This Thursday, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, Canadians will celebrate the 143rd birthday of their country.

Canadians have always been proud of their nation, although it perhaps could be described as a modest pride. Not too boastful or too outspoken, the pride we show in our country is, well, typically Canadian. Perhaps that reputation changed a little earlier this year during the Winter Olympic Games held in British Columbia when Canadian pride spilled out onto the streets of virtually every community in the country.

And if we as Canadians are becoming a little more demonstrative about the pride we have in our country well, why not? After all, it is a nation that millions of people around the world would love to call home and it attracts tens of thousands of immigrants each and every year.

While we often make light of our system of government it is still looked at by others around the world as a beacon of democracy, free speech and personal liberties. Ask any new Canadian what it is they like best about Canada and the words, peace, freedom, democracy and opportunity are almost certain to be among the words listed.

At the formation of Canada in 1867 it could hardly have been imagined the great nation she would become. Today Canada is known as a peace keeping nation but not one that is afraid to participate in operations that fight for liberty and freedom. It is a country that has always, and still today, opens its arms to new citizens. Canada remains one of the strongest economies in the world. While it has been impacted by the global economic crisis and subsequent recession, it has arguably weathered the storm better than any other G-8 nation.

Canadians need only look at their television sets to see the struggle many citizens from around the world have securing even the most basic of freedoms in their countries. Things that we take for granted, such as the right to worship, to speak out against our government and to engage in public debate are things that are forbidden in other countries.

This Canada Day, take the time to think about why you love Canada and about how fortunate we are to call this country home. From sea to sea to sea, it is a shining example of a great nation. While Canadians have always had a reputation as been humble, it seems appropriate that on Canada we wear our Maple Leaf with pride as we celebrate the 143rd birthday of the greatest country on earth. Happy Canada Day!!