Mark Glavina: owner and art instructor at Steveston's Phoenix Art Workshop, who has also worked with local schools to develop art programs, murals and public art projects.
What does being Canadian mean to you?
Being Canadian is a fortune, rich in quality of life, freedom and opportunity. However, with that comes a responsibility to engage with our community, participate and ensure it remains a place of the people and for the people.
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
Enjoying the day with friends, family and watching the Euro Cup at Bean and Beyond Cafe in Steveston.
Jonathan Grand Pierre: Restaurateur and entrepreneur Nooch Snack & Grill and a generous contributor to the community.
What does being Canadian mean to you?
It is with great pride that I can call myself a Canadian citizen for a myriad of reasons. We are truly a peace-loving nation that embraces the most fundamental element of human nature: love.
We have a rich history, which distinguishes us from other countries and our immigration laws reflect the multicultural populace we have been building for decades now - I am proud to be one of those immigrants. Lastly, being a Canadian, to me, means that I belong to a progressive nation whose values and laws accept all types of diversity including religion, gender, sexuality and race.
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
I will be celebrating Canada Day with friends and family at the Steveston Salmon Festival, enjoying the parade and the food. Inevitably, there will be an energetic, collective energy of Canadian pride throughout Richmond, and I want to be in amongst the crowds and enjoying the moment.
Nafisah Baksh: Richmond News youth columnist and a student at Langara College.
What does being Canadian mean to you?
Being a Canadian means I have the freedom to say what I want, do as I please and live as I wish. It means I have the right to vote for our government, without fear or pressure. It means I have the opportunity to interact with people from various cultures, all of whom call Canada home. And, of course, being Canadian gives me bragging rights when it comes to all things hockey.
Most importantly, being a Canadian means having the right to follow my dreams. My parents immigrated here and I can confidently say, I'm happy they did. For now, I could not picture living anywhere else.
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
I will be down in Steveston village to watch the Canada Day parade and stay for the Steveston Salmon Festival. I'll stand in a huge line to have some barbecued salmon, which will be well worth the wait. It's always nice to go down to the village on Canada Day to enjoy the food and other attractions, as well as see a few familiar faces.
Willa Walsh: Retired teacher-librarian, former Richmond Art Gallery volunteer, Richmond Public Art Advisory Committee chair and a board member of Cinevolution.
What does being a Canadian mean to you?
Although born in the U.S., I am thoroughly a Canadian.
I consider myself lucky to live in a country that was not created through war; that embraces all religions, ethnic backgrounds and diverse sexual preferences - a country that believes deeply in democracy for all its citizens.
Most of all, being a Canadian means having my rights and freedoms rigorously defended.
I once asked a new friend who had immigrated to Canada from a middle European country why she had come here as she obviously loved her own country very much. She said, "Because I can speak my mind." That said it all!
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
I celebrate being a Canadian by attending risky and/or challenging arts events, which stretch my mind and make me think about my beliefs - events that might not be accepted in less open countries. And I attend our wonderful Salmon Festival on July 1. I eat great seafood and enjoy raucous music in the unique and friendly village of Steveston.
Clark McGuire: (white shirt) A semi-retired Richmond paramedic of 38 years, has just returned from Europe, where he led a team of Canadian emergency professionals to a silver medal in a worldrenowned competition.
What does being a Canadian mean to you?
It means freedom to me - we can pursue any dream, any job, read anything, speak our minds, say anything out loud without fear.
To be Canadian is to allow your neighbours to believe whatever they want, to be fair and polite and to help those that need it.
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
I usually have a barbecue with family and friends, drink some wine and beers and listen to music with a flag or two flying.
Sam Wade: A 22-year-old student, who has spent his last two summers cycling across Canada and south through the U.S. to the Mexican border, all in the name of charity. He recently ran three 24-hour relays three weekends on the trot in aid of Easter Seals, the organization which provides summer camps for kids with disabilities.
What does being Canadian mean to you?
Being Canadian is both a privilege and a responsibility. There's a reason why Americans are known to wear our flag when they travel. As Canadians, we are open to diversity and other cultures. We hold doors open for others and say 'thank you.'
It's a quiet pride we carry - outside of the hockey world. I'm thankful to have grown up in such an amazing country that allows one the freedom to chase after his or her dreams, something I try to take advantage of every day.
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
The only place to be on Canada Day is at the Salmon Festival in Steveston. So I plan on being there with my family to watch the amazing parade put on each year and take part in festivities.
Christine Lim: The Scotiabank branch manager on No. 3 Road who also sits on the Richmond Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
What does being Canadian mean to you?
Being Canadian comes with a great sense of pride. Richness to me is being Canadian. I love the natural beauty of British Columbia and I enjoy living in a country that is free, open and equal. Canadians are extremely friendly and well known in the world for our strong attributes.
We respect others from different racial and cultural backgrounds and provide them with an all-inclusive environment that embraces cultural diversity.
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
We have plans for a family barbecue to celebrate Canada Day on the eve and I will be joining friends at the Salmon Fest in Richmond.
Balwant Sanghera: A retired school psychologist, community activist and now president of the Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society, is one of the city's longest serving advocates of racial harmony across the Lower Mainland.
What does being Canadian mean to you?
Being Canadian, to me, means living in one of the best countries in the world.
It is a country where citizens respect each other and cultural diversity is not only respected, but also appreciated.
How will you celebrate Canada Day?
As far as celebrating Canada Day is concerned, I will be attending a wedding in the morning and go to Steveston for the festivities in the afternoon.
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