Public Service Announcements to inspire Canadians as 2026 begins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON, January 8, 2026 — Canadian Geographic’s ambitious national unity project entitled Our Country–Notre Pays, is being embraced by broadcast networks nation-wide. This month public service announcements produced by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) have been made available to English speaking networks for free across the country and are being aired.
Developed by Canadian Geographic and made possible with the participation of the Government of Canada and BMO, Our Country–Notre Pays maps the heart and soul of Canada through storytelling, illustration, and digital innovation.
In the past few weeks, Canadian Geographic shared new testimonial videos of singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, mental health advocate Sophie Grégoire, playwright and musician Thomson Highway, adventurer Mario Rigby, actor and producer William Shatner and author and adventurer Adam Shoalts with broadcasters across the country.
To date the videos have run 501 times by 35 different broadcast stations including local affiliates of CTV, CTV-2, CITY-TV. OMNI-TV, YES-TV and specialty channels including BNN Bloomberg, APTN and Space. Also Thunder Bay’s CKPR and Vancouver Island’s CHEK added the spots in early January.
“We want to thank the broadcasters of Canada for sharing the “Our Country-Notre Pays” project with their audiences, to strengthen Canadian unity and identity. This is a portrait of Canada told through its people and places — an invitation for Canadians to reflect on the land that connects us all,” said John Geiger, CEO of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Participants in the project include legendary astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar, author Yann Martel, singer songwriter Coeur du Pirate, Paralympic champion Chantal Petitclerc, acclaimed actor Tantoo Cardinal, broadcast icon Peter Mansbridge, comedian and commentator Rick Mercer, renowned artist Kent Monkman, actor and writer Andrew Phung, and celebrated author Guy Vanderhaeghe.
“Our Country–Notre Pays is about showcasing the emotional and cultural geography of this country,” said Tim Joyce, Executive Producer of the project. “It’s an honour to share these deeply personal reflections from Canadians who have pushed boundaries and shaped our collective identity.”
Canadian Geographic continues to be one of Canada’s most trusted media and educational charities, with a monthly readership of 4.4 million online and in print, and an educational network of 28,000 teachers reaching classrooms across the country.
To explore the stories and places featured in Our Country–Notre Pays, visit www.canadiangeographic.ca/ourcountry.
Media Contact:
Rosemary Thompson
Vice President, External
[email protected]
613-240-6739
About Canadian Geographic
Canadian Geographic is published by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to making Canada better known to Canadians and the world. With award-winning storytelling, trusted educational resources, and impactful public programs, Canadian Geographic is a powerful voice for the land, people, and stories of Canada.
