Canada's Biggest Influence

More than any individual, the collective voice of Canadians makes the country what it is.

It’s not easy to determine who Canada’s most influential person is. This country doesn’t have a President or a Bill Gates-type who wields so much influence that they may even be considered to own our country.

It is within the nature of Canada not to be owned. Our fabled lack of identity is our identity. We refuse definition and will not succumb to labels or mottos. We are a people who, like the ocean, change the shape of the coastline with a million gentle waves and, only when needed, the occasional crashing surf.

Many have tried through politics, the media, the arts, and business to be that defining character of Canada but none have succeeded. Canadians refuse to be conquered by the fame or fortune of others. We push back against the will of opinion leaders almost by reflex. Canada is the nation that insists on positive change, not change for the sake of change.

History has shown us to be caring and brave, cautious yet adventurous. Other nations that are so easily defined try to mock us for our perceived lack of identity but it is their narrow definitions of themselves that allow them to be owned while Canada remains free.

Time rolls on but it is always the voice of Canadians that speaks the loudest and the will of Canadians that defines our character.

Who owns Canada?

The people do.