A small group of local women has met several times to consider how we might stand for and celebrate Canada in a non-political way.

The world is filled with such dire news of late, including the dramatic changes in the US. In both the US and Canada, there are resistance and protest movements opposing such changes and the havoc they are wreaking on so many innocent people.  But some of us started wondering about how it would be, not to stand against something, but FOR something instead.  

When the rhetoric about Canada as the 51st state started to gain steam, we became very angry. Eventually the anger passed when we realized that it was neither good for our own health, nor did it address the issue in a positive way. And so Women for Canada was born. We are a grassroots movement uniting us in love for our country and care for our community.

While not wanting to dismiss the negativity in the world, nor the angst and despair experienced by so many, our small group looks to lift-up the positives about Canada in a public and edifying way. This seems a time to appeal to the “better angels of our nature”, to quote Abraham Lincoln. Women for Canada want to link elbows.

So, our group asked: How can we hold up a trustworthy vision of the Canada we love? How can we bring our values or attributes, our visions, indeed our blessings in being Canadian, to the fore? How can we be agents of another way? How can we act collectively in this Kamloops community?

  We began by considering what we might call “Canadian values”: both what we value about Canada, and what values Canadians generally hold. Here are just some of the ones brought forward in our discussion:  social justice, respect, multiculturalism and bilingualism, reconciliation with our indigenous peoples, welcoming of refugees and immigrants, social safety net, equity, diplomacy, inclusivity, resilience, peace, hard work, compassion, democracy, cooperation.   The reader can likely name other values that we cherish and celebrate about Canada, and that form the foundation of who we are. 

We are presently considering public actions to bring these values forward.   This article is just one small step in beginning that process. We are also considering a booth at the Farmers’ Market. Stay tuned for more information.

Submitted by Dawne Taylor