This coming Tuesday, politicians across the country will be proclaiming in speeches and on social media that Canada is the greatest country in the world.

Some may cringe when politicians pronounce these lofty assertions, as we have no shortage of downsides — a housing crisis, soaring cost of living, crumbling infrastructure, etc. But this year is different.

Recurring taunts from the president of our powerful next-door neighbour about annexing our country have Canadians circling the wagons in a strong display of patriotism, asserting our difference from the U.S.

It’s difficult to generalize about what distinguishes us, as every individual Canadian has their own set of beliefs, experiences, values and political inclination. Some will refer to a tendency of being less brash, overly polite, or more rugged because of our climate. Many cite the commitment to universal health care or the contrast regarding gun culture. One irrefutable difference, though, is that we have two official languages in this country, with a province for which the protection of........

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