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Canada Day Observed Yesterday With A Distinctly Syrian Flavor

By Plutarc Sicat
Published on: 12:17 PST, Jul 2, 2016

Canada, the second biggest country in the world, celebrated its founding day yesterday, Friday, July 1, in ceremonies around the country that reflect multiculturalism or the opposite of Brexit (British separation from the European Union). As the country remains largely Brexit-defiant, Syrian refugees would be feted a week after Brexit broke (Friday, June 24). The refugees were recognized for their harrowing yet inspiring tales of endurance amid an ugly and still smoldering civil war in the country of their origin.

Canada also celebrated the triumph of federalism or how many different provinces and territories amalgamated to form a bigger whole which equates with a humongous bargaining chip when it comes to international politics. Even in Quebec, the predominantly French-speaking province of Canada, Canada Day was celebrated with much gusto and separatist sentiments at bay.

The Canadian confederation turned 149 years old yesterday, Friday. With the solidification exalted, words of gratitude came from the mouths of young and old refugees alike, along with their poignant stories of just narrowly escaping the curse of the Syrian civil war.

Aside from the country’s newest immigrants, Justin Trudeau, the new Canadian prime minister, had words of gratitude as well. CBC quotes Trudeau as having said the following to fellow celebrants on Parliament Hill grounds in Ottawa, the Canadian capital.

“Before I get started I have to say, like so many of you here, I’ve been coming to Parliament Hill since I was a little kid for Canada Day. And to be able to stand here before you as your prime minister to say thank you for the trust you have given me is a little bit overwhelming.”

Justin Trudeau won the election last year by beating then Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Young and extremely photogenic, Trudeau and his wife are the darlings of the press. He is widely considered as the most relatable Canadian prime minister ever. He is also the son of the late Pierre Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister from 1974 to 1979.

Canada Day was marked by a string of concerts in the capital and a deluge of red and white colors as celebrants wrapped themselves in the flag or otherwise painted a red maple leaf on their faces. The crowd was also treated to an air force show and fireworks. The Canadian Governor General was also on hand to deliver a speech.

Of course, the celebration of Canada Day will never be complete without the joint singing of the national anthem, to which the new immigrants from Syria were happy to participate. Although Canada is second only to Russia in size, the Canadian population is only a tiny fraction of the United States, its neighbor and biggest trading partner. Many U.S. nationals are planning to migrate to Canada if the very controversial Republican candidate for U.S. president Donald Trump wins the election on November 8.

Canada Day was also celebrated in Fort McMurray, which was nearly completely razed by a forest fire that took a long time to control. According to Edmonton Journal, the oil sands enclave is in the process of a large-scale reconstruction. During the celebration, firefighters and other Fort Mac public servants were honored in a parade.

In its 149th birthday, Canada remains a staunch champion of democracy and diversity. While U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump seeks solace with the United Kingdom in ushering the Brexit era of isolation, the Canadian torch of unity in diversity continues to shine bright and warm. As the country continues to welcome refugees with open arms, Canada is at the same time boosting its security measures.

Bags of all the celebrants had to be checked in the concert area prior to the celebration’s kickoff, as such security measure is in in tune with the times. Paris, Belgium, Orlando, and Istanbul have suffered from terrorist attacks. Canada tries to ensure that no such violence gets transported to the very peaceful country as it continues to open its doors to immigrants everywhere.

[Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images]

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