When I think of Canada Day, I’m always reminded of my grandfather.

In the era he grew up in, Canada was far from a perfect place - especially for minorities, including Jewish men like himself. The stories he shared of discrimination in Canada would be unthinkable today. 1/6

Despite all that, he voluntarily enlisted with the Canadian Forces to fight for Canada overseas. He went on to fight in Holland in some of the most bloody battles of the Second World War. 2/6

I’m sure he knew that Canada was not perfect. But the ideals of the founding of Canada offered a promise of freedom, liberty and human rights that could be built upon by future generations to work towards a more just society. 3/6

The foundation and institutions of our country offered an opportunity for future Canadians to learn from mistakes of the past and grow. To this day, our institutions, ideals and foundation allow us to keep progressing. 4/6

The goal of all nations should be to build systems that allow future generations to work within that system to correct the mistakes of the past, and fight for a better future. To live up to our ideals. 5/6

Canada isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t celebrate all that we’ve achieved.

Happy Canada Day! 6/6