In a recent LinkedIn post, Arlene Dickinson shares a deeply personal reflection on Canada’s challenges in 2025 and issues a call to action for citizens heading into 2026. Dickinson, a prominent figure in Canadian business, uses the platform to express a strengthened sense of national pride and to urge her audience to actively contribute to the country’s future.
The post begins by acknowledging a difficult year for Canada, marked by what Dickinson describes as threats to sovereignty, economic pressures, and divisive rhetoric. She notes the external criticisms Canada has faced, stating:
“We were blamed for a fentanyl crisis we didn’t create, accused of taking advantage when we haven’t, and labelled difficult when all we asked for was fairness. It was a year that tested us and forced many of us to think more deeply about what it really means to be Canadian.”
Dickinson explains that this challenging period has profoundly impacted her own perspective. While always a proud Canadian, she recounts how the nation’s trials have cultivated a more intense and protective love for the country.
Reframing the Narrative: From Criticism to Constructive Action
Dickinson contrasts the prevailing narrative of national decline with a more constructive approach, drawing an analogy to how one would support a struggling loved one. She argues against a constant focus on Canada’s failures, suggesting instead a collective effort to support and rebuild.
“If someone we cared deeply about was struggling, we wouldn’t stand over them listing their failures. We’d rally, we’d show up, and we’d help. We shouldn’t treat our country any differently,” Dickinson writes.
She emphasizes the inherent strengths of Canada, highlighting its multicultural fabric, Indigenous stewardship, educated populace, public services, natural resources, and foundational Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Dickinson points out that these attributes are what citizens should be actively supporting and defending.
Leadership and Legacy in Challenging Times
The post also touches upon the expectations placed on leadership during times of national existential challenge. Dickinson suggests that those who have benefited most from Canada are looked upon to demonstrate their support, and their inaction can be perceived as abandonment.
In this context, Dickinson invokes the legacy of Terry Fox as an uncomplicated symbol of determination and resilience. She positions Fox’s unwavering spirit as a reminder of the potential for ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary things, a quality she believes Canadians should aspire to emulate, especially in a complicated year.
“In a complicated year, his legacy remained uncomplicated and a reminder of who we still all aspire to be.”
A Call to Action for 2026
Dickinson concludes her post by posing a pivotal question to her audience: “What will you do for Canada in 2026?” She urges readers to move beyond passive observation and engage in tangible actions.
Her suggestions include supporting local businesses, contributing to the development of Canadian enterprises, advocating for public healthcare, strengthening national institutions, and investing time, money, and attention into what makes the country resilient. Dickinson advocates for a form of love that is not blind but is active and demanding of better performance while remaining supportive.
“Canada has had a hard year. That doesn’t mean it can’t, or doesn’t deserve to, have a bright future. It needs our love more than ever. Not blind love, but the kind that demands better and shows up anyway.”
As Dickinson looks towards 2026, she expresses hope for a year that will be remembered for positive and meaningful achievements, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in shaping Canada’s future.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Arlene Dickinson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 30, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →