Monday, June 29, 2015

Canada Day ~ July 1

As we approach another Canada Day celebration, it is important that we take a step back and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this country. It is easy to take it for granted, however, in reality, we should be thankful each and every day for the privileges we enjoy. I ask that we all remember our past and celebrate our present...and at the same time...continue to build a better Canada.
(Mike Wallace...Member of Parliament from Burlington, Ontario)

Fifty Years for the Red Maple Leaf Flag

On a cold winter day on Parliament Hill (February 17, 1965), “Our hearts were very warm with pride as a new Canadian flag was raised for the first time. The original flag flown over the Peace Tower is part of the House of Commons heritage collection on public display in Parliament's Hall of Honour.”

The Canadian flag is a symbol of the values of peace, democracy, freedom and justice that define us as Canadians. It is a common rallying point for great moments in our country's history and a testament to our ingenuity and achievement, both at home and on the international stage,” stated Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

We Have So Many Reasons to Celebrate
(submitted by a Grade 7 Aldershot Elementary School student)

What makes us unique from others and what do we have in common?

Our flag: the true red maple and the pure white! The dignity and peace we share, no others have. We should be grateful for who we are and what we represent in the global society.

Millions of people and children are not fortunate enough to acquire what we have...like running water and hot food. For us in Canada, these things we have in everyday life. We should be thankful.

Health care is provided from the government which means families get the medical attention they need, even for families that cannot afford medical care which is some countries is quite costly.

Kids are offered a variety of after-school programs and activities...such as organizing a part of the yearbook, participating on a sports team, school council, the band, etc.

The things we accomplished in the past, shaped our country. If not for the courage of soldiers, Canada would not be in existence today. Our history is one to remember. We were the soldiers who were willing to sacrifice lives to support our country and Allies. We were the ones that won battles including the Battle of Washington, the Battle of Chateauguay and the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

We keep the peace. That is what we Canadians do! Proud of who we are, we celebrate Canada every year on July 1 to enact the anniversary of the enactment of the British North America Act in 1867 which joined Nova Scotia and New Brunswick with the Provinces of Canada (dividing into Ontario and Quebec. This is also the date in which Canada became a “kingdom in its own right.”

Later called the Dominion of Canada, July 1 was originally referred to as Dominion Day.

Canada's Responsibility in the World

By global standards, Canada enjoys extraordinary levels of prosperity and security at home and is one of those countries with the opportunity and responsibility to make a significant contribution to peace and security internationally, beyond its borders. Because of its position in the world, Canada is a “Go To” country for business and commerce and where Tourism (a great economical benefit) is centered around major metropolitan areas...Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa...cities well recognized for their culture and diversity. Of the thousands and thousands who annually visit Canada, others may travel to our historical sites.
Others may be lured to rolling green countrysides...rivers and waterfalls,
the Great Lakes...the ocean sights...the scenic mountains...
and to our Provincial and National Parks.

Our country is vast with ten provinces and three territories extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Visit our island provinces of Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. Travel by plane or drive throughout our mainland provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. North of our mainland are: Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Merle Baird-Kerr...written June 7, 2014
To express your views, email to:

No comments:

Post a Comment