Happy Birthday Canada!

As we celebrate 150 years of nationhood, local leaders offer their thoughts on what makes our place in the country so special, and put forward their hopes for the future

As we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation in Canada, it’s exciting to reflect on all of our country’s accomplishments and the things that make us so special.

Canada is truly a place that has left its mark on the world in so many ways, including scientific discoveries, new technologies, groundbreaking leaders, and the spirit of inclusion.

As a leader dedicated to the promotion of innovation, academic excellence, and cutting-edge research, I continue to watch progress unfold in our labs and classrooms almost daily.

As a nation, I think we should take this moment to celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to what the next 150 years has in store. — FERIDUN HAMDULLAHPUR, PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

This year, during Canada’s 150th birthday, I am experiencing a personal anniversary; 60 years of living in Canada after moving — at age 6 — from Holland. That move by my parents is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Canada has provided my extended family the opportunity to raise kids and grandkids in safety, with optimism, and with pride in our chosen nation. We Canadians enjoy the rule of fair and fairly-enforced laws, we have one of the best education systems in the world to unleash our human potential, we generally behave decently toward one another, we are prosperous, we are highly innovative, and we welcome others from many parts of the world to join us in this bounty. I have travelled extensively, and there is no country like Canada. We are so lucky! Let’s celebrate, and let’s all work hard to keep Canada a beautiful place. — MAX BLOUW, PRESIDENT AND VICE CHANCELLOR WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY

Waterloo Region was settled decades before Canada became a nation and helped shape Ontario: Blair was one of the earliest inland settlements.

Some of the earliest buildings remain standing today, a testament to the solid foundation laid by those inventive, creative and ingenious pioneers. The Sheave Tower in Blair, stone homes and businesses, dams and mills were foundational for today’s economy.

Waterloo Region continues as a leader for Ontario’s economic engine. Known for anchoring the Waterloo-Toronto tech corridor, advanced manufacturing and agri-food sectors and leading post-secondary institutions, the Region attracts the best and brightest students and business leaders. Cultural diversity, prominence of women in political roles (the late Claudette Millar was once the youngest mayor in Canada) and the welcoming setting for new Canadians, makes this one of the best places to live, work and raise a family in Canada. As we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, I want to be right here, in Waterloo Region! — KATHRYN MCGARRY, MPP CAMBRIDGE

What makes Canada a great nation? Our 150th Birthday is a fitting time to reflect on that question. I would answer by saying “We are a smart and caring nation, with a foundation established by our Indigenous peoples, and built up by the many immigrants who now call Canada home.” The world looks to us in admiration. We’re a peaceful, well-governed country with two official languages, where people of countless races and religions live side-by-side in harmony. On this sesquicentennial, we have a lot to celebrate in Canada, Ontario, and Waterloo Region. I’m so proud my Italian immigrant parents chose Canada in which to settle — a land of opportunity, indefatigable politeness, extreme weather, dazzling cities, and wide open spaces. Oh Canada — we stand on guard for thee! (And, it’s an honour to share my birthday with you!). — DAIENE VERNILE, MPP KITCHENER CENTRE A s Canada celebrates 150 years, there isn’t a day goes by that I am not thankful to be a Canadian. Waterloo Region is an important part of a successful Canada. We take pride in our past but look to the future, keeping on the leading edge while working together to ensure opportunities for all. Canada is a caring and compassionate country. We know that our children and grandchildren will enjoy a bright future. Canada is a country with a strong sense of identity. That is why we are all proud to call Canada our home and to loudly proclaim ourselves Canadians. — KEN SEILING, WATERLOO REGIONAL CHAIR J uly 1st, this great nation we call home is celebrating it’s 150th birthday. This is a moment of pride and achievement for all of us as Canadians.

Our indigenous communities, the original people who walked on this land we call Canada, have generously shared this land with Canada’s first settlers, and for generations since, new people have arrived from all corners of the world.

Since Canada’s beginnings, the people of Waterloo Region have demonstrated that through hard work and perseverance, the opportunities are virtually endless. From creating the Blue Box recycling program to development of the world’s first smartphone, the BlackBerry — this region and its residents have been an integral part of the Canadian story.

As we celebrate this birthday and commence the next 50 years of Kitchener’s and Canada’s story, let’s continue to dream big and build a diverse, inclusive, smart and caring nation — one neighbourhood at a time. — MAYOR BERRY VRBANOVIC, CITY OF KITCHENER

The end of the school year and the start of summer are here! Family, friends, fun, and fireworks are all hallmarks of the season. As we celebrate our country’s sesquicentennial, we can look to the future and be proud that, as Canada’s education city, we are well positioned for what’s to come. We are rich in our capacity for discovery and entrepreneurship, and we are quite literally a fountain of youth thanks to our post-secondary institutions. Diversity will be Canada’s strength in the global economy, and we must continue to embrace and share our welcoming nature toward newcomers. Inclusiveness means understanding our original local inhabitants, the Neutral, Anishnawbe and Haudenosaunee people. Our universities are excelling in welcoming indigenous and international students to our community. As Mayor, I’ve felt so welcomed at cultural events — and you will too! Join in, learn, and embrace our differences. That is so Canadian! — MAYOR DAVE JAWORSKY, CITY OF WATERLOO

Canada’s 150th birthday is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our country, the Waterloo Region and the City of Cambridge. Together, we will mark the founding of a nation that is the envy of the world.

Indeed, this important milestone is a chance to celebrate everything that make us Canadian. Values such as freedom, inclusion and equality have shaped our country and resulted in many progressive policies, including universal health care, maternity leave benefits, and legislated gender equality.

I believe Cambridge encompasses the very best of Canada. We are an evolving modern city that is built on our German and Scottish ancestry. Early settlers such as William Dickson, John Erb and Jacob Hespler built industrial complexes which created the foundation of our city.

Today, 150 years after Canada’s birth, Cambridge is the second largest community within the Waterloo Region. This is partly due to our strong economy and diverse culture. With new developments and projects adding vibrancy and growth, we remain fiercely protective over our architecture and history.

The founders of Confederation and the early settlers of Cambridge would be proud of what we have achieved. Our former communities have become one and the legacy of the past has been retained in our heritage buildings, and in the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. — MAYOR DOUG CRAIG, CITY OF CAMBRIDGE Iof look forward to attending the University

Waterloo’s Columbia Lake Canada Day celebration with many of you again this year! As your Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo, it has been heartening to attend local Canada 150 events that celebrate Canadian achievements while also recognizing the important history of our country with Indigenous communities and recommitting to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Waterloo Region has a history of welcoming new Canadians and I have been incredibly proud of our community’s efforts to extend that welcoming spirit to refugees over the last few years. There is ongoing community building work to be done before everyone is able to reach their potential here at home and across Canada. As we embark on Canada’s next 150 years, I look forward to continuing to work with community members, organizations, Indigenous peoples and allies to make our government, education system, hospitals and community spaces beacons of inclusivity and welcome.

Happy Canada Day, Kitchener-Waterloo! Stay safe and have fun — CATHERINE FIFE, MPP KITCHENER-WATERLOO

To me, Canada’s 150th birthday is an opportunity to recognize the century and a half of hard-work, sacrifice and dedication of our fellow Canadians toward achieving the goals of a free and open society.

It’s a chance to recognize the beauty and wide-open spaces of a country truly glorious and free.

Closer to home, our national birthday is a chance to recognize the advances made by those who have helped sow the seeds that have grown into the strong and proud communities that make up Waterloo Region.

Boating and integrated mix of rural and urban, our Region provides residents and visitors alike a small-town feel with a bigcity touch.

From our rural roots, to manufacturing, and high-tech leadership, our Region has, and continues to, contribute to the economic and cultural fabric that makes Canada great.

Happy Birthday Canada!! — MICHAEL HARRIS, MPP KITCHENER-CONESTOGA,

Canada is a land of opportunity and inclusion. Many years ago, my father brought our family to Canada because of it’s rich history in peace, diversity and opportunity. He knew that this was a place that he wanted to raise his children. He wanted us to experience the best life we could. Today this is still the Canada we live in. We are a country grounded in multiculturalism, strengthened by our diversity, our respect for human rights, and our culture of innovation. Here in Kitchener, I’m proud to represent a community that shares these values. We learn and grow from our history, celebrate our accomplishments, care deeply about the environment, and are a global leader in innovation. I wish everyone a wonderful Canada Day long weekend, and I hope to see you out enjoying some of the great events in our community! — RAJ SAINI, MP KITCHENER CENTRE

As Canadians, we’re blessed to be celebrating our 150th Anniversary of Confederation. We’re a nation built on hope, compassion, family, and the drive to move forward.

Our community’s deep roots in agriculture and the contributions of faith communities, service clubs and many volunteer groups have played an important role in our history. Growing up on a farm in Wilmot Township, I was a part of a large household that worked together to ensure the success of our farm and to care for our neighbours.

In that same spirit, Canadians have embraced and welcomed newcomers. Canada is a nation of immigrants who have put their skill sets to work building a stronger and more inclusive society.

Having been part of a group that sponsored a refugee family, walking alongside them and observing their integration into Canada has highlighted for me the importance of generosity and a welcoming spirit.

Happy Canada 150! — HAROLD ALBRECHT, MP KITCHENER-CONESTOGA T his Canada 150 let’s celebrate Waterloo Region! What began as a village of just 1,500 in 1867 has now grown into a dynamic innovation hub. Today, our economy is modern, growing and creating good, middle-class jobs. Our post-secondary institutions produce some of Canada’s best and brightest. And we achieved this by being a welcoming home for people from around the world, including my family.

Of course, we also must reflect on our challenges. For many years after Confederation, women could not vote and minorities were not treated equally. It has taken us far too long to finally confront the injustices committed against indigenous peoples. We must — and will — continue on this path of progress and reconciliation.

So this Canada Day let’s celebrate our achievements, and also look to the future at what still remains. Canada at 150 is not perfect, but it is pretty amazing. And the best is yet to come! — BARDISH CHAGGER, MP WATERLOO I n 1989, when I was four years old, my family immigrated to Canada following a brutal 15 year civil war in Lebanon. Like the early pioneers and many others since, my parents came in search of freedoms, opportunity and equality. They wanted a better future for themselves and for their children. Canada is a country where those who are driven and passionate about their dreams and goals and work hard can succeed because so many Canadians before us built this country to be the prosperous, welcoming and equal place it is for all its citizens. That is why on Canada Day and every day I am so proud to be Canadian, proud to serve my community. I will never forget those individuals who came before me and fought and built a country where those visions and values we share today can thrive. Happy Canada Day! — MARWAN TABBARA, MP KITCHENER SOUTH-HESPELER

Canada 150 is a time to reflect on our past, building the next 150 years. I’m humbled to look back at our wealth of inspiring leaders: prime ministers; aboriginal leaders; military heroes; and everyday Canadians whose accomplishments helped shape Canada into the nation we love today.

Alongside those accomplishments, it’s worth reflecting on what they did to help shape the Canadian identity, an identity that’s forged through our contributions to the world, our inventions, our languages, our culture, and even the conflicts we’ve fought in. However, I also like to think about the way those leaders helped shape how we view ourselves as Canadians.

On this 150th celebration, we look back and think about our history. I hope everyone in Waterloo Region will think about their contributions to the next 150 years, and how they will shape the way we see ourselves as Canadians. — BRYAN MAY, MP CAMBRIDGE

As we reflect on the past 150 years of our great nation, one only needs to visit the historic Woodside Park to see the strong connection of Waterloo Region in the building of our country — the childhood home of the Rt. Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s tenth and longest serving Prime Minister. Since that time, our community and country has grown significantly as well as our commitment to a strong economy, peace-keeping, equity, inclusion and the celebration of multiculturalism. On a personal note, as a proud Canadian, we have so much to celebrate — our Charter of Rights, our commitment to reconciliation, our commitment to our environment, and our willingness to embrace change while welcoming all new Canadians with open arms. Locally, we live in a culturally rich Region with man great things happening and the next 150 years look amazingly bright! Bonne Fete Canada! Happy Canada Day! — CHIEF BRYAN LARKIN, WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE