I’m not much of a flag waver. Patriotism brings out too much of the worst of our tribal nature. Not that I don’t have feelings about my country. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been born a citizen of the Great White North. It is one of the very best societies ever created, by any measure, and that’s not patriotism talking, that’s fact. So I am indeed very fond of the place.

Rather than patriotism, I believe in simply being a good citizen. Be tolerant of your neighbours; be involved in governance (at the very least, vote); and obey the laws.

And on this, our country’s 158th birthday, we have more reason than usual to celebrate our right to make our own laws, to enjoy our democracy. Our sovereignty is under threat from our big neighbour to the south, a big neighbour whose own democracy is currently being eroded. We have never had more reason to appreciate our separate state.

So here’s to a happy birthday, Canada, and may you enjoy many, many more.