Canada Day is just a few days away.
It should be a time in which we reflect on our country, our rich history, the things that we have done right and the errors that have been made. (And make no mistake, we have made some blunders over the past 156 years).
It's a chance to think about all that Canada has accomplished on the international stage and the contributions we have made in everything from sports to the arts, technology to science, medicine to politics, and the military to economics.
And it's time to reflect on where we are heading as a country, the ways in which we can continue to lead and the ways we can resolve to be better.
I've never hidden my pride in being Canadian. I think I hit the jackpot when I was born in this country. Granted, it's easy for me to say that because I'm from a good family, I've lived in good neighbourhoods and I've had good opportunities.
But my belief we've hit the jackpot extends beyond opportunities. We have a lot of freedoms here.
You might not be a fan of our current prime minister or the current federal government. I'm not. But we can criticize that government. Within reason, of course. We can debate the issues. We can question decisions without having to worry about being arrested. We have the right to protest and the freedom of assembly.
We have the opportunity to vote for the candidate of our choosing without having to worry about reprisal. We don't have armed soldiers at polling stations, looking to sway your vote towards their preferred candidate or party.
The opportunity to vote is one that billions of people around the world would love to have.
We are able to vote regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or income. As long as you're a Canadian citizen and of the requisite age, you can vote.
We live in a majestic country that offers so much stunning scenery. Over the past five years, I've been fortunate to spend considerable time in eight of 10 provinces and one territory. It's been great. Mountains, prairies, dense forests, oceans, lakes – this country has it all.
I know there are people who like to travel to the same location abroad year after year. If that's your thing, then that's cool. And when it's -30 C in January and we still have a couple of months of winter remaining, a trip to Arizona or Mexico or Hawaii sounds pretty wonderful. But many of us are so eager to see other parts of the world that I think we miss out on what we have in the world's second-largest country.
Last year my Canada Day was spent visiting Halifax, Peggy's Cove and Lunenberg in Nova Scotia. This year it will be back to more familiar surroundings: Bienfait and Estevan. I had a great time in Nova Scotia last year. But I know I'll have a great time in the southeast on July 1 this year.
We have a wonderfully diverse nation. Canada's population just hit 40 million people. In that country, we have people from different nations and cultural backgrounds. Many of us are of European descent. But we have Indigenous people whose ancestors have been here for centuries. We have people of different nationalities and cultures who have come here to follow the opportunities that Canada offers.
The people from other nations have enriched Canada with their music, food and culture, and they have made our communities better.
Yes, there are things in our past that have brought shame and we need to continue to address them. That's why we need to always resolve to be better.
But when you really think about it, is there anywhere else you'd rather live? Is there a place where you would have it better than you do here in Canada?
If you can think of that place, odds are there is no shortage of people who would gladly swap places with you.
So let's celebrate Canada Day. Perhaps that celebration is attending an activity or event in your community or a neighbouring area. Maybe it's finding a place that will have fireworks at night. Or maybe it's just staying home and giving thanks in quiet prayer for being Canadian.
Regardless, we have a great country and there are many reasons for Canadian pride.
