News that a Syrian refugee family is settling in Coquitlam and more refugees are on their way reminds us about gratitude and the need to think beyond getting and receiving gifts this Christmas season.
Naysayers may worry that a housing bubble is about to pop, that Canadians are have too much debt, that the Canadian economy is stagnant and the price of oil is dragging everything down, except the price of gas, which strangely, hasn't dipped all that much.
But on the bright side, Canadians have weathered economic storms before, exports are expected to go up because of the declining Canadian dollar, the interest and inflation rates are relatively low, and a new federal government has promised to spend on affordable housing and transportation improvements.
So where does that leave the average Tri-City resident?
Balancing all these economic considerations, plus the healthy environment and social service net, which strives to support the most vulnerable, residents in this community are among the healthiest, most resourceful and financially secure in the world.
And for that, we must be grateful.
We have more than enough to be able to support those fleeing war and trauma.
We have more than enough to support local charities, including the Share food bank.
Our homes are safe from barrel bombs, our financial system is secure and our education system is one of the best in the world, judging by the many hundreds of foreign students whose families pay thousands of dollars to go to school here.
There are many examples of the wealth of Tri-City residents and how they respond generously to the needs of others.
Could we do more? Absolutely, but as we hit the big day of the holiday season, it's time to take stock and give ourselves a gift — the gift of gratitude.
