July 1 is Canada Day. We celebrate the fact that, relative to most of the world, we are an oasis in the desert. We enjoy a level of civility that is not only unprecedented in the world today, but also throughout history. We are multicultural, embrace education, and have a system of laws that most people respect. We’re not perfect and we still have many challenges ahead, but we’re working toward solutions in a rational, cooperative way.
Throughout our history, we’ve been fortunate to have the United States of America as our neighbour. Much of our economic strength derives from our trading relationship with the United States, and much of our culture comes from their media. In four days, we will celebrate their Independence Day–a time when free-thinking people asserted that they wished to govern themselves.
I am proud to be a Canadian and I value our English and French roots that have brought a rich culture to out country and its laws. We Canadians are known for our excessive politeness, our hockey prowess and our generosity of spirit. Canada Day is a time to celebrate the fact that, of all the possible places we could have spent our lives, we have been able to spend it in Canada, where opportunities abound and personal autonomy thrives..
Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!
