View From the Legislature

As Canadians from all parts of the nation celebrate Canada Day, there is much to be thankful for.

Canada remains among the most desired places in all the world in which to live. Every year, people from around the world come to Canada to start a new life in search of freedom and opportunity. As the former Minister for Immigration in Manitoba, I know very well just how much it means for new Canadians to be welcomed into this country. In Steinbach and the southeast, we know well the positive impact immigration has made to this region specifically.

And in 2022 there are a number of occasions to note that speak both to the history of Canada, and what it means to be Canadian.

In April of this year, there was a ceremony in Ottawa to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This First World War battle in northern France saw more than 10,000 Canadian casualties, with more than 3,500 Canadian deaths. While a key strategic victory in the war, it came at a tremendous cost and is considered a critical point in Canada truly becoming a nation. It stands today, more than 100 years later, as a reminder of the true cost of freedom.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne. Her Platinum Jubilee has been celebrated across the Commonwealth. And while Canada’s connection to the monarchy has naturally evolved over those 70 years, there remains among Canadians generally a tremendous respect for Queen Elizabeth on this Canada Day, 155 years after the confederation of our country.

2022 is also the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Canada-Soviet Hockey Summit Series which was capped off by the winning goal scored by Paul Henderson. This marks a significant milestone in Canadian culture which still often finds its roots in hockey, both locally and professionally.

Whether through the pain of war, the marking of royal tradition, or the celebration of sport, 2022 is a year in which Canadians have much to celebrate. It will also mark the first year in two years where those celebrations can happen in a traditional manner.

Of course, these celebrations do not mask that Canada is far from a perfect country. There have been past mistakes that require ongoing reconciliation and there continues to be concern and division in Canada. But Canada Day is not intended as a celebration of perfection. Rather, it recognizes the fact that Canada is still globally held up as a fortunate country with freedom and opportunity and one that rather than masks its faults, strives to address them, and improve. That is the ideal of Canada, to continue to improve to leave it better for the next generation of Canadians.

Together with my family, we wish you a wonderful Canada Day. Together we can celebrate our nation and pledge to better it for all those who call it home today and in the future.