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What does Canada mean to you in 2025? These people shared their perspective

What does Canada mean to you in 2025? These people shared their perspective

CBC16 hours ago

From poutine, maple syrup and beaver tails to mountains, prairies and the sea, people around the world have some fairly defined ideas of what "Canada" is — if they think about it at all.
But within Canada, pride and identity have shifted over time, whether it was after the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools or through the displays of the Canadian flag and talk over rights during the Freedom Convoy.
This year saw a resurgence in Canadian pride as people got their " elbows up," bought Canadian products and pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump's musings about Canada becoming a 51st State and tariff threats. Then there was a federal election — a fast and furious campaign that ended with some frustrated western Canadians talking about separation.
It's led many to feel like there's a national existential crisis amid the ongoing effort to understand the values that define our nation.
CBC First Person is exploring what makes residents and citizens from all backgrounds feel rooted in this country as we approach Canada Day. Read some of the perspectives shared from people all across the country.
I'm a proud Québécois. Moving to Alberta helped me feel even more Canadian
Thomas Aguinaga's parents didn't speak a word of each other's languages when they met, but their children grew up bilingual and both Canadian and Québécois. Aguinaga writes about how he learned to appreciate both elements of the Canadian identity and the idea of compromise after his time living in Alberta. Read more.
I didn't know what it meant to be Canadian until I saw a photograph that opened my eyes
When the photo of a drowned Syrian boy began circulating, Cape Breton's Clare Currie felt deeply moved to help. She saw the people of her beautiful but underresourced island mobilize in a big way to welcome newcomers to Canada. Read more.

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Prince Edward returns to P.E.I. as Canadians question the monarchy's role
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Prince Edward returns to P.E.I. as Canadians question the monarchy's role

Marie Sarrouh says Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Prince Edward Island is to mark the 150th anniversary of P.E.I.'s regiment. Marie Sarrouh says Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Prince Edward Island is to mark the 150th anniversary of P.E.I.'s regiment. For the first time in a decade, Prince Edward is back in Prince Edward Island. The Duke of Edinburgh is in the province this week to mark 150 years of the PEI Regiment, along with his continued ties to the troops which he serves as their colonel-in-chief. But on the streets of Charlottetown, reactions to the royal visit - and to the monarchy - are mixed. 'You know it's always nice when they come and show they respect the province,' said Brayden MacEwen. Mira Matheson echoed the sentiment. 'I think it's going to draw in a lot of attention to Charlottetown and I think that's going to be good for us.' But not everyone agrees. 'I'm not in favour of the monarchy at all ... I would be happy for it to go away,' said Arlene Bourque. Visiting from Halifax, Elaine Whalen and Cathy Mombourquette say there are more interesting members of the royal family. 'If it was Prince William, I might be more excited about it,' Mombourquette said. Last month, King Charles III — Edward's oldest brother — delivered the speech from the throne in Ottawa, a symbolic moment with a message that Canada will not be the 51st state. An Ipsos poll released in May found 66 per cent of Canadians still view the monarchy as useful, because it helps distinguish the country from the U.S. Royal experts say support has grown for these visits as the country's nearest neighbour levels threats. '(They) remind Donald Trump and everybody around the world that Canada is a sovereign state,' said CTV Royal Commentator Afua Hagan. Edward's itinerary on the Island includes a forum with representatives from all four Atlantic provinces, a visit with Abegweit First Nation and events with local youth. The trip wraps with a regimental ball and parade through Charlottetown on Saturday. After that, the Duke of Edinburgh heads to Toronto and Ottawa for Canada Day.

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