freedom, through speech, vote, prayer and song
Our values serve to guide us, to form our laws and to keep us strong
We treat our neighbours as our friends, and all others with respect
We know the high road is the best, never leaving us circumspect.
Canada is a country with people from coast to coast
We are a beautiful nation, with no need to idly boast
Standing arm in arm, we can lift our voice, singing ‘O Canada’ way out loud
For all of this, and more unsaid, we’ll be forever proud.