Peter Mansbridge

I'd be more affected if Acadia would disappear as a concept than if New Brunswick would.

Moira Young in Calgary.

When I was first old enough to understand what a country was, the preparations were well underway for Canada's centennial celebrations in 1967.

I remember the school fitness programs, the centennial train and caravan visits, Expo 67, the centennial song, and all the enthusiasm and pride surrounding me.

Since then, I always identify as a proud Canadian citizen first, a Calgarian second, and as an Albertan last.

I have lived over seven decades in Alberta.

It sickens me today with how we've been tricked by our current provincial government.

Alexandre Como in Little Brook, Nova Scotia.

It's near Digby.

I identify myself first as an Acadian.

As for why, a possibility could be that we share a somewhat complicated history with the powers of British colonialism, or perhaps that our heritage extends well past the formation of Canada.

This in no way diminishes the fact that I have always been and will be a proud Canadian.

After all, what is Canada other than a collection of diverse peoples working cooperatively toward a common future?

Sheila Kinzel in Calgary.

When I travel abroad, I always proudly say I'm Canadian.

I'll tell them I live in Calgary, and I go into more details if they ask.

But lately, with the growing separatist movement here in Alberta, I've been making a conscious effort to emphasize my Canadian-first identity.

I tell them I'm 100% Canadian first and foremost.

I live in Alberta, but I was born and raised in Saskatchewan.

We live in one of the best countries in the world, and I'm so proud to be Canadian.