Mr. Speaker, November 15 is National Flag of Canada Day. This year's theme is “Take pride in Canada, the place to be in the 21st century”. It is a time for Canadians to take pride in being citizens of a nation that the UN has ranked six years in a row as the best place in the world in which to live. It is a country built on values common to all Canadians, including openness, compassion, tolerance and respect.
Each year on flag day we reaffirm our pride in the Canadian flag. It is a symbol of the bright future of our youth as well as our hopes and dreams as a nation. On this occasion my colleagues in the House of Commons and I should remind ourselves that it is important to integrate new Canadian citizens in the country. Establishing connections between old and new Canadians helps us to build a stronger Canada.