Thanksgiving gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express our appreciation for all we have.
As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

Many people from countries around the globe risk their lives and sacrifice all they have for a chance to come to our great nation.

One of the most valuable aspects of Canadian life is the freedom we have to pursue our goals and express our beliefs without fear.

There are few countries that offer the tremendous opportunities Canadians have access to. With a little hard work, there is no limit to the things we can achieve as individuals and collectively.

With all the wonderful things we have to be grateful for, it is easy to forget to give thanks.

Most of us enjoy an abundance of natural resources, access to good quality food and water, and world-class housing Much of the world’s population could only dream of such luxuries.

We also have many programs to help the elderly and those in need access the best quality of life possible.

The majority of Canadians are blessed to enjoy relatively good health. When we do get sick, we have widespread access to modern medical technologies, lifesaving drugs and well-trained healthcare professionals.

We live in a beautiful country with a vast outdoors that can be enjoyed by those who like to hike, travel, sightsee, canoe, camp, hunt, fish, etc. In fact, when the world thinks of Canada, they think of a big, scenic country with a boundless natural environment to enjoy and a lot of variety.

Canadians work very hard to develop as a nation and preserve what previous generations have contributed.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the countless blessings we enjoy compared to citizens in much of the world.

We should all take advantage of what our country has to offer, as we have many opportunities that most can only dream of.

I encourage everyone to take the time to express appreciation for what they have. In a country with such abundance, it is easy to get caught up in our daily lives and take things for granted.

Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the blessings and freedoms we enjoy because we are Canadian.

God bless Canada.

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