Next week Tuesday we will be celebrating Canada’s 147th birthday. Canada continues to be one of the most desirable places in the world to live. The evidence of that are the thousands of people who every year apply to immigrate to Canada to begin a new life in this country.
As Canadians know, our country is one that throughout its history has welcomed people from around the world. The strength of our country comes from our willingness to open our doors to new Canadians. You don’t have to look far to see that in action. In southeastern Manitoba, there has been tremendous growth as a result of immigration. That has helped to boost the local economy and has helped employers find the workers that they need.
This immigration has also enriched our communities in ways that go beyond the economic impact. This past week as part of Summer In The City in Steinbach, there was Cultures in the City which featured both food and entertainment representative of a number of different countries that local residents have a connection with. There was also a ceremony that honoured many of the immigrants who became Canadian citizens during the past year.
The strength of Canada is that while we ask all new citizens to take an Oath of Citizenship which pledges allegiance to Canada, we still encourage these new Canadians to celebrate and share their individual backgrounds. This results in a country of citizens who have diversity but a common pride and loyalty to Canada. Just how successful that model can be was seen in Steinbach this past weekend and will be a strength of our region and our country for many years to come.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Canada Day next week as we celebrate the great privilege that we have to call Canada our home.
