Statement from Burlington Mayor Meed Ward on Canada Day Celebrations

Please see below a statement from me on Canada Day celebrations.Burlington, Ont. – June 24, 2021 – Canada Day is a time for celebration where we mark all the wonderful things about our country, and our city, within it -- our beautiful lakes, parks and wilderness; our diverse cultures, art and music; our freedoms, peace and democracy; as well as the rich tapestry of people in our communities.It’s important to also recognize not everyone has equally enjoyed the same benefits of what it means to be Canadian. That is why Canada Day is also a time for reflection. It’s a day we must acknowledge the legacy of historic racist government policies targeting visible minorities in our country and members of Indigenous communities – the negative impacts of which remain today affecting multiple generations.While reflecting on Canada Day, I encourage our community to take the time to read about Canada’s history and what Indigenous Peoples have endured in this country. There are so many organizations who have created a wide variety of resources and learning materials for the public to access and research on their own. It is also crucial to listen to local Indigenous voices on Canada Day. If you have the opportunity, listen to Residential School Survivors, and help amplify their voices and their stories.Our nation’s historic mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples must not only be acknowledged and addressed, but meaningful steps must also be taken to correct the ongoing devastating impacts of intergenerational trauma -- in order to achieve true reconciliation. It is time all levels of government commit to meeting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. We all live on treaty lands in Canada and that makes us all treaty people. We must commit to change for the future so everyone who lives in Canada can be proud of our country and feel seen, included, and respected.In May 2021, the world learned about the mass unmarked graves of 215 children’s remains found at the former Kamloops Residential School. Since then, and as recently as yesterday, we have learned of other discoveries of more children on other former residential school lands. My heart goes out to all these children’s families and all Indigenous communities dealing with the immense grief of these heartbreaking discoveries. These findings are a reminder of the atrocities committed against Indigenous Peoples on these lands. It is part of our nation’s history and, as such, should be remembered and reflected upon on Canada Day.The City of Burlington is committed to taking actionable steps to address reconciliation in our city. Burlington City Council recently passed a resolution calling on the federal government for a National Day of Mourning for the victims of residential schools, and to authorize and support an immediate search of the grounds of all former residential schools for unmarked and mass grave sites. Council is also committed to supporting the TRC’s Calls to Action as they relate to municipalities, and as one step forward, we have committed to holding a workshop for council and members of Burlington’s leadership staff on local Indigenous history.This is what it means to be Canadian -- to be open and honest about our history, including the legacy of racist government policies against visible minorities and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous communities. We must commit to a better future, reaching out with a helping hand to others, and inclusion, equity and diversity.I invite all Burlington residents to take time this Canada Day to celebrate the good things about our nation and the famous Canadians who have made positive and lasting impacts on our country and worldwide. I also invite you all to acknowledge and reflect on the reality Indigenous Peoples have endured and continue to endure. In addition, Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible Indigenous artists, politicians, dancers and changemakers here, who have persevered and thrived under unimaginable circumstances.That is how we forge a stronger Canada together moving forward.Sincerely, Mayor Marianne Meed WardCity of Burlington