COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – Happy birthday Canada

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2025 (252 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Last week, Canadians celebrated 158 years of our unity, history and common identity. We are a nation of immense natural beauty and abundant resources, and it remains my honour to serve the people of Provencher as your federal representative, committed to upholding the enduring Canadian values of peace, freedom, and opportunity.

Over the past several months, it’s been encouraging to see more Canadians proudly embracing our patriotism—made more evident in response to growing external pressures from south of the border. As a country, we recall what is important and reflect on our past as a hope for our future.

When the Fathers of Confederation envisioned Canada, they imagined foundational attributes with a developing character. In the same way, inscriptions on our parliamentary buildings were not intended as artifacts of the past, but guideposts to ignite our future. Early patriots envisioned Canada’s strength not only in law and government but also in acknowledging God’s authority. That’s why, embedded in the very architecture of Parliament, are 25 Bible verses—powerful reminders that freedom does not come from bureaucrats, global institutions, or unelected elites. Instead, the inscribed stone walls remind us that good government requires vision, justice, and accountability—to the people and to God.

Consider that New Brunswick representative Sir Leonard Tilley likely had little idea how his quiet morning devotions would leave such a lasting—quite literally etched—legacy. Yet it did. The story goes that one morning, he felt God’s whisper through Psalm 72: “He shall have dominion from sea to sea.” He brought that verse to the Fathers of Confederation, where it was embraced and ultimately passed into law in March 1867. Just months later, on July 1, the Dominion of Canada was born—and the words that inspired it now shine through the east window of the Peace Tower.

Other Biblical references were grafted into our story. It was Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King who commissioned the largest bell in the carillon to bear the words “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men.” (Luke 21:14)

The promise of goodwill and peace, rooted in a higher power than human will, brings hope.

Sure, Canada’s landscape is stunning—we boast the longest undefended border in the world and the second largest land mass on the planet. As we celebrate the best country in the world this week, we can also give thanks for the strong foundation that built Canada into something far greater than just geography.

Our contributions to the world are remarkable—Canola oil, instant replay, the telephone, insulin, pablum, basketball, the pacemaker, IMAX, and even peanut butter, to name a few. These inventions remind us that Canadians are innovators and visionaries.

Canadians step up and meet challenges head-on—from the trenches of Vimy Ridge to the frontlines of peacekeeping, from our farms and factories to our small towns and big cities. Even now, amid economic pressure, housing shortages, global instability, and threats to our unity, we do not back down. We rise—and we look ahead with hope.

Looking back at our foundational values, we understand how human gifts, graces and abilities excel when propelled by the higher power proclaimed in the etched walls of parliament. Consider the west window of the Peace Tower’s exterior, where the words from Proverbs 29:18 are inscribed: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Let’s envision better for Canada.

This Canada Day week, I encourage you to fly the flag proudly, support your community, remember our military and veterans, and teach your children the true story of Canada: one of perseverance, strength, and hope, not shame.

Our world needs more Canada—our world needs more vision for hope. Let’s live into that beacon of hope for others.

Happy Canada Day!