On July 1, 1867, Canada became a country, and eventually acquired self-government from Britain, but British influences remain to this day, such as our Constitutional Monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as our Head of State.
The Aboriginal Peoples settled in Canada thousands of years ago, and in the late 15th Century French and British settlers arrived in Atlantic Canada. Canada was known as “New France” at the time. My Father’s ancestors immigrated to Canada from France in 1600. Today, our bilingualism salutes our French Canadian heritage, and our laws protect Aboriginal peoples’ rights.
We enjoy a free country in beautiful , natural surroundings. Our cold winters enable us to endure whatever life throws our way, and make us appreciate our springs and summers so much that we never want to leave here.
Canada, in a word is “Compassion”. People from diverse cultures are drawn here, where we peacefully co-exist in a muliti-cultural society. We are nurturing to our own citizens, and are humanitarians on the world scene.
Canadians prefer to be peacekeepers rather than fighters.
Canadians in general are easy going, polite and quietly proud of our homeland.
Canadians indulge in McIntosh Toffee, Tim’s coffee, maple syrup, hot tea, ice hockey and beer.
We celebrate Canada Day at free community events sponsored by local governments that build a sense of community.
The Metro Vancouver area Canada Day festivities include a huge Surrey Canada Day celebration at The Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre that attracts 100,000 people, with free outdoor concerts, fireworks, amusement rides and food carts.
I hope you have a Happy 146th Birthday Canada!!