On Being Canadian- Discussions on Canadian Identity

‘‘Countries with a strong national identity — linguistic, religious or cultural — are finding it a challenge to effectively integrate people from different backgrounds. In France, there is still a typical citizen and an atypical citizen. Canada doesn’t have that dynamic.’’

‘‘There is no core identity, no mainstream in Canada’’

-Justin Trudeau, 23rd Prime Minister of Canada, in a 2015 interview with the New York Times

For our next meetup we will be discussing the question of Canadian identity, whether it exists or not, and whether we have the right language to describe it. Given that we are in the midst of a federal election and there is a rising tide of nationalism around the globe, this is a good time to discuss the topic. Some questions we will cover that will hopefully get your gears turning:

1. When European settlers first came to these lands, they needed to form positive relationships with the indigenous population in order to survive. In what ways do modern Canadians honour this past? In what ways do Canadians betray this?

2. Due to similar origins and close proximity, Canadians and Americans are constantly contrasted by media and popular culture (Canadians are generally seen as nicer, peacekeeping, less aggressive etc.). How do these external judgments shape the way we construct a Canadian identity?

3. Immigration has been a constant dynamic factor in Canadian society. How does immigration shape Canadian identity?

4. Is multiculturalism a force for good or bad in Canada?

5. The winter months bring us closer to the harsh realities of nature. Does this proximity influence the way Canadians think of themselves?

BONUS: Look at the PDF below and note any of the quotes that resonate with you.
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/foundation_gr9/blms/9-1-3b.pdf

Please note this event is open to anyone, whether you've been here for 5 months or 30 years, whether you are 10th generation Canadian or a landed immigrant, whether you grew up in the Yukon or right here in Toronto.