by Michael Plante

Feed me the love I need
and I shall grow beyond all expectations.
Show me a home worthy of respect
and I shall build a kingdom of my own.
Teach me how to obtain my dreams
so I can live in freedom.

Our country is Canada. It is a land where opportunity and freedoms are available to anyone. If you come here as an immigrant or are born to ancestors of immigrants, you are expected to participate in an appropriate manner conducive to the growth and harmony of this land. First and foremost we strive to be a peaceful nation. A nation that gives to other nations when in need. Our whole objective is to offer the necessities of life to those people whose country is in turmoil as a result of conflict or natural disaster. Innocent souls of a country in conflict should not suffer as a result, yet when they do it is our responsibility not just as Canadians but as human beings to bring basic necessities of life to them. It is our duty under the eyes of a God we believe in. When a natural disaster hits a country, we shall assist that nation in their time of need. We shall lead humanitarian efforts as so our brothers and sisters of another nation can rebuild from the disaster that they have incurred. These shall never be considered a hand-out but a hand-up for that is the common decency of human beings.

Our internal perspective should always be that of respect. From coast to coast to coast we shall always see that we are the same regardless of color, religion or sex. We achieve this respect by the respect we have for ourselves. As individuals we are allowed all opportunities each Canadian is entitled to by law. We shall not hinder the progression of another individual who seeks to improve themselves through education or spiritual means. We should look upon these individuals as inspiration and encompass their efforts as our own by endorsing their intentions and ascribing them towards our own aspirations. By doing so respect for ourselves and our countrymen becomes forefront resulting in a nation respected worldwide.

We shall always acknowledge our past mistakes and use them as stepping stones that are never to be forgotten. We shall never use them against organizations or individuals as a means to keep them from progressing towards the common good of our nation. An inspection of our own transgressions allows us to grow as individuals, we are afforded the opportunity to make amends where needed. The result is a stronger spirituality that reflects within ourselves and those we seek to rectify. When applied nationally the result is a stronger base identity of what our country represents, respect of human decency.

We shall always keep the door of Canada open to those seeking a better way of life. The entire existence of our federation is based upon immigration. We are guests of the First Nations of Canada who allowed our ancestors access to this land. First and foremost we shall always be grateful for their trust and faith within us, even if it was misplaced. Our attitude should include these traits when we greet new arrivals. Our blessing is the hope and dreams newcomers bring as they take the Oath of Citizenship. Their aspirations should never be looked down upon, for to do so is to insult our own forefathers and host. Those seeking a new life shall aways be welcomed with the love, respect and freedoms they deserve.

When we come together as a whole, we represent to the world a nation to aspire to. Our attitudes and common idea of a peaceful nation transforms the notion that all are equal into a reality and not just a dream. Our love for ourselves, our countrymen and the newcomer transcends from a higher power we call God that looks down upon us, blesses us, and keeps us whole. It is the red maple leaf that will forever bind us as one in the eyes of our God.

Image: A national unity rally on Oct. 27 1995. (The Canadian Press)
used without permission.