From Root Beer to the Maple Leaf: My Journey to Becoming Canadian

I wasn’t born Canadian. I became Canadian.

I immigrated to this land of maple and kindness when I was just five years old. The transition was smoother for me than it might have been for others, thanks to the adaptable nature of youth. But, oh, the subtle nuances that caught my young, wide eyes. Chief among them was root beer. Before Canada, I had never encountered this distinct, frothy beverage. And a root beer float? Yes, please!

In 1994, I would officially become a citizen of this great nation we call Canada. It was a moment of profound pride, a rite of passage that solidified my place in the fabric of this diverse, sprawling land.

Let’s talk history for a second — don’t worry, I’ll keep it brief. On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act united three colonies into a single country called Canada. It was a bold move, one that said, “We’re ready to carve our own path.” It wasn’t a declaration of independence in the fireworks and revolutionary sense, but it was significant all the same. It was the birth of something distinctly Canadian — polite but determined. Through two world wars Canada carved out its own formidable identity, further separating itself from conflation with other nations.

And what have we built since then? A nation that’s not perfect, but constantly striving. We’ve got our blemishes, sure, every country does. But our spirit is one of inclusion, reconciliation, and relentless kindness. It’s in the way we embrace newcomers, the way we say “sorry” even when it’s not our fault, and the way we endure those long winters with a smile and a shrug. It’s very Canadian to gripe the heat of the summer, and the cold nip of the winter all the while loving each season that passes.

I had the distinction of serving this great country for near to seven years in the armed forces. Earning the right to defend that red and white flag of our nation remains one of the proudest accomplishments of my life to date. I am a hockey fan, I love poutine, maple syrup goes on everything breakfast, and plaid can be worn as formal attire — I am Canadian. And today, I am proud to say so.

So, when you’re out there this Canada Day, whether you’re watching fireworks light up the night sky or sharing a laugh with friends at a backyard barbecue, take a moment. Remember what it means to be Canadian. It’s more than just geography; it’s a mindset, a way of life. It’s the understanding that our differences make us stronger, and our unity makes us unbreakable.

Happy Canada Day, you beautiful souls. Cheers to us, to our home and native land. Let’s keep making it better, one “sorry” at a time.