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
Canada-wide shortage of liquid Children's Tylenol now also impacting chewables
A nationwide shortage of liquid Children’s Tylenol is also impacting generic chewables, with Quebec-based Laboratoire Riva reporting a shortage due to rising demand.

Majority of people with Omicron don't know they have it: study
A new study has found that more than half of people infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were unaware they had it.
Ontario to reveal next steps of 'Plan to Stay Open' Thursday, hints at changing 'status quo'
The Ontario government will reveal the next steps of its “Plan to Stay Open” on Thursday.
Eastern Ontario doctor facing 3 new murder charges
An eastern Ontario doctor who was charged with first-degree murder in the death of a patient is facing three new murder charges, Ontario Provincial Police have announced.
'The childhood place to be': Zellers' return sparks fond memories among Canadians eager for its comeback
Canadians are recalling their fondest memories of shopping at Zellers as plans for its return are announced nearly a decade since its doors closed.
Proportion of French speakers declines nearly everywhere in Canada, including Quebec
The proportion of Canadians who mainly speak French at home continues to decline in nearly all provinces and territories, including Quebec, the latest census release shows.
Ontario mayor fires back at conspiracy theorists who tried to arrest police officers
An Ontario mayor had some harsh words for protesters who attempted to place local police officers under arrest Saturday.
Trump supporters' threats to judge spur democracy concerns
Hundreds of federal judges face the same task every day: review an affidavit submitted by federal agents and approve requests for a search warrant. But for U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, the fallout from his decision to approve a search warrant has been far from routine.
The return of Zellers: Hudson's Bay to resurrect Canadian discount retail chain
Canadian department store Zellers hopes to make a comeback next year, a decade after the discount chain shuttered most of its locations., brand owner Hudson's Bay Co. said Wednesday.