Canada has had its share of scandals in 2013. There were crack scandals and Senate scandals. The world may have started presuming that Canada is a mess as a country to be in. On the other hand, some of the most inspiring people have also come up in the country. These so-called common men inspired everyone. They made people believe in dreams and hope once again. Lauren Strapagiel of Postmedia News mentions some of them.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi led his city through extreme crisis. Even though there were also other inspiring stories in the time of natural calamity in Alberta, this one stood out. He was so much committed to his tireless work that residents began a campaign which urged the mayor for taking a nap.

Kevin Donovan and Robyn Doolittle

The Toronto Star journalists restored the faith in journalism. These were the two people who constantly followed up Rob Ford and made it going. They could successfully achieve one of the 'hallmarks' of their profession: make public officials face people's question and be accountable.

John Morillo

John Morillo from Windsor told people that he could swim past the Detroit River, and all he could become was a dumb guy to make fun of. He thought, "Enough is enough". He had eight beers and jumped into the river only to swim across to Detroit. Mr Morillo apologised for breaking laws but set an example for everyone that no dream is worth making fun of. Every dream is worth giving a try.

Ann Makosinski

Ann Makosinski won the 2013 Google Science Fair after she made a flashlight which got its power from body heat. The 15-year-old girl got her inspiration from a Filipino friend who found it extremely difficult to study at night as there was no electricity, according to the Vancouver Sun. The girl said that she believed in solving a problem on her own instead of waiting for someone else to do it for her. Hats off!