Second, it gives us time to reflect.
Throughout its history, Acadia has mobilized and has met to consider its future at national conventions that have enabled our people to establish symbols and institutions and to define their key priorities. 2017 would be the perfect opportunity for Acadia to celebrate its place in the Canadian Confederation by organizing a national convention to consider the linguistic, demographic and other challenges it faces. It would be an opportunity for young Acadians to look back at how far we have come and to look to the future with confidence.
It would also encourage pride and a sense of belonging.
The 2017 celebrations should instill in every Canadian great pride and a sense of belonging to this country we all share. It is clear to the SNA that a better understood and flourishing Acadia can only contribute further to the development of a strong and united country where the vast mosaic of our origin, our culture and our heritage is a source of permanent enrichment.
The last time Confederation was celebrated, in 1967, it touched our national psyche and gave Canadians cultural institutions such as art centres and museums that still serve us today. We are convinced that 2017 must, in its own way, leave a lasting mark on Canadians by promoting a real understanding of our country's guiding principles. Linguistic duality is a major component and deserves to be at the heart of the celebrations, which, one day, we may be able to say put an end to the two solitudes.
Thank you for listening.