It has often been said that those who live in the province of Ontario are not as proud of their identity as those who live in other provinces.
We wanted to understand what an Ontarian identity meant to youth. So, at the very beginning of Hear Us Out: An Ontario Youth Challenge, we challenged young Ontarians to “Create a 5 line poem about why a prosperous Ontario matters to you”. Their responses were creative, heart-warming, and revealed just how much this province matters to its people. Here is a small selection of the submissions we received:
My Beautiful – Iman, 17
The Algonquians and the Iroquoians first settled on this land and they were the first to lend a helping hand.
From cultivating crops, to mining minerals; fur, timber and rocks help our economy grow.
From vibrant multiculturalism to varied landscapes, there are people and places of all colours, sizes, and shapes.
From diverse wildlife to bountiful greenery, conservation parks contribute to the amazing scenery.
One fifth of the world’s fresh water is sourced from Ontario, and all of this, is why I’d like to see my prosperous province grow.
Ontario: Leading Canada by Example- Nitya, 16
Ontario is a place of culture and diversity
With such beauty and history
It is abundant in resources that contribute to its growing economy
From the rich farmlands, growing cities, and biodiversity
This is why a prosperous Ontario is matters to me!
Ontario- Fikunmi, 17
I want to be able to learn with a smile on my face
Graduate seeing an end at the start of the job race
I want to matter without being in the GTA
And get help when it’s hard to put a happy look on my face
Maybe then I can say that Ontario’s great
Prosperous Ontario- Sylvia, 22
Another opportunity arrives,
To seize a reality for which we strive,
So let’s dismantle barriers,
And become each other’s carriers,
To create a land in which all can thrive.
Ontario- Jessica, 21
Rich in culture, history, and potential,
A land to grow, raise, and live,
With ease and a steady hand.
To live equally and comfortably,
In a successful Ontario.
