Thanksgiving in Canada: gratitude that welcomes, nourishes and inspires

Have you ever stopped to think about the true meaning of Thanksgiving in Canada? More than just a holiday with abundant meals, this celebration invites us to reflect on gratitude, solidarity and social awareness.

Across the country, families gather in early October to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings they have received. The table is filled with traditional dishes such as roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. Yet, amid such abundance, it is important to remember that hunger is also part of Canadian reality, especially in large cities like Toronto.

In the country’s largest metropolis, thousands of people depend on food banks to access nutritious meals. Among them are families with children, seniors and even workers who, although employed, cannot balance the high cost of living with housing and food expenses. This situation reveals a painful contrast: while tonnes of food are wasted every day, there are households where the fridge remains empty.

Thanksgiving, therefore, is not only a day of celebration but also a call to awareness. Valuing each meal, reducing waste and supporting community initiatives can transform gratitude into solidarity. In this spirit, the holiday becomes even more meaningful, bringing together sharing and care for one another.

And you, have you reflected on what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving? Find this and other reflections in etc&tal magazine, your warm companion in the first week of October, always with you at heart.