as Canadian as possible – under the circumstances.”
I’d forgotten this, thanks for reminding me.
Gzowski had a gift for uniting the country and exploring its diversity.
I met him in Calgary at a book signing once and being a smart alec I asked who was going to win the Grey Cup - Calgary or Toronto. He pondered then replied
Calgary just had the Olympics and was riding very high on civic pride as was the province which he mentioned. Then he talked about the challenges of Toronto and what the city faced. He finally wrapped up by saying “Toronto, Toronto needs the win, you guys will be just fine”.
We need more of that. Thanks for the memory and thanks for your well crafted essay
This entire essay moved me deeply. (I've got something in my eye...)
"Canada is imperfect. Its history is unfinished. Its promises are unevenly realized."
"But a country worth defending is not one that claims perfection. It is one that commits to improvement, to repair, to inclusion and to opportunity. One that understands itself as a project, not a trophy."
This, to me, is the essence of the place and its people: the unification of the awareness of our blessings, privileges and obligations with the courage to be honest with ourselves about what's not working and the work ethic that fixing those things demands.
I reflect often on the motto of the Order of Canada, which is: Desiderantes meliorem patriam, "They desire a better country." I think every one of us would do well to carry the spirit of the Order of Canada within us.
To embody that spirit has never been more important than it is now.
Corey, this is magnificent. Inspirational, aspirational and on point. Beautiful, thank you for sharing
Well said. Thank you.
This one was more fun to read, but both we're really well done.
as Canadian as possible – under the circumstances.”
I’d forgotten this, thanks for reminding me.
Gzowski had a gift for uniting the country and exploring its diversity.
I met him in Calgary at a book signing once and being a smart alec I asked who was going to win the Grey Cup - Calgary or Toronto. He pondered then replied
Calgary just had the Olympics and was riding very high on civic pride as was the province which he mentioned. Then he talked about the challenges of Toronto and what the city faced. He finally wrapped up by saying “Toronto, Toronto needs the win, you guys will be just fine”.
We need more of that. Thanks for the memory and thanks for your well crafted essay
Thank You! A superb assessment of Canada.
Man, Corey.
This entire essay moved me deeply. (I've got something in my eye...)
"Canada is imperfect. Its history is unfinished. Its promises are unevenly realized."
"But a country worth defending is not one that claims perfection. It is one that commits to improvement, to repair, to inclusion and to opportunity. One that understands itself as a project, not a trophy."
This, to me, is the essence of the place and its people: the unification of the awareness of our blessings, privileges and obligations with the courage to be honest with ourselves about what's not working and the work ethic that fixing those things demands.
I reflect often on the motto of the Order of Canada, which is: Desiderantes meliorem patriam, "They desire a better country." I think every one of us would do well to carry the spirit of the Order of Canada within us.
To embody that spirit has never been more important than it is now.
Thank you for sharing. Thank you for caring. A wonderful piece that says it all.
Fantastic 👏👏👏
This says it all. Should be required reading for every Canadian.