What does Canada mean to you in 2025? Share your perspective and story

From poutine, maple syrup and beaver tails to mountains, prairies and the sea, people around the world have some fairly defined ideas of what "Canada" is — if they think about it at all. 

But within Canada, pride and identity have shifted over time, whether it was after the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools or through the displays of the Canadian flag and talk over rights during the Freedom Convoy. 

This year saw a resurgence in Canadian pride as people got their "elbows up," bought Canadian products and pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump's musings about Canada becoming a 51st State and tariff threats. Then there was a federal election — a fast and furious campaign that ended with some frustrated western Canadians talking about separation. 

It's led many to feel like there's a national existential crisis amid the ongoing effort to understand the values that define our nation. 

CBC wants to explore what makes residents and citizens from all backgrounds feel rooted in this country as we approach Canada Day. We're looking for First Person columns to publish in the lead-up to Canada Day, exploring Canadian identity from multiple perspectives. 

What's the personal experience you've had that defines what being Canadian means to you, in this moment in time? How did it come to mean what it does to you, whether that's good or bad, or like some relationships, complicated?

Perhaps you want to tell us about a special place in this country that defines what it means to be Canadian for you. Maybe you want to write about a moment that you came to feel a real connection — or a sense of disconnection — from Canada. Perhaps you want to write about a Canadian tradition that you practise and you hope continues in future generations. 

Here are some examples of columns we've published that might get you thinking about your own experience:

• We live in Japan, so how do I teach my son what it means to be Canadian?

• I'm a proud Anishinaabe who asserts my Indigenous sovereignty. That's why I won't vote

• Last year, Canada became my home. Feeling like a Canadian will take a bit longer

• My wife, my children and I were all born in different countries. But Canada is the best place on Earth

Send a 200-word pitch to firstperson@cbc.ca, including the deeply personal experience you've had that clicked into place what being Canadian means to you. Please also include where you live.

This is a paid writing opportunity and you don't have to be a professional writer. You'll work one-on-one with a CBC editor to produce your piece.

Want to see previous First Person columns we've published? Check out our website and FAQ here. 

Questions? Email me at janani.whitfield@cbc.ca.