By Honoré Gbedze : The Afro News Vancouver When you decided to leave your birth country and continue your life in Canada there must have been a valid reason for this decision. Perhaps it was a chance at a better life, an escape from a war torn and dictatorship environment, to unite with family members, marriage proposals or employment opportunities. Whatever the reason, you made a conscious choice to make Canada your new home.
During the early years as a newcomer to this land there is so much to learn and adapt to; culturally, socially, economically, environmentally. The English language may have been your biggest obstacle. If you were lucky enough to come at a young age and go to school in Canada then it would have been a bit easier to learn the Canadian way of life and integrate into society.
As the years progressed and you got caught up into the everyday routines of life and followed along as the current society and times dictates, that initial focus of why you came here may have gotten buried and your vision became clouded and you no longer stand for or strive for that very reason you came here to fulfil.
Canada is a colourful mosaic of many nations and we can say that being Canadian we all have an integral role and part in this democratic diversity. Our responsibilities towards ourselves, family, community and country should not be taken lightly. As citizens we all have a job to do that will enhance and hopefully boost our Canadian living experience!
As upstanding citizens we contribute to the growth and economic resources by paying our dues and taxes. We vote in elections and participate in civil and community service.
We need to keep our Canadian Patriotism alive and active!
Given the time we live in today, and over the last 120 years, Canadians have made a big sacrifice. Since we saw the barriers moved and the world around us change with the fast moving events of our time that has caused us to slowly become a part of the global world, what role are we looking for to play in the 21st century?
The key fundamental thing for us is to protect and preserve our land at all times. Every country has prosperity and every aspect of life needs growth. As a Canadian we must not be too conservative but share our knowledge with others. We must take care of ourselves and others must take care of themselves too.
The young emerging market around the world is rampantly growing and we must not just grab the monetary opportunity but must share our knowledge. We must be involved and need to educate to create a win-win situation. The citizens of this land must be open to grow and share. Our allegiance and citizenship is not just for our own good but to be examples and teachers to others.
On all fronts we must be engaged to narrow the gap in society. Our leaders must continue to be open and be engaged to move our nation forward.
‘If I had influence over the minds of the people of Canada, any power over their intellect, I would leave them this legacy: ‘Whatever you do, adhere to the Union. We are a great country, and shall become one of the greatest in the universe if we preserve it; we shall sink into insignificance and adversity if we suffer it to be broken.’- Sir John A. MacDonald
