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8 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,June 22, 2010 Canadians have reasons to celebrate This year we celebrate the 143rd anniversary of the founding of the Dominion of Canada. On July 1, 1867, Canada was born. Our nation's birth was unlike those of most other nations. Instead of war or battle, our birth was gained through conferences and negotiations. The Fathers of Confederation were not military generals, but delegates of the conferences in Charlottetown, Québec City, and London. They took up the enormous challenge of bringing together people from different cultures, languages, and histories to create a new nation, made up of a new territory and a new group of people. What they had created did not stop on that day, but set in motion an era of nation building. The six remaining provinces were added to Confederation in a process that continued until Newfoundland joined in 1949. Canada Day is the perfect day for citizens throughout the country to show their pride in being Canadian. We can be proud of the peace, freedom, and citizenship from which we benefit as Canadians. We can be proud of our remarkable history and good fortune we have relative to other nations around the world. This year, we had the opportunity to show humanity who we are when the eyes of the world turned to our nation for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Thanks to our athletes' excellence in sport, the immense talent of our artists, and the hospitality of our multilingual volunteers, we impressed visitors and television viewers with our culture and quality of life. The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver were truly Canada's Games. This summer, we welcome the leaders of the world when we host the G8 and G20 Summits. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will begin their tour in Halifax on June Michael Chong 28 and will be in Winnipeg and Toronto July 3-6. This year also marks the Canadian Naval Centennial. The theme of the Centennial is "Bring the Navy to Canadians." Events throughout Canada will honour the past, showcase the current Navy, and support the Navy of the future. In addition to celebrating the 143rd anniversary of Confederation, we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of Canada's national parks and the 400th anniversary of Cupids in Newfoundland, the first English settlement in our country. Aside from these great achievements, we have demonstrated our talent, courage, and innovation. We are known around the world for our generosity and openness. We share the traditions, values, and aspirations that unite us and shape our nation. Throughout the country, we have also built prosperous communities that are enriched by the contributions of citizens of all backgrounds, who are ready to meet the challenges of our century. Canada Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to our nation's remarkable people, places, and past. It is a key part in building our historical memory and it strengthens Canadians' identity, solidarity, and sense of belonging. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you and your family a happy Canada Day. --Michael Chong is the MP for Wellington-Halton Hills SERVED THURSDAY & FRIDAY LUNCH BUFFET 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Featuring: - Roast Beef - Ham - Fish & Chips $ Private Catering Available 9.99 We pay the GST & PST ~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ~ Thurs. 8:30 pm - close Fri. & Sat. 9:30 pm - close Open Jam Night with Larry Melton 79 Main Street South, Georgetown 905-877-3388 HEARING SCIENCES Audiology and Hearing Aid Centre I think my hearing is okay but my family says I don't hear them. Valid until JULY 31/10 Age 55+ BRING THIS AD FOR A COMPLIMENTARY HEARING TEST $60 VALUE People with a mild to moderate hearing loss may be unaware of how much you are missing because you don't know what you couldn't hear! Family members that talk to you frequently are very aware of what you misheard. Trying to piece together bits of the conversation from the fragments heard results in frustration for everyone. Hearing technology has improved dramatically in the last 5 years. You may be amazed to know how well you can hear. The first step to better hearing is a hearing test. NEW GEORGETOWN 905-877-0099 211 Guelph St., Suite 1 (in the M&M plaza, across from Winners)