Glenn Stewart Coles, 9251 Yonge Street, Suite 8-924, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 9T3
Text Box: Today is the 141st birthday of Canada as an independent nation. Though inhabited for centuries by aboriginals and a migratory destination for Europeans since the early 1500’s, Canada was granted the status of ‘Dominion’ in 1867. It was this act by the British parliament that established Canada as a country within the British Commonwealth. Through the 20th century Canada became peacefully independent from Britain. We rose our own flag for the first time in February 1965. Thus began a song that echoed our national cry, ‘The Maple Leaf Forever’. What is interesting is that Canadians proudly display the red maple leaf around the world while at the same time people celebrate locally by waving the flags of their cultural heritage, especially during World Cup Soccer or Olympics. Though our Constitution Act in 1982 gave Canada full operational independence, we still show allegiance to the Queen of England by treating her with respect and putting her face on our money. There are many aspects to being Canadian. Firstly, as a country we probably contain the most diverse mix of people in the world. I have shared food with Muslims, Christians, Wiccans, Jews, Buddhists and Sikhs, all on the same day. While immigrants have tended to settle in cities rather than country areas, the mix of many cultures is felt throughout the nation. Every country in the world has representation in Canada. Every language is spoken somewhere. Every religious and spiritual belief is supported, allowed and encouraged. All people are considered equal with the right to create a better life for themselves and others. As long as respect of others is upheld, anyone can do anything in Canada. Of course like any society there are challenges to face. The gap between rich and poor exists just as much within our country as it does around the world. While those in third world nations have much larger challenges than Canadians and would consider our lifestyles exceptionally luxurious, there are still those in Canada who struggle to feed their families. The majority of Canadians work to pay the bills each month. Most enjoy the basics of food, clothing and shelter, and many have added extras. While life is not perfect for all Canadians we have very little to complain about. A recent television commercial produced by a beer company introduced ‘The Canadian Rant’, a series of stereotypical statements about life as a Canadian. Most of them are funny and many are true. Yes, there are years that I did not shave in support of my favorite hockey team during the Stanley Cup tournament. I love the sound of a loon and winning a loonie. I do not live in an igloo, I sometimes say ‘zed’ instead of ‘zee’, and I have been skiing on both water and snow. I asked some friends how they felt about being Canadian. The answers included ‘happy’, ‘proud’, ‘glad’, ‘fortunate’, and ‘lucky’. The word that I choose is ‘grateful’. I am grateful to have been born in Canada. I am grateful for my family, my friends, and all the people who have influenced my life. I am grateful for the opportunities that have been provided and the compassion and support that others have shown. I am grateful to have grown up in a country that has provided peace, prosperity and access to knowledge and wisdom. Though I have experienced challenges, my life has been comparatively easy compared to many others around the world. I have never experienced war except through the media. I have never experienced hunger unless I have chosen to fast. I have been given the freedom to create whatever life I desire within the guidelines of our culture and laws. Like any country in the world, Canada faces the uncertainty of a world out of balance. As we progress through the next decades, Canada can set an example that all people can live together in peace, accepting and learning from each other’s differences. Canada can set an example that all people are equal and deserve the basics of existence plus the opportunity to create more. Canada can show that a society advances by helping all people build better lives for themselves while adding to the community good. To celebrate Canada Day, I upheld an annual tradition by completing a set of Falun Gong exercises in public. Why? Because in Canada, I can. I also rode my bicycle, enjoyed the sunshine and will later watch fireworks. As we enter the second half of the year, I am happy to be in the perfect place at the perfect time. Happy birthday Canada! © Copyright Glenn Stewart Coles, 2008 First Published July 1, 2008

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I have shared food with Muslims, Christians, Wiccans, Jews, Buddhists and Sikhs, all on the same day.


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