Submitted by Don Woods

Bio/About: I am from Chapleau, Ontario between Timmins and Wawa. I'm currently living and working in the Black Forest in Germany, in a town called Buehl (Baden-Baden.)

My take: I am a proud and patriotic Canadian living in Germany. Many people in Europe, especially Germany, envy me for being a Canadian. A common perception of Canadians is that we are:

• Multi-cultural
• Tolerant
• Easy going
• Peace loving
• Land of opportunities
• Friendly
• Happy
• Free

How they perceive Canada geographically is:

• Vast, endless & pure nature
• Wildlife
• Snow & Cold
• Big Cities, small towns & yet wide open space

I couldn't agree more!

Sometimes I can smell Canada's forest, and I instantly become homesick. I used to stand outside in January at night when it was —40 C and watching the Northern Lights dance I knew I was somewhere special. In the summer when the black flies bit, I knew I was alive.

I love the easy going pace. And yeah, sometimes one gets impatient and annoyed when the Via Rail is an hour late (or even seven), but why rush into the future? When I needed a plumber, he may have come a day later, because he decided to go fishing instead. We may bicker at each other between Quebec and other provinces, but we are all Canadian regardless of language.

Watching our polite anchors such as Peter Mansbridge, Rex Murphy, Peter Armstrong, Steve Armitage, Adrienne Arsenault and Terry Milewski just to mention a few, interview people around the world is a delight. Listening to CBC Radio with Michael Enright, Anna Maria Tremonti, Jo-Ann Roberts and Cathy Haag means I am connected. Chuckling while Don Cherry and Ron Maclean nag at each other like an old married couple is a delight. I miss Peter Gzowski, I grew up hearing his voice and I had the privilege in personally meeting him.

Listening and singing along to songs from Stompin' Tom, Kim Mitchell and Anne Murray; I wish I was back home.
For me, CBC means I am Canadian. I identify myself with a Broadcast Corporation that represents Canada. It lets me know that I am a citizen of a very privileged and unique country on planet earth. I am part of a society that others around the globe view as blessed and privileged. Thank you CBC!

What have I learned what makes a Canadian? Is it because he was born in Canada? Is it because he has Native blood? Can a Pakistani or an Iranian be a Canadian?

What makes a Canadian is the heart.

I have so much more to say about Canada. So many names to mention, so many places to name that an entire book wouldn't suffice!!!

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