Northern View – A common goal for the New Year

And while we are certainly not perfect, Canada clearly has a lot to offer. More than simply having an open immigration policy, we are a society that people want to be a part of.

We are a nation that strives to not only accept but celebrate each other’s differences and sees our diversity as a strength. Newcomers tell me repeatedly that they are generally treated with respect and dignity by local employers and residents here in Prince George from the time they arrive. They quickly realize this is a place where they want to stay and build a life for themselves.

More and more our sense of national identity is not based on what you look like, what your religion is, or where you have come from, but rather on your character and your commitment to yourself and your family and your community.

We accept and support each other not just in the good times but when the chips are down – when there are catastrophic floods or fires, we are there to help each other out.

While I recent years some of our leaders have sought to divide us for political gains, the reality is that we have more in common than we think.

I have lived on the other side of the world, and travelled in a good part of it, and the one constant I have found, regardless of the country or the climate, the different food people eat or the customs they follow, is that the almost universal goal we all strive for is to live and work in a safe and rewarding society and build a better future for our children.

Certainly, these are things we can all rally around and continue to work towards in 2023.

Best of luck in the New Year.

Editors note: The views expressed in this column do not necessarily represent the views of Pattison Media.

by Chris Beach

Northern View – A common goal for the New Year

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