This Canada Day, we will once again commemorate Canada’s long journey toward independence from Britain, which started on July 1st, 1867. The day, originally known as Dominion Day, was renamed Canada Day with the signing of the Canada Act in 1982. The Canada Act ended Britain’s legal power to amend our constitution and officially marked Canada’s independence as a sovereign nation.

 In 1982, ET was the top-grossing movie, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was the big song on the dance floor, the Commodore 64 PC was making its debut and today’s Aspira residents were in the prime of their lives. Most were in their early to late forties and living life to the fullest. So, we thought it would be fun to ask them, “Where were you in 1982?”

Aspira resident Elmer Dow was an Air Canada pilot, with a loving wife and two kids. In 1982, Elmer and his family were living in Caledon, Ontario, where he would grow vegetables in their garden. “My children would invite all their friends during Summer. I would make lunch fresh from my garden. Every day, I would feed 15 children. We all had a great time. It was definitely one of the best years for me”, recalls Elmer. He and his friends from Air Canada, along with their families, would celebrate Canada Day in the backyard. “It was so special, as we all worked for the official flag carrier and the largest airline in our country”, explains Elmer, “We were so proud of being Canadian.”

1982 was also very special for Aspira resident Teresa Mancino, who officially became a Canadian citizen that year. “It was such a proud and memorable milestone in my life, and I will always remember the excitement and happiness I felt officially becoming part of Canada”, says Teresa. In 1982, she was living in Toronto and working at a purse factory. Her only child spent the days with her mother while Teresa was at work. Life was busy, but family always remained the most important part. Canada Day has always been very meaningful for Teresa, because becoming Canadian meant a new beginning and a better life. “On Canada Day, I celebrate with pride and gratitude for the opportunities and kindness I found here.”

In 1982, Aspira resident Brian Corbould was a father of four and a lawyer, living in Coquitlam, B.C. As he recalls a family trip to South Africa that year, he explains that Cape Town, before Nelson Mandela came to power, really left an impression on him. “At that time, Black people were excluded from Cape Town. It was painful to see the people's faces, looking through the fence. I think it reinforced how grateful I am to live in Canada.” It’s experiences like these that have made every Canada Day, with all the fireworks and festivities, most meaningful for Brian.

Then there’s Margaret Mitchell, who was overjoyed to become a grandmother in 1982. Margaret’s husband was in the Canadian Air Force and they lived in many different places, both in Canada and abroad, but no matter where they went, they were always so proud to be Canadian. 

And finally, there’s Phyllis Ritchie, who will be turning 100 this year. She started a new job at the Markham Stouffville Hospital in 1982 and celebrated her first Canada Day along with her growing family at the community club in Markham.

 So, it seems 1982 wasn’t just a great year for Canada. It was also a great year for so many Aspira residents.

 To all of our residents who are about to celebrate another year of being a proud Canadian, we wish you a happy Canada Day! We hope our Aspira team members can help make this Canada Day as memorable as your first one.