Being Patriotic in a Changing World: Canada Day in the Era of Tariffs and Truth
By Jack Henry, Interim Leader, Modern Commons Party of Canada
Canada Day has always stirred a mix of pride, memory, and meaning as I reflect on what it means to be a Canadian, indeed a proud Canadian. We gather around barbeques, community events, and fireworks—but this year, the air is different. A new wave of U.S. tariffs has left many Canadians including myself angry at the US administration and questioning our economic footing and future. At the same time, as the partner of an indigenous person I am certainly still reckoning with the deeper work of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples since the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools across the country.
The question rattling around in my head isn’t whether we should celebrate Canada. It’s how we should—at a time when both our sovereignty and our values are being tested.
Canada Is Not a Commodity
Recent remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Canada would “save money” by becoming the 51st U.S. state are incredibly insulting to myself and most proud Canadians. With that said, the real danger lies not in rhetorical bluster—it lies in how we respond. When economic pressure mounts, when trade relationships grow uncertain, the answer is not to fold inward or sell ourselves short. The answer is to invest in our independence and stand firm in our identity.
Being patriotic doesn’t mean waving the flag louder than your neighbour. It means defending what Canada ought to be: a country that builds sustainably, trades fairly, and governs with compassion.
Reconciliation Is Not Separate from Patriotism
Too often non-indigenous Canadians are told they must choose between loving their country and confronting its painful truths. But I think that this is a false choice. The path to a stronger, more united Canada runs through truth and reconciliation—not around it.
Being patriotic means holding our institutions accountable when they fail Indigenous communities. Like when a Liberal government says they are going to provide clean water to the reserves that need it and then do nothing for almost 10 years.
It means understanding that treaties are not historical artifacts—they are living commitments. It means remembering that we are all treaty people, whether your family has been here since time immemorial or you immigrated to Canada yesterday.
It means listening when Indigenous leaders tell us what reconciliation truly requires: action, not just acknowledgment.
Unity Through Honesty
As the interim leader of the Modern Commons Party, I believe that patriotism should be rooted in honesty, not nostalgia. I love Canada not because it is perfect, but because it has the potential to be better, better than it has been and better than our neighbour to the south, and because we have the power to shape that future together.
Our Canada Day message is clear: We can resist external pressures and confront internal injustices. We can celebrate who we are and take responsibility for who we’ve been. We can love our country and demand it lives up to its promises.
That’s what a balanced, forward-thinking patriotism looks like.
So let’s raise the flag—not in defiance of others, but in dedication to one another. A better Canada is possible. Let’s build it together.