MP Guy Lauzon writes: On July 1, Canadians across the country will celebrate the birth of our great nation. Canada Day is truly a celebration of what it means to be Canadian. As Canada marks its 147th birthday, it is an opportunity to celebrate our past and present, while looking ahead with great anticipation to our future.

This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences, where the foundation was laid to unite and build a prosperous nation, based on the principles of peace, order and good government.

As Canadians, we have so much of which to be proud.

As one of the most ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse nations in the world, Canada’s legacy of peaceful pluralism and social cohesion is known worldwide. Indeed, Canada’s founding peoples were Aboriginals, French and British, and with over 400 years of immigration, people from all backgrounds have helped – and continue to help- build our nation.  Our diversity is truly one of our greatest strengths.

Canada is a nation strong and free. We have inherited this legacy from the incredible sacrifices and determination of those who have gone before us. Throughout our history, Canada’s men and women in uniform have fought tyranny and opposed injustice around the world, standing for what is principled. Today, they continue to serve valiantly, and we are forever indebted to them.

As Canada’s prominence on the world stage continues to grow, we will continue to excel and lead. And, our Government remains committed to addressing issues of human rights and equality, as we stand as a beacon of hope and prosperity in the global community.

Every day Canadians across the country contribute to Canada’s great legacy, as together we uphold and promote Canadian values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law at home, and abroad.

Throughout the riding of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry there will be many local Canada Day Celebrations. I urge each and every resident to take part in one of these celebrations and spend a few moments reflecting on how fortunate we are to live in this great country. With Canada’s rich history, tremendous natural and cultural heritage, strong values and sense of purpose, we truly have so much to celebrate this Canada Day. On behalf of our Government, I wish every constituent of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry a very happy Canada Day!

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry