A Special Canada Day

The idea of an elder permeates much of who we are. The notion that we can learn from those who have come before us exists in our bureaucracies and our governments just as frequently as it does in some of the most personal aspects of our own lives. Both individually and culturally, the elder is one of our most treasured concepts.


As a nation, the historical significance of our elders lies in part in the perspective they give. The 143 year history of Canada lends itself to multiple interpretations which will in turn imply many possible roads ahead. For our youth in particular, exposure to those who have lived through parts of our past can bring our history off the page and help put our future direction in perspective.


Early in the summer, as enthusiastic Canadians began making preparations for July 1st, I began thinking that for my Canada Day celebration I wanted something that would bring our youth and our seniors closer. Our office attracts many young people in the riding who are eager to make a difference but need guidance as to where to begin. By the same token, the Don Valley East community has numerous seniors groups that are actively engaged in our civic institutions. Wanting to do something that would incorporate both of these groups, I decided that I would hold this years Don Valley East Canada Day party at 1420 Victoria Park Ave. Flyers were sent out, inviting constituents from the neighborhood to participate.


The tenants of 1420 Victoria Park are seniors who have come together and created a close knit interdependent community for whom enthusiasm for civic engagement is rivaled only by a taste for a good party. As Canada Day finally approached it became increasingly clear that I had chosen the right venue. 


Despite the weatherman’s predictions, July 1st brought with it skies that were blue and a breeze that was cool. The residents of 1420 were eagerly awaiting for the party to begin and they were joined by many residents in the surrounding area of Bartley, Tisdale, Saddleridge.

The event started off with the singing of the national anthem by students of the Nil Academy, followed by the renewal of the citizenship oath. Participants were provided with copies of the oath and the anthem in both official languages. Everyone joined in as we played a little Canada Day trivia and waited for the serving table to be set. Young volunteers eagerly served the guests as music played and people participated in various cultural dances. Our Canada Day cake was cut and everyone joyfully took a slice. 


As families joined their loved ones and our volunteers began to mingle with our guests it became all the more apparent how the care we provide our seniors needs to become an urgent priority. If we are to appreciate the importance seniors have in making our youth aware of the future they will inherit, should we not ensure that our government provides our seniors with the tools necessary to live their lives with dignity?


Seniors are the fastest growing segment of our population making up 25 percent of all Canadians. With saving for retirement becoming an increasing challenge, government must do more to ensure that we are able to retire with dignity and economic security. The fall-out for families and the broader economic implications of senior care reinforce this importance.


By the time Canada Day 2010 had wrapped up I had had a chance to listen to many of the concerns of those living at 1420 and watch as tenants, in turn, interacted with our youth volunteers and staff members. It became clear that as Canada develops, many of the issues concerning our youth will be intertwined with those concerning our seniors. 


Despite these challenges, another, perhaps a more important lesson was learned. The resilience of our seniors and the enthusiasm with which they engaged our volunteers was equaled by the care with which our volunteers interacted with them. Whatever challenges may lie ahead Canada Day reminds us that it is both a formidable past and promising future that carries us toward our goal.

I then went off to join my constituents in the northern end of the riding and the mid-section of the riding to celebrate with them a wonderful Canada Day.