Like most families, Canadians don’t always agree on everything, and sometimes the divisions between them can go fairly deep.
But somehow, they always manage to come together when it’s time for a reunion party.
Tuesday was Canada Day, and Canadians took the opportunity to kick off the summer in grand style with barbecues, camp outs and festivals.
For one day at least, the causes of our divisions were no longer that critical.
On this day, strife between B.C.’s teachers and the provincial government could be put aside.
The recently approved Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. Coast? A battle for another time.
Contested fish farm applications in B.C.’s coastal waters? Talk to me later.
And thank goodness we don’t even have to deal with Rob Ford out here on the West Coast.
Eventually, of course, we will have to deal with these issues, short-term and long-term, both locally and nationwide.
We won’t all agree on a single approach, or even on the likely outcomes of economic and environmental conflicts.
But hopefully we can all agree we still live in a country where those arguments can be heard, where each person has a voice and an opportunity for input and to make a difference.
Another feature of Canada Day is the ceremony, held in venues from coast to coast, in which newcomers to this great land are sworn in as new citizens.
For those of you who wonder if it’s still possible to improve your lives and those of your children in Canada, these immigrants are a valuable source of inspiration.
They clearly believe there’s a future here, and want to be a part of shaping it. So do we, and hope you will continue doing the same.
Hope your Canada Day was a great break. Enjoy summer, and let’s get back to work.