We will soon be celebrating Canada Day; we live in great a country and it is a real privilege to be a Canadian. However, something is missing; a clearly defined Canadian identity or culture.
A person’s ancestry, country of origin, religion, political leaning, education or social status should not preclude national distinctiveness. Terms like French (or other nationality) Canadian, First Nations, multicultural, official opposition and visible minorities, point to differences rather than a unified national character.
Because many individuals fit into a category, most people are more or less Canadian; it is difficult to define a true Canadian.
We see many examples of conflict and division, or special rules for segments of our population. It is time for this nation to dismantle the real or perceived barriers and establish a united cultural identity for all Canadians.
Canada has reached the maturity where one set of cultural guidelines should apply to every legal resident.
It is reasonable to expect that all Canadians should learn to speak and read English, comply with the laws of Canada, contribute to society and the community and recognize the efforts of the people who have created this great country.
Most citizens cherish our flag as a symbol of Canada; we should also develop and document one set of Canadian cultural values that would recognize and encompass this nation’s diversity.
In the foreseeable future we will need to work together as a nation to keep the Canada, as we know it, intact for future generations.
Trevor Wicks
Qualicum Beach
