After living in Canada for two years, I still sometimes felt like a passer-by watching someone else’s party through the front windows of their house. Unnoticed, I could watch the events unfold in front of me, not knowing what the celebration was and who was celebrating, but obliged to watch and always wanting to join in. This was the dilemma of living away from the country of my birth. I fit but I didn’t fit. I was Canadian in my attitude to living but I wasn’t Canadian by birth or citizenship.
Key to this dilemma was the celebration of established Canadian public holidays such as Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Victoria Day, and Family Day, which came and went, yet would not register in my consciousness in the same way as it would for your average Canadian. One such example was Canada Day.
 |
| Happy Birthday indeed |
On the 1st of July every year, Canadians come together across the nation to celebrate Canada’s birthday. The day historically marks the joining of the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces in 1867 (the Province of Canada was divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) and the birth of Canada as a nation. Canada Day has become a day of celebrating all things Canadian and witness to an outpouring of national pride and sentiment. Furthermore, it takes place ahead of the 4th of July celebrations in the United States and is surely seen as a small victory for the Great White North.
It has always been a bone of contention for me that England, and the UK writ large, does not have its own national day of celebration. With the exception of patron saint days, such as St. George’s Day, which are not public holidays, us Britons have always been unable or perhaps embarrassed to proudly celebrate our heritage and history in a comparably outward way. The Canadians, however, held no such reservations. Canada Day was an opportunity to let loose and revel in all things Canadian, and was a unique experience for this expat living in Ottawa.
 |
| Canada Day on Parliament Hill |
On Canada Day, celebrations generally range from outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, and barbecues, to citizenship ceremonies for new citizens and fireworks displays as night falls. Across the country, Canadians furiously wave the iconic Maple Leaf flag and adorn themselves in a multitude of red and white stickers as they revel in 24 hours of sheer and utter ‘Canadianness’ in the most good natured and wholesome ways.
 |
| The Mounties |
The hub of these celebrations is always in the national capital, where large concerts are held on Parliament Hill, as well as in other parks and open spaces around the city. The Governor-General presides over these events whilst various other dignitaries, celebrities and ‘Canadians of standing’ will also usually attend. The Snowbirds flight demonstration team screech across the sky in tight aerial formations, the rock bands and folk dancers perform on the Hill, and the celebrated Mounties ride in on horseback to demonstrate their world-renowned Musical Ride.
 |
| Flags-a-flying everywhere |
It was easy to celebrate living in Canada, rejoicing in the great things this proud country stands for, and remembering the new life it was providing me with. However, I was of the opinion that Canada Day meant cherishing what it was to be a Canadian – not a Brit, German or Aussie – and that distinction put me in the position of being a part of the celebrations but not at one with the celebrating nation. Fiercely patriotic of the UK, I was internally divided as I sought to fully and wholeheartedly adopt my new home whilst ensuring my British identity remained intact.
My Canadian friends had welcomed me into their homes and their lives but it somehow seemed I would always be on the periphery, not quite one of them but equally a stranger no more, unless I was prepared to give up the old country and embrace the new. I’d left my home to venture into the wide blue yonder and celebrations like Canada Day simply reinforced my perception, however inaccurate, that in doing so, I would have to give up a little piece of who I was – a little piece of my identity – to become truly Canadian. Until I made a firm and unconditional commitment to this place, I would remain in the in-between, a sort of no-man’s land, a wandering expat.
 |
| Proud of its people, past and present |
I’m the world’s least patriotic Brit but there’s nothing like emigrating to make you come over all-British. I don’t even say I’m English here in Montreal because it has certain connotations ie. people might think you are an Anglo Montrealer who hasn’t bothered to learn French. (as opposed to an English person who hasn’t bothered to learn French.) I feel I have moral superiority because I’ve just been here 2 years and I have had 33 weeks of French lessons).
Also my Britishness has shown itself in my penchant for making British desserts for all the Canucks (sticky toffee pudding anyone) and suddenly steak and kidney pie has entered my culinary repertoire. Actually I think I might add this thought to my blog. Read more at http://www.annekostalas.blogspot.com (shameless advertising there)
Hi Anne, absolutely agree. Being away from the UK has somehow made me more patriotic! My mother grew up in Montreal so can probably relate to your experience there (my grandfather is a Newfie who spent a large part of his life in Montreal). It’s funny but steak and kidney pie has also entered my world, as has bread and butter pudding!
I just read your blog – advertise away, we all do it! Russ
Just thinking about bread and butter pudding.mmmmmmmm
I had no idea that England didn’t have a national day, interesting. I’m Canadian and I love Canada Day. It’s the one day a year where we really celebrate all that is good in our country.
Well, we have St. George’s Day, which celebrates our patron saint but no day out of work, no public holiday, and no real celebration. I guess we don’t have ‘independence’ to celebrate like you do but it would still be nice to celebrate Englishness as such. I’ve heard rumours that the UK government is considering a national day… watch this space I guess!
A v. well observed piece. I don’t think you can ever completely leave your country of birth behind if you move to another country as a grown-up and, really, you don’t need to as long as you’re careful not to compare your new country unfavourably to your native country. I am Canadian (and always will be) but have lived in England for over 40 years, coming here as a young bride. My children were born here and, like them, I feel I am a Londoner (but never really English!). Now, when returning to either Canada or England, I am coming ‘home’.
@Lois – I agree on all counts! Unfavourable comparisons are never a good thing and I’ve taught myself to avoid doing that over the years. I like your approach of being a ‘Londoner’ rather than English. Maybe you’re on to something there – adopt your home town rather than focus on the nationality aspect?! My grandma did the reverse of your – she was a war bride living in Montreal (she met my grandfather in the UK when he was billeted to stay at her parents’ house!) but eventually returned to England (I think she struggled with the winters)… thanks for your kind comments.