Manic Monday | We are far from perfect but...

July 1st, 2019, Canada's 152nd birthday and the day that most Canadians across the country take time to celebrate the nation. While this country is not perfect, I have to say that after the extensive travel that I had the opportunity to do over the past year, I have never been more proud of being a Canadian.

It is always easy to point out what we are doing wrong, but on this Canada Day, perhaps it is a good time to reflect on a few of the many things we are doing right - things we often take for granted.

For me, top of mind is the tremendous diversity of people, cultures, and history that make up Canada from over 250 ethnic origins. We are countries within a country and all of the opportunities and possibilities that this diversity allows.

The long and dark history with the Indigenous peoples is beginning to turn a page as the truth is being spoken and understood through reconciliation being a collective critical goal.

We are humble, we apologize to a fault and we have tremendous enthusiasm for anything Canadian - just think Raptors..."We the North."

Most of us have access to clean fresh water, good food, well-maintained highways, amazing national parks, backcountry trails, safe cities, rural landscapes, and a bounty of stunning wildlife.

We are not perfect, we have a lot of work to do to live up the reputation we have in the world, but we have the potential and a desire to continue to move forward and be a better nation.

Happy Birthday Canada Day - 152 Years Young...

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO