This thought went through my mind as I watched the fireworks display Tuesday night that honoured Canada's 141st birthday.

While Canada Day has generally become a time for fun and activities, I feel it's worth mentioning all of the things that make this country such a great place to call home.

One of the first things I think of is healthcare. I know many people may disagree with me, and I realize our health-care system definitely needs some improvement, but at least we have access to a universal system that's publicly funded so all citizens, no matter how rich or poor, can get the care they need.

I can't imagine having to delay seeking treatment, or putting it off altogether, because I couldn't afford it.

I also think we have a wonderful quality of life here to be thankful for. I'm sure we all take for granted the basic 'necessities' like running water in our homes, electricity, heat and kitchen appliances and even the more modern luxuries like computers, the Internet, cell phones and MP3 players. But these are all things that many people in many countries don't have.

We're fortunate to be a fairly wealthy country that has all of these amenities and more.

As a political reporter, I also know how much we value our democratic system. Time and time again, I see residents turn out to council meetings to share their thoughts on an issue and urge councillors to take action.

Sometimes residents succeed in swaying council and sometimes they don't, but they've been given the right to participate in the process. It's this kind of freedom of speech that makes Canada special. It gives us as a newspaper the ability to take positions on issues and let residents know the real scoop.

And one needn't look any further than our Letters to the Editor section to see that local citizens love being able to freely express what's on their minds.

Last but not least, I think Canada's multiculturalism is something to be celebrated. It makes our communities rich and vibrant.

At local Canada Day festivities, there was a swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians. I extend a warm welcome to those newcomers and hope they come to love this country and its freedoms like I do.