Good afternoon ladies
and gentlemen.
It
is an honour to be with you this afternoon,
to celebrate Canada’s 134th
birthday.
Today’s
celebration is even more meaningful
because it is a reminder of the uniqueness
of our country.
According to the United Nations
Human Development Index (HDI), Canada
has been ranked as number one for
the past eight years.
This implies that not only
is Canada a great place to live, but
that its citizens have high standards
and quality of life.
This is perhaps most rewarding
due to the many concerns and challenges
faced by our seniors; more so due
to the fact that baby boomers will
soon be faced with the challenges
and issues of aging.
One
of the many reasons Canada is so special
is its diversity.
This country was and continues
to be built by the hands of immigrants
from all the continents of the world.
For this reason, multiculturalism
has become an important feature of
international identity.
It has helped to significantly
strengthen our core values of inclusiveness
and respect for the dignity of each
human being.
Canada
has taken significant steps towards
making the many cultures within its
borders more integrated.
Cross-cultural relations have
improved over time.
Our multiculturalism is central
to our foreign and trade relations.
Diversity and inclusiveness
are becoming the brand Canadians are
known for.
By
celebrating our unique differences
we can perhaps learn to understand
each other.
Our diversity is one of our
greatest strengths, making us greater
due to our many parts. Our different heritages are an integral part and feature
of our national identity.
The
Indian community has especially strong
roots in Edmonton adding to our local
and national mosaic.
I know and have witnessed first
hand the importance of family in this
culture.
Family members protect and
depend on each other, especially the
aging generation relying on the younger
one to not only help it adapt to a
new society but also to survive.
Senior citizens are an important
part of each family’s ancestral history.
Their life histories are filled
with many fruitful lessons that hold
the legacy of their culture.
Your
invaluable contribution to the social,
political and economic aspects of
our society are ample proof that you
feel at home here in Canada and there
is no better time to celebrate this
than today during our nation’s birthday.
I’d like to take this opportunity
to wish you all a very Happy Canada Day.
