It's Canada Day and celebrations are happening all across the country to mark our nation's 150th birthday. Being such a historic occasion, PembinaValleyOnline decided to ask some of the region's local leaders their thoughts on what Canada Day means to them and what comes to mind when they consider how far the country has come in its 150 year history.

Municipality of Rhineland Reeve, Don Wiebe, says Canada is a great place that's done very well and has many things to celebrate. During a recent trip to Ottawa for a recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention, Wiebe says he and other delegates had the chance to observe a Canada 150 display that spanned three floors and outlined various prominent events throughout Canada's history.

"That sort of reminded me...of where we've come from and what have been some of the big events, like the World Wars and the Canadian contribution and even some questions with respect to the Truth and Reconciliation (report) and some of the work that's there and some of the thinking and struggles that there have been."

Wiebe hopes that by looking  back on our country's history, we can continue to envision a future Canada that is prosperous for all Canadians.

Originally from South Africa, Morris Mayor Gavin van der Linde has lived in Canada for eighteen years and says he is grateful for all of the small things.

"All our problems are small problems, and we have a privileged lifestyle - we have great education, we have great infrastructure and the people are awesome. I've found it a privilege to live here, to bring up my kids here and to be able to call Canada home."

Ralph Groening, Reeve for the R.M. of Morris, says we are fortunate to live in Canada where we have an openness, diversity and a willingness to work together.

"We find a way to work through our issues and I'm very proud of the fact that we are accepting of diversity and yet we've built a strong country. People want to come, they risk their lives, to come to Canada and I think that's significant."

Meantime, the mayor for Winkler says a few things come to mind when he considers Canada's 150th. Martin Harder feels there are two perspectives to the milestone.

"We who have always been here take it for granted and we have lots to complain about, and we have lots to look back on say 'This country has provided us well,' however when you talk to some (newcomers) and you listen to their story, you understand and feel how grateful they are to be here. For them it's a total different story...this is an awesome experience, this is a great country (and) something that they have dreamt about!."

Harder hopes the newcomers' enthusiasm for Canada rubs off on the rest of the community. He also commends the community for how it has accepted new Canadians and embraced them.

Altona Mayor, Melvin Klassen, agrees that living in Canada is something that many can only dream about.

"In all my teaching years I always stressed the fact that we are so lucky to live in this country with the democratic freedoms we have, the freedom of religion and freedom of speech. We just don't understand what it's like to not be able to do that...and we take it so much for granted."

City of Morden Mayor, Ken Wiebe, says he is proud of his country as a whole. After serving in the Armed Forces for thirty years, often out-of-country, Wiebe says the conduct of Canadian military personnel while in other countries always stick out for him.

"It's their conduct and their treatment of other people that puts Canada in very high regard throughout the world."

Wiebe adds serving in uniform all those years makes him quite proud to salute the Canadian flag.