Thanks for starting a conversation on this. You are correct Judith, Canada is not perfect. Not even remotely. Much needs fixing.

But our healthcare system means I'll never face bankruptcy from medical bills or have to start a go fund me, and our social programs provide real support when people need it. I feel safer here – no school shooting drills for our kids, and practical policies like 12-18-month parental leave make a real difference in people's lives. While we're not perfect, we don't have a death penalty, women's reproductive choices are not up for debate, we're a country that chose to sell insulin patents for $1 to help everyone, and we can disagree yet still coexist peacefully. Our challenges with housing and affordability need work to name two that concern me, but our foundation of caring for each other makes me proud to call Canada home. I appreciate that we don't need one rigid national identity – our strength comes from bringing different perspectives together while maintaining our commitment to collective well-being.

The US is far from exceptional, and the sooner you recognize this, the sooner you can look around the world. The situation in your country is sad beyond belief as far as most of the world is concerned. But don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. There is MUCH that is good and decent and exceptional too.

Salesman in China was my favourite play at Stratford this year. Brilliant. I was lucky to see a total of nine.