On Canada Day, the absence of large public gatherings will change how we celebrate, but it will not change why we celebrate.
Every year on July 1, Canadians across the nation come together to mark Canada Day. Typically, folks in our community join in outdoor festivities large and small as we celebrate the country we call home.
This year, Canada Day is special for a number of reasons. It’s the 40th anniversary of “O Canada” as our official national anthem and it’s been 55 years since The Maple Leaf became our flag. In Manitoba, it’s the 150th year since Louis Riel led our province in joining confederation.
And, Canada Day 2020 will stand apart as a unique time in our lives because of what we are doing as individuals and as governments, as we strive to manage our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The absence of large public gatherings will change how we celebrate, but it will not change why we celebrate.
For many Canadians, the first half of 2020 has been difficult. For some, it has been tragic. It’s often been hard to focus on the positive. But, the people of Winnipeg South remind me every day why we are blessed to live in Canada, and why we are moved to celebrate our nation’s birthday – this year especially.
We have a universal health care system, and dedicated health care and essential workers who have done an amazing job during these difficult times. We have social programs that strive to lift people up. We live in a community where a diversity of cultures, languages, abilities and perspectives is welcomed and valued. We try to take care of each other. We don’t need to travel far to find beautiful public green spaces, parks and natural areas in which to rejuvenate. We are getting through this pandemic, and learning from it. With continued personal vigilance and informed government action, we can look forward to a better future.
On Canada Day, let’s reflect on our own reasons to be grateful. Let’s recognize the vital contributions that Indigenous, Métis and Inuit peoples have made and continue to make to our country. Let’s remember the hard work that previous generations have done, and the hard work that lies ahead for all of us, as we continue to make our nation a more fair, prosperous, inclusive and generous Canada.
Happy Canada Day!
As seen in the Sou' Wester on July 1, 2020.
