Guest Column
By: Ruby Sahota
Canada Day is a moment to pause and reflect not just on our country but also on the everyday lives we’re building right here at home.
Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to attend school graduations, local charity initiatives, and community gatherings across Brampton North–Caledon. Recently, I was at a youth soccer match, watching kids run onto the field full of excitement, proudly wearing their team colours. In that moment, it was hard not to think about how much those simple opportunities matter: a safe field to play on, a sense of belonging, and parents in the stands feeling hopeful about what lies ahead for their children. That hope is what Canada is all about.
But I also know that for many families, things feel harder right now. The cost of living is a real concern, and housing is at the centre of it. I hear from young people who are working hard, doing everything right, and still wondering if they’ll ever be able to afford their first home. As a community, we can’t accept that. There is a strong focus right now on building more homes and creating real pathways so the next generation can enter the housing market, not just dream about it.
At the same time, we are thinking about how Canada positions itself in a changing world. Global trade is shifting, and we cannot afford to stand still. Canada is moving aggressively to diversify who we trade with and how we compete, opening new doors for our businesses and protecting our long-term stability. This is about staying focused on the future, building an economy that is resilient, adaptable, and ready for what comes next.
That future also depends on how we use taxpayers’ dollars. People expect care, discipline, and results. That’s why there’s been an emphasis on being smarter with investments, supporting major nation-building projects through initiatives like the Major Projects Office, while also cutting red tape so important work actually gets done. At the same time, we are investing directly into our communities in ways people can see and feel, from local infrastructure to sports and recreation spaces that bring families together.
Right here in our riding, we’ve seen investments like the federal support for the Embleton Community Centre and Park, which will help build the infrastructure needed for a growing population. These are the kinds of decisions that shape how our communities grow, thoughtfully and with purpose.
Public safety is another top priority. Families deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods. The reality is that crime is changing, and our laws need to keep up. There has been a historic amount of legislation introduced to address this, with stronger measures targeting auto theft, gun and gang-related crime, and extortion. There is also important work being done to reform the bail system so that repeat and serious offenders face appropriate consequences. These steps are about restoring confidence that our communities are protected.
In Caledon, I also hear clearly from residents about the importance of preserving our rural way of life. Agriculture remains the backbone of the community, and supporting farmers is essential, not just for local families, but for the strength of our food systems and economy as a whole. Growth must happen in a way that respects and protects that foundation.
What gives me confidence, especially on Canada Day, is the strength of the people in this community. It’s the small business owner who keeps going despite challenges, the volunteer who shows up week after week, and the neighbour who looks out for others. Those everyday actions don’t make headlines, but they are what hold our communities together.
Canada Strong is not just a slogan. It is something we build every day through our choices, our work, and our commitment to one another. And when we come together, even in uncertain times, we show what it truly means to be part of Team Canada.
Canada Day is about pride, but it is also about purpose. It’s about making sure that the next generation has the same opportunities, if not greater, than those who came before them.
From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, happy, and meaningful Canada Day.
Ruby Sahota is a Member of Parliament for Brampton North–Caledon
