Canada may be known for its politeness and humility, but beneath that calm surface lies a long history of quiet, resolute bravery. From acts of wartime heroism to political integrity, Canadian courage has often gone unnoticed on the global stage. Yet time and time again, Canadians have stepped up, defending values, saving lives, and standing tall when others wavered. These are 20 times Canadian courage put America to shame.
Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope
In 1980, 21-year-old cancer patient Terry Fox began running across Canada with one leg amputated and a prosthetic replacing the other. His goal: to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Running nearly a marathon a day, he made it over 5,300 kilometers before cancer returned and forced him to stop. His perseverance, determination, and selflessness inspired a nation and remain unmatched in North American history.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge
During World War I, Canadian forces captured Vimy Ridge in April 1917 after British and French troops had failed repeatedly. The victory marked the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together, showcasing strategic innovation and unity. The courage of those soldiers earned Canada international recognition as a formidable force. Vimy became a symbol of Canadian identity and sacrifice, outshining many comparable U.S. efforts at the time.
Canada’s Role in the Underground Railroad
Long before the Civil War, Canada served as a safe haven for thousands of African Americans fleeing slavery in the U.S. Through the Underground Railroad, brave Canadian citizens provided shelter, support, and freedom to runaway slaves at great personal risk. This quiet, powerful stand for justice stood in stark contrast to the legal slavery still entrenched in parts of America. Canada’s role in this human rights story is one of bold moral courage.
Rescuing Americans During the Iran Hostage Crisis
In 1979, when U.S. diplomats were taken hostage in Tehran, it was Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor who hid six of them in his home. Risking his life and career, Taylor helped orchestrate their escape using fake Canadian passports in a plan now known as the “Canadian Caper.” While the CIA took some credit later, it was Canada that led the charge when America’s own couldn’t. Taylor’s bravery earned him hero status in both countries.
Lester B. Pearson and Peacekeeping
In 1956, Canadian diplomat and future Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson proposed the world’s first large-scale UN peacekeeping force to resolve the Suez Crisis. While Cold War tensions flared between the U.S. and USSR, Pearson’s plan de-escalated conflict and saved countless lives. His leadership earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. While America flexed its military muscle, Canada offered a calm, courageous alternative.
Defending Syrian Refugees
In 2015, as the U.S. debated whether to accept Syrian refugees, Canada welcomed over 25,000 within months. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally greeted new arrivals at airports, setting a tone of compassion and bravery in the face of political backlash. Canadians opened their homes, communities, and hearts to those fleeing war. While fear spread south of the border, Canada led with courage and humanity.
The Quiet Bravery of Viola Desmond
Nine years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, Viola Desmond, a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman, defied segregation in a movie theatre. Arrested and fined for sitting in a whites-only section, she fought back in court and helped ignite the civil rights movement in Canada. Her quiet act of defiance reshaped Canadian legal history. While the U.S. civil rights era took center stage, Desmond’s courage was ahead of its time.
Standing Up Against Apartheid
While many Western countries, including the U.S., maintained ties with South Africa during apartheid, Canada took a strong stand against the regime. Canadian leaders imposed sanctions, supported anti-apartheid movements, and welcomed activists like Nelson Mandela long before it was popular. Canada’s moral leadership stood in sharp contrast to American hesitancy.
The Dieppe Raid Sacrifice
In 1942, Canadian troops led a disastrous raid on the French port of Dieppe, facing overwhelming German defenses. Nearly 70% of the 6,000 Allied soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured, most of them Canadian. Despite its tragic outcome, their bravery exposed weaknesses in the Allies’ planning and informed later successful operations like D-Day. Their willingness to lead and sacrifice stands as a stark reminder of courage under fire.
The Oka Crisis Standoff
In 1990, the Mohawk people of Kanesatake stood firm against the expansion of a golf course onto their ancestral burial land. Backed by some Canadians and facing off against armed forces, their 78-day resistance became a landmark moment in Indigenous rights. It forced a national reckoning that continues today. Compared to U.S. clashes with Native communities, Canada’s eventual willingness to negotiate showed rare restraint and courage.
The Story of Roméo Dallaire in Rwanda
Canadian Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire led a small UN peacekeeping force during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. While international powers, including the U.S., ignored the crisis, Dallaire risked his life and career trying to stop the killing with limited resources. Haunted but unbroken, he became a symbol of moral courage. His stand remains one of the most heroic examples of leadership in the face of unimaginable horror.
Canada’s Stand Against the Iraq War
In 2003, under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Canada refused to join the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, despite heavy pressure. With no evidence of weapons of mass destruction and public opposition strong, the Canadian government stood its ground. This decision spared Canadian troops from a war that would later be widely criticized. It was a bold move that showcased political courage and integrity.
Tommy Douglas and Universal Healthcare
Tommy Douglas, often called the father of Medicare in Canada, pushed for a publicly funded healthcare system in the 1960s. Facing fierce resistance from doctors, corporations, and even his own colleagues, he persisted until healthcare became a right for every Canadian. While the U.S. still debates access to basic medical services, Douglas’ vision continues to define Canadian values. His courage laid the foundation for one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.
Wab Kinew’s Fight for Reconciliation
Wab Kinew, an Indigenous leader, author, and Premier of Manitoba, has used his platform to push for reconciliation, education reform, and Indigenous rights. His personal journey, from troubled youth to political leadership, is marked by courage, vulnerability, and strength. Kinew represents a bold new era in Canadian politics where truth and accountability are not feared but embraced. His example offers a powerful contrast to divisive political rhetoric elsewhere.
The Courage of Canadian Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers in Canada, such as Joanna Gualtieri who exposed government corruption in the 1990s, have risked their careers to hold powerful institutions accountable. Unlike in the U.S., where whistleblowers often face severe retaliation or criminal charges, Canada has fostered a culture of cautious but meaningful disclosure. These individuals show remarkable bravery in the pursuit of truth. Their courage often goes unrecognized but shapes a more transparent society.
Standing Up to the NRA: Canada’s Gun Laws
After multiple mass shootings, including the 2020 Nova Scotia tragedy, Canada swiftly enacted stronger gun laws and bans on assault-style firearms. This political action, while controversial, showed a willingness to prioritize public safety over lobbying interests. In contrast to the gridlock in American gun reform debates, Canada acted decisively. It was a moment of legislative courage rooted in empathy and reason.
Environmental Activism in the Oil Sands
Many Canadians, including Indigenous land defenders and climate activists, have put their bodies on the line to protest environmentally destructive projects like the Alberta oil sands. These actions often draw legal consequences, surveillance, and public backlash. Yet, their commitment to protecting land and water remains unshaken. Their courage in defending future generations stands tall in a world often driven by profit over planet.
Canadians on D-Day
On June 6, 1944, Canadian troops stormed Juno Beach as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Despite being one of the smaller forces, they pushed farther inland than any other Allied group that day. Their bravery helped secure a critical victory in the fight against fascism. Canada’s role in D-Day is a testament to courage often overshadowed in American accounts of the war.
Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion Tour
Inspired by Terry Fox, Canadian athlete Rick Hansen wheeled himself around the world in a wheelchair to raise awareness for spinal cord injury research. Covering over 40,000 kilometers across 34 countries, he faced extreme terrain, weather, and skepticism. His persistence showed the world what was possible with determination and vision. Hansen’s journey is one of the most physically courageous global efforts ever attempted.
21 Products Canadians Should Stockpile Before Tariffs Hit
If trade tensions escalate between Canada and the U.S., everyday essentials can suddenly disappear or skyrocket in price. Products like pantry basics and tech must-haves that depend on are deeply tied to cross-border supply chains and are likely to face various kinds of disruptions
21 Products Canadians Should Stockpile Before Tariffs Hit
