Today, I Packed My Pride
As I was preparing my suitcase yesterday for an upcoming trip out of the country, I did something I’ve never really done before: I stopped to admire the little red Canadian flag tag clipped to my luggage. It’s plastic. Nothing fancy. But in that moment, it felt like everything. That simple red tag reminded me of who I am and where I’m from, and this morning, I’m feeling it deeply.
Because yesterday, Canada reminded me why I love this country. From the opening of the new session of Parliament, to the respectful election of the Speaker of the House, to the first words spoken by our new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, it just felt good. It felt hopeful. It felt like democracy, not chaos. And yes, I know there will be debates, disagreements, and challenges ahead. But I also know that what we saw wasn’t performative or rage-fuelled. It was respectful, steady, and real.
And that’s something we can’t take for granted right now.
Because let’s be honest, the contrast with what’s happening south of the border is staggering. There, leadership is defined by late-night rants from a man who seems one social media post away from igniting a global crisis. There, Memorial Day is overshadowed by narcissism instead of solemn remembrance. There, tone has been obliterated, and decency has become optional.
Today in Canada, tone still matters. We still show up for each other, for our institutions, and for the values that have shaped this country, even when we don’t always agree.
And while not everyone loves the monarchy, I’ll admit: I’m kind of into the pageantry today. King Charles and Queen Camilla will ride in a carriage through Ottawa, welcomed with full military honour, before delivering the Speech from the Throne in Canada’s Senate. It’s symbolic, yes. But sometimes symbols matter. Because structure, tradition, and dignity help us remember who we are. And right now, I think we need that.
We have so much in common with the United States, European settler roots, immigrant foundations, a shared border, a deep cultural bond. But we’re also different. And we need to hold onto that difference. Especially when we hear things like the President of the United States claiming our border was “drawn with a ruler.” Really? I’d love to know what map he’s looking at. From Ontario and the Great Lakes to the twists and turns of Quebec and Atlantic Canada, our border is anything but straight. It’s complex, beautiful, and hard-won, just like the country it outlines.
And that’s the thing. Canada isn’t perfect. We have work to do, on reconciliation, on inequality, on defending democracy against disinformation. But we still show up. We still respect the process. And we still understand that a functioning democracy doesn’t have to be loud to be strong.
So maybe this post is just a love letter. A bit of ramble. A bit of red and white. A bit of “Yay, Canada.” But it’s also a reminder.
A reminder that today, our democracy is on full display. A reminder that tone is everything. A reminder that some plastic luggage tags carry the weight of a lifetime of pride.
And maybe, just maybe, in a world that sometimes feels like it’s spinning off its axis, Canada is still one of the few places quietly holding the centre.
So Canada, please, be who you are. Know who you are. Know how fortunate we are to live in this incredible, imperfect, determined country.
And for anyone watching from afar, especially from south of the border: Our sovereignty is not up for discussion. It is absolute. It is earned. It is non-negotiable.
Long may we wave our flag.
Nancy's Notes 