Congratulations Canada On Your Birthday … July 1, 2016.

We salute the great Canadian Nation on her birthday. Canada has been a great friend of the Caribbean in particular Jamaica W.I.

We hope you will continue to foster good relationships worldwide. Your technological achievements and support to space development are well documented.

Multiculturalism has always been the focus of Canadian content in your media is tilted in favour of Canadian artistes is commendable. Cultural contamination from down South is a ever troubling concern and we hope your efforts will be redoubled.

The identity of Canadians has always been a concern for the government. In my poem I asked
“Who is a True Canadian?”.
As Canadians seem to be experiencing an identity crisis.

This came out in the height of attempts at separation by Quebec.

As you celebrate yet another milestones as a nation, never forget the First Nation people (Indians) on whose lands many have settled. Also the many other immigrants and especially Jamaicans who have made significant contributions to the prosperity of Canada as we know it today.

We salute Sir McDonald et al for their pioneering roles in the birth of the Canadian Nation.

Again congratulations on your National Birthday.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.