This Saturday, Global Citizen is hosting our first-ever concert in Canada. Global Citizen: A Concert to End Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria is bringing together top musical guests with global dignitaries to celebreate the replenishment of The Global Fund. Tune in to watch it live on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. on Fibe TV, channel 1158; watch on demand on Fibe TV, channel 1, or stream it at www.iheartradio.ca.
What a run Canada has had on the global stage over the past few years. From producing some of the biggest musicians and entertainers in the world, to electing the second Trudeau to lead as prime minister of the country.
No question — Canada has made incremental changes to up its status on the world stage, but we know we can step it up even more to solidify our place as global leaders. We’ve come up with seven ways northerners can be better flag bearers for the rest of the world to follow.
Let Trudeau Be Trudeau
He's been described as good looking and charismatic, but behind the Hollywood smile is a man who’s on a mission to position Canada as humanitarian world leaders. He’s been active both at home and abroad in taking action to combat climate change; he’s revitalized the concept of Universal Basic Income, and he’s created a sensation of Canadian pride the country hasn’t experienced likely since his father left office. It’s been less than a year since he’s been the face of Canada, but his presence and his activity has shifted the world’s attention north of its southern counterparts.
Lead by Example
Canadians are notorious non-braggers, and that’s OK. As long as we keep leading by example, we don’t need to say anything. A great example is our country’s pledge to increase the country’s contribution to the Global Fund by 20%. Canada plays host to the Global Fund meeting in September, and had previously donated $650 million over the past three years towards the organization’s goal to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, the world’s three most deadly infectious diseases. Canada’s new pledge is $785 million (CAN) over the next three years. Canada shows up. Now it’s your turn, world.
Take Real Action on Your International Assistance Review
Canada recently conducted a review of its international assistance plan. The country has taken some criticism for not having a vision with its humanitarian efforts, so this review was right on time. Many hope Canada can strategize a global assistance plan that is reflective of the attention to diversity it shows within its own borders. More voices have called for Canada to also implement these strategies through a lens that values women as leaders within their communities, regions, and nations.
The World Needs Nicer People
With the insane amount of hatred that’s been happening in all parts of the world, everyone could benefit from a good dose of pleasant Canadian attitude. Canadians are known for being peaceful, saying hello to strangers and welcoming every culture. There has to be a way to bottle that up and spread it across the globe.
Keep Preventing Terrorist Attacks on Your Homefront
Recently, Canada’s RCMP foiled a potential lone wolf attack on its soil. The suspect was gunned down before he had the chance to carry out what law enforcement officials are calling a planned suicide bombing. Canada is known for being one of the safest countries in the world, and it’s efforts like this that keeps it that way.
Free Health Care Is Real
We Canadians know how the benefits of free healthcare. Our government shares a firm belief that no Canadian should have to pay for general illnesses. And yeah, it may come with a few more tax dollars, but it’s way better than worrying about whether or not you can afford to go to the doctor. That’s a choice no citizen of any country should ever have to make.
Keep Pushing Out Pop Stars
As if Drake and Justin Bieber weren’t enough. Now Canada has given the world The Weeknd and Shawn Mendes. No one’s mad at that! In fact, we’ll bet there are plenty more stars hidden under all that snow. Please let them out. The world is a better place with Canadians at the forefront.