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Avi Benlolo: Canada should be getting wiser on its 159th birthday. Instead, it got meaner

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03.07.2026

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Avi Benlolo: Canada should be getting wiser on its 159th birthday. Instead, it got meaner

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This week we proudly celebrated Canada’s 159th birthday. We’ve come a long way as a country. We’ve built a nation that is the pride and envy of the world, a nation of peace, of shared values of freedom and democracy, and one that respects personal dignity as enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

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This year, I’ve written a lot about missing the Canada where we left our doors unlocked. Where our children sang Kumbaya in school gymnasiums and where good citizenship marked by kindness, compassion and civility reigned. They can still be heard in small towns across the land, but I miss the sound of hockey sticks hitting the pavement.

Avi Benlolo: Canada should be getting wiser on its 159th birthday. Instead, it got meaner Back to video

Our country seems to have gotten less Canada. Less nice. Less tolerant........

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