What is a Canadian?

This was the question presented to University of Lethbridge students and others by CBC news anchor, Peter Mansbridge.

He began his presentation telling brief and inspirational stories for aspiring journalists, as his first interview with the president of the United States, Barack Obama.

He had this advice for young journalists.

“Be simple. Think big, have big dreams but be prepared to start small.”

Throughout the hour, Mansbridge did what he could to answer the question what is a Canadian? He did this in context of several stories of the past and present he told.

A story about Sir Lanka after the Tsunami in 2005 caught the audience’s attention as to the effect three Canadian nurses had on such a small Asian community, and one young girl.

The next story took place in the Netherlands, as many people stood out in the pouring rain in order to honour Canadian veterans from nearly 60 years prior when they liberated the Netherlands.

“It would be forever remembered,” said Mansbridge.

The last story was about a Canadian woman who escaped Afghanistan in her early years, and went back to teach the women there what life was like in a free country.

“She risked everything to have the freedom every one of you has.”

Mansbridge had stated how pleased he was to see the percentage turnout (35%) of Lethbridge voters in the civic election, demonstrating how more people are engaging in making decisions for their own community.

“You’ve got responsibilities,” he said.

The overall feeling of the crowd, after hearing these stories and messages was one of pure Canadian pride.