Tag: Canada

Flag Day

On February 15 in 1965 the new Canadian flag, with our current Maple Leaf design, was raised for the first time. On the same day in 1996, National Flag Day was established.

Celebrate Flag Day in recognition of the ways in which our flag can act as a unifying symbol. “Our national flag is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects the common values we take pride in — democracy, inclusion and equity.” (source)

Canadians have traditionally been less enthusiastic about overt displays of patriotism than some others around the world. Many are aware about how “flag waving” might sometimes lead to excessive expressions of patriotism such as nationalism, jingoism and xenophobia. We can express pride in our country and the ideals and values for which we strive. When such pride grows into feelings of our superiority, and worse, a subsequent fear or hatred of others, patriotism becomes a dangerous prospect.

The flag became even more complicated for many Canadians during the Covid pandemic earlier this decade. Displaying the Canadian flag became associated with the anti-vax movement and similar anti-science and anti-intellectual trends. Sadly, many Canadians felt like the flag had been stolen from them and were uncomfortable with the thought of flying the Maple Leaf.

<a href="http://Innocentuzoma, CC BY-SA 4.0 source

In recent years, Canadians have become more comfortable with efforts to “take back the flag.” This is especially true in light of continued threats to our sovereignty from a once trusted neighbour, trading partner and ally. Canadians who once were shy about overt acts of patriotism rightfully feel a responsibility to stand up for our country.

Take back your flag. Wave the flag to cheer on our athletes as they compete in the Winter Olympics. Wave the flag, not just because of our successes and achievements, but indeed, because we have the humility to acknowledge our failures and the ways in which we are committed to improvement. Wave the flag, not as symbol of superiority, or hate, or fear, but as a symbol of the values that Canada wants to uphold.

Find out more:

Government of Canada

CBC: “A renewed sense of pride“

Global News: “Proud of our country”

National Observer: “Let’s Take it Back”

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is November 11. Today at LTSS we will observe Remembrance Day Assemblies.

Armistice Day was established to honour the fallen soldiers of Canada in “The Great War” of 1914-1918. Later, the name of the day was changed to Remembrance Day. Despite the horrors of “The War to End All Wars,” Canadians would go on to serve, and die, in another World War, as well as other conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the globe. Remembrance Day is a national holiday to honour the memory of those Canadians who have fallen in war.

Remembrance Day is not meant to celebrate war or glorify war. War has brought untold suffering and pain to the world. Those who have experienced war, especially those that have lost loved ones in war, know that war is not something to celebrate. Instead, we pay our respects to those whose lives were cut short by the horror of war.

Please take some time to reflect on what Remembrance Day is all about. On November 11th at 11:00 AM, plan to take some time to honour those that have died and those that have served. Whether you attend a ceremony in person, or check out the television coverage of the ceremony in Ottawa or other parts of Canada, take some time for Remembrance.

Orange Shirt Day

Wear an orange shirt to school on Friday, September 26

September 30th is Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. Our school will be closed that day as the nation takes time to face the truth of our history and considers a path forward of reconciliation. As a school community, we continue to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation. At Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary, we encourage all students and staff to wear an orange shirt in school on Friday, September 26, as well as on September 30th.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as the Canadian government’s formal recognition of the importance of Orange Shirt Day, observed on September 30 over most of the last decade, as part of the overall effort of raising awareness and provoking discussion about the impact of Residential Schools in Canada, and finding the path toward reconciliation.

Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada.


Millions of Canadians trace their roots to Asia and the many different nations, people groups and ethnicities of that vast continent. Asian Heritage is an incredibly diverse tapestry of history, art, religion and many other cultural pieces that have enriched our concept of what it means to be Canadian. Come down to your school library throughout the month of May to learn more.

Freedom to Read Week

February 23 to March 1, 2025, is Freedom to Read Week in Canada

From freedomtoread.ca: “Freedom to Read Week provides an opportunity for Canadians to focus on issues of intellectual freedom as they affect your community, your province or territory, our country, and countries around the world. Whether you are a librarian, bookseller, educator, student, or member of the community, there are lots of ways you can help mark this annual event.”

Visit your school library in person, or online here at tweedsmuirlibrary.ca, all week long to find out more about Freedom to Read in Canada, how you can celebrate, and how you can join in the ongoing struggle to protect your rights and freedoms.