A new content series celebrating Canadians whose work and values reflect Canada at its very best
At Little Canada, we take on the giant task of telling an entire nation’s story through the art of miniature. From coast to coast to coast, we build moments of history, culture, and everyday life at a smaller scale, not to shrink them, but to invite people closer. To slow down and notice the details that make a place feel like home.
Our approach to storytelling is rooted in creating space and using our platform to uplift and amplify the diverse perspectives that come together to make this country so great. At a time when national identity can feel fragmented, politicized, or overwhelmed by noise, our hope is to create something grounded and human, with personal stories that reflect what Canada can feel like at its best: welcoming, compassionate, multi-faceted, and connected.
Canada’s story doesn’t only live in landscapes and landmarks; it lives in the people who shape this country with their personal values, creativity and care for one another. Canadians We Love is a new storytelling series that zooms back out to full scale and celebrates the people whose everyday actions and character leave a lasting imprint on this country.
We’re excited to launch this series with Jessica Smith, a Canadian we love who has been a great supporter of Little Canada and whose work reflects many of the same values we hold dear, like curiosity, care, and a belief in the power of people to make their communities stronger.
Jessica is a storyteller at heart. Her work has taken her across this land, sharing stories that matter and moments that bring people closer together. While her career has spanned regions and roles, a consistent throughline remains: a deep commitment to nurturing community, culture, and connection. Whether spotlighting everyday acts of service or celebrating moments of collective joy, Jessica’s work reflects a belief in good deeds and people’s positivity and in the power of showing up for one another.
With microphone in hand between the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, Jessica’s Little Me has prime reporting real estate in the Little Canada skyline.
What does “being Canadian” mean to you, personally?
To me, “being Canadian” is an action. It’s caring for your community, supporting each other, and working together. It’s recognizing the beautiful mosaic of diverse and unique peoples that make up the country and the Indigenous peoples whose land we share.
Can you share a moment when you felt deeply connected to this country or its people?
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival has always been an event for me that exemplifies connection and culture. Not just those with Caribbean roots, but everyone from every background celebrating together. It’s in moments like that where I feel so connected to the country.
Is there a part of your story that you think reflects something uniquely Canadian? Or something you could only have accomplished here?
I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel across a large portion of the country through my time with the Toronto Argonauts as a cheerleader and community ambassador, along with living in Saskatchewan (Yorkton and Regina) at the beginning of my journey in media full-time. Each community I’ve visited or lived in has been so welcoming. Whether it was a big city or small town, I saw that we have more in common with what connects us than divides us. A keenly Canadian experience.
What values guide how you show up in your community or work, and where did those values come from?
I value supporting the people around me so we can all uplift each other. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to combine the way I show up in my community with my work. I love being able to shine a light on people who are trying to make their community a better, safer, and more welcoming space. It’s about empathy and compassion, values I’m grateful to my parents for instilling in me.
If someone reading this is still figuring out their place in Canada, what would you want them to know?
I want them to know that building community can start small. It can start as getting to know your neighbours, taking a community-led class, volunteering, or visiting one of the countless community events across the country. Opportunities for connection are everywhere.