Our Canada
Our Canada is that huge country which occupies the northern part of the North American continent. It is a country known for freezing weather conditions, moose, beaver, hockey and a natural resource like no other.
Next to the Russian Federation, Canada is the second largest nation in the world in terms of land area at 9,971,500 square kilometers (3,848,900 square miles) and with only a population of 33,390,141 (July 2007 estimate). Compare that to the land of our birth, the Philippines with only 298,170 square kilometers (115,100 square miles) and a population of 87,857,473 (July 2006 estimate).
The Province of Ontario alone has 917,741 square kilometers (354,342 square miles) which means the whole Philippine population will fit inside Ontario and still have enough space for several airports, football fields, basketball courts, dance halls and karaoke bars. Imagine the enormity of this country.
Our Canada is a country blessed by nature in beauty and resources. Our seas and lakes from the Pacific to the Atlantic to the Arctic abound with marine life, the forests of British Columbia are filled with trees and wildlife as is in Ontario, the Province of Alberta is rich in oil and the northern territories is where you’ll find other sources of energy and precious stones.
The other gift that we who lives in Canada enjoy is the diversity of its culture.
Canadian culture, especially the presently developed multicultural one, is another strength of this nation. Some people believe that Canadian culture is just a reflection of that of the United States of America, but this is not so. Yes, Canada’s economy grew in parallel with that of the United States, but their cultural backgrounds are different.
While the United States rational is “America first” - in Canada the people have embraced multiculturalism at its roots. You can keep your country of births culture with you, wave or display its flag without having to feel that you’re not being loyal to Canada.
Visitors to Canada, will get first hand experience of the presence of this cultural diversity when they come and visit in the months of spring and summer. There is always a celebration of different cultures in different cities of the country.
Because of this, Canadians, including us adopted sons and daughters, have so much to be thankful for for being given the chance to live in a country like ours. And in return, we should each do our share in protecting and preserving what nature has gifted us with, show respect and tolerance to other peoples culture, belief and orientation.
