This Canada Day, we’re celebrating the voices, stories, and reflections of residents who have lived, served, and journeyed across this great nation. Through their words, we’re reminded of the pride, resilience, and gratitude that define what it means to call Canada home.
Maurice and Frieda Coulter: Grateful hearts, proud Canadians
Irish couple Maurice and Frieda came to Canada in 1977 in search of a better life for their family — and never looked back. “We came to Canada for a new life for ourselves and our two sons,” Maurice shared. “And we never regretted a moment of it.”
Becoming Canadian citizens was a proud and deliberate decision. “Our younger son wanted to become a pilot and was considering the Royal Canadian Air Force,” Frieda explained. “To do that, he had to be a citizen. So we thought, well, we might as well become citizens then —which was good.” The couple speaks with joy about Canada’s diversity and beauty. “You can go from mountains to lakes to prairie and you're all in the one country,” said Frieda. Maurice added, “It’s the old cliché, a land of opportunity. We’re so glad we came to Canada.” For them, being Canadian is about respect, gentleness, and opportunity. “We believe in everyone being treated respectfully,” said Frieda, before Maurice added: “We like that whole gentleness that comes with being Canadian.”
Marilyn Doak: A land of comfort and courage
To Marilyn, Canada is more than home, it’s a promise of freedom. “To be Canadian means to be free and live without fear,” she said. “We have one of the best countries in the world.”
Her pride in the nation involves its landscapes and legacy. “We have everything here, the east coast, the Rockies, the wildlife. I’ve stood on the most westerly and most easterly points of the country,” she said. Marilyn and her husband even rode across Canada on a motorcycle, soaking up its beauty, province by province.
Born on a farm settled by her family generations ago, Marilyn holds deep appreciation for Canadian farmers and veterans. “We should honour our veterans so much. So many of them gave their lives so we could live the way we do.” She’s fiercely proud of what Canada stands for. “We just cannot let this country be the 51st state,” she said with resolve.
Mike Ingram: Home in every way
For Mike, Canada is more than a country, it’s his legacy. “It means everything to me, it’s our land. My great-grandparents came here in the 1800s and we've been here ever since. It is my country.”
Mike’s pride in Canada runs deep through his police service, his business career, and his cross-country travels. “I've been in uniform, I've owned a business, and I've been all over Canada and the U.S. But Canada is still the safest and best place to come home to.”
He cherishes Canada’s natural beauty and solid foundations. “We have a stable governance system. And our country is absolutely gorgeous — from the Gaspé to the Rockies to Muskoka.” Mike also believes in passing down Canadian values. “My kids have the same feeling for Canada that I do,” he said. “Canada is respected in the world community. We’re known for peacekeeping, respect, and safety.”
Joanne Aitchison: Quiet strength, global kindness
Joanne believes in Canada’s place in the world. “We’re very lucky to be here,” she said. “We do as much as we can for other countries. That’s important.” Her love for Canada is rooted in freedom and service. “I think it’s a relatively free country. And people think of Canadians as honorable and helpful. That’s really important to me.”
She also sees a growing sense of patriotism. “I think it’s more than ever. I see more Canadian flags out there, more ‘Made in Canada’ ads on TV. People are supporting the country they believe in.” Despite being soft-spoken by stereotype, Joanne believes Canadians are finding their voice. “We’re known as quiet people who don’t complain,” she said. “But I think we’re starting to speak up, and that’s a good thing. We do a lot we can be proud of.”
Gordon Thompson: Service, pride, and purpose
Gordon's Canadian journey began in uniform. “I joined the Air Force in 1953. They taught me a trade that made me a living for all these years.” He takes pride in Canada's role on the world stage. “Lester B. Pearson helped form the United Nations. I served overseas patrolling the Iron Curtain. We were part of something that mattered.”
A fifth-generation Canadian, Gordon sees Canada as a giving, welcoming land. “To sum up Canada in a word, I’d say generosity. Most Canadians are very welcoming. It’s like, ‘Come here and you'll find your extended family.’” When asked what Canada stands for, Gordon’s answer is simple but powerful: “A welcoming place.”
Betty McTaggart: Beauty, strength, and compassion
Betty considers herself fortunate to be born in Canada. “I've always felt I was born at the right time in the right place,” she said. “Canada is a country where people care about each other.” She and her husband travelled coast to coast, discovering each province’s distinct beauty. “Each one has its own character,” she said. “Even Saskatchewan surprised me — it wasn’t dull at all!”
Betty sees Canada as a peace-loving, hard-working nation. “We step in when other countries are in need, whether it’s war or disaster. I’m proud to be Canadian.” She also feels Canadians are kind but strong when it counts. “We’re friendly and patient, but when it comes to defending ourselves, we’re very strong,” she said. “We’ll stand up for what we believe in.”
Ron Miles: A journey of appreciation
For Ron, loving Canada is second nature. “It is a very open country,” he said. “I’ve been in all but one province, and my wife and I even honeymooned in the Maritimes.” Their travels across Canada left a lasting impression. “For our 50th anniversary, we visited Newfoundland. It ended up being our favourite experience — more than even skiing in the Rockies.”
To Ron, being Canadian means strength, unity, and stewardship. “It’s knowing that people are committed to working together — and to keeping the planet’s interests in mind.” He’s proud of Canada's contributions to world peace. “Canada played a major role in both world wars. That was a contribution to ourselves and to the planet.”
With everything happening in the world, Ron believes Canadians are more appreciative of their country than ever. “We’re really determined not to be Americans,” he said. “We work together. That’s what makes this country special.”
From coast to coast, our residents’ stories capture the heart of Canada — its beauty, its kindness, and its enduring spirit. We thank them for sharing their memories and reminding us all why we’re proud to be Canadian. Happy Canada Day!