OTTAWA — A statement released Saturday July 1st by former prime
minister Stephen Harper marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation:
Dear fellow citizens:
As we mark the sesquicentennial of our Confederation, we as
Canadians should stop to reflect upon how fortunate we are. In an era of
unprecedented global wealth and opportunity, there is simply no better place to
live.
While it may be tempting to congratulate ourselves for this
blessed state of affairs, our gratitude should instead go to those who came
before us and built so much of what we have. It starts with acknowledging the
leadership and wisdom of Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir George-Etienne Cartier and their
colleagues. Coming together in a time of great danger, they constructed a
system that would allow British, French, Aboriginal and Immigrant to unite,
while preserving their unique institutions, languages, cultures and faiths.
That achievement is, despite the youthfulness of our country, one of the most
enduring models of democratic governance in the world today.
Generations of men and women have since added their own
stories to the annals of our history. Through wise decisions, hard work and
sacrifice, they built our economy, developed our society and enhanced our
liberty. Consecrating those triumphs are the tens of thousands of Canadians who
made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in distant lands, fighting to
ensure that the great evils of the past 150 years did not come to our shores.
A full appreciation of all we have been given should also
lead us to embrace our own responsibilities to those who follow. Are we also
ready to take the hard decisions rather than the easy paths? Are we prepared to
dedicate ourselves to great causes in the face of grave challenges? Are we
willing to make sacrifices in our own time so that our descendants will
continue to enjoy our freedoms in theirs?
If our answers to these questions are yes, and our actions
bear out those convictions, then we can be assured that, in another 150 years,
Canada will be even stronger and better than it is today.
God bless Canada,
Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper
22nd Prime Minister of Canada
By The Canadian Press
1 comment:
I love reading through an article that will make men and women think.
Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
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