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Giant killers Canada has become national hero on this Canada Day. While the celebrations have been from coast to coast to coast, people in general are excited about the team’s excellent showing in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Every Canadian is looking forward to the round of 16 game against Morocco at Houston on Saturday.

“Our team has already done enough to make us proud,” was the comment made by most of the Canadians this correspondent talked to, saying “we want them to continue with redoubled vigour against. Morocco and set new standards.”

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For an average Canadian, the celebrations was more than a holiday, a break from the routine work. After attending to household chores, they moved out to join their near and dear ones in picnics on beaches or walk downs to hot spots, including Harbourfront in Toronto, while many joined special celebrations held at different venues, including programmes of dance and music. Late in the evening, Harbourfront in Toronto, Parliament Hill in Ottawa and many other places were star attractions for fireworks.

People sporting Canadian jerseys and flags swarmed all public places.

Interestingly, Toronto Stadium, venue of the FIFA World Cup matches, did not figure on the choice list of the locals. Both the Fan Festival and Toronto Stadium had a few soccer enthusiasts.

Some were a little sceptical of the growing bitterness with the next door big brother hoping that things would normalise soon. They said they wanted to go and follow their soccer team for iits knockout round games  but because of  "uncertainty" in the relations, they decided to put their plans on hold.

Meanwhile, several federal ministers and leaders of various political parties, various organisations and groups greeted people on Canada’s Day. This time, they generally opined, was a special day needing Canadians to reiterate their commitment to make their country strong  as the entire world was experiencing some of the worst conflicts.

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement on Canada Day, said that “how fortunate we are to call this country home—a place where diversity is celebrated, our values unite us, and our collective identity comes to life through our official languages and the experiences we share. The occasion is a time to celebrate what brings us together, take pride in our communities and look to the future with confidence as we build an even better Canada for the generations that will follow us.

“As part of this year’s festivities, I am honoured to be attending citizenship ceremonies in Canada’s capital. These ceremonies are part of a large celebration taking place in every corner of our country where newcomers are taking the oath of citizenship. This is an emotional and meaningful moment as they officially join the Canadian family. These ceremonies happen year-round across Canada and reflect the hope and determination of those who choose to build their lives here.

“Generations of newcomers and their descendants have contributed to Canada’s success. Today, we are a proud, welcoming, dynamic country precisely because we know how to find common cause and get big things done. Whether your family has been here for generations or you are taking the oath of citizenship for the first time today, you are part of Canada’s story—one of unity, opportunity and progress for all Canadians,” the Minister added.

David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence,  joined Canadians from coast to coast to coast in celebrating Canada Day and all that it represents, saying “It is an opportunity to reflect with pride on our nation, our history, our values, and the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy.

“On this day, I also extend my deepest gratitude to the generations of Canadians who have served our country in uniform. Past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard have answered the call to protect Canada’s sovereignty, safeguard our security, support Canadians in times of hardship and crisis, and serve with distinction at home and abroad. They exemplify dedication, courage, and selfless service. I am profoundly proud of their contributions and of the vital role they play in keeping Canada strong, secure, and resilient,” he added.

Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, in a statement said that “from the shores of British Columbia to the vast Prairies, to the rugged beauty of the North and to the Atlantic coast, communities across the country proudly carry their stories—their legacies, their cultures, their languages and their connections to the land.

“And despite the vastness of our country and the diversity of our communities, today we celebrate what unites us and the values that make us proud to be Canadians.

Once again this year, we have seen this unity in action. Across the country, Canadians have rallied behind our athletes, our sports teams, our artists, our creators, our scientists and our leaders. Through their individual achievements—like those of so many other Canadians—these outpourings of pride and solidarity lift us up as a country and demonstrate the strength of what unites us”, he said.

 

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