The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, MP, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, charts his priorities for strengthening who we are by protecting Canada’s nature and culture
This past spring, Canadians elected a new government to stand up for our country in the face of shifting geopolitics and important challenges at home. As we unite to face those, protecting our identity is essential to keeping Canada strong.
And at the very foundation of our identity lie two of our greatest assets as a nation: our culture and our nature.
A strong culture is forged by the history we share and the stories we tell – stories that are uniquely our own. As Canadians, we take pride not only in this cultural heritage, but also in the vast, raw, and breathtaking wilderness that defines our land.
Making cultural, natural, and historic sites more accessible
Over the past few months, we have witnessed Canadians’ remarkable unity, solidarity, and support for one another. As people showed their pride in our country, the overwhelming response of Canadians to the Canada Strong Pass was nothing short of inspiring.
By providing free or discounted access to museums, historic sites, national parks, and VIA Rail travel, our government wanted to help Canadians enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together.
Canada Strong is about building one strong Canadian economy. By helping families save hundreds of dollars, the Pass inspired us to explore our own backyard, while driving higher visitor turnout, supporting over 240,000 tourism businesses, sustaining nearly two million jobs, and adding billions to local communities.
Building the Canada Strong of tomorrow also starts with the younger generations of today. Making cultural and historic sites more accessible helped younger generations connect with our past and present, and the stories that shape our national identity, from Indigenous histories to the lived experiences of newcomers and diverse communities. Trips to national parks, historic sites, museums, and even journeys by rail deepened our love for this country, opened our eyes to new perspectives, and created memories that last a lifetime.
Celebrating and elevating the identity of Canadians
Most importantly, the Canada Strong Pass initiative reminded us of one simple truth: there is no other place like Canada, and we all share a sacred duty to protect and celebrate it.
So, as our collective identity is constantly being redefined and challenged – especially in a rapidly changing world – people need to see themselves in one another and focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.
I firmly believe that is exactly my role: not to define anyone’s identity but to celebrate and elevate who we are.
Protecting Canada’s nature and culture
While the Canada Strong Pass has helped us take important steps forward, our work is not done. By strengthening Canadian institutions such as CBC/Radio-Canada and protecting more of our natural heritage than ever before, we show the power of standing together.
More than ever, we must choose Canada – taking concrete steps toward building a stronger, more united, and prosperous country.
