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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 24, 2014 | 6 As children made their way to school Thursday morning -- the day after gunshots rang out on Parliament Hill -- a young Oakville girl ran back in her tracks, stooped down and picked up a maple leaf. It was huge, a perfect specimen of a Canadian symbol. Before heading into class, she handed the leaf to her mom with clear instructions to keep it safe. She likely didn't realize that her request to safeguard it was very much representative of the promise we are all making today about our homeland. Like all parents charged with a promise to their child, the mom knew the vow may present its challenges as the wind buffeted the leaf in her hand. It may require some degree of resolve (juggling her baggage) and potential sacri ce (hands chilled in the morning cold), but it would be a promise she aimed to keep. She would keep the leaf safe. Such is the sentiment for Canadians who awoke Thursday morning with a world very much the same as the day before, but also very different. After all, the attack tore at a nation's heart and gutted families. Gunshots rang through the imposing halls of Parliament Hill. A soldier -- a dad to a ve-year-old boy -- was callously gunned down as he stood ceremonial guard in front of the National War Memorial mere weeks before Remembrance Day. Lest we forget, too, the violent death of Warrant Of cer Patrice Vincent on Monday in Québec. The 28-year veteran of the Canadian Forces was struck down in a hit-and-run attack. As we carry on our daily business, we do so charged with a renewed promise to be vigilant, to safeguard our country, to protect and cherish our symbols and values -- to keep our home safe. One man's senseless act Wednesday took the life of Hamilton's Corporal Nathan Cirillo, the soldier who stood at the memorial. But just as Canadians grieve alongside his family for the loss of Nathan, we also stand in solidarity with Prime Minister Stephen Harper who believes terrorism was at the root of Wednesday's attack in Ottawa. Our hearts go out to the rst-responders and all the heroes of Monday and Wednesday. Kevin Vickers, the sergeant-at-arms who led the charge in the protection of Parliament Hill, is one such hero who kept Canada safe. Canadians are proud, strong and, above all, will not be bullied by acts of terror. MPs returned to Parliament Thursday morning, as did the media representatives, law enforcement and other employees, to show their resolve. While Wednesday's events sent more than a ripple of fear through the hearts of those who were present, and those who watched as events unfolded, it was quickly replaced with a vow not be intimidated. Canadians may be demure, but no one should mistake that we are also brave and smart and will not be bullied by acts of terror. As law enforcement of cials across the land advise, we will be vigilant, but we will carry on our lives in peace and in freedom -- the values for which Nathan Cirillo, Patrice Vincent and countless others before them have laid down their lives to protect. The power of the maple leaf Editorial P U M P K I N P A T C H P "Connected to your Community" A R T Y 447 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 52 | Number 120 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS The fth annual Tails in Town was Sunday at the Palermo Leash-Free Park. Hosted by the Dog Rescuers Inc., Oakville's all-breed dog rescue group, the day included a Mutts and Monsters Walk-a-Thon, canine kissing booth, canine massage therapy, face painting and a barbecue. All proceeds support the volunteer-run Dog Rescuers Inc. Oakville's Sharlene Frees and her dogs Jessie, left, (a Catahoula) and Halley (a Vizsla), both dressed as pirates, posed for a family photo in the pumpkin patch. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver Advertising Director DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager SANDY PARE MARK DILLS Chamber celebrates Small Business Week Kerry Colborne Oakville Chamber of Commerce chair My View Director of Production MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager For 20 years, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce has been proud to partner with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to celebrate BDC Small Business Week. Small businesses are a vital component of our economy. They contribute signi cantly to Oakville's outstanding quality of life and help de ne the unique character and charm of this town. In Canada, 70 per cent of the private sector workforce is employed by a small business and no less than 78 per cent of the country's private sector jobs are created by small businesses. Consider that up to 41 per cent of Canada's gross domestic product is generated by small businesses and it's clear to see they play a signi cant role in fostering a vibrant and prosperous economy. Oct. 20 kicked off a week of events to recognise and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit in Oakville. In keeping with this year's theme, Back to basics; Re-energize your business, the Chamber hosted a series of events to inspire and revitalize entrepreneurs. A breakfast on Monday, saw Canadian business icon and Dragon's Den celebrity, Jim Treliving, founder of Boston Pizza, share his personal success story. For entrepreneurs looking to build their customer base, the Small Business Week Trade Show and Business After Hours offered a Back to Basics marketing opportunity. This event, on Wednesday at the Oakville Conference Centre, was a unique opportunity to showcase local businesses and for face-to-face networking. The week concludes with a Lunch & Learn today (Friday) about marketing on a shoestring budget as CEO of Blazing THE Agency, Michele Bailey, tells her entrepreneurial journey then leads a panel of marketing experts. Oakville is home to hundreds of small businesses that help create the dynamic community in which we live. As the voice of Oakville's business community, the Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports and builds upon their success. We look forward to celebrating another outstanding BDC Small Business Week. 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