The legislative session has ended and I will be in the riding for the summer months to meet with you and to hear your thoughts and concerns. I would first like to share some thoughts on Canada Day, however, which is fast approaching.

This year’s Canada Day festivities in Moose Jaw promise to be yet another successful event.  I thank Ken Parsons, the Moose Jaw Canada Day Committee, and all the volunteers for giving residents of Moose Jaw and the surrounding area an opportunity to celebrate our great country. 

This Canada Day, we celebrate the 142nd birthday of our nation. And whether we’re attending
community parades, visiting with friends and family at backyard barbeques, or simply relaxing at home, Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate living in the best country in the world. And there is plenty to celebrate.

We are privileged to live in a country that has been home to enduring peace and prosperity; so much so, that our partners and allies around the world can count on us to contribute to global peace and democracy. We have only to look at the outstanding work that our brave men and women in uniform are carrying out today in Afghanistan to see the difference that Canada is making on the world stage.

But right now, we are being tested. The setbacks of the global economic downturn are challenging all of us. Our jobs, our families and our communities are impacted.

However, our country is weathering the storm in true Canadian fashion. Our banking system is strong and we are holding the smallest debt compared to GDP of any country in the G-7. We are positioned well and, like in so many other ways, our stability during this tough time is the envy of many other countries around the world.

So on this day, in the midst of the continued global challenges, we can be proud of who we are, where we come from, and where we stand today. More than that, we can be confident in where we will stand tomorrow.

I hope you will join me in celebrating our country’s 142nd birthday. And I would like to remind you that I am available this summer to discuss any issues or concerns that you would like me to share with my colleagues in Ottawa. So to everyone, Happy Canada Day and have a great summer!