A True Canadian Citizen

        It is not just enough for a citizen to be informed about the country.  They should be an active citizen as well, which means participating in all aspects of Canadian life.  To be a productive Canadian, they need to have a job and pay income taxes to the government.  Everyone in Canada should contribute to the country through their taxes, because the money that we pay to the government goes to the country’s important social programs, such as health care and education.  Another key part of being an active citizen is taking part in the democratic process.  In order for a democracy to work, it is imperative that all people take part not only in voting, but also in investigating the party and policies of the party that they intend to vote for.  If everyone does not vote, then it is not a democracy, because what the majority of the country wants cannot be known.  Although voting is important, it is not the only way that citizens can change something within the democratic system.  Another way to make a difference and to be an active citizen is to join an interest group.  An interest group is a group of citizens who share a common goal.  They use various methods to try to get the government to see their views.  Being a part of an interest group can be a very rewarding experience, and members will probably learn a lot about Canada’s political landscape.  Having a job, voting and being a part of an interest group are three ways that a Canadian citizen can be active in their community, a necessary quality to being a good citizen.

        Because we live in a global village, and all countries rely so heavily on each other, it is important that Canadian citizens are global citizens.  Being a global citizen means a few things.  The global citizen should be aware of and understand the international issues of their time.  Being conscious of the major concerns around the world is not hard for the Canadian citizen to do; they can become informed of the daily news just by picking up a paper or turning on the television.  It is important for Canadian citizens to understand the problems occurring around the world so that Canada can learn from the mistakes of other countries.  Seeing the problems that some countries experience will have a dynamic effect on the actions of the global citizen.  It is crucial that Canadian citizens use their knowledge of the problems in other countries to make Canada a better place.  They can take action at home in many ways.  Recycling cans and bottles to help the environment, starting an anti-discrimination campaign in their school or workplace, and joining an organization that embodies their morals and beliefs are just a few ways that the global citizen can make a difference in their own community.  The global citizen should also take affirmative action in trying to end and prevent further problems in developing or war torn countries.  They can do this in several ways including sending money to organizations which have stations in the countries and writing letters to politicians urging them to become involved in the global issues.  It is clear that being a global citizen is important to make up a good Canadian citizen.

“I affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.”  This is the Canadian Oath of Citizenship, a pledge that all Canadians should try to meet.  It’s only fair that because our country offers us so much, that we try to satisfy its requirements by being an informed, active and global citizen.