I have a confession to make.

I have a huge, giant crush on Canada. She’s totally my type, in every way. Oh sure, I’m probably a bit biased, but I come by it honestly. I am Canadian, after all. I am extraordinarily lucky that Canada has allowed me to take up space on her for my whole life. She’s really made me feel welcome. And today, being Canada Day, I figured it was high time I tell her how I really feel and why I love her so.

She’s beautiful. I have been blessed to have seen this country from coast to coast to coast. I’ve lived among the totems of Haida Gwaii and in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I’ve been just about as far West as you can go and been to the most Eastern point too. I’ve visited every major city, and just about every province and territory. I’ve driven through the Rocky Mountains, and star gazed in the Big Sky of the Prairies. In each place, I’ve met the most incredible people.

I can tell you, from first hand experience, that this is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I mean, she’s really got it all – trees, mountains, lakes, oceans, cities, towns, and amazing people…my heart beats faster just thinking about it.

She’s generous. I’ve got it pretty good because of Canada. She takes care of my health, provides me with an education, and gives me choices – I can pick what I do for a living, in which city or town I reside, what kind of house I live in, and what sort of food I eat. Because I live in this great country, I am given the freedom of choice in how I live my life. Like my friend Scarborough Dude says in his latest podcast, we’re not the norm. So, I need to be grateful to Canada a little more often, for what she provides for me.

She’s free. Some people are mad at Canada right now, because some citizens were allegedly mistreated last weekend during the G20 in Toronto. Now, I don’t get into politics very often around here, and I’m not going to get too deep into it now. I agree that if even one person’s human rights are proven to be violated, that’s one person too many. We are lucky to live in a country where our rights are respected. But here’s the thing. Even those we love can make mistakes, and Canada is no exception. If it’s proven that peoples’ rights were violated during the G20, then I have faith in my country that justice will be served. I love Canada, so even though she might screw up sometimes, I have to have faith. That’s what love is about.

Canada IS a free country. Freedom DOES prevail, as long as we stand up for what we believe. We have it really, really good here. You want to know who doesn’t have it good? Google “humanitarian crisis”. I think then, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive Canada a little more easily for her missteps. Be thankful for the freedoms you have. They are the freedoms that our parents and grandparents and great-grandparents fought for, because they loved Canada, with all their hearts. Speak up if you feel you’ve been wronged, because you can. But be grateful that you have the power to do that. Because that’s what living in a free country is about.

Today, I plan to celebrate Canada’s beauty, generosity and freedom with my friends. We’ll wear our red and white, raise a glass, and toast all of the wonderful things that make Canada great.

And if you’re still not convinced how completely awesome Canada is, check out this video. You’ll see….

Happy Canada Day. Bonne Fête du Canada. Celebrate what makes us love her so.