February 15

NATIONAL FLAG DAY OF CANADA

While most of the world is recovering from the after effects of chocolate, wine or champagne or both, and quite possibly strenuous exercise, Canadians will be celebrating the birth (creation) of it's own National Flag.

Until the single red maple leaf was approved by the House of Commons and finally the Senate in December of 1964, Canada did not have a flag the country could call it's own. Although a national flag was proposed before 1964, it took the determination and actions of Lester Pearson to finally accomplish this feat. The creation of the national flag of Canada was a major step for Canada to become more of a single, unified country with less reliance on the British Empire.

On February 15, 1965, the Canadian Flag was raised on Parliament Hill for the first time, fully acknowledged by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. Canada further removed itself from the grips of British reign in 1982 when Pierre Trudeau created Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms by replacing the old BNA Act. Enough of the history!

The Canadian Flag is a symbol that we Canadians can rally behind; it symbolizes both our French and English roots and the various issues we overcame to create the best country in the world. Of course, our country is not perfect and there are still areas where our great country can improve, but overall it is a great country. So on February 15 take the time to reflect on our history, take pride in where we, as a country, are and continue to help make our country great.

Oh Canada!

As one of my friends will be traveling to the West coast in the next few months, I am reminded of what a great and diverse country Canada is. I have been to both coasts and have seen many of the wonders Canada has to offer, each region has something unique to it.

For most of my life I thought that Ontario was not as nice as either the East Coast or West Coast and that the province didn't really have much excitement to it, other than Niagara Falls, of course. That is a pretty logical assumption I thought.

The East Coast has miles of coastline (with several lighthouses) and the atmosphere is pretty relaxed. They also have some cool attractions like the reversing waterfall and Magnetic Hill in New Brunswick as well as an engineering marvel in the Confederation Bridge linking PEI with New Brunswick. On the other side of the country is the Rocky Mountains (enough said!). These gigantic pieces of land extend miles into the sky, through the clouds and stop just short of Heaven. The mountain range is probably the most breathtaking thing I have seen in my life.

In comparison with both coasts, Ontario seems pretty lame, doesn't it? All it has is an oversized waterfall. Ah, that is where I am wrong; Ontario has a bit of both coasts. There are some small mountains (they look more like hills after seeing the Rockies though) and several lakes, both great and small, and other such waterways. And don't forget the Welland Canal, another engineering feat that was and still is key to industry in this country.

It has taken many years but I can finally admit that every province, even Ontario, has its own characteristics that make it great. I am still partial to the mountains of the West Coast but I can now say without hesitation that Canada is a great country that has something for everyone.