There are so many reasons to be proud to live in Canada. Our cultural diversity, the natural beauty of our landscape, our freedom from oppression and war, and then, of course, there is our wonderfully opinionated and animated population of young Canadians. They are so smart and driven -- they give us hope for the continued bright future of our true north strong and free.

So in celebration of Canada Day we asked the students of Ms. Cooper's grade 4 class at St. Richard School in Mississauga, Ont. to tell us why they are proud to be Canadian. Here's what they told us:

I'm proud to be a Canadian because we can do anything we try. I'm proud to be a Canadian because we're allowed to believe in God.
-Malcolm, 10

I am proud to be Canadian because this country is strong, bold and beautiful. Canada is multicultural and accepts immigrants for who they are and accepts their country and colour, sharing its beauty with every country in the world. Canada has very generous people who are willing to give to other countries and Canada is peaceful.
-Marika, 9

I am proud to be Canadian because I have a lot of friends like Nadine, Madyson, Victoria, Caroline, Kenzia and Taylor!
-Cheyanne, 10

I am proud to be a Canadian because Canada is a free country. People from all over the world can go to Canada without being judged by their appearance or where they came from. Also, there are great sights to see like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower.
-Ronelle, 9

I am proud to be Canadian because my friends and family are Canadian and care for me. I'm also proud to be Canadian because our hockey team is very good.
-Caitlin, 9

What makes me proud to be Canadian are my friends, my family, my religion and my happiness. I love being a Canadian citizen. I love my country because it's beautiful. I also love my mom Maria, my dad Randy, my sister Jessica and my dog Cobie.
-Taylor, 10

I am proud to be a Canadian because I live in a good area and we don't have any wars.
-Chantal, 10

I'm proud to be Canadian because of the politicians, the government, the TV shows and the good prices at the stores that sell food, toys and electronics. Another reason why I like Canada, is the good gas prices. I'm just proud to be Canadian because I am. It's the best!
-Keiran, 9

I'm proud to be Canadian because there are hardly any tornados, bombings and not many diseases like West Nile. I love Canada!
-Mitchell, 10

Well I'm proud to be Canadian because our Olympic teams are so good! I am also proud to be Canadian because all of our delicious food. I love the strawberries, watermelon and chocolate.
-Patrycja, 10

I am proud to be Canadian because we have the longest highway, the biggest tower and so much more.
That's why!
-Jordan, 9

I am proud to be Canadian because we like everything like sports and the things God gave us. The most important thing is having fun!
-Dean, 9

I am proud to be a Canadian because the environment is clean and we help sick and poor kids to live and be healthy!
-Martyna, 10

Page 1 of 2 -- Read more patriotic responses on page 2

I am proud to be a Canadian because Canada is one of the safest countries from wars, tornados, earthquakes and tidal waves.
-Rodrigo, 10

I am proud to be Canadian because I can make good friends like Martyna K. and I can have fun with my friends. We are such good friends and will be friends forever!
-Katarina M., 10

I am proud to be Canadian because Canada is a free country. It's one of the best countries in the world because I have one of the best families, friends and live in one of the best countries ever!
-Peter, 9-1/2

I am proud to be Canadian because we have lots of shopping centers and amusement parks.
-Ylana, 10

What makes me proud to be Canadian is that I am fortunate because we have money to help sick kids and homeless people.
-Jodi-Anne M., 9

I am proud to be Canadian because I love my country and because we are peacemakers, not war starters. Also, we have a lot of other cultures that we can learn from. That's why I'm proud to be Canadian.
-Sebastian, 9

I am proud to be Canadian because I can believe in my own religion. I am also proud to be Canadian because Canada is my favourite country.
-Corey, 10

I'm proud to be Canadian because here, no one judges people by their skin colour or where they come from. Everyone is welcome here with open arms.
-Darian, 10

I am proud to be a Canadian because I have good friends at school like Cheyanne. I also love Canada because it is a big and beautiful country.
-Nadine, 9

One reason I'm proud to be Canadian is because Canada needs people to keep it strong and I'm one of those people. Another reason is because Canada is a great home to all Canadians and even to people who come from a different country.
-Jonah S., 10

What makes me proud to be Canadian is all of our sports and also safety in Canada because we have no hurricanes, avalanches and volcanoes. I am also proud of my family and all the friends I made at school.
-Nicholas, 9

I am proud to be Canadian because Canada is a great place to live. You get a home, food, schools and stores. Also, many cultures live in Canada and almost everyone lives in harmony.
-Dilanka, 9-1/2

The Canadian hockey team is the best hockey team in the world and I love to play hockey. It's so fun!
-Liam, 9

It's a free and multicultural country.
-Scott, 9

I'm proud to be Canadian because the soldiers stand on guard for thee!
-Alex, 10

I am proud to be Canadian because it is a beautiful place and there are so many places! I also love Canada, because it is one of the safest places in the entire world and so many people who come to Canada so that their family, friends and loved ones can be safe from wars and natural disasters.
-Gillian, 10

I am proud to be Canadian because Canada accepted my father during the Vietnam War.
-Khiem, 10

I am proud to be Canadian because Canada is one of the only countries where you can drink tap water without getting sick and you do not pay for surgeries you need.
- Katie, 10

I am proud to be Canadian because Shania Twain is the best Canadian singer. Also:
1. Celine Dion
2. Bryan Adams
3. Nickelback
-Sean, 9

I am proud to be Canadian because I can ride my bike outside. It is fun to play games with my brother.
-Shal, 9

Page 2 of 2