A crowd gathers for Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa on July 1, 2022. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang
Commentary
For many people, it seems to be a chore trying to feel pride in our country as our national holiday approaches. A survey in 2024 found that only 34 percent of Canadians were “very proud” to be Canadian, down from 52 percent in 2016 and 78 percent in 1985. The share who were either “proud” or “very proud” fell from 79 percent in 2016 to 58 percent in 2024, indicating a substantial erosion of intense attachment.
