Be Here For Canada, Not The Passport

Be Here For Canada, Not The Passport

Canada has long been a beacon of hope for people fleeing turmoil and seeking a better life. From war-torn countries to oppressive regimes, countless individuals and families have chosen Canada as their refuge. Not only because we offered one of the best passports in the world, but because of what that passport represented: a land of freedom, opportunity, peace, and unity. However, as more and more people arrive, I fear that some may be forgetting—or perhaps never learning—what it truly means to become Canadian.

People have long wanted to start anew here, in a country known for its friendly people, its free health care, and its longstanding role as a peacekeeper on the global stage. We had a reputation for standing up for what's right, for fostering democracy, and for being a melting pot of cultures that worked together under a common identity—Canadian. Our flag meant something: it was a symbol of unity, respect, and shared values. When you travelled the world with that flag sewn onto your backpack, you were treated with admiration. We were Canadians and proud of it.

But lately, it seems things have changed. We can no longer just blame politicians for this shift. As citizens, we’ve grown fearful of speaking up about some of the troubling things we see happening in our own communities, afraid of the verbal attacks that come with daring to question the status quo. The term “colonialism” has been weaponized, and anyone who dares express pride in being Canadian is met with accusations of supporting oppression. We’re being told to be ashamed of our past, to erase the parts of our history that shaped us, and to apologize for simply existing as Canadians.

Let me be clear: Canada is and always has been a melting pot of cultures, and that’s part of what makes us great. But the key word here is “melting”—it means coming together, blending, and becoming one, not staying separate and divided. Our National Anthem says, "God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee." That’s a call to action for all Canadians, new and old, to protect the values and freedoms that make this country what it is. We must stand on guard against division, extremism, and the erosion of our shared Canadian identity.

When you come to Canada, you make a choice to be Canadian. Not second, not part-time—first and foremost. That’s what being part of a community means. You don’t come to Canada to change our traditions, beliefs, or societal structures into the ones you fled from. You come here because you wanted to be part of something better. So why bring the conflicts and divisions of other nations to our streets? Why harass other Canadians, who opened their doors to you in good faith?

If you don’t like it here, Canada isn’t keeping you. You are free to leave. That is part of the freedom this country offers. But if you choose to stay, to make Canada your home, then embrace what it means to be Canadian. That means respecting our laws, upholding our values, and becoming part of the fabric of this great country. It means leaving behind the tensions, conflicts, and divisions that you sought to escape, and working together to build a better future here.

Lately, I’ve noticed that fewer people identify as “Canadian.” Even those born here are hesitant to call themselves by that name, and that’s a tragedy. It’s as though being Canadian is something to be ashamed of, rather than a point of pride. Yes, we have made mistakes, but what country hasn’t? Our past is our past, and we have grown from it. The idea that we must now live in shame or guilt, constantly apologizing for the actions of generations long gone, is leading us down a dangerous path.

This culture of division and blame, where past wrongs are used as a weapon to justify present-day anger and resentment, is tearing at the very fabric of our nation. We’re seeing people burn the Canadian flag, people who were welcomed into our country, shouting "Death to Canada" in the streets. That is not the Canada I remember, and it should not be the Canada we are today.

If you chose Canada, then choose to be Canadian. Bring your culture, your traditions, and your unique perspectives—that’s what makes Canada a rich and vibrant place. But do not bring the divisions and conflicts that you fled from. Do not seek to change Canada into something it is not. Our laws, our freedoms, and our values are here to protect everyone, not just a select few. When you come here, you are choosing to be part of a society that values tolerance, respect, and unity.

I’m proud to be Canadian. I’m proud that we are a country built by immigrants, by people from every corner of the globe who came here for a better life. But I am also worried about the increasing tensions and divisions allowed to fester in our society. If we don’t stand up for what it means to be Canadian, we risk losing everything that makes this country great.

Canada was once a shining example of what a free and just society could be. Let’s not lose that. Let’s not turn a blind eye to the challenges we face, and let’s not be afraid to speak up when something isn’t right. We can be proud of our heritage, proud of our flag, and proud of our future—if we all commit to being Canadian first.