I can be a bit cynical about government in general, Donald Trump in particular and the many wrong-doings of our collective governments (specifically where it relates to the horrific treatment of our First Nations peoples; and now Muslims and Mexicans).
But as I visit Parliament Hill in Ottawa today, I am reminded to be grateful!
Grateful? For politicians? And their institutions?
That’s a stretch!
However, as I wander beneath these marbled and vaulted domes towards Canada’s House of Commons, I am acutely aware of all that this decision-making centre has given me.
It has given me the freedom to vote.
It has given me the freedom to write this column and not worry about being hung by the neck for expressing my personal opinions.
AND, it has given me my daughter.
You see, my daughter is an immigrant. She is Chinese. If not for our dear decision-makers who passed laws to allow her into this country, and granted her the right to be a Canadian, I would not have her here by my side.
She would not be seated here on Minister Ralph Goodale’s office couch, asking him what his favourite sea creature is.
She simply would not be here.
And nor would I—a great granddaughter of immigrants.
Today I am grateful.
As our country seeks a reconciliation process with First Nations peoples and as citizens speak out against Trump’s discriminatory policies, I am grateful.
I am grateful for my country and for every single politician (regardless of stripe, position or haircut) who has made decisions to ensure freedom, safety and respect for all citizens of the world.
Standing beneath the Peace Tower in Ottawa, taking photos of my daughter at Parliament Hill’s Centennial Flame and celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation, I am grateful.
I am eternally grateful to be a Canadian and to have a daughter who was allowed to be one too!