This Friday, many Canadians will be celebrating Diwali. Diwali, which is commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, has become a major Canadian holiday and I want to wish all observers of this holiday and their families a very happy and rewarding celebration.

Also, Sunday will be Remembrance Day, a day where Canadians will be celebrating and honouring the sacrifice and service of the men and women in our military who served their country with pride and dedication. Canada is the best country in the world and that is due largely to the service of many Canadians who were and still are committed to defending this country and promoting peace around the world. It is also the greatest because of our richness in diversity; please read my article that was published in the Star yesterday, it is shown below.

On Tuesday evening, I attended one of the Speaker Series events organized by the City of Mississauga. The two speakers were Justin Trudeau (he needs no introduction) and Larry Beasley, recently retired Director of urban planning for the City of Vancouver. Mississauga has started a great initiative called “Our Future Mississauga” that intends to engage Mississauga residents and involve them in planning our city’s future. The city has recognized that we are facing a pivotal moment in deciding what direction the city should choose as it grows and matures. The themes that this initiative is exploring include the following: getting around the city (transportation), becoming environmentally sustainable, nurturing and encouraging economic prosperity, embracing our social diversity, enhancing our quality of life, investing in creativity, art and knowledge, building a vibrant downtown as well as being a big player in the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe region. The “Our Future Mississauga” initiative is starting with a Speaker Series that invites inspirational experts who have been challenging the people of Mississauga to dream big. There will be a visioning symposium next February which will include residents. The symposium will serve to narrow down ideas and articulate a clear plan that will be presented to city council for discussion and perhaps adoption.

This is a bold and visionary idea. The Mayor, city council and city officials need to be warmly congratulated for initiating these events and challenging all residents to be engaged in designing the future of this city. This project brings together genuine grass roots engagement with visionary political leadership. I encourage all of you to attend the last session of the Speaker Series, next Tuesday, November 13, to learn more, to be inspired and motivated, and to be involved in shaping the future of your city. For more information visit their website at www.conversation21.ca.