Canada has long been a nation shaped by immigration, and our openness to newcomers has been one of our greatest strengths. To be kind and welcoming is not just a virtue - it’s a defining part of who we are. With vast land and resources, sharing our country with those seeking a better life should not be seen as a burden, but an opportunity.
Yet, in recent years, as immigrant policies have shifted and the pace of newcomers has increased, concerns have grown about integration. Some argue that Canada’s identity is fading, that the values that once united us are being diluted as cultural differences create misunderstandings and divisions. But is that truly the case? Or have we simply lost sight of what it means to be Canadian in the first place?
Perhaps what we need is not to close our doors, but to better define and strengthen the values that make Canada home for all of us - newcomers and lifelong citizens alike. What if we had a cultural charter, a shared foundation that goes beyond the laws and policies, reminding us of the principles that bind us together? But where to start…
The Baby Boomers rejected rigid structures of the past - religion, tradition, nationalism, etc. - often because those institutions were used to justify oppression, war, and inequality. But in dismantling them, they may not have anticipated what would take their place. Now, we live in a world where meaning is increasingly self-defined, but that freedom has led to an existential drift. So, how do we fix it?
We need to rebuild meaning, not just tear down the old. Deconstructing rigid belief systems was necessary in many ways and for many reasons, but we failed to replace them with something equally meaningful. We need new frameworks that offer purpose, moral grounding, and a sense of belonging. These don’t necessarily have to be religious, but they should provide the same communal and existential fulfillment that religion once did.
We need to reclaim the community. The erosion of community is one of the biggest losses in modern Western culture. We moved from tight-knit local communities to individualistic, tech-driven isolation. People need real, in-person connection - shared meals, communal projects, traditions. Encouraging localism, intergenerational connection and social rituals (even secular ones) can help restore that.
We need to learn from our past without mindlessly rejecting it. Some traditions - rituals, celebrations, shared stories - can be adapted rather than thrown aside. There’s a reason why older civilizations had rites of passage, seasonal festivals and collective worship. They gave people a sense of identity and continuity. Finding ways to modernize those concepts could help us.
Many people are spiritually curious but resistant to organized religion, largely because of historical abuses. Instead of trying to force a return to old institutions, we could focus on fostering philosophical and spiritual exploration - through philosophy, meditation, storytelling, or even cultural movements that address the deep questions of existence.
Meaning comes from serving something beyond yourself - family, community, country, art, nature, knowledge, faith. We need to bring back a sense of duty, but in a way that aligns with modern values. Volunteering, mentorship, environmental stewardship - these can all replace the loss of shared purpose in a secularized world.
We need to take the best lessons from the past while creating something new that resonates with today’s world.
We need a compelling narrative. Every large shift is driven by a story. The Enlightenment had reason and progress. Religion had divine purpose. Nationalism had identity and pride. Right now, the West lacks a unifying narrative beyond consumerism and vague individualism. To fix this, we need a movement centered around a positive, inspiring vision - one that people can rally behind without forcing dogma. We must build a future of meaning, connection, and responsibility.
But for anything to take hold at scale, institutions have to be involved - education, media, workplaces, government. Right now, these systems either promote hyper-individualism (do whatever makes YOU happy) or bureaucratic control (just follow the rules). Instead, they could foster meaning by emphasizing service, personal responsibility, and deeper human connection. Schools could teach purpose-driven philosophy, workplaces could prioritize mentorship and communal well-being, and governments could support civic engagement programs (beyond just voting and/or donating).
Old traditions were powerful because they provided structure and continuity. While we don’t need to return to religious orthodoxy, we do need shared experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.
Social media and entertainment have become tools of distraction and division rather than tools of connection. But what if we flipped that? Imagine digital spaces designed to foster real-life community, mentorship, and purpose-driven discussions instead of outrage and narcissism. Governments, companies, and influencers could promote platforms that encourage constructive engagement over shallow content.
For large-scale change, people need to feel a sense of duty to one another. Not in an authoritarian way, but in a way that makes them want to contribute. This means shifting our cultural expectations from “live for yourself” to “live for something bigger”. That could involve campaigns, education, and leadership from public figures who embody this message.
One reason extremism grows is that mainstream society fails to provide compelling alternatives. Instead of simply censoring or shaming harmful ideologies, we need to offer a vision that is stronger, more attractive, and fulfilling. This means engaging with disillusioned people and showing them a better way - not just telling them they’re wrong.
History shows that societies can shift when the right type of leadership, storytelling, and institutional support aligns. The West is overdue for a cultural renaissance - one that doesn’t rely on outdated dogma but also doesn’t dissolve into meaningless individualism.
Our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an important, valuable, and valued document. It’s helped shape Canada into a peaceful, welcoming, and safe place to live, and thrive. But it’s not our rights or freedoms that are in true jeopardy. It’s our culture.
So here’s a rough draft of the Canadian Culture Charter:
1- Community & Belonging
Canada is built on the idea that we take care of one another.
We value strong communities where people look out for neighbors, newcomers, and those in need.
We recognize that diversity is our strength, but unity is our foundation.
2- Freedom & Responsibility
Canadians cherish freedom of expression, belief, and choices, but recognize that rights come with responsibilities to others.
We encourage civil discourse, even in disagreement, and reject extremism that seeks to divide us.
3- Hard Work & Resilience
From Indigenous traditions to modern innovation, Canada has been shaped by hard work and perseverance.
Whether facing harsh winters, economic challenges, or personal struggles, Canadians believe in getting through it together.
4- Respect for Nature & the Land
Canada’s vast wilderness and rich resources are not just an economic asset, but a sacred trust.
We recognize Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of this land and commit to protecting our environment for future generations.
5- Fairness & Equity
A just society means that everyone has a fair shot, regardless of background, gender, faith, or ability.
We reject systemic discrimination and work toward opportunities for all, but also value merit, effort, and contribution.
6- Humor & Humility
Canadians are known for self-deprecating humor, kindness, and a lack of arrogance.
We take our responsibilities seriously but not ourselves too seriously.
7- Hospitality & Generosity
Whether welcoming refugees or helping a neighbor shovel their driveway, generosity is a defining trait of Canadians.
A good society is a giving society, where success is measured not just by wealth, but by how well we uplift and empower others.
8- Reconciliation & Progress
Canada has a complicated past, but we strive to learn from history, acknowledge wrongs, and move forward together.
Progress doesn’t mean erasing traditions - it means adapting them to build a more just and united future.
9- Global Citizenship
While proud of our nation, Canadians believe in being good global citizens too.
We champion peace, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid, recognizing that our place in the world is one of cooperation, not domination.
10- The Canadian Way: A Balance of Tradition and Innovation
We honour the past without being stuck in it.
We embrace the future without losing our core values.
Canada is a work in progress, and every generation has a role in shaping what it means to be Canadian.
Perhaps I’ve not used the best language. Perhaps I’ve gone into too much detail, perhaps not enough. I don’t know. This was just an exercise really. But, wouldn’t it be nice to have some sort of national ethos like that? One that’s shared in schools, so children grow up learning and implementing the values in their day to day life. An ethos that all Canadians can rally around and agree on. Like a cultural and moral compass, separate from the legal framework.
Canada is more than just a place on a map - it’s a living, evolving idea. It’s the warmth of a neighbor’s helping hand in the dead of winter, the quiet resilience that carries us through hardship, and the belief that fairness and kindness are strengths, not weaknesses.
But a nation is only as strong as the values its people uphold. As we navigate an ever-changing world, we must ask ourselves: what does it truly mean to be Canadian? It’s not just about geography or law - it’s about the way we live, the way we treat one another, and the legacy we choose to build.
A Canadian Culture Charter wouldn’t replace our rights and freedoms; it would remind us why they matter. It would serve as a guide, not just for policy, but for purpose. Because being Canadian isn’t just something we are - it’s something we do, together.
Ⓒ March 2025. Beki Lantos. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author.
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