National Respect Canada Day

National Respect Canada Day – July 14

Date Observed:

Annually on July 14

Brief Origin

National Respect Canada Day is an unofficial, modern cultural observance celebrated annually on July 14. While not recognized as a public holiday by the Canadian government, it emerged organically—primarily through grassroots campaigns, online forums, and Canadian pride networks in the early 2010s.

It was created to encourage international appreciation for Canada’s:

• Values of peace, diversity, and inclusiveness

• Global contributions in diplomacy, innovation, and culture

• Role as a respectful, stable, and progressive country in a rapidly changing world

The holiday often complements Canada Day (July 1), which is more nationalistic and internally focused, by providing an external lens on why the world respects and admires Canada.

Why July 14?

Though the exact reason for this specific date is unofficial, July 14 has symbolic resonance:

• It falls exactly two weeks after Canada Day (July 1), serving as an international echo of domestic pride.

• It coincides with France’s Bastille Day, possibly honoring Canada’s Francophone heritage, particularly in Québec.

• The date allows people outside Canada to focus on appreciation without overlapping the formal Canada Day celebrations.

Historical and Cultural Context

Canada has long been perceived globally as a nation of balance, known for:

• Peacekeeping roles in the UN

• Universal healthcare and social safety nets

• Progressive environmental and human rights policies

• Multicultural immigration laws welcoming people from all over the world

• Reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples, though ongoing and imperfect

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Canada gained a reputation not as a superpower, but as a “soft power” nation — admired for its diplomacy, civility, and commitment to international cooperation.

Key Themes of National Respect Canada Day

1.  Global Admiration for Canadian Values

• Highlights Canada’s reputation for tolerance, multiculturalism, democracy, and kindness.

• Reinforces global appreciation for peaceful leadership and ethical governance.

2.  International Peace & Diplomacy

• Canada has long contributed to peacekeeping missions, environmental summits, and humanitarian aid.

• Former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson even won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for defusing the Suez Crisis — a moment that solidified Canada’s peacekeeping image.

3.  Innovation & Contribution

• Celebrates Canadian inventions and achievements:

  • Insulin (Banting and Best)

  • IMAX technology

  • Canadarm (used in space exploration)

  • Pablum, snowmobiles, and maple syrup production

• Acknowledges Canada’s contributions to science, health, media, and culture

4.  Multiculturalism & Inclusion

• Canada officially adopted multiculturalism as a national policy in 1971 (the first country to do so).

• The day celebrates the cultural mosaic — with communities of Indigenous peoples, French and British settlers, and immigrants from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East coexisting in a relatively inclusive system.

5.  Arts, Culture & Politeness

• Recognizes Canadian global influence in:

  • Music (e.g., Drake, Celine Dion, The Weeknd)

  • Cinema & TV (e.g., Ryan Reynolds, Catherine O’Hara, Schitt’s Creek)

  • Literature (e.g., Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Michael Ondaatje)

• Celebrates the famed “Canadian politeness” and civility as more than a stereotype — as a cultural strength.

How It’s Observed

While informal, Respect Canada Day is acknowledged in meaningful ways by both Canadians and non-Canadians:

• Sharing facts and stories about Canada’s global contributions

• Watching Canadian films or documentaries

• Cooking or enjoying Canadian dishes like poutine, butter tarts, tourtière, or maple-infused treats

• Listening to Canadian music or reading Canadian literature

• Donating to or supporting Canadian charities or Indigenous rights groups

• Posting messages of appreciation on social media with hashtags like #RespectCanadaDay, #CanadaMatters, or #CanadaProud