As Canada and the U.S. enter a trade war after spending decades as friends, neighbours and allies … I want to tell a story about Canadians helping our neighbours to the South.

Years ago I was asked to go to a Canadian college to see a workshop for a musical about 9/11.

I scoffed. A musical about what? How will that work?

I drove out to the campus during a brutal winter snowstorm. I remember cursing that I was having to deal with a late night white knuckle drive for a musical that made absolutely no sense. Who would want to listen to people sing about that unspeakable tragedy?

I should have had more faith. The writers - an incredible Canadian duo called David Hein & Irene Sankoff - made magic at Sheridan College. Their musical wasn’t really about 9/11, it was about the community of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed stranded planes on that dark day

It was about the Canadian spirit of opening our hearts and homes to those in need… no matter where they come from, what colour, religion, gender or nationality they are. It was about overcoming odds and helping strangers for no other reason than it was the right thing to do

38 planes carrying 6,579 passengers were diverted to Gander on 9/11. To put things in perspective, Gander is a tiny community of less than 10,000 people. They literally doubled in size overnight.

They could have left the people on the planes. They could have refused them and said it was America’s problem. They could have deflected and blamed as is so popular with the current leader of the U.S. They chose to open their arms and welcome everyone.

The community got together and found ways to feed, clothe and house every passenger and animal that were on those planes They put people up in schools and gymnasiums, guest rooms in their homes and more They turned the hockey rink into a giant walk in fridge for all the food

They rounded up bbqs from everyone’s backyard to have big cookouts for all the new guests. Provided every denomination with a place to pray. Made sure that kids had diapers, toys and a feeling of safety. Comforted animals who weren’t allowed off the planes. They stepped up.

For four days, no one from Gander slept or took a break. They were constantly on the go to ensure that every one of their new arrivals felt safe, protected and welcomed. That’s what the musical was about. The camaraderie and love shown during that unprecedented time

Its name? Come from Away.

It would go on to be a Tony Award winning Broadway musical with successful productions all over the Globe. Its message of kindness, inclusion and hope inspired people to be more welcoming of those who are different than them

It was one of the greatest honours of my life to be one of the first journalists to write about that extraordinary musical. To be able to meet many of the people from Gander and from the planes who allowed their stories to be told.

I’ve always loved being a Canadian, but sitting in that small theatre on a snowy winters night … I was overwhelmed with pride & hope for our future The people of Gander showed us what it truly means to be a neighbour, and we need to hold onto that spirit in these dark times

I don’t know what comes next, but I know Canadians will rise to the challenge. We will continue to extend a hand in friendship to our American neighbours. We know most of you don’t want this either. We will stand proud and remain true to our values always. We will overcome

If you want to watch it, the Broadway production was filmed for streaming on AppleTV and it’s beautifully done. “Tonight we honour what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found.”

https://youtu.be/Af77C4zUkjs?si=I5f3ulk3YVQ44bzk

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