Is Canada ready for a little more elbows up? ‘We are not for sale’ or at least ‘more patriotism?’ Question: Who Should You Nominate for the Order of Canada

With the ongoing drama of the U.S. Donald Trump vs. Canada, there is no doubt that we live in interesting times. That being said, a little Canadian patriotism can go a long way in today’s world, and what better way to express that feeling than by nominating someone you think is worthy for the Order of Canada?

‘A Canadian who went the extra mile showing how proud they are of being Canadian.’ My choices are many; however, the likes of Stompin’ Tom, (The Hockey Song) who always sang songs about Canadian values. He, my friend, is high on my list of nominees, but there are others just as worthy.

What is the Order of Canada, you say?

   Did you know the Order of Canada is a complex system by which Canadians are honoured by the country's sovereign for actions or deeds that benefit their community or 'the country at large' The Order of Canada comes third in awards given to ordinary citizens ... just like you ... after the Cross of Valour and membership in the Order of Merit.

Now, we all know any citizen of this great country can be nominated for the Order of Canada. It may even be the guy next door who you feel is deserving of this prestigious honour.

My journey with the Order of Canada theme could have started by watching a weekly episode of “Still Standing” by Canadian comedian Jonny Harris.’ Or, it could have started travelling through a small community and spotted a sign that said, “Nominate a fellow citizen for the Order of Canada. Pick up a form at the local post office.”

Now I have to confess, after seeing that sign and that weekly TV program of ‘Still Standing’ could have steered me on this patriotic path, and now I am writing about. But I must also add that after reading the sign over again, I misunderstood its purpose. It was meant for local citizens to nominate someone from their own community. And that, my friends … is patriotism at its finest.

Rather than thinking about Canadian heroes in a general sense, it was about honouring everyday folks like the guy next door or the farmer in Wellesley called Joe.

But the nomination of someone worthy for the Order of Canada sign sparked something in me. A burst of patriotic passion, combined with names I was originally thinking of. What a great idea! And then the question hit me: Who else would I nominate short of the list I already have?

Going back to my journey with the Order of Canada and watching an episode of “Still Standing” by comedian Jonny Harris.
This comedian and actor travels across Canada, from the Klondike to small towns in Quebec. He picks a town, learns a little history of each place he stops at and performs a fun evening show for the locals. The best part is, he broadcasts the event for all of Canada to enjoy.

Jonny Harris is a hardworking Canadian from the East Coast who makes me proud to be Canadian. His name is automatically in the hat as a patriotic citizen.

So, with Still Standing still fresh in my mind, another pops in the gray matter… Stompin’ Tom with the patriotic ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ song, singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot originally from a city I know well, Orillia, Ontario. He is best known for the ballad “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and Canadian comedian Rick Mercer (Stand up for Canada) also comes to mind.
As I’m thinking of more names, I’m quickly overrun by all this Canadian talent that I could nominate for that prestigious metal.

Now what, with so many in Canada? My question is, how do I choose?

So, as these names keep popping fresh in my mind, so is the idea that patriotism doesn’t always come wrapped in a flag or big political speeches. Sometimes, it’s in the everyday working class of people who proudly represent Canada through their actions, their art, and express their love for this land they call home.

These are the unsung heroes who keep the Canadian spirit alive, those who reflect who we are, where we come from, and what we value. Whether it’s by writing songs that celebrate our small towns, telling jokes that bring us together, or simply living a life that honours this country, they deserve to be recognized.

The Order of Canada isn’t just for politicians or academics. It’s for storytellers. For farmers and health care workers. For folk singers. For small-town comedians. For everyday people who quietly, but powerfully, make us proud to be Canadian.

So next time you’re at a post office or online with a link here 🔗 think about filling it out. Think about who in your life, or in our culture, has helped make Canada home and make us all proud to live in such a wonderful Country.

Whose on your list? Pick one?

⦁ Celine Dion is a renowned Canadian singer.
⦁ Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer.
⦁ Shawn Mendes is a Canadian singer-songwriter.
⦁ Shania Twain is a Canadian singer-songwriter.
⦁ Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter.
⦁ Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer and songwriter
⦁ Carly Rae Jepsen is a renowned Canadian singer and songwriter.
⦁ Leonard Cohen was a versatile Canadian artist.
⦁ Gordon Lightfoot Jr. was a Canadian singer-songwriter …”The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”
⦁ Sarah McLachlan is a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter.
⦁ Morna Anne Murray is a highly successful Canadian singer
⦁ Mark Lee is a talented Canadian rapper.
⦁ Bryan Adams is a Canadian singer-songwriter.
⦁ Gordon Downie was a prolific Canadian rock singer-songwriter, musician, writer, and activist. Tragically Hip.
⦁ Or the farmers from Wellesley Township who supply the food on your table. They are the ‘unsung heroes.’
⦁ Health-care workers at St Martin’s Hospital.
⦁ Ryan Reynolds, “Oh, he already received the Order of Canada.”

**** The list is long, so take your time to decide. ****

Conclution;

** As for me, I’ve got four names at the top of my list: ‘Stompin’ Tom Connors, Jonny Harris, Gordon Lightfoot, and the farmer just called Joe from Wellesley.’

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*** If my story hits a patriotic nerve, that’s a good sign, and if you’d like to donate to this author, that’s a good thing. ‘PRESS THIS LINK 🔗’ to donate, and I thank you in advance. Dave