The Stories That Shape Us: What Canada Day Can Teach Communicators About Inclusion and Belonging
By Anmol Harjani
Every great communicator knows that facts may inform us, but stories are what stay with us.
Think about the campaigns you’ve remembered over the years. Chances are, it wasn’t because they had the catchiest slogan or the biggest media budget. It was because they made you feel something. They reflected a lived experience, celebrated a community, or gave a voice to someone whose story deserved to be heard.
That’s the power of communication.
As Canada celebrates another birthday, it’s easy to focus on fireworks, festivities and national pride. But for communicators, Canada Day also offers an opportunity to reflect on something deeper: the stories that shape our communities and the responsibility we have in telling them with care.
Every Story Matters
Canada is home to people with different cultures, languages, traditions, identities and experiences. That diversity isn’t just something to acknowledge—it’s one of our greatest strengths.
For communications professionals, this means moving beyond the idea of speaking to audiences and instead learning to communicate with them.
The most meaningful campaigns aren’t created from assumptions. They’re built through curiosity, empathy and collaboration.
Whether you’re developing a public awareness campaign, planning an internal communications strategy or writing a social media post, asking whose voices are represented—and whose might be missing—can transform the final outcome.
Inclusive communication isn’t about checking a box. It’s about creating space where people feel seen, respected and valued.
Representation Builds Trust
Trust is one of the most valuable assets any organization can earn, and authentic representation plays an important role in building it.
Audiences today are thoughtful. They notice when campaigns reflect genuine understanding, and they also notice when inclusion feels performative.
As communicators, we have the privilege and responsibility of helping organizations tell stories that are accurate, respectful and human.
Sometimes that means amplifying voices that haven’t traditionally been heard.
Sometimes it means asking better questions before launching a campaign.
And sometimes it simply means listening before speaking.
Communication Starts With Curiosity
One of the best habits any communicator can develop is curiosity.
Curiosity encourages us to learn about communities different from our own.
It reminds us that every audience has unique experiences, expectations and perspectives.
Instead of assuming what people need to hear, curiosity encourages us to ask:
● What matters most to this audience?
● Have we considered different perspectives?
● Does this message reflect the people we’re trying to reach?
● Who should be involved before this story is shared?
These questions don’t just strengthen communications—they strengthen relationships.
The Stories We Choose Shape the Communities We Build
Every article we publish, every campaign we launch and every conversation we facilitate contributes to a larger narrative.
Communications has never been just about delivering information.
It’s about creating understanding.
It’s about building trust.
It’s about helping people feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
That’s why communicators play such an important role in shaping communities, workplaces and organizations.
When people feel represented, they’re more likely to engage.
When they feel heard, they’re more likely to participate.
When they see themselves reflected in a story, they’re more likely to believe they belong.
Looking Ahead
Canada’s story continues to evolve every day, and so does the role of communications professionals.
As our communities grow more diverse and our conversations become more complex, our work becomes even more important.
Let’s continue telling stories that are thoughtful rather than rushed.
Let’s choose curiosity over assumptions.
Let’s create communications that build bridges instead of barriers.
Because at the heart of every meaningful message is something remarkably simple:
People want to know that their stories matter.
And as communicators, we have the opportunity to help tell them well.
Reflection
As communications professionals, we all have the opportunity to shape conversations in meaningful ways.
How do you ensure the stories you tell reflect the diverse voices and experiences of the communities you serve?
We’d love to hear your perspective and continue the conversation with the CPRS Toronto community.
Anmol Harjani is a Client Servicing Manager working with a remote company and a recent graduate of York University’s Public Relations and Communications program. She is especially interested in strategic communications, social media behaviour, and how PR practitioners adapt within a rapidly evolving digital landscape. She currently serves as the Communications Co-Chair on the CPRS Toronto Board.