To Canada, With Love

Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian readers! And their loved ones.

As you know, I tend not to shy away from pointing out Canada’s faults. But as much as I get frustrated with my homeland, it does have some wonderful qualities.

I’d like to focus on those today, in honour of the country’s special day. So, are you ready for a little Canadian appreciation?

Then let’s get into some things I LOVE about Canada.

Great passport

This is a super important one, especially for travelers and aspiring expats.

As per the 2024 Passport Index, the Canadian passport is tied for 8^th place with the United States, Australia, Croatia, and a few other countries. We’ve got visa-free access to 125 countries, allowing us to go pretty much wherever we want in the world.

Europe, Asia, South America – let’s go!

Pretty awesome, no?

Beautiful landscape

Canada is a HUGE country, and it is beautiful. There’s not much debate about that.

Each province here has its own natural beauty, whether you like the ocean, mountains, prairies, forest, or #lakelife. While still here planning my exit, I’m doing my best to see as much of the country as I can. This summer I’m heading out to Prince Edward Island for the first time and I can’t wait.

Anne of Green Gables: I’m coming for you!

All four seasons

Okay, so maybe I occasionally shake my fist at the cold. But I’m not talking -10°C here. I’m talking when it gets down to like -40°C and the wind is practically taking your head off.

The cold literally gives me hives all over my face. No kidding. And trust me, it’s not a good look. I laugh and say I’m not built for this weather. But, I mean, is anybody built for -40°C?

It’s not always like that though (thank God).

I love spring and fall, and our warm (but way too short!) summers. Even the snow and cold temps of winter can be a welcome change, assuming my husband is around to do the shoveling, of course.

Safe

Just like anywhere else, you need to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety. But overall, Canada is a relatively safe place, particularly outside the big cities.

Keeping one eye on the terrible conflicts in other parts of the world, I’m so deeply thankful that here in Canada we have not experienced war since…well, a very long time. We don’t have to worry about bombs dropping on us or being invaded by a wave of tanks.

That is something that we need to hold dear for as long as we can. We’ve had peace here for all our lives and most of us probably take it for granted.

So, this Canada Day, let’s make sure we give thanks for that, since many people do not have this luxury and suffer terribly because of it.

Oh, Canada – I appreciate you.

While it’s true that I don’t like the direction our country is headed in, there are still so many things I love about this place. It’s my home, after all.

My family has been here for generations. I love this land and think Canada has so much going for it. Hopefully we can turn things around. In many ways, leaving is something I wish I didn’t have to do.

But, for the good of my kids, I know I need a good backup plan. Having options in these tumultuous times is always a good thing, and none of us knows what the future will bring.

In the meantime, as I diligently develop my escape plan, I plan to make a conscious effort to appreciate all the great things about Canada and the opportunities it has given me and my family.

Oh Canada, I really do appreciate you. No matter what happens, I hope we can still be friends.

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Lisa Richards

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