On Saturday Canadians coast-to-coast will proudly display their red and white to celebrate our nation’s 156th anniversary of confederation.
It feels like just yesterday we were all making a big ‘to-do’ about Canada’s 150th-although three years lost to the pandemic has really altered the perspective of time.
Though this reporter always tries not to take for granted the gift that is being fortunate to live in Canada, as the calendar draws closer to July, this time of year in particular is a great time for self reflection. Perhaps that’s because appreciating Canada in the middle a weeklong cold snap in early February as darkness descends at 4 p.m. can be a challenge. Still an effort is made to look at the big, long-term picture.
Far from perfect, Canada has its share of faults and dark times throughout history. Many of those were swept under the rug for decades and only recently been brought to light-residential schools a perfect example of that. And it’s important to recognize the whole picture, less we be doomed to repeat them. But there’s also a lot to be proud of as well. There are millions of people around the world who long to escape the horrors of war, persecution and famine to a country like Canada. Some 170 years ago this reporter’s ancestors departed Ireland due to the potato famine and wound up in the Great White North. That incredible foresight from those great-great-relatives meant over a century later this reporter hit the lottery, simply by being born within the boundaries of this great land. Fast forwarding even further, this writer’s two daughters get to enjoy the many benefits of being Canadian citizens-a fact that won’t be lost on them, that much is sure.
We’re not just bragging either, as Canada routinely tops the list of best places to live year after year, no matter the method used to calculate the top spots. Traveling Lifestyle placed Canada third citing its exports of energy, food and minerals and its high standard of living. Sweden and Denmark took spots one and two respectively. Even our neighbours to the south seem to agree as U.S. News placed Canada third for overall quality of life, again ranking behind Sweden and Denmark. Meanwhile the U.S. checked in at number 21 on the list.
Of course not all Canadians agree on everything. Given that just recently Statistics Canada announced there are now 40 million people living in Canada, it would be impossible to expect everyone to agree on everything. The fact we’re currently operating under a minority government is further proof that we have different views. But that’s all right. One of the great things about living here is we can speak out when we disapprove of our government. At least every four years we can make our voices heard through a federal election-often times much more frequently than every four years.
Add all that up with picturesque mountains, oceans, farm lands and cities packed with culture, you’ve got a pretty awesome land, if we don’t say so ourselves.
Happy Canada Day.
-Adam Prudhomme