Certified Friend of Canada

Entirely unofficial. Completely sincere.

Not Canadian?
Nobody’s perfect.

You can still be officially—though not governmentally—recognized as one of Canada’s trusted friends.

Certified Friend of Canada heritage crest

What is a Certified Friend of Canada?

Someone who respects the country, appreciates its people and can be trusted not to confuse us with America. Citizenship is not required. A good sense of humour is.

Minimum qualifications

Has apologized when it wasn’t strictly necessary.
Understands hockey and ice hockey are the same thing.
Accepts poutine as a meal.
Knows Canada contributed more than maple syrup.
Can identify a famous Canadian often assumed to be American.
Promises respectful affection and only light teasing.

Choose your route to certification

Self-awareness is admirable. Certifying somebody else is a public service.

Self-Certify

For those prepared to swear the oath, accept the responsibilities and admit they were hoping for a certificate.

Take the Oath

Certify a Friend

For a deserving friend, relative or tolerated neighbour who has shown exceptional Canadian-adjacent character.

Certify a Friend

Path one

Take the unofficial oath

“I, [Name], being of reasonably sound mind and demonstrably friendly disposition, solemnly swear to respect the maple leaf, defend poutine from unfair criticism, recognize Canadian achievements before somebody else claims them, and refrain from asking whether Canadians know my cousin in Toronto.

I further promise to apologize when appropriate—and occasionally when it isn’t.

By accepting this solemn and entirely unofficial oath, I declare myself a Certified Friend of Canada.”

The personalized certificate experience is coming next. No citizenship exam. No passport photo. No pressure.

Path two

Certify a friend

THE ENTIRELY UNOFFICIAL OFFICE OF CANADIAN FRIENDSHIP

CERTIFIED FRIEND OF CANADA

This certifies that

[RECIPIENT’S NAME]

has been certified by

[GIFT-GIVER’S NAME]

a true Canadian,

as having demonstrated sufficient kindness, good humour and general trustworthiness to be officially—though not governmentally—recognized as a Certified Friend of Canada.

The bearer solemnly promises to respect the maple leaf, defend poutine from unnecessary criticism, acknowledge Canadian achievements before another country claims them, and apologize when appropriate—and occasionally when it isn’t.

The bearer may now speak warmly of Canada, cheer for whichever Canadian team is still in the playoffs and politely correct anyone who assumes every famous Canadian is American.

Presented on [DATE] Certificate No. [FOC-XXXXX]

Issued by the entirely unofficial
Office of Canadian Friendship

Not recognized by Parliament. Spiritually binding.

Soon you’ll be able to personalize, preview and download this certificate right here.