Having been first elected way back in 1996, I remember some of the pioneers of our great town tell me to always plan for tomorrow and not today.
I have taken those words to heart ever since in both my personal life and my political life. Being at last week's Canada Day celebration and the grand opening of our O'Siyam Pavilion couldn't have made me prouder, knowing this beautiful new structure is going to be enjoyed by generations to come! Being Canadian means many things to many people. When people think of Canadians they associate us with hockey or our national animal, the beaver, or even the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but to me it's how rich we are in culture. It's our multiculturism.
Did you know that in 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to declare multiculturalism as official state policy? The bold step charted the path to a vibrant and evolving cultural mosaic premised on mutual respect for Canadians of all backgrounds and ancestry. Yet the roots of multiculturalism in Canada can be seen in the country's earliest beginnings, as three founding cultures - aboriginal, British and French - were soon joined by many more from around the globe.
Today, multiculturalism is a touchstone of Canadian national identity and a point of pride for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This was so true as my family and I went to Totem Hall after the Canada Day celebrations downtown to find the hall full of people of all different ethnic backgrounds watching live performers and eating all sorts of different foods. A big thank you to Squamish Nation and the Squamish Sikh Society for helping organize that event!
The next big project that your council is planning and one were all excited about is the development of Stan Clarke Park. We just received $375,000 from the provincial government (thank you, Joan) to complete this work. Again this park, once built, will be enjoyed by families for generations.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that that the Phase 3 water conservation plan is in effect. Please go to www.squamish.ca for more details.
As summer has now arrived and kids are off from school, take time to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful town and country.Have a great summer!
