CANADA'A MOTTO
A Mari usque ad Mare
"From sea to sea"
Yesterday, on Canada Day, we celebrated the 157th anniversary of this great country. I spent most of the day at Harbourfront in Toronto. The weather was beautiful and very temperate. Thankfully, there were no gusty winds and it was not overly humid. I must say, it was heartening, in these troubled times, to witness people of all ages, and a multitude of different races and religions, simply relaxing and enjoying themselves by Lake Ontario.
It's time for Canadians to lighten up. Those on the far right claim that Canada is broken. Some on the left claim we have nothing to celebrate because of colonialism and the treatment of the Indigenous peoples. All we can do is acknowledge the sins of the past, and work toward healing and reconciliation, Once we recognize our failures, three is no choice but to move forward and look to the future.
The Confederation of 1867 was truly remarkable, almost a miracle, considering the odds against it ever happening. It is an extraordinary achievement that such a vast territory, with disparities in language and tradition, could be united, especially with such a powerful nation to the south. Yet, it happened. It happened without war or revolution. 75 years ago, in 1949, we welcomed Newfoundland and Labrador as our 10th province. In 1999, the territory of Nunavut was established, with an independent Inuit government.
No country is perfect. Every nation has its blemishes. However, it isn't helpful to throw away the baby with the bathwater. Unlike those on the far right, I do not think Canada is broken. I just it needs some retooling and repairing. That can't happen over night. Political opponents must work together to build a better Canada. They are not enemies. They have a common purpose. That purpose is to improve the lives of the people of this country. Canadians must not allow Trumpism to infect our body politic. Donald Trump and his supporters have set the tome for a language of hate, especially of immigrants and refugees.
These are uncertain times. The last few years haven't been easy. The world has endured a devastating pandemic, only to see the cost of living rise greatly as a result of the COVID virus. Our wages have not kept pace with inflation. Nevertheless, Canada has weathered the storm in better shape than most countries. Whining and complaining is not helpful. It never solved a problem. We need to find practical solutions. I understand that people are hurting, but whining and complaining won't help.
My grandparents were Italian immigrants from Sicily. I am proud of my Italian heritage and I am grateful to my grandparents for allowing me to have the life I have in Canada. We have freedoms and opportunities that people in other countries can only dream about. This is a vast country, a diverse country from the Arctic Circle to the Great Lake waters. I am proud to call myself a Canadian.
- Joanne
