Some may be questioning whether we should even be celebrating the birth of our nation this year given the significant departure we’ve taken from many of the core values that define us as country, such as freedom, honour and respect for the individual and the rule of law.
My response is, of course we should celebrate this Canada Day, and every other one in the future, regardless of the temporary perils that plague us and the many attempts to reengineer our national identity.
A nation a leader does not make. I refuse to let a political leader redefine this country in accordance to his own ideology, which does not put the people of Canada first. Justin Trudeau has proven to fear what he cannot control; the result is more control. The good thing is that this strategy of mandating compliance and uniformity of belief is not sustainable among a freedom-loving and diverse people.
The attempt to shut down any form of criticism, opposition or protest is indicative of a growing insecurity and political weakness. If the Prime Minister had recognized where the strength, potential and beauty of this nation was held, with her people, he might have found himself on a much more successful path. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your views, that has not happened.
He has attempted to redefine Canada in his own image despite opposition from the masses (or fringe minority with unacceptable views as he likes to call them). Trudeau has tried to define Canadian culture, independent of the Canadian people and their will. And he has attempted to pit Canadians against each other, stirring up division in the hopes of landing on the side of the majority. He has failed.
I believe our nation is on the cusp of a transformation. A transformation that will stem from the restoration of foundational principles, which made this country so great. Freedom will reign and sovereign individuals will arise. The state will decrease in power and take its rightful place as servant of the people.
I celebrate this Canada with pride, not because of a government or a leader, but because of the people, the land, and the freedom we cherish.
July 1, 1867 was the day when three separate colonies, Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, joined together to form the Dominion of Canada. The Constitution Act, 1867 passed on that day entrenching a federal dominion and many of our parliamentary institutions.
This momentous occasion was marked annually by varying degrees of celebration and commemoration. It wasn’t until 1879, that “Dominion Day” was established, which was later renamed “Canada Day” in 1982.
Of course, 1867 was not the genesis of our nation, as there were Indigenous Peoples and tribes who had lived in this country for centuries before. This was and is their home. The colonial mentality at the time of conquering land and inflicting brutality on the First Peoples, is also a part of our history.
As the nation grew, and became more distinct and independent from Britain, a unique national identity began to form. Immigrants came to build lives in harsh environments and untamed land, the dream of a national railroad connecting one side of the country to the other was realized and communities formed around churches, trading posts and schools.
As time has passed, and as we have evolved as a group of people inhabiting the same country, we have largely agreed upon some fundamental values, which are so strong they are sometimes considered by foreigners to be synonymous with being “Canadian.”
We are a people who value freedom. The principles of freedom, which undergird any healthy democracy, are priceless and well entrenched in the Canadian psyche, so much so, that when we see governments try to remove our freedoms, there is mass outcry (and protest) among the people.
Canadians are known to be peacemakers. In the past, we have garnered significant notoriety for our peacekeeping missions around the world. We value the rule of law and believe that everyone should be treated equally under the law. This is not insignificant, though I think many of us take this principle for granted. For most of the world’s history, people were treated differently based on race, religion, sexual orientation and economic status, including in Canada.
Tragically, our country also has justified inhumane treatment by placing a lesser value on some lives than others. Whether it was out of greed, twisted religious doctrine, or a desire for power over another, Canada has been marked by malevolence and inhumanity.
Celebrating Canada does not negate its history. Celebrating our country on July 1st doesn’t mean we’re perfect, if that were the case, there should never be another Canada Day celebration again.
What we are doing each July 1st is expressing gratitude for this country. We are showing our thankfulness to live in a beautiful land that is free, with a people who love and care for this nation. We sing our anthem with a heart of pride, not because we are perfect, but because we are striving to be the greatest nation we can be, and not just for our sakes as citizens, but to set an example for the world.
Many have sacrificed their lives and continue to serve to protect the precious freedom we have today. Surely if others have died for freedom, we can live for it.
I hope you will celebrate this great country today. I hope your heart will be full of gratitude for the place you call home. And it is also my hope, that on this Canada Day 2022, we will recommit ourselves to stand on guard for this country, for our fellowman, and for the precious freedoms and values that make it so strong.
I also hope we can endeavour to see each other through a lens of genuine appreciation and honour, knowing that we all possess inherent value and are worthy of respect, regardless of our differences. For me, this is what it means to be Canadian, and this is why I will choose to celebrate Canada Day, this year, and every other year.
Happy Canada Day!