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Why Canadian Identity Must Come First



In recent years, there’s been a shift in how Canadians perceive their identity. As I walk around our cities and look at the flags that fly over government buildings, I see fewer signs of the unity we once held dear. Increasingly, I hear people identifying themselves by their cultural or ethnic roots rather than proudly saying, "I’m Canadian." It’s rare these days to hear someone declare their Canadian identity first, and this change in mindset is not just a cultural phenomenon, but a national concern.

 

I was born in Canada, and I am Canadian—period. My roots are in this country, my allegiance is to this country, and my pride stems from the values we share as a nation. Yet, over the last few years, Winnipeg City Hall and even the Manitoba Legislature have made it a habit to fly the flags of other nations and special interest groups, diluting the presence of the Canadian and provincial flags. This well-intentioned effort to be inclusive has unintentionally fueled division, controversy, and tension, turning flagpoles into battlegrounds of ideology.

 

Government-owned facilities should fly only two flags: the Canadian flag and the provincial or municipal flag. By sticking to this policy, we focus on our shared national identity and the common values that bind us together as Canadians. But when we open the door to flying multiple flags—flags that represent other nations or special causes—we are not only diluting the message of unity but also inviting controversy that further divides us.

 

Take, for instance, the case of the Jewish menorah in Winnipeg. Last year, Mayor Scott Gillingham made headlines when he removed the menorah during the holiday season, a move that sparked outrage. The incident reignited debates over what symbols should be allowed in public spaces and how far we should go to accommodate every cultural or religious group. The underlying issue here is clear: trying to please everyone is not only impossible but also detrimental to our unity.

 

When we attempt to represent all beliefs, all identities, and all causes on a flagpole meant to symbolize our national pride, we create confusion and division. The flagpole is not a bulletin board for every idea or identity that exists in our multicultural mosaic. It should be reserved for what unites us, not what separates us. By limiting the flags to just the Canadian and provincial or municipal flags, we simplify the message: Canada comes first. We are a country of many cultures, but we are Canadians above all.

 

The problem with trying to represent everyone equally on a flagpole is that it often leads to conflict. People feel excluded or slighted if their cause or community is not represented, and others may feel that certain flags or symbols do not belong in a space that is supposed to represent all citizens. This cycle of division is entirely avoidable if we adhere to a simple, unifying principle: fly the Canadian flag and nothing more. It is a symbol that transcends our differences, one that represents the collective effort of generations who built this nation from coast to coast.

 

Let’s look at other countries for a moment. When I travel through the United States, Europe, or other nations, their national flags are flown with pride. The sight of the stars and stripes in the U.S. is a constant reminder of their collective identity, just as the Union Jack in the U.K. symbolizes a shared history and national purpose. These countries do not shy away from their identity. They embrace it. And they don’t feel the need to apologize for flying their flag. Why should we?

 

Canada, too, should be proud of its flag and what it stands for. We are a melting pot of cultures, yes, but that only makes it more important that we rally around a single, unifying symbol. Flying our flag reminds us of the freedoms we enjoy, the diversity we celebrate, and the shared responsibilities we have as citizens. It is a mark of our national sovereignty, a symbol of our values, and a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Canadians to ensure our rights and freedoms.

 

But in recent days, we've seen incidents that should alarm us all. People burning the Canadian flag, chanting "Death to Canada," and openly disrespecting the very symbol of our country. This is not a form of protest that should be tolerated under the guise of democracy. It’s an insult to every Canadian who values the country and the freedoms it provides. Acts of such flag desecration should be considered hate crimes, not expressions of free speech. This country, with all its flaws, is still one of the most prosperous, peaceful, and fair nations in the world. We should be proud of it, not tearing it down.

 

The solution to this growing identity crisis is simple. We need to reinforce the message that we are Canadians first, and that message starts with the symbols we choose to display. Fly the Canadian flag at all government buildings and pair it with the provincial or municipal flag where appropriate. Leave it at that. By doing so, we eliminate the need to appease every group, avoid unnecessary tensions, and foster a sense of unity that we desperately need in these divisive times.

 

Being Canadian should be a point of pride, not a point of contention. Our flag is not just a piece of fabric. It is a symbol of who we are, a reminder that despite our different backgrounds, languages, and beliefs, we are all part of the same nation. Let’s fly it with pride and leave the politics of division out of it.

 

In this increasingly fractured world, we need to remember what unites us: being Canadian. That’s something worth celebrating, and it’s certainly worth flying a flag for.

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