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
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