As we celebrate 151 years of Canadian Confederation, it behooves us to reflect on the responsibility we all share to keep covenant with our founders and with our Creator, the One who has allowed us to enjoy all the benefits of civilization, including freedom of speech, freedom of worship, security of the person and personal property rights. Since our founding, most Canadian citizens have shared a respect for God, for one another and for the rule of law. Around the world and throughout history, few nations have enjoyed the combination of freedom and security that we have come to take for granted.

However, many today, even in Canada, have forgotten the sacrifices made that helped to create the kind of society where freedom can flourish. For some, the necessity of sacrifice for a noble cause is not self-evident; they desire the benefits of freedom but are unwilling to take responsibility for its preservation.

There has been a tragic misunderstanding of the concept of freedom. Some think freedom means that we can do whatever we want, whenever we want, wherever we want. They think freedom means a life of pleasure with no obligations, no restraints and no consequences. Surely, any thinking person can understand that such a life is but a fantasy. Unless one applies oneself to studies, one can’t acquire the education necessary to qualify for a career. A musician who desires to make a living playing music must practice to hone the necessary skills. If one wants to own a comfortable home, that generally involves diligent labour to acquire the resources to build or purchase. There is no free lunch, no victory without a battle.

It goes without saying that each of us must respect the boundaries of others if we want our own privacy respected, our property and personal dignity. We can’t just do whatever we feel like. That would be chaos. The result of chaos is not freedom but insecurity and fear.

When it comes to good relationships and a happy family, the responsibility to communicate and serve the other family members is even more important. Only through deliberate choices to cooperate and share in family chores can one build the kind of trust that makes a family successful.

How much more when a nation is at stake! Canada has survived these 151 years because of the hard work and the sacrifices of her people and the faithfulness of the God upon whose provident blessing we depend. He created the land where we live. He has given us thoughtful forebears who laid the foundations of our parliamentary government. He provides water, sunshine and seed so that we can grow food. He provides the weather, the seasons of growth and harvest. He has given Canada a place of respect among the world’s nations and a good deal of that respect goes back to the heavy sacrifices made by young Canadian men and their families in two world wars. Those men recognized the cost of freedom and the urgency and necessity of its defence.

So do we. We in the Christian Heritage Party celebrate Canada Day with you and commit ourselves to continue in the spirit of sacrifice and commitment so nobly modelled by those who have gone before. Our freedom must be maintained by responsible stewardship.

God bless you all as we strive to remind our fellow citizens and those serving in government of the supremacy of God and the rule of law. Happy Canada Day!