Chandrakant P Shah M.D., FRCPC, Dr. Sc. (Hon), O.Ont
The aim of all settlers in Canada is to be successful and prosperous in their chosen fields and much is written about how to be successful. No doubt, it is essential to be successful in their newly adopted country so they can put their roots down. To me, the next and fundamental question is, once settled, how does one truly become Canadian? Many would say, if you love hockey, say ‘eh’ at the end of your sentence, be polite, celebrate Thanksgiving Day, love skying and canoeing will make you Canadian! Yes, it will make it easier for you to integrate and life will be more enjoyable, but one needs to adopt and practice some unique Canadian values to be Canadian! Before, I say more, let me start with an anecdote.
Many moons ago, I used to teach a course at the University of Toronto on the Canadian Health Care System, how it evolved, its structure, financing etc. In a small group session, I used to ask my students to imagine you were visiting Brazil and a stranger asked you, are you an American? You answered, no, no I am Canadian! The next question by the stranger was what is the difference between Americans and Canadians? My students will ratify differences such as universal health care, fewer gun-related deaths, various universal social programs, love for hockey etc. While some of these attributes were right, I will point out to them that the fundamental difference lies in our values and are reflected in our constitutions and particularly in their last sentences. In the USA it says “Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” whereas in the Canadian constitution, it is “Peace, Order and Good Government.” In the USA, the emphasis is on the individual’s life, liberty and happiness whereas, the emphasis in the Canadian context is collective to bring peace and order and wanting their government to be involved in programs and services such as universal healthcare, Old Age Security, universal affordable childcare etc. to helps all her citizens. Let me elaborate on the concept further with details in the following paragraphs.
Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of its size; its population is mainly concentrated in the South and has harsh weather conditions. Before the white settlement in Canada, First Nations and Inuit people had understood these realities and for survival, they realied upon the collective living and community members looking after each other’s. The early settlers had to do the similar things. For example, they established a hospital or hired a doctor who would be shared by two to three surrounding towns. Sharing and caring became the ethos of the population and our nation leading its integration in to our constitutions. We promoted our government to be involved and developed programs and services for all including those who cannot defend themselves – the concept of universality and equality. From time to time, as we evolve as a nation, our forefathers did make several mistakes but as a nation, we matured and owned up to our wrongdoings. Even though it took a long time to realize our unjust actions and correct them, we ultimately tried restitution. For example, we have done many injustices
towards Indigenous Peoples of our land. However almost 125 years after confederation, in 1982 we enshrined their rights in our constitutions; Prime Minister Stephan Harper asked an apology for the residential school system (2007) and the Government of Prime Minister Trudeau accepted all 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015). Similarly, the Government of Canada has asked for an apology for our wrongful actions towards the Chinese by imposing a head tax (1895) and barring their entry to Canada and Japanese Canadians for wartime internment (1942). All Canadians have supported such actions of our government.
The following are our Canadian values and to be true Canadians we must not only try to adopt them but practise in our daily life.
Democracy and Rule of Law: Canada values democracy, where citizens have the right to participate in free and fair elections. The rule of law ensures that everyone is subject to the law, and no one is above it. For these to happen, make sure we all vote in federal, provincial and municipal elections.
Equality and Multiculturalism: The country embraces diversity and promotes the equality of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or background. We have adopted this value in late 1970s. While we all carry some ‘unconscious biases’ toward others; please work on them by reading, learning and knowing them. Canadians celebrate various cultural traditions and holidays, reflecting multiculturalism, which is a good time to learn about others.
Human Rights and Freedoms: Canadians value individual rights, including freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly. At times, the settlers bring their intolerance and hatred from their motherland toward different religious groups, such as Islamophobia or antisemitism, which are often manifested as intolerance and violence towards certain groups. Such intolerance and hatred has no place in Canada. Workplaces and schools promote diversity and anti-discrimination policies and learn about your and others’ rights.
Peace, Order, and Good Government: As mentioned earlier, this phrase, rooted in the Constitution Act of 1867, encapsulates Canada’s approach to governance, emphasizing stability, collective welfare, and effective administration. To achieve this overarching goal, the government must generate revenue by taxation to fulfill their commitments, resulting in high taxation in Canada. Please pay your taxes. If one is passionate or against a cause, then try to be involved by being a member of the local, provincial, or federal government and change it.
Respect for Indigenous Rights: Canada recognizes the unique rights of Indigenous peoples and acknowledges their role in the country’s history and future. Make sure we as settlers understand that ‘we all are treaty people,’ treaties are in perpetuity, and we fulfill our treaty obligations toward Indigenous People. Land acknowledgments and efforts to learn about Indigenous history and culture are increasingly common in schools, organizations, and public events.
Environmental Stewardship: Canadians value sustainability and the protection of natural resources for future generations. This important value has emerged over the past few decades as we witness the catastrophic events resulting from climate change. Recycling programs, public transit initiatives, and green policies are part of Canadians’ efforts to combat climate change.
Compassion and Social Justice: Social programs such as universal healthcare and public education reflect a commitment to fairness and collective well-being. Universal healthcare and publicly funded education systems ensure equitable access to essential services
In summary, Canada is a multicultural and democratic country, and its values are reflected in its constitution, legislation, and daily life. To be a true Canadian, please learn and reflect on the values of your adopted country and consider what legacies you would want to leave for future generations. Let us also send a clear message to the President of the USA, Mr. Donald Trump, that Canada is not for sale or we do not want to be the fifty-first state of the USA; we are happy and proud being Canadians!
Chandrakant P Shah M.D., FRCPC, Dr. Sc. (Hon), O.Ont
Professor Emeritus, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
University of Toronto
