Each year on Canada Day, July 1, we mark the anniversary of the founding of modern Canada in 1867. For many, it is a day of celebration: a time to honour the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and shared values of democracy and inclusion.
But for many others, Canada Day is also a complex and painful reminder of a colonial past marked by the displacement, marginalization, and systemic oppression of Indigenous peoples. As we come together on this national holiday, it’s important to hold space for both celebration and reflection.
Acknowledging the Past: A Complex Legacy
Long before Confederation, this land was home to diverse and thriving Indigenous nations. The very name “Canada” is believed to come from the Huron-Iroquois word kanata, meaning “village” or “settlement.” Indigenous peoples lived on and cared for these lands for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers.
Colonial policies, including land dispossession, the residential school system, and forced relocations, have left deep and lasting scars. These are not just historical events; their impacts continue to shape the lives of Indigenous communities today.
Acknowledging this truth is not about diminishing Canada’s achievements, but rather about creating space for honest conversations about what the true history of Canada is. And what the future of Canada can become.
A Nation in Progress: Shaping the Future
Despite this difficult history, Canada has made meaningful progress. Today, more than eight million immigrants call Canada home, making us one of the most multicultural nations in the world. Canada is consistently ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the rights of individuals regardless of background, gender, or belief. And more recent progressive legislation, such as the Accessible Canada Act, Pay Equity Act, and Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, reflects our ongoing commitment to equity, sustainability, and justice.
Canada has also become a global leader in championing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, welcoming refugees, and investing in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. While the journey is far from over, these steps mark a path forward rooted in the values of compassion, responsibility, and mutual respect. Our WCC team recognizes this shared responsibility and is committed to playing our part in building an aviation industry that is inclusive and reflective of the Canada we live in today, and remaining hopeful and intentional about the Canada we envision for tomorrow.
A Call to Celebrate and Reflect
This Canada Day, let us celebrate not with blind patriotism, but with thoughtful pride about the freedoms we enjoy, the diversity that defines us, and the responsibility we have in holding space for each other.
As we raise our flags and gather with loved ones, let’s all remember that the story of Canada is still being written, and that we all have a role in writing it.
Happy Canada Day to all who celebrate!