Over the past 10 to 15 years, Canada has faced significant challenges that have eroded the foundational elements of its society. Alongside a decline in prosperity, there has been a loss of resilience, friendship, and service—qualities that once made the nation a global envy. In this series, writers examine what has been lost, with a focus on the diminishing sense of Canadian nationalism.
A Personal Journey from Suburban Roots
Growing up in suburban Toronto, the author observed classmates from immigrant families who felt spiritually homeless. These children spent summers in their parents' countries, viewing Canada as a mundane place of chores, lacking the romantic allure of their ancestral homes. As a teenager, the author, also from an immigrant background, was taught by Serbian parents to prioritize a Canadian identity, despite its vague associations with peacekeeping and hockey.
The Promise and Disillusionment of National Identity
The author initially believed that this Canadian identity would solidify over time, offering a sense of belonging. However, as they grew older, nationalism was not reinforced but dismantled under the guise of inclusivity. This transformation was driven by cultural and economic elites who viewed nationalism as superfluous, belonging instead to a global class defined by luxury experiences like minimalist AirBnbs and fusion tapas, identical across cities worldwide.
Elite Perceptions and the Devaluation of Nationalism
These cosmopolitans saw nationalism as destructive and plebeian, associating it with the masses—such as tradesmen and farmers—whom they believed needed to adopt more refined tastes to become civilized. In contrast, they celebrated minority cultures through a lens of bourgeois consumption, reducing multiculturalism to food trucks and festivals, while ignoring the deeper tensions in less affluent, suburban neighborhoods where many minority communities live.
The Consequences of a Post-Nationalist Era
By the late 2010s, Canadian nationalism, lacking institutional and cultural support, withered in many regions. Canada was reduced to an economic zone, held together by government administration and taxes, with few universal ties or reciprocal responsibilities. This shift left the nation unable to foster a deeper sense of attachment among its citizens.
The Burden of Shame and Colonial Legacy
Compounding this issue, Canadians were taught to feel ashamed of their country, framed as illegitimate and colonial. The narrative of being intruding settlers has fostered a sense of perpetual resentment, further undermining national pride and cohesion. This critical examination highlights the complex interplay between inclusivity, identity, and the erosion of what once united Canadians.
