March 29th is one of those days that marked one of those events. This year, as with every year, the day will pass without notice or fanfare, and yet it marks one of the key days and events in the founding of our nation. For it was on March 29, 1867 that Royal Assent was given to the British North America Act, the document that created our nation and set July 1st as our beginning. Just another day, another event in a long series of days and events that led to the nation we celebrate. Another day, another event in a long series of days and events that have shaped, and will in the future continue to shape, this Canada of ours.
We are not a nation that burst upon the world in the frenzy of revolt or revolution. We are a nation that was built slowly, put together and assembled carefully over time with discussion and dialogue, with comprise and conditions. We were built by architects, tradesmen and stonemasons, some of whom bear proud Scottish names, like Macdonald, Brown, Campbell, Archibald, MacDougall, Mackenzie, and Fraser. We were built by individuals who toiled without fanfare through days and events that eventually led to July 1, 1867. Days and events that have faded into history, yet still have meaning and significance.
On March 29th, as you walk, hopefully in warm Spring sunshine, and marvel at how nature has begun to change the landscape around you, give a moment’s thought to the days and events that led to the foundation of our Canada.
