Canada Day statement from the City of Kitchener

There are so many things that continue to make Canada a great country and a destination of choice for immigrants from all over the globe – my family included – like our vast and beautiful landscape, our cultural diversity, our reputation for the good we have done around the world, how we have risen to support each other during the pandemic, our essential workers and so much more.

However, Canada Day this year is different. We simply cannot ignore the recent horrific discoveries of unmarked graves of Indigenous children at former residential schools across the country. These discoveries have exposed to Canadians and the world, our nation’s shameful treatment of Indigenous peoples.

The recent anti-Islamic attack on a Muslim family in London was another heartbreaking example of the deep-rooted racism that exists in Canada today.

We can’t deny that these terrible truths are part of our reality in Canada. It’s hard for anyone to celebrate during such a heartbreaking and sombre time. For those whose daily lives are directly impacted by intergenerational trauma, systemic racism and discrimination, there is nothing to celebrate at all.

Despite this, I believe that we can still move forward with hope for the future and gratitude for the good that exists in our country.

All of us can show support and solidarity by taking time to learn about the devastating history of Canada’s Residential School system and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action. This is heavy and emotional work, but a necessary part of authentic and lasting reconciliation. You may also choose to donate to a local Indigenous organization.

Along with members of City Council and our organization, I am personally committed to reconciliation by providing leadership to integrate inclusive best-practices across the City. Council is committed to continue learning to deepen our understanding of the history and current reality of Indigenous peoples, and addressing longstanding, systemic anti-Indigenous racism that exists in our community and in our organization. We have a long way to go and the path there is not a straight one.

This year, I hope that all Kitchener residents find an appropriate way to recognize Canada Day, acknowledge the things that make this country wonderful and reflect on the work required to make this a better and more inclusive country. We must strive for the day when every child in Canada – whether Indigenous, born to those settled on Canadian soil, or a foreign-born immigrant – is part of a fair, just and equitable country and community.  By learning more, listening more and having an open mind, we can all play a small role in lifting each other up and building a brighter future for the country we call home – Canada.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
On behalf of the City of Kitchener