Special Canada Day Addresses from the Mayor and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Canada day July 1, 2021

Happy Birthday Canada

Today is Canada day. Canada celebrates 154 years since its confederation.

July 1 is a statutory holiday traditionally celebrated with planned events in communities from coast to coast across the great country of Canada. Communities plan events in the form of parades, flying the red and white maple leaf flag, fireworks, and numerous other ways of recognizing Canada's birthday. Local organizations determined that celebrations of this type were not appropriate this year due to Covid, but we will be planning to celebrate Canada day in 2022.

Although Canada day remains the birthday of Canada, this year, 2021 is different. Canada has experienced the effects of a global pandemic - covid 19. Extreme restrictions were imposed by all levels of government, limited social gatherings, only essential traveling, economic hardship as a result of business closures, school closures, remote learning, etc. Government reaction to the pandemic often changed on an hourly and daily basis.

Our elderly population was most vulnerable. Front line workers in all professions were most at risk. Hospitals were overwhelmed with covid cases. The medical system required restructuring, and dedicated support workers responded to the extreme demands, and many suffered severe physical and mental fatigue. Mass covid testing and immunization clinics were established to combat the pandemic. Regretfully, many Canadian citizens lost their lives. As a proud Canadian and an elected official, I am proud to represent my community and extend my sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I offer our gratitude to all the front-line workers for their continued dedication to serving the public. To the residents of Marmora and Lake, thank you for your co-operation in observing the safety protocol that kept this area one of the safest in Ontario. Recently, we can all celebrate the success of the immunization programs, we are now at Stage 2, so it appears that we can return to some kind of normal.

In addition to the pandemic, several tragedies and crises have arisen within our Canadian borders, which we need to acknowledge. As Canadians, we are looking to encourage discussion and promote equality in our diverse population. Indigenous people, lgbtq+ peoples, minority groups, and all our fellow Canadians deserve to live without fear and with equality.

On behalf of the mayor and council of the municipality of Marmora and Lake, I would like to celebrate Canada Day this way. Canada day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our Marmora and Lake people who live, work, and play in this special community. The contribution and loyalty of friends and neighbors are the fabric of this wonderful country we call home.

2021 is the 200th anniversary of Marmora and Lake. We were unable to celebrate this wonderful occasion due to covid. Events that were being planned were put on pause until next year. You will notice new banners on highway 7 through the village promoting the 200th anniversary. 2022 will be the year to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Marmora. I encourage each of you to celebrate individually and join in the planned celebrations as a community.

- Mayor Jan O’Neill

Jennifer Bennett