On Saturday, July 1, Canada will reach a remarkable milestone in her history, as this country will mark the 150th year since Confederation in 1867, and this nation is poised to face the next 150 years as a unique and desirable place to live and work.
In a world wracked with violence and turmoil, with wars, hunger and the threat of terrorism, Canada holds a special place as a country that many immigrants aspire to come to and raise their families, and find new opportunities for work and for peace.
Canada is by no means perfect, as there are constantly challenges to overcome, at the local, provincial and federal levels, but the resilient and innovative residents who call Canada home will work tirelessly to overcome these challenges and make this great country even greater.
One of long-standing issues Canada is facing, and needs to deal with, is improving the way this country treats her indigenous peoples, those who were living here before the flood of immigrants swept over the land to settle it. The issues are complex, and it is not an issue that can be dealt with quickly — but it takes willingness on the part of Canadian citizens and the government to face the issues and deal with them in a fair and equitable manner.
If Canadians can reach out and make a serious effort to deal with the issues involving indigenous people, then Canada will truly reach the greatness that so many of her people want, and fulfil the dream that was worked out by the Fathers of Confederation.
It is this wish for greatness, and for a land of peace and opportunity, that has drawn so many people from so many nations around the world, and continues to bring many people here as they flee poverty, terror and depleted resourcest to settle in a land that is rich in both potential, and in resources and natural beauty that is unsurpassed.
Canada has long shown the way on the international stage, through her peacekeeping efforts (for which this country is renowned), and through a generous response to any need for humanitarian assistance that arises, whether from natural disasters or due to the effects of war and terrorism.
There is much that Canada needs to do, and has done, and she can hold her head up proudly on the world stage as a nation of strength, beauty, compassion and peace that is the envy of many countries around the world that wish they had even a portion of what we have here. On Canada Day, take time to be thankful, and to proudly celebrate the nation that is uniquely ours. — Greg Nikkel
