Editor:
This is my eighth Canada Day.I am a landed immigrant, one who is very thankful and happy to be here. Where I came from, we celebrated ourselves boisterously, desperately, even dangerously and then we realized there was much less to celebrate.
In this week of preparations for the 2013 Canadian national celebration, I found myself considering the question: what will Canada celebrate on July 1?
Will we celebrate gratitude for a healthy country, a system that supports its people generously, kindly and responsively - a land where a reasonably comfortable standard of living is available to all?
A place where quality food, clean water, shelter, excellent health care and child care, meaningful work and fair pay, and award-worthy educational options are part of everyone's life experience?
A homeland where freedoms are nurtured and honoured, where the spirit of each person's joy guides us? Do we celebrate this beautiful place as a people united in the wish of each and every person's well-being?
And can we celebrate a land that fosters peace and well-being in the world around us? And a country that leads the way in caring for our Earth home?
I chose this place because I believe Canada does celebrate the above - a special place, indeed!
But is Canada Day perhaps both a day to celebrate and a day of opportunity to take stock, a way to safeguard that future Canada Days will always generate jubilant celebration?
Nina Haedrich, Sechelt
