Confront 'dark truths' of colonial history, B.C. premier says in Canada Day message
Creating a better future for Canada requires confronting the "dark truths" of the country's colonial history, B.C. Premier John Horgan said Friday.
In his official Canada Day message, Horgan called on British Columbians to reflect on the nation's past while gathering for the first community events marking the national holiday since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"People from all over the world come to Canada in search of a better life for themselves and their families. But there is a lot more we need to do to break down barriers and end systemic discrimination that is a lived reality for many," Horgan said.
"Central to that work is confronting the dark truths of our colonial history so that we can move forward through reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples, many of whom have been on this land since time immemorial."
The country is at its best when citizens take care of each other, the premier added, pointing to Canada's public health-care system.
He acknowledged the pandemic has "exposed underlying gaps and added additional strains" to that system, alluding to Horgan and other premiers' ongoing fight for more federal help.
He also noted the increasingly urgent need to address a "rapidly changing climate," which puts the farmland and natural resources cherished by Canadians at risk.
"If we act now with the urgency required, we can reduce the most severe effects and become a global leader in the emerging clean energy economy," Horgan said.
"Over the past few years, we have shown how much we can accomplish if we reject division and work together in common purpose. That's why I have never been more optimistic about our future than I am right now. Together, I know we will continue to build a stronger and more inclusive Canada - where everyone feels like they belong and no one gets left behind."
The premier's message comes just days after he announced plans to step down from his role, citing his own flagging energy since his latest bout with cancer, which required 35 rounds of radiation.
Horgan said he will remain on the job until the NDP can choose his successor at a leadership convention, which he asked the party to hold this fall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.