Canada Day is right around the corner, and as you know, the people of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry know how to celebrate. I’ve been helping organize the Canada Day festivities in this riding for years and I can tell you that tomorrow’s celebration is going to prove to be one of our best yet. Hopefully I’ll see you at Lamoureux Park tomorrow.

No matter where you are or how you celebrate, I’d like to wish you have a safe, happy and memorable holiday weekend.

Of course Canada Day is more than just a holiday. It is also a chance for all of us to take a step back and feel proud about our country and how far we have come. Today Canada is more unified than it has been for 40 years.

Our economy is proving resilient in a time of global economic uncertainty. Our Canadian Forces are being rebuilt and they are regaining pride of place in the public eye.

Our country is standing proud and once again we are a major player on the world stage.

Consider that only a few years ago our country was embroiled in what was seemingly a never-ending constitutional and national unity crisis, as well as a period of military
underfunding that our outgoing top soldier described as a “decade of darkness.” Our progress in just a few years gives us reason to be proud.

People around the world are noticing. This is most true in Afghanistan. Today
Canadian soldiers, diplomats and aid workers are playing a pivotal role in the defence and reconstruction of this troubled region. They have already saved many innocent lives, and they will save many more before they are done.

People are also noticing a new Canadian confidence on the world stage. Not only are we helping rebuild Afghanistan, we are leading international efforts to protect human rights around the globe, and calling for real environmental action from all major greenhouse gas emitting nations. It is clear that today, when Canadians speak, other countries are listening.

After years of neglect, our Government is once again standing up for priorities such as defending our North. We are making real investments in Arctic Patrol vessels, satellite surveillance, and the human presence required to ensure that no other country in the world will take Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty for granted.

In short, this Canada Day—indeed, every day—there are plenty of reasons to be confident about the future of our great country.

We are standing up for our interests abroad and speaking with a confident, optimistic and unified voice on the world stage.

Of course there will there be challenges ahead, but I have no doubt that Canada’s future is very bright indeed.

Happy Canada Day.

Guy Lauzon, M.P.
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry