Canada is a big country, with plenty of room for everyone.
At 9,984,670 square kilometres, it is the second largest country in the world. And, now with 41.3 million people, Canada is the 36th most populous country in the world.
This means Canada should be able to extend a welcome to all who live here. There is plenty of room to accommodate a diverse population.
There is a place for those who have lived here for many generations, and there is also a place for those who have arrived within the past few weeks.
There is room for each of the more than 450 ethnic origins and cultural groups listed in the 2021 census.
There is room for people who have a variety of religious beliefs and worldviews, and there is room for diverse opinions on social issues affecting this country and individual communities.
There is room for progressives, traditionalists and moderates. There is room for activists and pacifists.
Many Canadians have stories about how they or previous generations in their families have been able to find room to live in this country.
Some came as refugees following wars and revolutions in the countries they had once called home. Others left poverty or discrimination to set up a new life here. Some came in search of new opportunities.
The details may differ, but over the years, Canada provided, and continues to offer, a welcoming environment.
This concept is also expressed in Canada鈥檚 Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Our freedoms include the freedom to practice any religion or no religion, the freedom to think, to speak, to listen to the views of others and to express opinions. It includes the right to peaceful demonstrations and to have peaceful protests against a government action or institution. And there is the expectation of equality for all under the law.
There is a place for all in Canada.
However, the values expressed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms must go beyond words. The spirit of the charter must be lived out, every day.
In a country that has extended a welcome to the world, the response must be to offer a spirit of acceptance to the diverse people who live in this country, on Canada Day and every day throughout the year.
鈥� Black Press.
