Our country has been through a lot in its long history, yet the majestic lands that existed before the nation, as we know it, was born continue to stand tall and strong. The natural landscapes of Canada are a powerful reminder of the conflict between our physical impermanence in the world and the lasting legacy that will be left behind as a result of our actions. Thanks to the protection of the National Parks system they will continue to exist unchanged beyond all of our lifetimes so that our children, and their children, will be able to stand in front of them and reflect on where they came from and where they are going. This is something all Canadians should be proud of. We are all stewards of the land and society that we live in, something I think that the majority of Canadians realize and appreciate.