Why Canadian Culture is Worth Fighting For

Written by Bailey Kennedy

Welcome to By The North where we celebrate the people, places and businesses that make up this great country. We live in a time where social media uses rage-bait and common enemies to build cult-like followings and toxic mindsets. Canadian culture, on the other hand, is inherently kind, empathetic and welcoming- something we should focus on preserving at all costs.

What makes a Canadian so... Canadian?

If you travel internationally with the Canadian flag displayed on you, in most places, you are greeted with a smile. Canadians have a reputation for being kind, empathetic, easy to talk to, and are almost universally known for their love of hockey.

Our history is based on survival. The harsh winter climates bred an inherent need for fast technological innovation and the ability to build a shelter that could withstand all four seasons. Through these efforts to simply survive, came a layering of cultural traits, some beneath the surface and some present in daily interactions. In order to sustain a richly diverse ecosystem, this required trade and relationships, which required kindness, politeness and respect. These traits became a deeply ingrained part of our culture.

What you may not immediately notice when meeting a Canadian is our work ethic, deep-rooted commitment to community and place, and the longstanding tribe mentality. Even in our modern day Canadian society, where we see a mosaic of global cultures within our own, we see likeminded people breaking off and forming their own smaller communities inside of larger central ones. You can easily visit Little Italy, China Town and Greek Town in the boroughs of Toronto, and new mosques and temples are popping up across the country. Canadians value community.

These historical traits continue, and we see it today even as our country continues to grow and expand its diversity.

But if we stay home hibernating, it’s easy to miss out on this rich culture and these friendly interactions that our identity was born from.

Finding our way back to our community

The lockdowns of 2020 have had aftershock effects on our nation, certainly affecting public health, but also the longstanding mental health of Canadians. We stayed home, became hermits and… kind of lost touch with one another.

Many of us have survived the last five years by taking advantage of the convenience of our global economy infrastructure. It skyrocketed the technology and innovation surrounding global connection that allowed us to feel safe and comfortable at home, which was amazing. With search capabilities, AI and delivery networks, we can get almost anything from anywhere we want. Personally, I spent many nights urgently ordering baby supplies off Amazon when my daughter was born, and using delivery grocery services when it was too hard to leave the house- so I am grateful for it.

But I’m also curious.

What is the impact of this level of convenience on our Canadian culture?

Our culture that used to depend on strong relationships with our neighbours and allies. If we all stay home all the time, work from home, have our groceries and supplies delivered to our door (Delivery Note: Leave at the door), we are undoubtedly missing out on critical human connection every day. Even spending an hour doomscrolling, envying stranger’s highlight reels, or getting trapped in a click-bait negative narrative, we can very easily get trapped in a mindset of jealousy, laziness and unhappiness. 

So what’s next?

Every day, we have the unique opportunity to start fresh, walk out our door and make a new connection with someone. We can get outside (and literally touch grass), visit a local coffee shop or bookstore, and support a family-owned restaurant. We can drop off a card to an old friend, make an in-store return while browsing for something new -no phone or Internet connection required. Not only will we bolster our local economies, but we have the opportunity to create real human connections, build a community around ourselves, and we even might just remember that where we live is pretty great.

At By The North, our goal is to introduce (or re-introduce you) to the people, places and brands that are flourishing in the communities around you, and remind you what a wonderful and unique thing it is to be Canadian. 

Welcome to By The North. We are so glad you’re here.