I am a proud Canadian. I love our history, traditions, freedoms and unique geography.
We have many reasons to celebrate. I am not a big fan of the title "Canada Day." The more I compare the rich history and tradition of the old title "Dominion Day" with the dubious, murky and devious roots of what we now call "Canada Day", the more I appreciate the former.
I am not alone. An online poll in June 2012 revealed that almost 48% of Canadians compared with 43% still preferred Dominion Day to Canada Day.
Leonard Tilley who served as Premier of the colony of New Brunswick from 1861 to 1865 was one of the Fathers of Confederation. Tilley got the idea of "dominion" from Psalm 72:8 which reads "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth" He presented his inspiration to the founding fathers and they accepted it as giving dignity to the federation and as a tribute to the monarchical principle. As part of Pierre Elliot Trudeaus' plan to "re-brand" Canada the assassination of Dominion Day occurred on July 9, 1982, on a Friday, the last day of Parliament before the summer recess with a mere 13 members present, seven short of an official quorum. The private members bill passed.
A fitting birthday gift to Canadians on July 1st would be to restore the title Dominion Day to its rightful place. This would be cause for celebration.
