Pray for Canada

Freedom, diversity, and peace are the staples of Canadian culture. People generally feel free to be themselves, placing less emphasis on their appearance and impressing others. They generally avoid expressing divisive beliefs, and the media is required to be neutral and independent. Canada is the second-largest country by land area, from highly industrialized Toronto to the laid-back lifestyle of the mountains, conservative farmlands, and eastern fishing villages. Quebec is also distinct, shaped more by French culture than Canadian. The northern lights are one of Canada’s greatest treasures, regularly visible in the North, and Canada is known for its cold winters, but the majority of the nation experiences beautiful springs and summers as well. Its economy is a mix of capitalism and socialism, with a high standard of living. The government has strong safeguards against corruption, and political rights and civil liberties are protected.

However, Canada still experiences division. In 1995, the province of Quebec voted on whether or not to secede from Canada. 50.58 percent voted to stay in Canada, while 49.42 percent voted to secede because they felt that their French culture wasn’t respected. Canada also has a dark history of discrimination against the Indigenous peoples, where Indigenous children were forced into residential schools and tortured. Canada is now focused on reconciliation, working to bring back the Indigenous culture and restore respect for Indigenous peoples as the first stewards of the land. Canada is also experiencing a housing shortage, driving up home prices and rent costs much faster than incomes, causing an increase in the homeless population. Alcohol and drug abuse are also common, especially cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy. Mental health concerns are rising, and reports of youth anxiety and depression have nearly doubled in the last decade.

The Canadian constitution guarantees the freedom of religion, and many religions coexist peacefully in Canada. Religion is acknowledged, but not heavily discussed. People hesitate to tell each other what they should and shouldn’t believe. Christians are not generally open about their faith, and even their friends may not know their religion. However, the diversity creates an opportunity to share the Gospel because friend groups often hold many different beliefs. Catholicism is the largest religious group in Canada. Evangelical Christians are decreasing, and currently represent about eight percent of the population. The Church historically mistreated the Indigenous people, misrepresenting Christ and hardening many Indigenous hearts to the Gospel.