Local politicians share thoughts on Prince Rupert's Canada Day

Mayor Lee Brain shared a photo of the large crowd that
arrived at Rotary Waterfront Park on Canada Day

While the usual civic event that comes with Canada Day was cancelled in Prince Rupert this year, a large gathering did take place in the city with a march through the downtown and on to a waterfront event which was organized in remembrance of the children who died at Residential schools and those who continue to suffer from that period of Canadian history.

The event is one which has provided opportunity for local politicians to share some thoughts with the community on how they viewed the way Prince Rupert observed Canada Day this year, as well as for some as to how they see the process of reconciliation moving forward.

Through their Social Media platforms, the reviews of the day included commentary from MLA Jennifer Rice as well as Mayor Lee Brain.

Ms. Rice's social media stream also provided a video of the courthouse portion of the day which started the procession through he city to the waterfront.

Of those on council, who chose to make a statement towards the events of the day, City Councillor Reid Skelton-Morven who served as Master of Ceremonies for the waterfront event used Social Media to outline his views.

Councillor Barry Cunningham made note of the day by sharing a link, as MLA Rice had to  a blog item on the topic of this year's Canada Day that was written by local writer Rudy Kelly.

For his part, Mayor Lee Brain shared a more expansive stream of commentary, providing his opinions on the current dialogue in the country and how he believes the nation should move forward. 

The Mayor's piece has also generated some significant commentary through his social media feed.

Skeena Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach spent his Canada Day at Lower Post, where ceremonies were held in observation of the demolition of the Lower Post Residential School, the MP making note of the many other events that took place across the northwest on the day.

Mr. Bachrach also included some video of the demolition as part of his Social Media feed of the Canada Day period.

Canada Day 2021 saw many similar events take place in many communities across the nation that were refocused owing to the Residential Schools and the discovery of unmarked graves at many locations becoming the dominant discussion point of the last month. 

Many of those gatherings on Thursday expressed similar themes as those found in Prince Rupert as the day came to an end, a look at more of the day's activities on the North Coast can be found from the Every Child Matters Facebook page.