The Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy

Progressive Dialogue and Policy for a Better Canada

THINK CANADA !!!

By

July 1, 2015

THINK CANADA !!!

By Andrew Cardozo

Happy Canada Day!

Fifty years ago Canada celebrated our national holiday with the new Maple Leaf Flag for the first time!

It was a bold statement of coming of age, of developing our own symbol. As the Pearson Centre we are particularly proud of this achievement by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson who had a bold and positive vision of Canada and our place in the world!

Today we take our flag for granted. And indeed we take much for granted…..our health care system, the CPP, our economy, our social services and housing, our place in the world, our endless outdoors and healthy environment, our education system, our robust public services, our human rights, freedom to organize and associate, Aboriginal rights, our immigration and refugee system, and our democracy….yes democracy. But there are differing visions of Canada and differing values on these issues.

This Canada Day, three and a half months before the general election, it is worth taking some time to think about the vision we have and the vision we want to see Canada pursuing in the decade ahead.

From all of us at the Pearson Centre, have a Happy Canada Day!

(Attached is a picture of the first flag to fly on the Peace Tower on February 15, 1965, displayed in the Hall of Honour earlier this year)

ALSO:
For an overview of the contributions of Canadian Jews to Canadian history visit: http://www.cija.ca/resource/canadian-jewry/jewish-contributions-to-canada/

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