Happy (belated) Canada Day!
This year's July 1 was different to usual, with Jasper’s traditional activities and events cancelled due to the pandemic.
But our new Canada Day committee was not going to let the day go by unannounced.
Yesterday, we saw yards decorated in plaid and red, and local musicians performing from their porches. It may not have been the day we are used to, but one we will all remember.
The Fitzhugh was on a regular printing schedule this week, with Jasper’s celebrations taking place after we had sent the newspaper to print, so our coverage will be in next week’s edition.
In this edition, we look back at some of Jasper’s Canada Day celebrations over the last 15 years (see page eight).
This July 1 marked 153 years since Canada became a new federation with its own constitution by signing the Constitution Act.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted yesterday morning: “The last few months have been hard, but Canadians have been there for one another. This #CanadaDay, let’s celebrate neighbours helping neighbours and what it means to be Canadian.”
What does it mean to you to be Canadian?
I have lived in Canada for four years now, and this is my second Canada Day as a permanent resident.
Community, acceptance and hard work are the words I associate with Canada.
Author Margaret Attwood said Canada is “a beacon of light in a darkening world” and described the country as welcoming, kindly, pluralistic and committed to fairness.
These wonderful qualities of Canadians have been put to the test over the last few months, dealing with the global pandemic.
And Jasperites certainly stepped up to the mark.
We all took blows as COVID-19 changed our lives, but Jasper is a perfect example of a truly Canadian town - and the accepting and giving ways of our community made that bitter time a little sweeter.
Here’s to Canada, to Jasper and to our community.
Fuchsia Dragon
