Canada Day always brings out my mushy side (and not just because I’ve overcooked the marshmallows again). Every July 1st, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am to be Canadian. And honestly? There’s a lot to love. From the artists that shaped our playlists, to jaw-dropping landscapes, to entrepreneurs doing things a little differently—we’ve got it all, and then some.
As the founder of Comeback Snacks, a proudly Canadian company born out of an unconventional journey, I’ve had the chance to meet people from all walks of life and explore this country from coast to coast. So this Canada Day, I wanted to take a break from snack talk
(just a little) and celebrate everything that makes the True North strong, free, and full of surprises.
The Coolest People Come from Canada. It’s Just a Fact.
Let’s start with the big names that still make me want to grab a hairbrush and start belting out lyrics like I’m 14 again. My top 3 Canadian artists of all time? Easy:
- Shania Twain: The original queen of “that don’t impress me much” energy.
- Our Lady Peace: Okay, technically a band, but they basically raised a generation of brooding teens.
- Alanis Morissette: She turned irony into an anthem and taught us all that it’s okay to be a little angry and a lot honest.
We’ve also got incredible actors and filmmakers (psst—did you know The Handmaid’s Tale was made in Canada?), and comedians who’ve dominated stages around the world. Fun fact Eugene Levy and Martin Short went to my highschool! They are in the Hall of Fame at Westdale Secondary in Hamilton, Ontario. There’s just something about that Canadian wit. Dry, self-deprecating, and politely savage.
Canadian Entrepreneurs? Total Trailblazers.
One of the best parts of running a business is meeting fellow entrepreneurs—especially those who are shaking things up in the food world. Some of my Canadian faves include:
- Tara Bosch, who kicked sugar to the curb and built Smart Sweets from scratch. ● Suzie Yorke, who created Love Good Fats and made high-fat, low-sugar living cool.
- Pat Tarrant and Cyril Fleming, who helped grow Mary Brown’s Chicken into a delicious Canadian staple.
They’re proving every day that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of values, and that business can be a force for good. That’s a mindset I relate to deeply.
A Landscape Worth Falling For
I’ve been lucky enough to travel across Canada, and it still blows me away. From hiking in the Canadian Rockies to working on golf courses surrounded by mountains (and not getting eaten by a bear, thank you very much), some of the most beautiful memories of my life were made outside, surrounded by the incredible wilderness of this country.
The cliffs of Newfoundland? Unreal. The lakes in Ontario? Literal serenity. The northern lights in the Yukon? My personal favourite? The Canadian Rockies. Don’t even get me started. We live in a postcard—and on Canada Day, I’m reminded of just how lucky we are to have such natural beauty right in our backyard.
Second Chances in the Great North
Now here’s something a little personal.
Not everyone knows this, but I served time in prison. And while that chapter of my life was tough, I also recognize how privileged I was that it happened in Canada. Most countries have deplorable conditions, and very lengthy sentences. After reading about the prison conditions and justice systems in other countries, I must say I was very lucky to be Canadian.
The justice system here is far from perfect, but the support I received during my reintegration gave me the opportunity to rebuild my life and create Comeback Snacks, a company rooted in second chances. Today, we advocate for prison reform and support others walking their own comeback path.
Bet You Didn’t Know Canada Has These Records…
I stumbled across this gem of an article here and I had to share a few:
- We have the largest maple leaf ever recorded (because of course we do). ● We boast the longest naturally frozen skating trail.
- And the most nationalities in an online singalong of O Canada—which is just the most heartwarming, classic Canadian thing I’ve ever heard.
If that’s not worth a humble brag, I don’t know what is.
Here’s to the Good, the Gritty, and the Glorious
Canada isn’t perfect. But it’s pretty amazing. It’s a country where creativity thrives, where people root for the underdog, and where forgiveness and second chances are part of the fabric of who we are. That’s the Canada I know and love. One that lifts people up—even when they’ve fallen hard.
So whether you’re lighting fireworks, canoeing across a quiet lake, or spending time with family and friends, I hope you take a moment this Canada Day to appreciate how truly lucky we are to call this place home.
And okay, maybe also have a snack or two. You know where to find me if you’re looking for something… a little criminally good. ��
Happy Canada Day,
Emily O’Brien
Founder & CEO, Comeback Snacks