THE NEXT 50 YEARS

Mr. Speaker, 1999 is a time for us to look back over the last 50 years and celebrate the choice we made in becoming Canadians. Who living here 50 years ago could have imagined the changes that were wrought? We have preserved our identity and gained the privilege of being called Canadians, citizens of one of the most respected countries in the world, admired internationally for our quality of life.

It is time to look ahead, too, to the next 50 years and the changes they will bring. We believe Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have every reason to be optimistic. There will be challenges certainly. But there will also be opportunities. More opportunities, perhaps, than at any time in our history. Opportunity to avail of some of the best social programs in the world; universal health care, publicly funded education and equitable social programs. Opportunity to participate in a prosperous, growing, diversified economy. Opportunity to contribute in an open and free society to our community, our Province and our country. That is as good a measure as we can ever have of what being Canadian has meant to us in the past and its value in the future. So let us celebrate our first fifty years as Canadians with the realization of its value and a commitment to do our part so the generation 50 years from now will celebrate our contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador and this great Canadian Confederation.

Main Page Contents Previous