O’ Canada

Happy Canada Day. We are an extremely fortunate and capable nation, and we should take time today to be thankful and mindful of the place we are able to have in the world. We have very much more than most nations on this sphere of matter, and we should never forget that with our wealth comes a responsibility and opportunity to help the rest of the world in ways we are able. Fortune and responsibility are inseparable.
As a free nation with a sense of social responsibility we can work to become a guiding light for other nations, not because of our wealth or strength as a nation, but because we possess far greater tools derived from multiculturalism. Canada’s greatness comes not from being above other nations, but rather from being a part of a web of nations and accepting the people of all nations as worthy of being considered our equals. While we may often disagree with the majorities of other nations or even our own, we must always remember that a diversity of thought, even when some aspects are flawed, is the source of great works, great advancement and great peace.
Celebrate all we have, and take pride in what Canada is and has the potential to be, but be aware of the role we are obligated to play because of the great reasons we have to celebrate. As you witness fireworks explode, hear a musician play her pride or enjoy a meal with your friends and family today, be sure to embrace the gift and the duty of being a Canadian.

Canada has been on my mind a lot lately, of course. The election this past week was better than I had feared, but worse than my deepest hopes. The Conservatives were kept from power (though they gained in seat count), and the Liberals were given a minority mandate. The NDP and BQ gained seats, and the Green party was provided with enough votes that they will receive funding in the next campaign. It was an election of balances, certainly. I hope the results will lead to a government which will govern well.