Where strangers have become friends

Let’s ensure we always welcome newcomers, writes

I came to Ottawa with $200 in my pocket and a desire to work in politics. I surfed on a friend’s sofa after I graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in my native Nova Scotia in those first few months living in the national capital. After that, I worked for several years at Ottawa City Hall and on Parliament Hill. And some might say for the past 11 years I have had my dream job: representing the city’s most populous and largest geographic riding, Nepean-Carleton, at Queen’s Park.

What I loved then, and still do to this day, is the opportunity for virtually anyone to succeed in Ottawa if they work hard. This is a welcoming city. Some might say we are a small town disguised as a big city. We are fast-paced yet respectful of our agrarian roots. As Jean Pigott once said, “We are every Canadian’s second home town.”

My love of Ottawa isn’t just about famous buildings, good sports teams and the serene and clean environment, though they are sources of tremendous pride. What I love most about Ottawa and what I wish for my fellow Ottawans in the next 50, 100 and 150 years is that we continue to be that open-arms society: welcoming people from across Canada and around the world to our city — either to live or to visit.

I hope future generations see, and benefit from, the opportunities I enjoyed as a newcomer to Ottawa, but most of all I hope, as we continue to grow, that Ottawans remember our rural roots as we become an even bigger city. What other city do you know that can host tens of thousands to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill even as communities and neighbourhoods throughout Ottawa celebrate in their own ways? Hundreds and sometimes thousands turning up at their own festivities, whether that’s in Barrhaven, Riverside South or North Gower.

I want to continue to see neighbours continuing to help neighbours. I want to see perfect strangers continue to feel a sense of camaraderie and civic pride at the mere mention of our city’s name.

Also, a Stanley Cup would be good.

Happy Canada Day, Ottawa!