Vaughan: The Honourable Julian Fantino, Member of Parliament for Vaughan issued the following statement, to mark National Flag of Canada Day:

“On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our Government, I am very pleased to join with Vaughan families and Canadians across the country in celebrating National Flag of Canada Day.

“This year, we celebrate the 46th anniversary of that day, in 1965, when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised on Parliament Hill and in Canadian communities and missions around the world.

“Today, our flag is loved by all Canadians and admired around the world as a symbol of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Our flag belongs to each and every one of us and remains the most visible and cherished symbol of our belonging to the Canadian family.
“Last week, our Government opened Canada’s Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, which symbolizes Canada’s rich history of immigration. Between 1928 and 1971, it opened its doors to more than one million immigrants who wear our flag and call Canada home.

“On Flag Day we also salute the men and women in uniform who proudly wear our flag in the service and defence of Canada. Our Canadian Forces every day, without hesitation defends those freedoms we cherish so dearly.

“And one year after the Vancouver Winter Olympics, we celebrate the achievements of our athletes who made us all so proud to sport the Maple Leaf. It was not too long ago that the Olympic Torch Relay stopped in Vaughan, as we cheered the Relay on to Vancouver. 

“I join all Vaughan residents in recognizing National Flag Day as an opportunity to celebrate our shared values, our common citizenship, and our sense of belonging to the rich and diverse country that we call home.”