Background History

During the Constitutional debates of 1991-1992, Canadians were considering Canada's future.  Sheila Craig Casgrain felt compelled to express a private citizen's concern for the future of the country and did this by manufacturing sweat shirts as Christmas presents with the logo you see in the top left corner of this page.  

In a speech given to the Junior League of Toronto she expressed these thoughts.

" There is a lack of Canadian symbols available to our students.  The National anthem is not sung, but played over the P.A. system daily.  The Canadian flag is rarely seen in any classroom.  Even the Oath of Citizenship is only said by new Canadians and is an oath primarily to the Queen.  We wanted our children, the future of Canada, to actively participate in discussions about their country, their responsibilities, their commitment, their sheer good fortune and their Pride in Canada"

She was then challenged to take her thoughts to Ottawa and so, in only six weeks, she and a small committee of naive but enthusiastic volunteers  organized the Rally for Canada.  On May 5th, 1992 over  2000 Canadian school children and other proud Canadians - among them many celebrities and civic leaders - gathered on Parliament hill to celebrate Canada!   The Oath of Allegiance was administered to all participants, an oath normally given solely to new Canadians and a new song for Canada was introduced.  It was wonderful day!

As successful as the rally was we felt that we should find an ongoing way to encourage young Canadians to express their thoughts and feelings for Canada. This desire gave birth to the Pledge to Canada Program.

[ Home ] [ The Pledge to Canada Program ] [ The Rally on Parliament Hill ] [ History ]