Editorial

Welcome,new Canadians!


The ear-to-ear grins said it all. The new Canadians were happy to be there, and even more pleased their names were finally being added to the Canadian roll.
But joy and excitement that spilled over the noon ceremonies at Slave Lake Provincial courtroom last Tuesday couldn’t hold a candle to the delighted squeals and cheers a few hours earlier when the 10 or so individuals who had to write the Canadian entrance exam learned they’d all passed the 20-question test.
The relief was palpable from those who’d spent weeks and months cramming for the exam. Their study books and cheat-sheets were several pages thick. And while they’d memorized everything from the country’s population to the names and capitals of every province and territory, many were clearly sweating bullets as they entered the exam room.
Once they learned they’d passed, however, some were quick to suggest – tongue-in-cheek — that all Canadians, especially those who earned the distinction by birth, should have to challenge themselves to one of those exams. He’s probably right.
Too often we forget how great it really is — how privileged we are — to be Canadian. Witnessing a dozen or so take the citizenship oath last week made us realize all over again how fortunate we were to be born in this glorious country. (Not having to study for or write the exam was a definite bonus - Only joking). For some, life is a struggle in their homeland. For others, the many offerings of Canadian citizenship and opportunities in this country are too good to pass up. Each has his or her own very real and very valid reasons, but we’re equally sure giving up citizenship ties to their homeland was no easy decision.
But to all the new Canadians, welcome – and thank you for choosing this country as your own. It’s our turn to be delighted –and humbled.
Straight up centre
It was likely the best of both -- or at least the closest he could have come to keeping both sides happy -- sort of.
Mayor Ray Stern’s proposal to order a smoking ban for all eating establishments, but not lower the official boom for a year was straight up the middle -- not an immediate ban, but close enough to a promise to let the Tobacco Coalition realize a measured victory.
Of course the ban will come -- some day. But it won’t be at the hands of this council - unless of course the entire council runs for office again and wins. And we’d bet folding money that the province will never institute such a ban -- especially when it’s so addicted to its take of the taxes that each carton hauls in.
But right or wrong, some day, some way, the ban will become reality, even in our little corner of the world. But there’ll be no political fallout for this council, guaranteed.
Stern’s idea was, in fact, a good one. It gave restaurant owners the time they said they needed to prepare physically and financially or the change. And it gave the Coalition assurances that soon Slave Lake customers will be dining in a smoke-free atmosphere.
Perhaps it didn’t come soon enough for all councillors to consider its ramifications and make a decision Tuesday evening. And maybe it was a politically-motivated suggestion.
Nonetheless, it was a good idea -- giving us what we know is essentially good for us, but not imposing it just yet. As it sits now, the smoking bylaw has no end date. Maybe that provides a little leeway too.