Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Canada Day in all of our communities across Niagara Centre!

It has been a difficult time in our country’s history, but we can be proud of how we’ve faced those challenges and take pride in the effort and sacrifices made by so many to care for and protect their fellow citizens.

Canadians rightfully look to past generations for the examples we should aspire to, and I would like to thank our health care workers, our first responders, our restaurant workers and grocery store cashiers, delivery personnel and mail carriers – everyone who continued to show up for work and placed themselves in harm’s way when the world shut down because of a health emergency – have joined those who will be remembered and honoured by future generations.

Canadians have long held a reputation for being the ones who step forward when others have faltered, of being a people who show unrivaled determination in getting the job done, of a willingness to do the dirtiest, the toughest and the most difficult tasks. A country born in peace, but hardened by a land and climate and wilderness which have blessed its inhabitants with uncommon strength and character.

Canada is not a dream - it is hard work – It’s as hard as the granite that stretches out under the topsoil across much of our country, and we are forever tasked with sculpting a future that reflects our core beliefs, our compassion for those who dream of joining us, and a devotion to doing the right thing - a future built on justice and equality for all of our citizens.

We have so much to be proud of.

May all of you enjoy a Happy Canada Day.