Time to think about Canada Day

By Ken Boshcoff
M.P. T. Bay-R.R.

During these cold winter days it’s never too soon to plan for Canada Day. “Celebrate Canada!” activities have become a tradition offering Canadians the opportunity to share their national pride. “Celebrate Canada” is an eleven-day celebration that takes place annually from June 21-July 1 including National Aboriginal Day on June 21, Saint-Jean- Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 and Canada Day on July 1.
There are so many ways to celebrate Canada from picnics to barbeques, parades to pow-wow’s, sporting events and many others. The list is endless! Invite seniors from your community to share their stories with children. It’s a great opportunity for youth to learn about their community’s history and the transformation Canada has seen throughout the years.
Eligible applicants for funding include non-governmental organizations, ad-hoc and special committees, community associations, municipal governments, schools and school boards. This is a wonderful way to mobilize your community.
Youth are invited to enter the 2007 Canada Day Poster Challenge. Students under the age of 18 are invited to design a poster that best illustrates their pride in Canada and in being Canadian. This year’s theme is ‘A Portrait of Canada: Celebrating 140 Years.’ The provincial and territorial finalists will win a trip to Ottawa to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill. The winning entry will become the official poster of Celebrate Canada! 2007.
Further information about the “Celebrate Canada 2007” programme and application forms is available by visiting their website at: http://ww.canadianheritage.gc.ca/canada or by contacting the Ontario office of Canadian Heritage at 1-800-749-7061. The deadline for applications is Februrary 28, 2007.
We all take pride in the nation we have built together over the past 140 years. Our participation is “Celebrate Canada!” brings us together, strengthens our communities and helps us to understand the significance of the citizenship we all share.