Even though summer definitely looks different this year, I am still excited to dip my home-painted toes in cool water, to read a novel from the comfort of a lawn chai and barbecue dinner. And to celebrate Canada Day – I do believe, as our cover banner proclaims, that “the world needs more Canada”. Like many others in our country, I am so happy to be raising my son here.

My son Mikaeel, and his cohort Ella, share their views on What it Means to be Canadian. If you’re looking to celebrate July 1st (virtually from Parliament Hill this year), find this and other great summer events.

We are also ecstatic to bring two new perspectives to the mix at The Mom & Caregiver. New authors Sarah Atiq and Angie Aristone talk home design and developing your own intuition. Even if these topics are new to you – check them out. You won’t want to miss what they have to say!

Unfortunately, we all have a far way to go to be sure that all Canadians are being treated equally. We were reminded of this when the horrific death of George Floyd by a police officer triggered needed protests across the United States and other countries around the world.

Our very own Jordan Thomas reminds us that “we have some serious soul-searching and painful work to do. Us. Right here, in Canada.” She writes as a white woman raising a black daughter, and the statistics she shares in her article “Racism in Canada: White People, We Have Some Serious Work to Do” are shocking and make me tearful. But as Jordan states “tears aren’t going to fix this mess. Action is.” So let’s all educate ourselves to find out how we can make our world and this country a much better place.

I wish you all a wonderfully unique summer. Fill it with learning about those around you. Fill it with fighting for causes that matter. And fill it with family time by enjoying your children and the time we’ve been given to spend with them. Here’s to keeping the conversation going.