By Gary Goodyear, P.C., M.P.

Canadians from across the country gather together on July 1 to celebrate with pride what it means to be Canadian.  On Canada Day 2011, we celebrate the 144th anniversary of Confederation, as well as the first visit of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada.  This year also marks the end of the combat mission of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. 

Canada Day is a day to recognize and celebrate Canada’s outstanding persons, places and events.  Our military history, our determination to preserve our land, and our evolution as a society all point to our country’s proud past and bright future.  It is also an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments at home and abroad.  In striving for excellence and by building on our skills, vision and expertise, we can strengthen our country and solidify our role in the world. 

In Cambridge, Canada Day is a much anticipated event.  Families from across Waterloo Region will gather to toast our nation’s founding.  Between the fishing derby, parade, live entertainment and night time fireworks show - plus so much more - they will not be disappointed.  I look forward to seeing you there.

This year organizers received close to $10,000, from our government, towards funding the event’s many attractions, and to further increase pride, patriotism and belonging among all residents.  This investment is just one of the many ways I’m working to ensure local priorities receive national attention. 

Although, Parliament recently adjourned for the summer, we are using our stable, national, majority government, to get on with governing and make our country an even better place to live.  Like Budget 2011 which just became law.  With it come new measures to support families and communities, invest in innovation, training and education, and foster Canada’s business advantage.  This low-tax plan will help create jobs and improve the well-being of Canadians over the long-term. 

This is how our government celebrates Canada.  Putting the national interests of our country first and taking action to deliver real results for Canadians.  Happy Birthday, Canada.