KLEIN: Be here for Canada, not the passport

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Canada has long been a beacon of hope for people fleeing turmoil and seeking a better life. 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.

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We offer one of the best passports in the world — a passport that represents a land of freedom, opportunity, peace and unity. As more and more people arrive, however, some may be forgetting, or perhaps never learning, what it truly means to become Canadian.

As a nation, we had a reputation for standing up for what’s right, for fostering democracy and 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 — recognized with admiration around the world.  We were Canadians, and proud of it.

Lately, things seemed to have changed. We can no longer solely 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 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.

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Let me be clear: Canada is and always has been a melting pot of cultures, and that’s part of what makes us great. The key word here is “melting”. We should be coming together, blending, 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 want to be part of something better. Why carry the conflict and division of other nations into our streets? Why harass other Canadians who opened their doors to you in good faith?

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If you don’t like it here, Canada isn’t holding you back. You are free to leave. That is part of the freedom this country offers. If you choose to stay and make Canada your home, however, you must embrace what it means to be Canadian by respecting our laws, upholding our values, and becoming part of the fabric of this great country. You must leave behind all that you sought to escape and work together to build a better future here.

Lately, we see 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’ve 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.

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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. When those who have been welcomed into our country burn the Canadian flag while shouting “Death to Canada” in the streets, that is not the Canada we grew up in 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 instil division and conflict. 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.

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 to create a better life. I am worried, however, about the increasing tension and division that is being 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.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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