I have spent July 1 in some interesting places over the years; a community park in Mission, B.C., on the interstate in Nevada, a lake in Alberta, an aquarium in southern California, but primarily in the towns or cities where I was living at the time. Ìý
Summer holidays have taken us to different locations, but no matter where we might be, we took time to acknowledge Canada Day. Ìý
I have helped build floats, sung with choirs, served cake, organized crafts, walked in parades, worn special t-shirts, gone to a football game, been entertained, attended a Canadian author book reading, and watched fireworks as part of various Canada Day celebrations. Even heading down that interstate we had a version of "O Canada" cued up ready to play.Ìý
Two months ago, the results of the 2021 Best Countries Report were released. The study, undertaken by a news agency, marketing group and an American university, looked at cultural, economic, political and technological factors, as well as social purpose and agility. They studied 78 countries and ranked them top to bottom. Where was Canada? Number 1.Ìý
This is the first year Canada has claimed top spot, but it's notable that in previous rankings our nation sat at No. 2 or 3. But this is how we are perceived globally. It's how others see us. We need to acknowledge that it matters how we see ourselves.Ìý
Canada is a nation of people who have contributed to the health, safety, security, academia, beauty and political structure of the country – a country that is facing a reckoning. Depending upon the perspective of those involved in the conversation, we are either a nation on the rise or one in decline. Ìý
Then again, perhaps both are true, because while we can rightly claim a standard of excellence in some areas, we also need to accept responsibility in others. There is much that will require citizens to think soberly because we can't envision where we are heading until we come to terms with where we have been.Ìý
No nation on the planet can claim a history of flawless leaders, foolproof agendas or ideal practices and policies. No nation’s history is without its painful chapters for some living within its borders. No nation is blameless in making bad decisions and regrettable mistakes. But what sets apart those that rise from those that fall is how its people confront the past … and then shape the future.Ìý
Some are telling us that on Canada Day there is nothing to celebrate. I disagree. There is a lot worthy of the festivities. Yet make no mistake, just because there are reasons to celebrate doesn’t mean there isn’t history to be addressed. But where is the incentive to more fully uncover our past if we are constantly told how awful we are as a nation? Ìý
How can we aspire to anything better if we aren’t encouraged to understand where we could possibly go? We seldom put effort into things we are told is a lost cause, but we will work tremendously hard when we believe there is a better outcome in front of us. Cancelling anything shuts down opportunities for conversation when the very thing we need to be doing is digging deeper into understanding how we got here and what that means for tomorrow.Ìý
We are hearing that typical Canada Day events leave no room for reflection. Well then, let’s change that. Let’s reflect on Indigenous history and contemporary challenges. Let’s get our heads around treatment of our veterans. Let’s stop taking clean water, adequate health care and access to mental health supports for granted and instead be louder advocates for neighbours that are lacking. Ìý
Let’s talk about racism, discrimination, bigotry and whatever else is tearing at the fabric of our nation, but let’s do it with the intent of trying to fix what is wrong, not continuing to tear away at the frayed edges in the hopes it will unravel.Ìý
We can and will continue to disagree on much. We can and will continue to elect different governments in hopes of different outcomes. We can and will continue to wonder about the future of natural resources, social issues, immigration and freedom of speech. But we can and will continue to do so because Canada is a place where those conversations can happen.Ìý
So yes, I will celebrate Canada Day, not because this nation is perfect but because it's worth fighting for. That's my outlook.Ìý
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