WEYBURN - Today is Canada Day, and it is a great way to start a long weekend. The pathway we take on Canada Day 2022 shines a light on people in Canada, as well as on Canadian diversity, inclusion and youth. There are many reasons why I am proud to be Canadian, and I wanted to pay tribute to the country which I have always called home.
History was made when Canada became a new federation with its own constitution by signing the Constitution Act - formerly known as the British North America Act - on July 1, 1867. This year marks 155 years since the signing of the Constitution Act.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that were included in the Constitution Act includes protecting the fundamental freedoms and democratic rights for every Canadian.
Sure, here in the West, we do question legislation that is passed by Parliament, and at times weigh our concerns of ensuring a balanced playing field for all provinces. Still, the fact that we live in a democratic country, where our government is decided by voting regulations, is something that we all should value. I encourage those citizens who have the right to vote, to participate in their civic duty.
Equality rights are a very important part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms too. I was very proud when the introduction of a federal gender-neutral marriage definition in 2005 made Canada the fourth country in the world, and the first country outside Europe, to legally recognize same-sex marriage within its borders.
Equality rights also ensure that Canadians have a freedom of conscience and religion, the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, and of course an important one for myself, the freedom of the press. I love to write and express my thoughts, and it makes me very proud to live in a country where I can do so.
Since these rights and freedoms are second nature for many citizens, sometimes they are taken for granted. Recently, I reminded my son to how lucky he was to have the freedoms and rights he does have, including the chance to attend school and earn his driver’s license. We are very fortunate to live in a country where we have these opportunities, and currently have a safe and secure place to live and work.
There is unfortunately unrest and tragedy occurring around the world in other countries, and for their citizens. Right now there is growing concern for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and it is troubling to see the effects of war in their homeland. Canada has opened its arms to the refugees seeking asylum from war-affected lands. This is another thing about our country that makes me proud.
There is so much that makes our country great. Hopefully we are a role model to other countries, and a helpful neighbour and resource to those who need it the most, because we are all sharing this world together.
