Moment with the Mayor: Canada Day Celebration

Hi Neighbours:

On July 1^st, Canada celebrated its 148^th anniversary as a country. Thanks to all the community volunteers and Town staff who worked hard to make our Canada Day celebrations in Baker Park an enjoyable time for everyone. I also want to celebrate the contributions our volunteers continue to make in the community doing everything from packing boxes to coaching, and to providing leadership in Kindersley.

When compared to many other countries around the world, Canada is a young nation and still maturing. But our identity has already been established in a lot of positive ways. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of being Canadian is how we are defined around the world primarily by virtues rather than political stance or historical events. When people refer to Canada, they say words like polite, friendly, diplomatic, open, and beautiful. These words describe the better angels of our nature, and I hope the same can be said when people see Kindersley.

Our identity has been shaped by our parents, grandparents, neighbours, friends, and all those who have come before us, from those who originated here and those who emigrated from other countries.

I often speak of the four pillars of community – beauty, justice, fulfillment and relationships. I believe we live in a country that makes all of these possible, to bring out the best in us for others, regardless of race or religion. As we continue to grow as a nation and a community, I hope we continue to embody and embrace these virtues. And in order to do that, we must start in our own families and our own community. So as you go about your days in the coming weeks, I encourage you to meet someone new and to celebrate being Canadian, a people who demonstrate the better angels of our nature. We have much to be thankful for!

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.